Boca Bob Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 OK, I can't find one in South Florida. But something tells me I want one. I already have a beautiful 345, LP Supreme Plus, and L5-ces. So, let's say I want to order one sight unseen: 1) assuming I couldn't give a rat's A## about upper fret access, 330L or vintage? 2) are they neck heavy (especially the 330L)? 3) I've watched YouTube videos where all the different guitars sound similar, so, will it sound that much different than my 345? 4) I don't care about tremolos, but will the Bigsby help balance it if without it would be neck heavy? I'd prefer no Bigsby. Major gas - your thoughts appreciated :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 There have been a number of recent threads about both 330s & they're worth checking out. Neither guitar is neck heavy, and either one can be very resonant, depending on the particular example (no two are created equal). The 30/60 neck on the 'L' is very comfortable for most players, while some prefer the larger neck on the VOS model (although neck profiles can also vary from example to example). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cap6000 Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I just bought my ES330L 5 days ago. I played both the VOS and loved it but the neck was too fat for my small hands. The 330L has a 30/60 neck and I must say it is the nicest neck I have ever played. I totally Agree with previous comment both 330 are fabulous guitars it really comes down which one fits your playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I've only played one 330L, and it had a twisted neck that that just wouldn't intonate. I've played a '66 ES-330 for years and am accustomed to the shorter neck set, and am happy with it. Thought the 330L would be a good addition, but the one I tried didn't work out. I bought (sight unseen) one of the Custom Shop VOS 330's last week, and I'm crazy about it. I was worried about the '59 neck because I have small hands (and arthritis in the left, now), but I'm crazy about it. Feels really comfy - actually works for me better than than the neck on my '66 ES-330. I've A/Bed the two 330s and came to the conclusion that I have to keep both. I also have an Epi ES-335 (block markers, coil taps) and the sound and feel difference between the 335 and the 330s is substantial. There's more air in the sound of the 330s, while the 335 sound is thicker. Love them both. OK, I can't find one in South Florida. But something tells me I want one. I already have a beautiful 345, LP Supreme Plus, and L5-ces. So, let's say I want to order one sight unseen: 1) assuming I couldn't give a rat's A## about upper fret access, 330L or vintage? 2) are they neck heavy (especially the 330L)? 3) I've watched YouTube videos where all the different guitars sound similar, so, will it sound that much different than my 345? 4) I don't care about tremolos, but will the Bigsby help balance it if without it would be neck heavy? I'd prefer no Bigsby. Major gas - your thoughts appreciated :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I've A/Bed the two 330s and came to the conclusion that I have to keep both. dougg330 - So glad to hear your new 330 VOS worked out! I recall reading some of your past posts that indicated you've been on this search for quite some time, and was really hoping you'd get a good one & have the same reaction to it that I did - basically, it's hard to put this thing down! Yes, yes, yes, definitely keep the '66. I have a '66 ES-125T, and it is a joy to switch to on occasion, skinny neck & all. As I've found with my multiple versions of the 330 & 335 design, each instrument has it's own unique properties, and variety truly is the spice of life! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 Thanks, man. I really love the neck on the VOS 330. When I got it, the pickup switch kept jamming in the bridge position, and the 6t string intonation was off on the first 3 or 4 frets. Took it to my favorite repair guy and he fixed the switch in 2 seconds. I know the nut is supposed to be PLEK cut and perfect, but I was hoping it was the behind the intonation problem - and it was. He cut the 6th string slot a little deeper and voila - perfect intonation all up and down the neck. Definitely keeping the '66 330 now, too. And the Epi 335. I had decided to sell my '62 ES-120 that was converted to a 125-TD with 2 GFS P-90's...but that's too much fun to play, and has a truly unique sound - so it stays, too. I'm in total agreement with you - guitar variety IS the spice of life! dougg330 - So glad to hear your new 330 VOS worked out! I recall reading some of your past posts that indicated you've been on this search for quite some time, and was really hoping you'd get a good one & have the same reaction to it that I did - basically, it's hard to put this thing down! Yes, yes, yes, definitely keep the '66. I have a '66 ES-125T, and it is a joy to switch to on occasion, skinny neck & all. As I've found with my multiple versions of the 330 & 335 design, each instrument has it's own unique properties, and variety truly is the spice of life! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Thanks, man. I really love the neck on the VOS 330. When I got it, the pickup switch kept jamming in the bridge position, and the 6t string intonation was off on the first 3 or 4 frets. Took it to my favorite repair guy and he fixed the switch in 2 seconds. I know the nut is supposed to be PLEK cut and perfect, but I was hoping it was the behind the intonation problem - and it was. He cut the 6th string slot a little deeper and voila - perfect intonation all up and down the neck. Definitely keeping the '66 330 now, too. And the Epi 335. I had decided to sell my '62 ES-120 that was converted to a 125-TD with 2 GFS P-90's...but that's too much fun to play, and has a truly unique sound - so it stays, too. I'm in total agreement with you - guitar variety IS the spice of life! Played my 330 through a friend's brown Vibroverb last night at a jam. He was shaking down a new mixing board at his recording studio so we recorded a couple of our "tunes". The 330 sounded AMAZING!!! Fender Rhodes piano, bass, drums, and up to 3 guitars at a time. The 330's tones were unlike any other guitar in the room - a vintage 345, a Shechter Tele, a Les Paul, and an Epi Casino at various times. Sounded great in the room, and even better recorded. Man, I am so happy with this guitar I can't believe it. Hope you're still enjoying yours as much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Hope you're still enjoying yours as much. Yes indeed. Absolutely no regrets about pulling the trigger on this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I have a 1970 ES-330L - it isn't exactly neck heavy, but it isn't balanced either. It sounds great. It's yours for $4,000.00 and if you send a deposit, I'll drive down from Fort Pierce to Boca Raton to deliver. Why? I don't play it much anymore. I got the Casino to gig with because the Gibson became to much of a collector's item to gig with. Then I got a weekly outdoor gig on a dock over a salt water lagoon so I decided not to bring a hollow guitar to the gig. So I bought a Parker Dragonfly and since then I hardly every play either the Gibson or the Epiphone anymore. I don't need two.. Notes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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