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gibson 330 reissues, vs. epiphone john lennon signatures

zoommutt

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Nov 15, 2003
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I've had a bunch of the Epiphones the original limited edition Lennon and the inspired as well as the stock version and found the Gibson Es 330 to have much more output and crunch just a mature sound in general the pickups are great . I prefer the 59 reissue very comfortable neck . Probably one of the best reissues that Gibson has made . Two different guitars that play and sound different in my estimation and saying this the Casino is a great instrument yes but the ES 330 is the one for me .

15844852_1223110934391337_7886026403557823430_o.jpg

That is a nice looking guitar. I have my eye out for a Pelham blue 330. But that natural.....
 

handwerk

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Mar 13, 2017
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I've had a bunch of the Epiphones the original limited edition Lennon and the inspired as well as the stock version and found the Gibson Es 330 to have much more output and crunch just a mature sound in general the pickups are great . I prefer the 59 reissue very comfortable neck . Probably one of the best reissues that Gibson has made . Two different guitars that play and sound different in my estimation and saying this the Casino is a great instrument yes but the ES 330 is the one for me .

hi, is that the guitar version you own? which one is this?
hi, is that the guitar version you own? which one is this?
15844852_1223110934391337_7886026403557823430_o.jpg
hi, is that the guitar version you own? which one is this?
 

mdubya

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Mar 31, 2010
Messages
1,020
Looks like a '60 RI. Reflector knobs. :hmm

ETA: just re-read that is your guitar. Did you put reflectors on it?
 

mdubya

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Mar 31, 2010
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1,020
My ES 330 is all stock just as it came from the factory

Very interesting. Thanks for clarifying. Beautiful 330! :hank

I would love to see more photos if you are so inclined. :peace2
 

handwerk

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Mar 13, 2017
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I've had a bunch of the Epiphones the original limited edition Lennon and the inspired as well as the stock version and found the Gibson Es 330 to have much more output and crunch just a mature sound in general the pickups are great . I prefer the 59 reissue very comfortable neck . Probably one of the best reissues that Gibson has made . Two different guitars that play and sound different in my estimation and saying this the Casino is a great instrument yes but the ES 330 is the one for me .
how does the 330 sound when compared to the casino, (acoustically)? does it have that shimmer, & or is it all all loud, or bright?
 

g6120

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Jan 17, 2009
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298
how does the 330 sound when compared to the casino, (acoustically)? does it have that shimmer, & or is it all all loud, or bright?


From my experience the Casino has a bit thinner sound as where the ES 330 sounds fuller to my ears . The pickups on the ES 330 are going to give you a fuller richer tone more crunch and output . The 59 has a fatter neck which I prefer which helps give you more sustain .

Two nice guitars no question it all depends on what your ears wanna hear . For me hands down the ES 330 fits me better .
 

handwerk

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Mar 13, 2017
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From my experience the Casino has a bit thinner sound as where the ES 330 sounds fuller to my ears . The pickups on the ES 330 are going to give you a fuller richer tone more crunch and output . The 59 has a fatter neck which I prefer which helps give you more sustain .

Two nice guitars no question it all depends on what your ears wanna hear . For me hands down the ES 330 fits me better .
sorry, but then the 330 in general unamplified lacks the bright, (treble), sound, and might have less casino shimmering, and more middle, bass notes? i ask because tho i do want one i am going to take my time, and should i come across any i just want to know what to expect.
buying site unseen is really somewhat of a crap shoot.
 

g6120

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Jan 17, 2009
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sorry, but then the 330 in general unamplified lacks the bright, (treble), sound, and might have less casino shimmering, and more middle, bass notes? i ask because tho i do want one i am going to take my time, and should i come across any i just want to know what to expect.
buying site unseen is really somewhat of a crap shoot.


Its not a crap shoot if your really interested purchase one ES 330 from a reputable dealer so at that point you have a grace period to see for yourself if you like the instrument or not . Would not be overly concerned about not amplified as you will be amplified much more correct .

For me personally the ES 330 has more to offer than the Casino which sounds a bit thin in comparison but again both great instruments . Compare then choose the one that fits you best .
 

handwerk

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Mar 13, 2017
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Its not a crap shoot if your really interested purchase one ES 330 from a reputable dealer so at that point you have a grace period to see for yourself if you like the instrument or not . Would not be overly concerned about not amplified as you will be amplified much more correct .

For me personally the ES 330 has more to offer than the Casino which sounds a bit thin in comparison but again both great instruments . Compare then choose the one that fits you best .

well actually for me the other way around. i basically love the sound of the casino to write, and use electrics only to record. i have another gibson which i also just use to record so may sell, a trans black johnny a custom.
 

handwerk

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Mar 13, 2017
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From my experience the Casino has a bit thinner sound as where the ES 330 sounds fuller to my ears . The pickups on the ES 330 are going to give you a fuller richer tone more crunch and output . The 59 has a fatter neck which I prefer which helps give you more sustain .

Two nice guitars no question it all depends on what your ears wanna hear . For me hands down the ES 330 fits me better .

yes tried the 59 neck. not so thick like others i had tried in the past. really seemed between the slim taper and 50's old style gibson neck. quite nice.
 

Amp360

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Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
852
I paid $400 for mine at a store somewhere in Colorado. Someone had put Super Distortion pickups and different tuners on it. Luckily, it was hardly cut open by the neck pickup.

I put the right pickups and made a new harness for it along with some Kluson tuners and I love it to death. I took it out on a tour a couple years ago and ended up playing it way more than I thought I would.

I also picked up a dent and scratch Custom Shop case from MF for it. How can a case be dent and scratch LOL!

Killer guitar, but mine is considered the bad one to have by vintage standards. I haven't played the reissue.

17630147_10212432850445230_4493554608816118989_n.jpg
 

handwerk

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Mar 13, 2017
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I paid $400 for mine at a store somewhere in Colorado. Someone had put Super Distortion pickups and different tuners on it. Luckily, it was hardly cut open by the neck pickup.

I put the right pickups and made a new harness for it along with some Kluson tuners and I love it to death. I took it out on a tour a couple years ago and ended up playing it way more than I thought I would.

I also picked up a dent and scratch Custom Shop case from MF for it. How can a case be dent and scratch LOL!

Killer guitar, but mine is considered the bad one to have by vintage standards. I haven't played the reissue.

17630147_10212432850445230_4493554608816118989_n.jpg
great story. nice guitar. sadly again here in ny cannot find any to play.
 

jb_abides

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Apr 6, 2005
Messages
5,274

Friggin' Delicious! Especially the contrast between the popping' top with the darker board and neck finish. Wowzer. Me Likey (can ya tell)?!

Enjoy in good health, and don't let this one get too lonely while you are playing with your Chet. :salude
 

handwerk

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Mar 13, 2017
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It has been said on the forum that there is a major diff twixt a 330 and a Casino. It has been said that a 330 is 3-ply and the Casino 5-ply, somehow making the Casino more feedback resistant at higher volumes, which might explain how The Beatles could play them thru the Vox Super Beatles.


odd thing about this however, now that i have both the signature casino and a 59 Vos 330 is the 330 ply is much thicker tho only 3 ply, whereas the casino is 5 ply, almost half as thick. also, feeling under near the pickups you can feel the bracing on the 330 thinner where as on the casino it is sharper, bigger, and more box like in nature.
 

lonesomesheik

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Nov 18, 2009
Messages
1,217
@Handwerk : shall I conclude that humbuckers can be installed in a 330 without damaging the body ?( I already have got a 330 59 reissue & plan to get anotehr one to put a set of Tom Homles in it)
 
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