First introduced in 1959 along with the 330 and 355 models, the Gibson ES-345 was initially introduced as a slightly more deluxe version of the companies flagship ES-335 semi hollow arch top. Although surpassed in popularity by the 335, Gibson ES-345 guitars are fantastic vintage instruments, with a unique tone and style that sets the apart. This 1964 ES-345 is a wonderful example of a '60s ES-345, constructed from a semi hollow Maple body, Mahogany neck and Rosewood fingerboard.
The body is fitted with a set of Patent Number humbucker pickups, featuring the original labels that Gibson humbuckers were marked with after the 'Patent Applied For' pickups used in the late '50s and early '60s. These pickups capture the much sought after tone of those early PAFs, with a warm and clear clean tone with plenty of dynamic response, and just enough bite and growl for a classic blues and rock tone. This guitar also features its original stop tailpiece, with a trapeze replacing this on ES-345 models in 1965.
This ES-345 is factory stereo and the Varitone switch remains intact and fully functional, opening up a huge range of tonal options. This guitar features the original gold hardware and pickup covers, although there has been some wear and corrosion over the years as is common with these models. The fretboard features mother of pearl split parallelogram inlay, and the original double line gold Kluson tuners are present and fully functional. This guitar also includes its original yellow lined Gibson case.
This guitar is in very good condition. The body has previously been refinished at some point in its life, appearing to have been lacquered over the original sunburst finish. This refinish has been cut back to the original factory sunburst, although there is evidence of the refinish around the neck heel, lower cutaway horn and on the area that is covered by the pickguard. Otherwise, this guitar is internally and externally original with the exception of a set of like-for-like repro nylon bridge saddles and a re-fret.
As with all our vintage instruments, this 1964 ES-345 has been given a full service and appraisal by the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
