NGD _ Gibson Custom ES330 '59' Reissue

guitars4you

Gibson Memphis Custom ES330 from 1959 with that chunky neck -  Ordered from Doug at Coda as part of a recent promo when he had some 330's 335's from 63 and a 345 - took a chance and wow - I'll say again wow - I've had it a week now and still wow - Not even done any set up on it yet and it is still wow
I play a poor blend of SRV/Robben Ford, Kenny Burrell, swing and pre Elvis Rock n Roll + blues and it suits it down to T - plum woody tones from the neck pickup with clarity and so smmmmmmoooooth - Bridge has a musical bite to it with a hint of attitude when you need it

I reiterate it played so well straight from the box and that has surprised me and makes me wonder if I want to fine tune it a touch for me - often use 10/52 half wound on such a guitar but will stick with it for now

Aged natural VOS finish wit just enough flame to add character and not look like furniture

Sorry - but this is not for sale - it is my own personal guitar

This is a nice guitar - did anyone else take the plunge

Winny_Pooh

I saw that, delicious

Whitecat

Pics or it's an Epiphone!!!!

I admit to being very tempted by these, but I made a pact to myself that any future acquisitions must have a trem of some description unless I'm getting rid of an existing hardtail in kind. Stonking deal though!!

CloudNine

I had one of these, and they are VERY good guitars. I have played original 50's 330's, and currently own a 50's hollow gibbo with P90's, and the one I had was very very close to the tone and feel of the old guitars. I was quite shocked when I first played it. Probably the most true to original in tone and feel of any Gibson re-issue I have played.

Congrats!

guitars4you

Whitecat said:

Pics or it's an Epiphone!!!!

I admit to being very tempted by these, but I made a pact to myself that any future acquisitions must have a trem of some description unless I'm getting rid of an existing hardtail in kind. Stonking deal though!!

not done them yet what with the shop move and trying to get other stock on my web site but will do them asap

CloudNine said:

I had one of these, and they are VERY good guitars. I have played original 50's 330's, and currently own a 50's hollow gibbo with P90's, and the one I had was very very close to the tone and feel of the old guitars. I was quite shocked when I first played it. Probably the most true to original in tone and feel of any Gibson re-issue I have played.

Congrats!

you are right in how close to a good  original regarding the tonal character and playing experience - Not all old guitars are good - But this is an awesome replica - I have an original mid 60's in the store at the moment to compare and to be fair differences are different not better

downbytheriver

My favourite 330 of all time was a single pickup 1960.... killer sound, pretty much unique. On the other hand I did buy it from Vintage and Rare in Denmark Street at the same time as a certain Strat... so perhaps I shouldnt be quite so enthusiastic! 

pmg

I own one, great guitars.  HNGD.

SteveRobinson

pmg said:

I own one, great guitars.  HNGD.

Me too. I put a Bigsby on mine today so now it's even better.

Basher

Nice to see a notorious GAS pusher getting high on his own supply!

Was tempted by these, and some of the other Coda Memphis deals. Love the 330 - I've played the one belonging to @SteveRobinson and it's a cracker.

TBH, it was just the figure/natural combination that put me off. I'd prefer a classic 'burst or cherry. Even a plaintop natural would be great. 

They're fascinating guitars though. My favourite jazzer's tone is Grant Green - much clearer than the archetypal woofy archtop with the tone knocked back. Then there's someone like "Little" Barrie Cadogan who uses his 330 for all kinds of raw-edged rock. It's obviously a flexible beast. I suppose the neck join is the killer for some - I find it frustrating on my Casino - but it's part of the retro deal.

Anyway, great GAS and ignore the call to post pics as I'll probably regret not taking a punt.

Chalky

I've got the plain natural one. Its a great late night acoustic guitar too - enough volume and superb note definition. I sold the Bigsby'd version as it was a bit heavier sound and feel.

guitars4you

 @Basher  TBH, it was just the figure/natural combination that put me off. I'd prefer a classic 'burst or cherry. Even a plaintop natural would be@ ;

Mine has barely any flame on it and with a VOS finish it looks fine - I did not want a figured top so the fact this is almost plain is a bonus - But looks take 2nd place for me on this behind the feel and tone - My high praise for the guitar is totally based on  those last 2 factors

John_P

Great choice! 

I've just spent an hour playing my 330 and love it,  imo the vos finish is really nice - looking forward to seeing some pics of yours.        I must admit at first I wasn't sure about the p90's but once I adjust the amp sounds I'm really enjoying the change.

fretfinder

Great score! They've got a used one in cherry in Coda for £2199. If I hadn't gone from no P90 guitars to three in the last six months I would be seriously tempted.

http://www.coda-music.com/gibson-memphis-es330-cherry-secondhand-p-24885.html

Basher

fretfinder said:

Great score! They've got a used one in cherry in Coda for £2199. If I hadn't gone from no P90 guitars to three in the last six months I would be seriously tempted.

http://www.coda-music.com/gibson-memphis-es330-cherry-secondhand-p-24885.html

Saw that this morning. Was going to give them a call about it but, when I came to look again, it was gone. Looked like a nice guitar - plain top, classic cherry colour.