1960 Gibson ES-330TD

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1960 Gibson ES-330TD.

The ES-330TD represents Gibson’s fully hollow thinline electric at the dawn of the 1960s, offering a uniquely open and airy voice that has made it a longtime favorite among blues, jazz, and early rock players. Sharing its overall silhouette with the ES-335, the 330 differs in its fully hollow construction, P-90s, and trapeze tailpiece design, delivering a more acoustic-like response with exceptional resonance and sensitivity.

This 1960 example presents beautifully and remains a strong example of an early-production ES-330TD. The guitar is mostly original, though it has seen a small number of professional maintenance updates over its lifetime. It has been refretted, and at some point in its history the tuners were changed to Grovers before being returned to the set of vintage-correct Kluson Deluxe tuners currently installed. It is also possible that the neck binding was replaced at the time of the refret, and there has been a tasteful touch-up to the finish along the sides of the neck associated with this work.

The sunburst finish remains vibrant and visually striking, with only modest play-wear consistent with its 66 years of age. Structurally and cosmetically, the instrument is well-preserved, with honest surface wear that reflects careful long-term ownership.

Featuring fully hollow maple construction with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard, this guitar delivers the unmistakable warmth and bloom associated with Gibson’s non-center-block thinline electrics. The P-90 pickups provide rich, dynamic output with excellent clarity and bite, offering everything from smooth, rounded jazz tones to raw, articulate overdriven textures when pushed. The instrument responds immediately to touch and pick dynamics, with a lively acoustic resonance that sets it apart from semi-hollow counterparts.

This 1960 Gibson ES-330TD includes its original brown Lifton hardshell case.

Specifications

All components original unless specified

Model & Year

• Model: Gibson ES-330TD
• Year of manufacture: 1960
• Factory Order Number: R2802 6

Body

• Style: Hollowbody
• Material: Maple laminate
• Finish: Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer
• Pickups: P-90s
• DCR Readings: 9.98kΩ (bridge), 8.34kΩ (neck)

Neck

• Material & Construction: Mahogany, set
• Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood
• Profile shape: C
• Radius: 12"
• Neck Depth: .88", .96"
• Nut Width: 1.71"
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe (vintage-correct replacement)

Condition: Excellent

• Excellent cosmetic condition
• Excellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or major repairs
• Refretted professionally
• Evidence of previous Grover tuner installation; currently fitted with vintage-correct Kluson Deluxe tuners
• Possible replacement of neck binding at time of refret
• Minor finish touch-up along sides of neck associated with historic maintenance
• Professionally set up for low action with no buzzing or dead spots
• Comes with original Lifton hardshell case