chadderbox Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Well, even though I've had this beauty since last friday, today I finally got to sit down and have some real fun with it. Overall the sound is fantastic. The P90s are a dream, super smooth and warm sounding, but the bridge pickup still has a nice crisp brightness to it. So really you can get a great range out of the pickups (still at stock set up). There was a bit less variance between middle and neck switch positions than i thought, but if you adjust the tone you can get enough distinction between them. Compared to my Casino the 330 does have a nicer/richer sort of warmth to it, and the bridge pickup has a bit more bite to it (very nice), but overall while I do love the sound of the 330, I gotta say the Casino still does hold its own. They have comparable differences between PUPS (Casino is about the same for variance between mid and neck switch pos) and a pretty similar range to them. But overall the 330 really does exceed what I expected and has a bit of a sound of its own. Unplugged is another story. I can't get over how amazing the 330 sounds unplugged. Its got an insanely resonate, rich sound to it that really surprised me. Again, I thought my casino was great for unplugged playing but the 330 really out does it in this regard. The fit and finish of the 330 really shows the extra $$ spent. My casino is a MIK so really its not a fair comparison (Casino had plenty to complain about), but the 330 its pretty stunning. Couldn't find a single cosmetic flaw on it. Construction is solid, thankfully no buzz or rattle inside or out. The neck on it is great. Beefier than my casino, and wider nut which is good for my hands. Casino felt a bit narrow. The nitro finish is amazing and the wood grain is really beautiful. I tried to see if there was a major difference between the long neck sound of my 330 and the short neck of my casino, but really couldn't make out much of a difference aside from the overall richer sound the 330 had regardless of which PUP. So overall I'd say I would need to play more before making a decision about that. But thats about all I can say for now. I need to spend a bit more time playing and a bit less time writing this, so on that note........ B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backline Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Beautiful Vintage Red color! That 330 is VERY interesting. I might have to sell momma's Buick and hunt one down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Congrats on your new guitar. It's beautiful. It looks like Gibson has done a fantastic job. I've been eager to lean what new owners think about their 330, and how it compares to the various recent Casino issues, so thanks for the pics and review. Let us know more after you've spent some more time with your new guitar. Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
69Nova Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Looks awesome. I have been GASing for one of those recently. I love the old school looks and I do need a guitar with P90's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSG_Standard Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Beautiful guitars man! Congratulations. Now I have gas...again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Thanks for the pix and the info. Your description of the neck is exactly what I was hoping the new 330 would be like - now if I could just come up with the dough to grab one, I'd be all set. Enjoy it, man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crabby Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Congrats, a fine axe you got there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thejay Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Good review - I have been wanting one of these since I saw they were being released. Your review has me GASing more so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Thanks for the pix and review. Wait a second while I wipe the drool off the computer keyboard... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... The acoustic sound of my 1970 ES-330 is also much better than my MIK Casino. Probably the wood and the finish. Like your report, it's full, warm and lush. However my Casino sounds better plugged in, but I am sure that is due to the Duncan pickups the previous owner installed in the Casino. So now I'm really lusting for a new, blue 330. Congrats and HNGD to you. Notes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaicho8888 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 WOW....very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Congrats. She's a beauty..... Murph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Rayba Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 All this discussion regarding ES 330's I got mine out and it played it for awhile. My Dad purchased it new in 67' for my 16th birtday, S/N-053811, just happened to notice it doesn't have the orange label. Looking inside I could the stamped letters/numbers in red: ES 330 TDC. It plays great, the neck is straight, great action, it is alittle noisy w/the single coils, I switched to 10's using a wound "G" string which helps it stay in tune. Back in the day, the standard string gauges were quite thicker than they are today. In fact, I think I remember the number 340 as a Gibson string designation, it's been so long can't remember. It's all original. Has some finish checking, but that can be expected, the metal parts are chrome are still in perfect condition. Hopefully my first Grandson will have an interest in playing the guitar, I plan on eventually giving it to him, when the time comes, if you know what I mean... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Californiaman Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 What a gorgeous guitar! Very Nice, very, very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I wish I was taller Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 beautiful guitar, those p-90's are amazing for almost my dream guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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