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Author Topic: Gibson ES-330 Limited Release VOS Dark Cherry  (Read 3387 times)

Offline itsallintheblues

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Gibson ES-330 Limited Release VOS Dark Cherry
« on: May 07, 2020, 12:13:31 PM »
Finally, its here!!

My first high end, one time big time purchase.. my first ever Gibson..

Due to reading all the negative comments about Gibson, over the years, I have learned to avoid them. Having never played one, this was a gamble.

It was a big risk ordering online.. The store I bought this from is the only store that has it and it's from another state.. Knowing the horror stories, I was really afraid of getting a lemon.

But when I opened it, played it, all my fears where unfounded.. This is a really great guitar.. solidly built and its in the right shade of Cherry that I love on ES guitars.

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

The VOS finish is nice.. I know some dont like it.. but I do.. the light relicing on the hardwares as well.. not too overdone and I like it this way..

I also had a lot of experience with Casinos, and Korean built hollowbodies.. This is definitely worth the money.. and a few steps above those.. I have never tried a Japanese made Casino, but I know for a fact that Japanese guitars are well made and probably couldve been the same quality for lesser price.
But I want a Gibson, and I want my first one to be a nice one.. No buzzing, perfect action out of the box (for me, although I play 11's and this would be re-strung and nut cut properly when my luthier's shop opens).. hardwares are solid.

I think some people may be exaggerating things a bit on Gibson's quality.. but i know some are true.. but Im happy I'm one of the people who got a good one..

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

The neck feels great! chunky quartersawn mahogany (as per spec sheet).. Man I was expecting a slim neck, but this one is nice and round.. although I wish it was fatter, like 1-inch all through, but this is fine.. very comfortable..

and the rosewood is very nice, dark and well conditioned.

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr



Now of course, there are some things that I think couldve done better.. Nut is a bit high, but thats okay as it's going to be recut for 11's.. and some very minor finish flaw on the f-holes, where the black goes over the red paint.. I can live with it..

and some minor tooling marks on the fretboard binding edges.. for this price, I would expect QC people would take some time correcting those.. so those are the bad..

All in all, the tone is glorious and the good outweighs the bad for me.. Def not going back, I'll keep it and play it long..

coming from a Fender nut and a Telecaster addict, I can say, I might have been swayed and now going to the dark side.. I look forward to getting another Gibson.. probably an ES-335 or a Les Paul??

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr
You don't choose the guitar, it chooses you.

If at any point in time you cannot afford a particular guitar, don't play it. If it chooses you, you have to buy it.  If you simply can't beg, steal, or borrow, you will eventually die of a broken heart..

Offline itsallintheblues

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Re: Gibson ES-330 Limited Release VOS Dark Cherry
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2020, 12:14:36 PM »
Here's another look at the hardwares..

When my wife saw it for the first time when I opened the case, she said "you didnt spend this much to get a used guitar did you? Are you sure this is a new guitar? How long was it hanging in the store? Why is it rusted??"

the treatment is just right for me.. not too light, and not overdone.. Perfect..

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr


I love the feel of this fretboard.. the grains are tight and havent opened up yet..

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr


Finally the lighting is just perfect.. I think the other photos made it look quite bright red.. but this is the closest I have ever gotten to the color in real life

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr
You don't choose the guitar, it chooses you.

If at any point in time you cannot afford a particular guitar, don't play it. If it chooses you, you have to buy it.  If you simply can't beg, steal, or borrow, you will eventually die of a broken heart..

Offline shoegaze geezer

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Re: Gibson ES-330 Limited Release VOS Dark Cherry
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2020, 01:47:49 PM »
it is gorgeous man. congrats on the purchase. gibson's take on the epi casino.
"I look at yours, you laugh at mine. And love is just a miserable lie"

Offline r_chino18

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Re: Gibson ES-330 Limited Release VOS Dark Cherry
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2020, 04:40:51 PM »
Congrats on the NGD! Awesome score! Looks gorgeous from the photos!

A couple of years back, I was lucky enough to have worked on a couple of "old dogs". A 1963 ES-330 TD and an MIJ Epiphone Casino. The 330 came with a factory Bigsby and had nylon saddles which gave a sort of "plinky" yet mellower tone. The Epi Casino was straight up John Lennon vibe! These dogear P90s sound great! Lots of bite and attack in them. Really brings out the woodiness and clarity from the full hollow bodies.

1963 Gibson ES-330 by Rei Chino Pua, on Flickr

1970s Epiphone Casino by Rei Chino Pua, on Flickr
« Last Edit: May 11, 2020, 04:44:35 PM by r_chino18 »