1962 Gibson Kalamazoo ES330 TDC Block 60's Cherry
Offered here is an instrument that certainly meets my definition of a "playable investment". This is Gibson ES330 TDC, serial number 57068 which was built in Kalamazoo, MI back in 1962.
The ES330 was originally introduced as a single pickup guitar in 1959 as a "more affordable 335." This is one of the later 2-pickup, 16 fret clear models with the block inlays. This example still has the black plastic pickup covers which were changed to metal later in 1962. It has a fully hollow maple laminate body with no center block. It has a slim 60's shaped mahogany neck with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with the pearloid block inlays and big frets. It has cream binding and "Bonnet" still knobs, just like its 335 big brother. The tuners are Kluson Deluxe models with white buttons.
These were originally shipped in a relatively inexpensive chipboard case, but this guitar ships in an era-correct and far more protective ES335 Lifton case. Both the original chipboard case and the pricey vintage Lifton case are included with this sale.
I recently sent this beauty down to Matt Hayden Guitars for a checkup. Matt gave the original frets a crowning and replaced the cracked neck pickup cover and the sticky original tuners with proper replicas. The original pickup cover and tuners are included in the case. These updates aside, this guitar appears completely original. It is in very good condition with no breaks or repairs and just honest play wear, dings and scratches consistent with a well-played, but highly treasured instrument.
This is a wonderful guitar that I have enjoyed for far longer than most of the guitars that go through my shop. It is so light and easy to play that it somehow never made it into the "sell" rotation and Matt's efforts made it even better to play! It sounds great too, as evidenced by the brief sound sample included below.
This is a lovely and eminently playable guitar that is just dripping with vintage vibe. This has to be one of the best preserved examples of this model still in existence. Make it yours. You will be very glad you did!
Capital Guitars
Capital Guitars accepts payment via PayPal, credit cars via PayPal, wire transfer, or via bank check. Guitars ship only after payment clears. See something you wish to purchase? To pay via Paypal, just click the 'Buy Now' button, or send an email to capitalguitars@gmail.com indicating the guitar you wish to purchase, where you live (for calculating the shipping cost and NYS sales tax if applicable) and confirm the email address you use for Paypal. We will send you a Paypal invoice referencing the specific guitar being purchased. Just follow the prompts in the Paypal email to pay for your guitar. Once we receive your cleared payment we will contact you with tracking information and a paid invoice. That is all there is to it! Shipments to locations within the State of New York are subject to imposition of applicable New York Sales taxes. Trade proposals involving quality gear are welcomed! Email me a pic or two of your proposed trade and a brief description of its condition and we will let you know what we can allow you in trade. We also do LAYAWAYS! All layaways require a non-refundable up-front payment equal to 20% of the purchase price. Your deposit holds the guitar for you, with 60 days to pay the balance. Contact us via email for more details.
Shipping to Continental US addresses is via FedEx Ground, with flat rate shipping of $60 to Eastern time zones, $70 Central and $80 Mountain/Pacific. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is $100. A phone number at the shipping destination is required. Other shipping services, including express services and international shipping are available at our discretion, just contact us for a quote.
Refunds of the original purchase price less shipping and a 10% restocking fee may be requested within 48 hours of delivery. Exchanges within one (1) week of the original date of purchase may be made for an item of equal or greater value at the discretion of Capital Guitars. Where permitted herein, items must be promptly returned at the buyer's expense, in the same condition as received with all accessories and paperwork included. Sale items, purchases that are made via layaway, those involving trades and/or international shipping are considered final except upon an error by and at the discretion of Capital Guitars. All deposits are non-returnable. Our apologies, but we are a very small operation and returns are extremely time consuming and costly.