Considering selling my 1970 ES-330

[Notes_Norton]

Since I got my Parker Dragonfly last winter, I haven't picked up the Gibson ES-330.

 

Why?

1. I found I like the 25.5" scale better
   
2. Ebony fretboard and stainless steel frets make bending a breeze
   
3. One volme knob near my right hand makes more sense for the kind of music I play
   
4. More variety of tones out of my Parker
   
5. My Gibson ES-330 and Epiphone Casino are very similar
   

 

I picked up the Casino to learn a new song, and it had dust on it. I looked at the Gibson, and it had even more dust on it.

 

So I felt very sad for my Gibson. At one time it was my very favorite guitar. But it needs to be played, not just hung on the wall. And since the Gibson and Epiphone cover the same ground, I figured I only need one, and if I'm going to sell one, the Gibson will bring in a lot more money.

 

So I'm wondering how much a 1970 Gibson ES-330 is worth? Going to eBay, MyGear and some guitar dealers, I see price ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, which is quite a spread.

 

Is there any way to know how much my 330 is worth, or is it just a matter of waiting until I get about $4,000 for it (right in the middle of the range).

 

 

Thanx

Notes

[Ken Rayba]

Hi Bob,

 

That is a "classic guitar", unless you really need the money I would keep it! My father purchased a new 67' ES-330 for my 16th birthday and I would never get rid of it. Of course I have the sentimental value, I still pick it up once in awhile and play it. It plays great, a bit noisey, but it plays fantastic.

 

I don't use it out, I have a ES-335 and a Telecaster I use, but whenever I play that ES-330 it's like coming home. That was the only guitar I had until I purchased a ES-345 in 76, which I used when I played out and sort of retired my ES-330.

 

Hate to see anybody get rid of a good guitar unless they really need too. I've seen your posts regarding your 330 and I know you like it. If I were you, and I had to sell one of them, I would get rid of the Casino, I'm sure the ES-330 will be worth more in the future.

 

Just my two cents, good luck with whatever you decide.

[stein]

They have a blue book of guitar values that guitar shops and pawn shops use. It isn't perfect as it does't account for every exact guitar, and with prices fluctuating you may have to look for a trend, but they do come up with the values from actual sales.

 

I commend you for your feelings that you want your guitar to be played. I think we all tend to get too attached to our instruments.

 

It is good to think of these things sometimes. There is no reason to be in a rush so you can be sure of your decision. Selling for the right reasons takes the bite out of it when you miss it down the line.

 

I consider the long neck 330 a different guitar altogether, just on the upper fret access alone. A guy can get spoiled with those. The standard 33o and the casino have poor upper fret access that prevents it from being the lead monster it could be.

[L5Larry]

Recently a cheery red 1970 bid up to $2200 (19 bids) on e-bay. Reserve was not met and the BIN was $3200, so the guitar did not sell. $3000 330's are not selling, with the exception of a natural 1960 which sold for $3300.

 

Here's a link to "completed auctions" for 330's on e-bay. This IS the reality of the market.

 

http://completed.shop.ebay.com/i.html?rt=nc&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=gibson%20es330&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283&_rdc=1

[dougg330]

If you decide to sell it, be strong, Notes. EBay buyers seem to be waiting for prices to be reduced on everything. I swear, if you put something up and said it was free, some people would wait to see if you'd pay them.

I sold a single pickup '66 Casino recently and had to list it 3 times before I got my price - which was a super reasonable $1600 (replacement tuners, pickguard, and case). You might have to list your 330 a couple of times... and maybe try the Gibson Trading Post.

Best of luck with it, in any case.

[Versatile]

Interesting thread....!!

 

From what I have seen and heard of the Parkers, they are very innovative and offer many tones easily accessible

 

Personally I have a thing against piezo bridges, even on some Telecasters

 

Some Parkers have synthetic composite construction and, like Ovation acoustics seem a little 'wood deficient' IMHO.....

 

99% of Casinos nowadays are Oriental build

 

The ES 330 is quite rare in the UK and would probably 'stick' if put up for sale

 

Like a 335 it takes time to get the best out of

 

And has a unique character and charm.....

 

V

 

[Notes_Norton]

I find that when I play the Gibson or Casino for lead my fingers over-reach both the frets and the strings (the Parker is a bit wider at the bridge). Playing chords for song figuring out doesn't seem to have that much of a problem. So upper fret access is not important. These guitars really aren't strong sounding in that department anyway.

 

And the Parker is so much easier to play. I find I play better with the longer scale plus the fit against by body, perfect balance (the 330 and casinos are a little neck heavy), and that super-fast neck just make me want to pick that guitar up for everything.

 

Recently a cheery red 1970 bid up to $2200 (19 bids) on e-bay. <...>

Thanks. If I can't get close to $4k I think I'll keep her.

 

Interesting thread....!!

 

From what I have seen and heard of the Parkers, they are very innovative and offer many tones easily accessible

 

Personally I have a thing against piezo bridges, even on some Telecasters

 

You can get the DF without the piezo bridge. The DF422 comes in at about $500 less than the model I bought.

 

 

If I decide to sell the Gibson, I'd probably get a DF422 but have P-Rails put in. That way I'd have a back up / practice guitar with the same scale, and a different sounding guitar.

 

I also like that the Parker is made in the USA.

 

<...>

The ES 330 is quite rare in the UK and would probably 'stick' if put up for sale

 

<...>

 

And has a unique character and charm....<...>

 

Indeed it's a fine guitar. I think one of the most under-appreciated guitars in the Gibson lineup.

 

I'm not in dire need of the money, and I do know that eBay-ers are usually looking for a good deal. I suppose we are are ;)

 

I haven't decided if I'm going to sell it or not. It does have sentimental value to me. On the other hand, it's sad to see an 'old friend' just gathering dust. So it's also sad to see that 'old friend' being neglected.

 

I'm not a collector of things, but I do have a hard time letting go of things that I've had for a long time.

 

If I do put it up for sale, I'd probably put it in a no-fee site like MyGear. I know they don't have the same traffic as eBay, but on the other hand there is no fee so if it has to sit there for a long time before it's sold, it's not draining any money out of my bank account.

 

Still pondering.....

 

Notes ♫