Gibson Es-320 TD Guitar

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Gibson Es 320 TD (1971-1974) 

The Gibson ES-320 td is a guitar that was just forgotten over time, in 1971 Gibson introduced the Ggibson ES 320 TD which was sort of a different variation model or at least very similar to the more popular Gibson ES 330 TD.

There's not much literature on why this guitar was released, the facts are the gibson ES-320 TD never caught on and slowly disappeared from the market in late 1974 early 1975. 

From then on there was much little talk or info about the ES-320 TD, its like it was forgotten. From my point of view as a collector it doesn't carry much significance historically, the guitar is not as much in demand by collectors and players compared to the ES-330 or others, but is still collectible and a nice guitar to own. 

The Gibson ES-320 TD is a double rounded cutaway thin line arched top acoustic guitar (T for thin line - D for double cutaway), it has a semi hollow bound body, maple top, maple back, sides and neck unlike the ES-330 which had a mahogany neck. 

The ES-320 had pearl dot inlays on a rosewood fingerboard, tune-o-matic bridge with a cover (Gibson logo engraved) unlike the es-330 which had a trapeze tailpiece, had a volume and a tone control with 2 slide switches mounted on a metal plate, 2 single coil pickups and were made in mostly natural finishes. 

Some es-320 guitars were made in walnut and cherry finishes. I had the opportunity to briefly play on this guitar and in my opinion its an excellent overall players guitar, the touch was impeccable, though I found the pickups had a muffled sound and were missing brightness, it could of been the settings on the amp since I had only like 5 minutes to play on it.

Gibson ES 320 TD Specs
Semi hallow body electric arch top, 2 single coil melody maker pick ups with embossed logo, metal control plate with 2 knobs and 2 control switches, tune-o-matic bridge, nickel plated bridge cover with logo, black plastic pick guard and rosewood fingerboard.

Selling Or Buying Advice

Always consult with someone who knows vintage guitars before buying or selling. Otherwise, I strongly suggest you get a guitar price guide with detailed specs that can change the prices dramatically. Knowledge is everything when you are dealing with old and used music instruments.

> View all used and vintage Gibson ES guitars for sale.

Gibson ES-320 TD Guitar Price Guide (Updated April-20-2021)
  • 1971 - 1974 > $1600 to $1900 (Cherry, Natural Or Walnut)

Comments

  1. Anonymous4:24 AM

    I had the chance to buy a Gibson Es 320 TD in Hamburg (Germany) for 1400 Euros (about 1800 Dollars) and I'm still very happy I bought it. I use it to play Jazz and Blues and for that kind of music it sounds perfectly. I compared it to other Ibanez and Gibson Hollowbodies and that guitar just sounded the best in my ears. Furthermore it's easy to handle because of its light weight what`s important to me because I'm not so tall.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous10:36 AM

    I bought my ES320TD (American Union Made in Kalamazoo) in a small music store in Belleville Michigan in 1974 (Gondolier Music no longer in buisiness)
    I paid $250 which was a lot to me back when I painted houses for $2/hour. I still play it a lot,
    and everyone who sees and plays it loves it.
    I guess based on inflation and the declining dollar
    it is worth less than i paid for it .
    I'm glad I kept it throughout the years and was surprised to read the other comment that this so called "forgotten model" wound up in Hamburg Germany
    Wonder how many 320's were made and are still around.
    Too bad everythings made in China now.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12:06 PM

    i bought one of ebay not to long ago for 1200 bucks and i love it!you can get some great feeback with this baby i play loud and it does the job for me,i just seen the walnut one which looks amazing mine is the natural finish overall its a great guitar!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous11:31 AM

    I bought a ES320TD in 1976 for $300.00. It was modified by the guitarist of the band I was in. I love it its nice to play and compared to the other electric guitars I have ( Les Paul Artesian 3 pu, and 1957 strat) it's a nice blend of sound.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bradass1:48 AM

    I bought a 1972 320TD honey-cherry burst off a family friend on my 15th birthday back in 1997. Paid $500 for it and its absolutely worth every penny. I took it to a Guitar Center in Cincinnati Ohio and was offered $1500 for it on the spot by their vintage guitar manager. Said if I had the original case he'd pay $1800. I didn't take the offer since I love it so much. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I'm interested to know how many are still around. Also, has anyone else had the finish cracking problem I've had on mine? Rumor has it that Gibson used an inferior paint on these models and they're plagued with this issue. Am I the only one?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous8:15 PM

    I got a 71 320TD for $895 in great shape in 2000, it has the cracking on the finish as well, does not affect the great neck, fret board and playability though. I also get a lot of noise from the wound pick-ups, but still, a great guitar....I am happy!! - Hashbrowns

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9:07 PM

    One would think the limited supply and manufacture of this guitar would bring the price up.
    I bought mine while playing in the jazz band in college...another picker came in and pulled out this killer looking and awesome playing axe.
    One of those you know you want but knew ya had to play the waiting game to get the price...after five or six requests he hit hard times and i picked it up for $175.00...yeah...a stellar deal.
    I took it to Strings and Things in Memphis TN. and TWEAKED IT OUT...but saving all original hardware...
    installed Seymour Duncan on the front and Jeff Beck pickups on the rear with push/pull volume controls...two...no tone switch so i could throw out of phase and twist to the sound i liked...brass nut...different bridge...custom pickup and pick guards...plays and sounds like a dream live and more important to me ...in the studio.
    The 320 compliments my telecaster which was dialed in as well...
    The Gibson gives me that "FAT' sound and with a dial and push or pull of said volume controls i can get that sharp...crisp/clear sound for R/B OR FUNK...
    For those whom choose the max overdrive...sustain amazes me...the crunch for rock along with the clean sound sold me on the shear versatility of the instrument...Gibson got it right on this bugger...just needed some "TLC"
    To those whom are green to this axe...worth the time to play...to those serious on playing...i find few axes which compete...well i had to make some modern adjustments...fine for me as it was/is a "KEEPER"

    MAGNOLIA GROUP INC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown11:38 AM

      Any bridge parts you would be willing to sell?

      Delete
  8. Michael (DUTCH) Uiterwijk2:01 PM

    I just bought a 1972 ES320 TD. All original except tuners. It cherry, with the usual checking on finish for a guitar of this age. Action and tone are great. I cleaned the pots and switches, work like new. I was looking for an ES335, and gave the ES320 a try. Glad I did, she's a player. Can't wait to try her out at the local Blues Jams. She'll be a great conversational piece as most people have never seen or heard of this forgotten guitar. Maybe she can make both of us famous, never know, could happen. lol

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous7:02 PM

    I have a es 320 TD Gibson, honey cherry, great condition...The best part of this little story, is someone gave this fine guitar to me about 14 years ago...The only thing missing is the tune o matic bridge cover with the engraved Gibson logo...this guitar deserves to be complete...Can anyone help me? Please e-mail
    pfeifferphilip@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:24 PM

      Yes! I have that cover. TDN here but no longer near original. Let’s talk.

      Delete
  10. SPECIAL.EDD11:09 PM

    I BOUGHT MY 1972 BLOND BEAUTY ES 320 TD IN A PAWN SHOP IN MONTANA IN 1989. LOVED IT THEN AND LOVE IT EVEN MORE NOW. PAID 550 THEN WITH A WASHBURN HARD CASE. FINISH WAS VINTAGE LACQUOR CRACKING. STILL LOKS THE SAME, GORGVINTUSH !!!! I HAVNT SEEN MANNY AROUND THROUGH THE YEARS. I ALWAYS WONDERED HOW MANY OF THESE THEY MADE? IT PLAYS MUCH BETTER THAN MANY LES PAULS IVE TIED OVER THE YEARS...DAMMM ITS 40 YRS OLD THIS YR!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Unknown11:53 AM

    I'm selling a 1971 Cherry Burst ES320. I'm going to Guitar Center to see what they offer. If anyone here is interested let me know. Joe K.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unknown11:07 AM

    How much are you selling it for?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous7:55 PM

    A favorite among my guitar collection is a 4.5 lb. semi-hollow, blond 1959 320 TN. It rocks. With the right amp, the single p90 pickups and vintage axe awesome. A good guitarist can replicate any sound or Create. anew.

    ReplyDelete

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