The Evolution of the Gibson ES-330TD

1959

Released in Sunburst and Natural finishes; dot inlays; black plastic pickup covers

1961

Serial numbers appear on back of peghead in place of/in addition to FONs

1962

Cherry finish available; block inlays; rounded ‘Micky Mouse ears’ become slimmer

1963

Nickel pickup covers now standard

1965

Chrome plated hardware and pickup covers; narrower nut width introduced

1967

Sparkling Burgundy finish available

1968

Neck/body join moves from 16th to 19th fret (referred to as ‘long necks’); Walnut finish available

1969

Sparkling Burgundy finish discontinued

1972

Discontinued