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1962 Gibson ES-345TDC

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Serial #: 53343, orange label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Finish: Original cherry finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Solid Honduras mahogany neck; arched maple top, back, and sides; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard.

Hardware: 100% original gold hardware includes twin Patent Applied For pickups, factory installed Bigsby tailpiece, black reflector cap volume and tone knobs; beveled b/w/b/w/b pickguard with gold support bracket, Varitone selector control, Kluson Deluxe tuners with single ring tulip keys (one button replaced), ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge with nylon saddles, 3-way pickup selector switch, "Stereo" truss rod cover, "Custom Made" factory nameplate.

Notes: Introduced in the Spring of 1959, the ES-345 was an upmarket upgrade to the popular ES-335, combining Gibson's reputation for cutting-edge innovation with classic traditional design. The slim depth body was easier for players to hold than conventional archtops, the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, and the revolutionary Patent Applied For humbucking pickups set a standard of performance unmatched to this day. With its revoutionary Varitone circuitry, and elegant gold hardware throughout, the 345 became an instant classic, and remained one of the worlds' most innovative electric guitars, until regular production ceased over three decades ago.

One of just 204 examples produced in its model year, this outstanding guitar is factory equipped with original twin gold PAF humbucking pickups, electronics, and shielding cans. Lovingly maintained, the instrument is free of pick, or thumb wear, and shows some attractive flame figure in the back. Remarkably, the original cherry finish shows virtually no weather checking, and apart from a few scattered lacquer nicks, shows few signs of playwear altogether.

The neck has the generous 1 11/16" nut width and the elegant gentle D profile that makes guitars from this era so beloved by players. Just slightly slimmer front to back than the bigger 50's necks, the profile of this era is effortlessly playable, with original medium-jumbo frets, famously easy on the fingers.

The original gold PAF pickups produce a smooth, high output signal with all the snap, crunch and sustain you'd expect from the world's most sought after electronics. The innovative Varitone control affords a wide variety of tonal colors, and the original factory installed Bigsby adds versatility for blues, rockabilly or surf-rock soloing. A single tuner button has been replaced with a correct hand antiqued single ring key, and the peghead shows a small chip at the corner on the treble side; otherwise the guitar shows no signs of repair.

With the price of original PAF 335's reaching stratospheric heights, this rare and handsome alternative delivers all the performance, and true vintage quality, at the price of some high-end reissues. And all nestled in its original plush lined black alligator case. One only: call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

Case: Original Gibson deluxe arched black alligator hardshell case, with gold plush lining.

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