1967 Gibson ES 330 Headstock
- Thread starter slimtim305
- Start date
https://www.andybaxterbass.com/products/1963-gibson-es-330-td-sunburst here's another one with a pearl logo
I wouldn't sweat the authenticity of the guitar too much, it took me about 3 minutes to find examples of the crooked logo and the pearl logo on other guitars. It looks like there was a refinish and a tuner replacement and a neck repair done on the guitar.
I wouldn't sweat the authenticity of the guitar too much, it took me about 3 minutes to find examples of the crooked logo and the pearl logo on other guitars. It looks like there was a refinish and a tuner replacement and a neck repair done on the guitar.
slimtim305
TDPRI Member
I don't much about Gibson construction in the day, but Gretsch used veneers with their pearloid logo. I see Gretsches with logos off center on the headstock now and again.
I have a 1960 6119 that at some point had been converted to a 12 string. Six banjo tuners (because they point straight backwards) were added to the headstock. The eventual repair was crude. I know someone who makes Gretsch veneers with period correct logos. I had one made and a luthier replaced the original veneer and repainted so now the front looks perfect and on the rear I had her match the original color but more opaquely so that the holes are not visible. I just got it back last week. Perfect.
If Gibson used veneers you might see if someone will make you one and then find someone competent to replace yours so that "Larry" is gone. I'm from Michigan myself and in my time there I never found anyone all that competent southeastern MI when it came to repairs, including the one in Ferndale everyone seems to like and Elderly whose neck reset on a Gretsch lasted for only a few years. But it's been a long time so maybe you have more options these days. I'd look into changing that veneer if that 330 were mine and Gibson used veneers.
I have a 1960 6119 that at some point had been converted to a 12 string. Six banjo tuners (because they point straight backwards) were added to the headstock. The eventual repair was crude. I know someone who makes Gretsch veneers with period correct logos. I had one made and a luthier replaced the original veneer and repainted so now the front looks perfect and on the rear I had her match the original color but more opaquely so that the holes are not visible. I just got it back last week. Perfect.
If Gibson used veneers you might see if someone will make you one and then find someone competent to replace yours so that "Larry" is gone. I'm from Michigan myself and in my time there I never found anyone all that competent southeastern MI when it came to repairs, including the one in Ferndale everyone seems to like and Elderly whose neck reset on a Gretsch lasted for only a few years. But it's been a long time so maybe you have more options these days. I'd look into changing that veneer if that 330 were mine and Gibson used veneers.
Paul G.
Friend of Leo's
That is definitely a replaced headstock made by a reasonably skilled but definitely amateur woodworker. Monetarily, I'd say the guitar is worth what you want to pay for it. It has no resale value. It may be a good guitar, but it will be yours. Forever.
even if the headstock has been replaced, this is patently untrue. The guitar has value.
Rockinvet
Friend of Leo's
If it plays and sounds good it’s still a nice guitar. Enjoy it for what it is. I know your heart must of sank and had that awful feeling in your gut when this was pointed out to you. It’s beautiful.
Henry Mars
Tele-Afflicted
I have LP that was knocked over by one of my devoted followers and wanna bees around 40 years ago. The head stock broke with a clean break. I had it fixed by a guitar tech. The fix is stronger than the wood. You wouldn't notice it unless you were looking for it. The tone and intonation are fine. I would like to own that ES-330 guitar. Alas. my plight .... my spousal unit has no sense of humor about these acquisitions.
slimtim305
TDPRI Member
you’re interested in it?
Henry Mars
Tele-Afflicted
If I bring another guitar or amplifier home my next stop will be divorce court. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
The guitar most likely will not be sought after by serious collectors.
The headstock repair was well concealed cosmetically. In the one photo of the face of the headstock, you can see what might be small stress marks in the finish, just behind the nut on the treble side. These marks could have happened due to some other incident as well; IDK.
the most likely photo to reveal a break would be a side view, where you can see the path of the break line going through the thinnest part of the neck near the nut, but that also depends on other factors as well.
I’ve played a total of just 2 different vintage 330’s with the dog ear P90’s.
One was celestial, beautiful tone, touch sensitive - a truly dreamy experience. The other was just ok.
If the OP’s guitar has any of that excellence in playing, then it has definite value as a player’s guitar, but not everyone is in that market.
If only Larry Carlton was Mr. 330 instead of Mr. 335…
The headstock repair was well concealed cosmetically. In the one photo of the face of the headstock, you can see what might be small stress marks in the finish, just behind the nut on the treble side. These marks could have happened due to some other incident as well; IDK.
the most likely photo to reveal a break would be a side view, where you can see the path of the break line going through the thinnest part of the neck near the nut, but that also depends on other factors as well.
I’ve played a total of just 2 different vintage 330’s with the dog ear P90’s.
One was celestial, beautiful tone, touch sensitive - a truly dreamy experience. The other was just ok.
If the OP’s guitar has any of that excellence in playing, then it has definite value as a player’s guitar, but not everyone is in that market.
If only Larry Carlton was Mr. 330 instead of Mr. 335…
