WTB Gibson ES330

Gwatkins15

Hi all, I'm looking for a ES330, any age considered but preferably vintage. If anyone is willing to part with one let me know!

AvalonAndy

What about a new 2018 one for 2k? There are lots of 0% finance deals around too.

stickyfiddle

AvalonAndy said:

What about a new 2018 one for 2k? There are lots of 0% finance deals around too.

Happy to vouch for how good the new VOS ones are. 

SimpleSimon

Or a mint Elitist Casino for £1200 and enough spare for a Lazy J?

Gwatkins15

I've tried a 2018 VOS 330 and fell in love. But I've seen a 1966 original for £2,500 and a few others that have sold at the same price. So I'm torn between getting one with history and mojo, which is more inspiring to play, or a new one. 

cbellanga

Bear in mind depending on the year they will have quite different necks.. the vintage ones will usually come with very skinny ones while the vos replicates the 59 specifically so as usual better to try them first.

heavyrocker

cbellanga said:

Bear in mind depending on the year they will have quite different necks.. the vintage ones will usually come with very skinny ones while the vos replicates the 59 specifically so as usual better to try them first.

After 64-65 the necks got slimmer I believe. Prior to this they were not skinny.

stickyfiddle

cbellanga said:

Bear in mind depending on the year they will have quite different necks.. the vintage ones will usually come with very skinny ones while the vos replicates the 59 specifically so as usual better to try them first.

Yeah this. The cheaper vintage ones tend to be those with the thin necks (post-mid-65-ish), and often with knackered frets and a lot of finish checking. You might be fine with that, in which case they can be a massive bargain, but I found it not worth it. Having played a few old ones and a few new ones I’m actually very convinced the newest ones are much better value guitars (assuming you want modern frets, full width necks and no heavy checking)

YMMV!