NGD 2004 Blonde ES333

[Danelectro]

I had a 2003 cherry ES-333 years ago which I sold it after picking up a vintage 1966 335. I've always regretted selling that guitar because it was a great playing guitar and a great value considering the price I paid ($900 including both a pair of Seth Lovers and the original pups, plus a HSC). Last summer I started thinking about picking up another one, so I began keeping my eye on eBay and the classifieds. Since I had already had a redhead, I decided to go blonde this time around. I assumed that it wouldn't take long to find one, but to my surprise they rarely pop up for sale. I passed on a few because I felt the price was on the high side, but I've found that the prices are just up there. I suppose its because they're no longer in production and people have come to recognize what great guitars they are.

I finally snagged one last week. The guitar is in great condition and it came with a Gibson brand case which is a plus (as new they came with a gig bag). My old 2003 had a perfect '59 profile neck and I was hoping for the same on this one, however its more of a '60 slim taper. Regardless, it plays very nice. The stock pickups (498T/490R?) howled terribly with high gain, but I had planned on upgrading the pups anyway. I ended up playing it for maybe 1/2 hour after receiving it, then I began disassembling the guitar. I like a finish that is somewhat dull, however the satin finish was just too dull, so I polished it up a bit and then and replaced some parts including:

- WCR G@@dwood pickups
- DMC 1.5 covers
- Gold tophat knobs
- Amber switchtip
- Pickguard and bracket

I already had a Gibson 335 short pickguard in my parts drawer, but I wanted to go with a long guard for this guitar which is more vintage-appropriate with the blonde finish. I had a routing template that I made from a vintage long pickguard a few years ago and had the 5-ply material on hand, so I made a guard for it. Another mod I'm thinking about doing is to add a pearl logo and crown inlay to replace the lame Gibson decal. This would have looking pretty much exactly like a 335 with the exception of the control access panel.

Anyway, I'm glad I finally have one of these in my hands again. I've got a gig this weekend and I plan to put it to use. So without further adieu, on with the porn!

Auction pic...


With mods...

[The Refugee]

Looks nice! I really like the 333 models, seem like a lot of bang for the buck.

[HOT-BRIT]

nice one enjoy!

[gcat]

Looks great here too!

[Lex]

Love it! Congrats!

[kaiserthegreat]

Awesome, they look great together! So what's the difference between a 335 and a 333?

[Drew224]

The biggest difference would be the plate under the controls so they're easier to work on.

[ZeppHead]

Very nice!

[CRobbins]

Right on!

[ScottP]

I'm thinking of going the ES-333 route myself. I actually stared at those Ebay pictures (of your guitar) for a while. Nice score there - I like the upgrades you did. It's exactly what I would do.

[Danelectro]

Although the back of a 335 looks sexier, having the control cover on the back of the 333 is a godsend for people like me who are regularly trying out different pickups and electronics. Working on the electronics of a 335 by going through the f-hole is like going through your asshole to do dental work.

[HRC]

Very nice. Congrats!

[leftyguitarman]

Originally Posted by Danelectro

Working on the electronics of a 335 by going through the f-hole is like going through your asshole to do dental work.

[jfwund]

Lovely, Dano. Another fine addition to a gorgeous collection!

How are you liking the Godwoods? I put Sheptone Blue Skies with a MSS kit in mine, and it's much mellower than I was expecting. Curious how a hotter set fits the Semi-hollow...

[Danelectro]

Originally Posted by jfwund

Lovely, Dano. Another fine addition to a gorgeous collection!

How are you liking the Godwoods? I put Sheptone Blue Skies with a MSS kit in mine, and it's much mellower than I was expecting. Curious how a hotter set fits the Semi-hollow...

I've had the Goodwoods in three or four different Les Paul's, and in the 333 the 're not as aggressive sounding. They're a little hotter than Crossroads and so I think they're a good match for the guitar.