Neck strength on Vintage ES330's & ES335's...

[ef86pentode]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has experience with ES330's or ES335's, especially those vintage models from the 60's 70's and perhaps as recent as 1981.
I know that double cut LP jr's, SG's & SG jr's encouter real issues with neck strength and often broke, but I was wondering: is a similiar affliction found in ES330/ES335's?
I was also wondering if anyone has experience in playing vintage guitars of this ilk (es335/SG's & SG jr's/ LP jr's, etc) which have headstock or heel break repairs. Obviously, such a break will make a vintage guitar quite affordable, even for those of average means, but I would hesitate on the purchase if the relevant break might result in noticable changes in sustain and/or overall tone.
Okay, long story short: would you ever buy a guitar which has been repaired from a headstock or heel break?
Best,
MG

 

[Bludave]

Re: Neck strength on Vintage ES330's & ES335's...

I own a '85 335 Dot RI. It has no neck issues other than the conventional issues all Gibsons have. Due to the Angle of the Headstock you have to be careful. If the headstock takes a hard shot they can break off. This usually occurs at the nut, it is the weakest point. 335's IMO are a much better sounding guitar for Blues/Rock, and Jazz than the 330. The 330 is a true hollow guitar and are prone to feedback as all hollow guitars are. The 335 has a sloid block running thru the center which is where all the hardware is mounted. Hence the name semi hollow. This eliminates any feedback issues the one may have with a true hollow guitar. As I said earlier the Neck issues are no more of a concern with these guitars than you would have with a LP.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Neck strength on Vintage ES330's & ES335's...

I have a 64 330 TDC (bigsby, blocks nickel covers). I am the 3rd or 4th owner of the guitar and haven't seen any problems. The difference is on the older 330s the neck is shorter and the fingerboard meets the body at tht 16th fret. On the later one it met the body at the 18th fret like a 335. The finish on the back of the headstock is checked, but that's no big deal.

If I were looking at buying something with a neck/headstock repair I'd play it, alot, before taking it home. The shop I work at had a studio with a headstock repair, you couldn't tell listening, or playing it, only looking.

Luke