Sherriff Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Hey guys, more of a venting than anything... I recently pulled out my ES-330 that my father gave to me. It's an early 60's, in great shape but it just sounds horrible to play. I changed the strings and it does not seem to help. I can tune her up and first strum it is out again. I keep it in it's case at all times as with my other guitars (they all seem fine. Any idea how this happens? Temp change? I don't play it often (because of this) but would like to start using it daily. Guess I should take it in to be set up. Any suggestions as to where to take it near Toronto, Cananda?? Thanks for you time Sherriff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookkeeper's Son Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Did you stretch the strings? Properly wound around the tuning posts? The problem is probably minor. I had a 60s 330, my first good guitar - it was wonderful, you're lucky to have it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deacon Blue Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 I'm sure any good guitar shop can take a look at it for you. Theres plenty in Ontario (I'm from the Niagara area). I also had a 60's ES330 TDC that my dad bought for me in 66...my first real guitar...the story sounds the same. Sadly and foolishly I sold it about 10 years ago. I am regretting that decision now that I am into my guitars more than ever. Live and learn I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Rayba Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Your lucky to have the guitar. I still have my 67' ES-330 my father purchased brand new for me for my 16th birthday. It plays great, a bit noisy for todays standards, but it plays well. What gauge strings are you using? I'm using 10's on mine, remember back in the day, they didn't make 10's so your guitar was probably strung w/heavier gauge strings, remember the Sonomatic's 340L's! Depending on what you are comparing it too, mine has a sweet sound, must be from age, the P-90's give it that type of tone. I'm guessing it has two pick-ups, the older ones had only one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Elementary my dear Watson.... My advice is to spend more time with your ES 330...all guitars need learning about The ES 330 is an aquired taste...it's hollow body + P90's is unique in today's guitar world And it's close relative the Epi Casino has huge cache from the Beatles and many more great players.... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherriff Posted July 28, 2011 Author Share Posted July 28, 2011 Thanks for the replies guys. I should have noted that it use to play very nice a couple year ago but since then I have been playing my acoustic more often. As for strings, I am also using 10's. Single pickup. I am going to take it into a shop for a look. Something seems out of whack. I just need to get playing this guitar again. Thanks for the info. Attached are a few pics. Also, my dad gave me his early 60's Princeston Brownfaced amp as well. Sounds great. Attached a few pics and a pic of the same amp found online.. Sherriff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherriff Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Just an update. Found a great shop to take my 330 into and the guys were great. Fixed it up and it now sounds simply amazing.... Glad to be playing it again. Turns out it's a 1959. They loved the condition and the original case. Sherriff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tune-O-Matt-ic Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Glad to hear it. I love the ES-330. There is one at a vintage shop up here that plays and sounds like a dream, but he wants about $2k too much for it. If he ever comes down on the price, I'm grabbing it! The single pickup version like yours is really unique-looking. I've always wondered what they sound like with the pickup in the middle there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookkeeper's Son Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Sherriff, what was wrong with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinh Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 Glad you got it fixed. In general, a couple (or three) tips for this condition are: [1] On these vintage Kulson-type tuners, always tune 'up' to the correct note not down, e.g. if you are sharp, go below the correct pitch, and then back up. This eliminates slack in the tuners; [2] Pre-stretch, e.g. tune the note, then pull the string up 1-2 inches from the fretboard, and hold it for a couple of seconds. Tune again, and repeat until there is either no or very little pitch drop after the stretch; [3] Once you have a string tuned by this method, strum it aggressively for several seconds. If the tuning changes, the tension on the two sides of the nut is uneven. Try graphite or another nut libricant in the slots, If it continues to stick, have a professional look at the slots to see what's binding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherriff Posted August 15, 2011 Author Share Posted August 15, 2011 Great info Martin. Thanks Bookkeeper, first, I had the wrong strings on it and he changed and suggested 11's like many here mentioned. Just needed some adjusting and it is a pleasure to play now. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Glad to hear it's back in use.... I would love one of the single P/U ones... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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