Peter reilly

Took the guitar to my Luthier and he identified an issue with the bridge replacement. He sees how it was done with the original but when the Bixby is used it flexes the studs and puts the wood which it is anchored to at risk. That'll get fixed

So I can confirm I dont really know how many of these were made but I can confirm I now own one of them. I'll post if pictures if people are interested, but I am taking it into a luthier first to confirm there were no repairs at any point in it's life. Here is what I can confirm: -SN 347047, Model ES330TNLH on the orange sticker with union made... - Bridge was replaced with a nashville, original in possession - Original P90's and tuners. The bridge PU is WAY louder than the neck - Bigsby added at some point in it's life, original bridge NOT in possession, repaired drill holes from original bridge are visible - Does not have original Truss rod cover as it is stamped as custom which my understanding was not a thing in 1966 and I didnt say any similiar guitars have one - Front of the guitar is in really good shaped the back has some notable blemishes on the headstock and in the finish on the Body. The guitar was not a museum piece, it was played and probably gigged I am open to input an what NOT to do with the guitar, ie the guitar hasnt been cleaned, finish or fretboard, it seems like ever. Should they be and how? I understand finishes are very sensitive to what touches them,,, but it's my natural inclination to want the guitar to look as nice as possible without impairing it's value Any help is appreciated. Peter

i will take a close look and thanks Peter

Owner did acknowledge the replaced bridge. Not to be contrary but how could it be a 70's guitar with the frets joined at the 16th fret? From '68 to the end of the run in '72 it was joined at the 19th.

I do see thats very helpful. So it is likely the bridge was replaced

Here is a righty 1966, looks the same. Can you be more specific about what you mean? Plus the neck is at the 16th fret not the 19th and the serial number checks out. It does have a Bigsby obviously not sure if that was factory or after market. I pushed off my visit until tonight to continue to research. https://reverb.com/price-guide/guide/10049-gibson-es-330-td-1966-sunburst

I did speak with Joe Spann at Gruhn yesterday and his basic answer was no one knows how many Gibson ES330's in right or left handed were actually sold during this period. I was VERY surprised by his position that Lefty's should not command a premium, in his words as by the mid 1960's all the major manufacturers were making them to market demand. I personally find that hard to believe. I also wonder where these figures were sourced from: http://guitarhq.com/shippin1.html https://guitars.com/users/joe

Thanks. This guitar is a Tea Burst in 1966. I noticed that was not one of the finishes you listed. Peter

Thanks Ill try them. Much appreciated Peter

I wouldn't have asked if I didn't think there was a shot. No harm in trying, right? There are some pretty detail oriented people out there and who knows what research may have preceded me. In any case I know they are rare as they don't often pop up in resale.

Hey thanks for the response. It's helpful, yes these guitars are supposed to be fairly rare...Peter

not sure what I ever did to you to be gifted with such wit....I am not familiar with how accurate Gibsons record keeping is but based on your response maybe not so good.

Thanks I was merely hoping someone out there may have researched this and I wouldn't have to. It wasn't a dumb question to ask as I am looking at an left handed ES-330 tonight from 1966 and the seller is telling me only a handful were made that year and was looking to confirm that.

If you have anything nice to say...Peter