Larry Mollard Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Hi all, I've been looking at this purchase for a long time now and think I have figured it all out, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it's a big purchase and (officially) the last guitar I ever intend to buy (it'll be my fifteenth). I'm probably going to get one of the 2010 or so Custom Shop reissue 330L models that are new but have been sticking around for a while. The main reason for this is the 60/30 neck, which I think I will enjoy more than the '50's neck that is found on the current '59 reissue models. Otherwise, I would probably prefer the current reissues, since I like the thought of the underwound pickups as well as the neck joining at the 16th fret. But I'm a little leery of the bigger neck. But to be honest, my experience in guessing which of these two I would like is based on other Gibsons: I have a current Les Paul Junior which has the '60's Slim-Taper neck that I absolutely love, and a current Melody Maker that is said to have a generically described '50's profile (no idea which one from that decade) that is OK for what I use it for. But that's mainly for playing in open C tuning, which means that I don't do a lot of chording, mainly fingerpicking. And I really can't comprehend what the '59 style neck would be like, exactly, and no way to find out. I am skipping the thought of a vintage instrument for two reasons: first is, I don't want to feel a sense of dread if I use this as just a guitar, and also I understand that the width of the neck as measured across the nut can vary quite a bit. I recently gave away a Casino because it measured a full three millimeters narrower than what my other Gibsons did, and I was just stumbling over simple chords on there. I knew I'd never play it enough to actually get used to it, so I let it go. I seem to read over and over on forums that the ES-330s in which the neck joins at the classic 16th fret have the best sound, but the ES-335 is never said to lack in tone due to the longer neck join, so I'm not sure how much it'll really matter. Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from other ES-330L owners, if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I think the 330L reissues are awesome. Personally, I think the neck length makes it a different animal just based on that. One of the advantages of the 335 over the 330 is the neck lenght. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but the neck of the 330 is just short enough to make it difficult to play certain things like what you might do with ana LP at least. But a 335 or an SG has plenty to spare. I kinda get the impression the the neck join had more to do with stability and strenght than tone. There weren't all that many origonals made of the 330L, and I think the lack of popularity had more to do with comparing it to a 335 than a regular 330. To be honest, that's just a guess as I was a child at the time. I have played a couple, and it's just my opinion, but I think the reissues are at least as good. I don't think Gibson gets enough credit in that what they are building today is as good or better than certain periods of the past. This to me is one example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 . Check out this thread on the subject - http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/80814-1959-es-330-re-issue/ The 59 neck profile is about as thick as they get. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Mollard Posted August 26, 2012 Author Share Posted August 26, 2012 OK... that'll probably do it. Thanks for verifying what I had suspected! It'll be the 330L then, likely in the Beale Street Blue, but maybe the sunburst. On that I'm a little flexible. Thanks for the thoughts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincentw Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Go! Go! Go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 OK... that'll probably do it. Thanks for verifying what I had suspected! It'll be the 330L then, likely in the Beale Street Blue, but maybe the sunburst. On that I'm a little flexible. I have a 330L in blue, and it's a wonderful guitar. The 30/60 neck is one of the most comfortable I've ever played, and the extra room up the fretboard is a significant bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Mollard Posted August 27, 2012 Author Share Posted August 27, 2012 I'm on it! I just need a little more time to put the money together... I'll put up pictures once I have her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serf2ndClass Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I have a 330L in antique cherry. To be honest it's hard to put down, it looks and plays beautifully. I love the neck. I tried it next to a Casino, but acoustically (unplugged) there is simply no competition, the Gibson is gorgeous. I play it unplugged all the time. My brother is a far more experienced guitar picker than me and he loves the P90's to bits, and the guitar in general. A few things I like about it: The neck is very accessible and has a longer tenon joint that is stronger than the vintage long neck (post 67 is it?). Possibly this even improves the tone. The dimensions of the long neck are exactly the same as a 335, which will be great when I can justify buying a 335 block. At the price (£1600 for me), this is about the best 'custom shop' value for money you'll ever get, including COA and hard case. The only odd thing about this one for me is that considering the long neck, maybe nickel PU covers would have been more appropriate? Still, easy to change. You've already decided to buy one? You won't regret it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cigblues Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I like the 30/60 neck and the ES-330. I like the 59 neck, but the 30/60 is special. I would like to have a 330! Play it, if you love it, take it home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 since it's a big purchase and (officially) the last guitar I ever intend to buy (it'll be my fifteenth). Ha Ha Ha....!! V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 it's a big purchase and (officially) the last guitar I ever intend to buy (it'll be my fifteenth). Yup, I said that at #12, but #20 just arrived this week, and it's officially the last guitar I ever intend to buy! Edit > Traded one off & back down to a measly 19. For some reason, 19 seems perfectly restrained & reasonable. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I'm a little late to the party but I'll chip in anyway. I have a 1970 ES-330L and an Epiphone Casino. I really like the 'long neck' better. I tend to play high every once in a while and it's much easier on the long neck Gibson. I read a long time ago that the long necks tend to break, I've had mine since the 70s, always carry it in a hard case, and never had a problem. Of course YMMV. I don't know anything about comparison neck profiles, I bought them both slightly used and they are similar. It's one of my favorite guitars. Notes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanC Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 Hi all, I've been looking at this purchase for a long time now and think I have figured it all out, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it's a big purchase and (officially) the last guitar I ever intend to buy (it'll be my fifteenth). I'm probably going to get one of the 2010 or so Custom Shop reissue 330L models that are new but have been sticking around for a while. The main reason for this is the 60/30 neck, which I think I will enjoy more than the '50's neck that is found on the current '59 reissue models. Otherwise, I would probably prefer the current reissues, since I like the thought of the underwound pickups as well as the neck joining at the 16th fret. But I'm a little leery of the bigger neck. But to be honest, my experience in guessing which of these two I would like is based on other Gibsons: I have a current Les Paul Junior which has the '60's Slim-Taper neck that I absolutely love, and a current Melody Maker that is said to have a generically described '50's profile (no idea which one from that decade) that is OK for what I use it for. But that's mainly for playing in open C tuning, which means that I don't do a lot of chording, mainly fingerpicking. And I really can't comprehend what the '59 style neck would be like, exactly, and no way to find out. I am skipping the thought of a vintage instrument for two reasons: first is, I don't want to feel a sense of dread if I use this as just a guitar, and also I understand that the width of the neck as measured across the nut can vary quite a bit. I recently gave away a Casino because it measured a full three millimeters narrower than what my other Gibsons did, and I was just stumbling over simple chords on there. I knew I'd never play it enough to actually get used to it, so I let it go. I seem to read over and over on forums that the ES-330s in which the neck joins at the classic 16th fret have the best sound, but the ES-335 is never said to lack in tone due to the longer neck join, so I'm not sure how much it'll really matter. Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from other ES-330L owners, if possible. Hi Larry, It's probably too late to respond, but I own both guitars. I bought an ES 330L about 6 months ago thinking it was a '50's reissue. The retailer told me it was but after about two weeks I realized it was an ES 330L Custom Shop. After complaining that I'd been mislead, I liked it so much that I decided to keep it. However I still wanted an ES 330 '50's reissue and about 4 weeks ago I got one. I had quality control problems as there was significant buzzing but after 2 visits to the tech it was great. Both guitars are really good. As you know no two guitars are the same. They all sound different and as well there is the personal taste of the owner. Having said that I prefer the ES 330L because it sounds great and I prefer the neck. I play jazz standards and both are excellent but by a very small margin I prefer the ES 330L. I must say having read comments above about the size of the neck on the '50's reissue that I don't have any trouble with the neck on the '50's reissue. THe neck is really good. I can post pics if you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Mollard Posted September 4, 2012 Author Share Posted September 4, 2012 Hi Larry, It's probably too late to respond, but I own both guitars. I bought an ES 330L about 6 months ago thinking it was a '50's reissue. The retailer told me it was but after about two weeks I realized it was an ES 330L Custom Shop. After complaining that I'd been mislead, I liked it so much that I decided to keep it. However I still wanted an ES 330 '50's reissue and about 4 weeks ago I got one. I had quality control problems as there was significant buzzing but after 2 visits to the tech it was great. Both guitars are really good. As you know no two guitars are the same. They all sound different and as well there is the personal taste of the owner. Having said that I prefer the ES 330L because it sounds great and I prefer the neck. I play jazz standards and both are excellent but by a very small margin I prefer the ES 330L. I must say having read comments above about the size of the neck on the '50's reissue that I don't have any trouble with the neck on the '50's reissue. THe neck is really good. I can post pics if you want. No, it's not too late... I am using some inheritance money for this and it hasn't arrived yet. It's one last present to me from my grandmother, who I was very close to. I think I'm pretty sold on the 330L at this point, but I'd love to see some pictures and if you had any way to photograph or measure the thickness of the necks that would be great. I like a lot of things about the VOS models, mainly the pickups. I like the thought of the underwound ones with the '59 reissue. My fear is that the ones with the 330L might be kind of overwound for me... it's crisp and clean I'm wanting out of this guitar, not a bluesy growl. Of course, changing the pickups is not impossible. Let me ask you, do you notice any real difference in the sound of the two? Thanks for all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanC Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 1346725323[/url]' post='1249955']No, it's not too late... I am using some inheritance money for this and it hasn't arrived yet. It's one last present to me from my grandmother, who I was very close to. I think I'm pretty sold on the 330L at this point, but I'd love to see some pictures and if you had any way to photograph or measure the thickness of the necks that would be great. I like a lot of things about the VOS models, mainly the pickups. I like the thought of the underwound ones with the '59 reissue. My fear is that the ones with the 330L might be kind of overwound for me... it's crisp and clean I'm wanting out of this guitar, not a bluesy growl. Of course, changing the pickups is not impossible. Let me ask you, do you notice any real difference in the sound of the two? Thanks for all your help! Hi Larry, Pics below. Sound wise they are close but I find the ES 330L maybe a little cleaner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Mollard Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 Thanks Alan! Both look great to me. I think I'll go for the 330L still, I get the idea I'll like the 60/30 neck a little better. Can't say I'm not a little jealous at the idea of having both of them, though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cap6000 Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I bought a ES 330L yesterday. It was the last one in Canada ( so Long & Mcquade say ). I spent the last month going back and forth between the 330L & the VOS. In the end the neck on the VOS was just to fat for my small hands. I have wanted a 330 for years. My first guitar when I was learning to play in the early sixties was a hollow body and I have alway loved the way they feel. It's the same as Allan's ( sunburst ) only I have a Bigsby B7 on mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 In the end the neck on the VOS was just to fat for my small hands. I have a 330L & love the 30/60 neck. But I recently was fortunate enough to A-B three of the new 330 VOS instruments, and one had a smaller neck profile. It also had superior tone & overall playability, so I purchased it on the spot. The reduced size of the neck on this one was a real surprise. The profile is rounder than the 30/60, but it's just as easy to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Mollard Posted September 24, 2012 Author Share Posted September 24, 2012 I'm still waiting on my check to arrive, and deals on ES 330s keep coming and going and I can't do a thing about it. Ha! It's hard to wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serf2ndClass Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 A couple of photos of mine to keep you interested, can't really see properly from the photos, but she's a looker for sure. For me much prettier than the VOS, who cares what she plays like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g6120 Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 Ive had the Gibson ES 330L and sold it after a comparison side by side with the ES 330 VOS . Both nice instruments and there are differences in the tone no question so for me its the VOS which just suits me for what Im looking for and taking nothing away from the ES 330L but to my ears the VOS just captures that late 50s & 60s tone , feel and vibe . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Ive had the Gibson ES 330L and sold it after a comparison side by side with the ES 330 VOS . Both nice instruments and there are differences in the tone no question so for me its the VOS which just suits me for what Im looking for and taking nothing away from the ES 330L but to my ears the VOS just captures that late 50s & 60s tone , feel and vibe . I've been impressed with the 330L and still own it. But after having recently purchased a natural finish 330 VOS, I have to agree with the above comment. They are both excellent instruments, but for me, the 330 VOS would be the keeper if forced to choose. Regardless, after having the 330 become virtually extinct, how cool that Gibson chose to develop & release both models within the past few years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cap6000 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Ive had the Gibson ES 330L and sold it after a comparison side by side with the ES 330 VOS . Both nice instruments and there are differences in the tone no question so for me its the VOS which just suits me for what Im looking for and taking nothing away from the ES 330L but to my ears the VOS just captures that late 50s & 60s tone , feel and vibe . I am amazed that a lot more people aren't into them. They are a very cool guitar... Sound different from anything else out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 I am particularly looking forward to a session this week Playing alongside a Strat and an L5 They don't know it yet...but my ES 330 will complement the sound to a 'T'... V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 Had the session last night Mr L5 was otherwise engaged, so ended up between two Strats...both well fx'd Straight into a clean ss amp with a whiff of chorus Sounded great...much admiration from fellow guitar aficionados...(for the guitar rather than the playing ) Ended up giving a discourse on 60's music...the Casino connection etc Great fun V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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