Gibson ES-345 T, Cherry (1959)

In near time capsule level condition, TME is proud to offer of one of the rarest semi-hollow electrics to roll out of Gibson's Kalamazoo factory. This magnificent single-owner 1959 Gibson ES-345 T in original Cherry Red finish might be the most well preserved example of this model in existence.

Why We Love This

We're going to be honest with you - we haven't seen a Golden Era Gibson electric this clean....ever???

We're proud and thrilled to offer up this stunning piece of Gibson Guitar history - a 1959 Gibson ES-345 T in Cherry Red.

Purchased new at Luca Accordion Studio in North Providence, Rhode Island in early 1960, we acquired this guitar from its original owner, who could write a book on how to maintain a guitar. Paraphrasing the original owner's words, "I babied this guitar, wiped it down and polished it after I played it, every time. It was my pride and joy." We can tell you with confidence - it shows.

With its bright and vibrant Cherry Red finish and gleaming original gold hardware throughout, this ES-345 is the epitome of top-tier semi-hollow electric guitar design and quality. You'd be hard pressed to find much in the way of actual quantifiable play wear or evidence of its 60+ year age. The original nitrocellulose finish shows almost no lacquer checking at all, and the gold hardware is very clean with only the lightest signs of plating oxidation, patina, or wear.

This happens to be one of the very first Cherry ES-345 models made available, with rare early version features like the black varitone switch ring, early style "long" pickguard, black bonnet knobs, and pre-"Stereo" truss rod cover. There are known to be less than six of these particular spec ES-345s in existence.

The original electronics remain entirely undisturbed throughout, including an amazingly powerful set of PAF humbuckers with their factory gold-plated covers. Moving up to the neck - the '59 neck carve is a total joy to play, with the perfect medium/full C profile and smooth taper. The original medium jumbo frets still have plenty of life left in them as well. The original gold-plated Kluson single line tuners work great and still feature their original tulip buttons that show no degenerative signs of aging.

If the condition, feel, and tone of this guitar wasn't enough, it also includes original Gibson documentation by way of the PAF instruction sheet and Varitone instruction sheet, along with the original gray Y-cable the owner purchased with the guitar.

There are really no more words that can accurately describe just how special of an instrument this is. Players and collectors alike can appreciate it's unmistakable tone and borderline musuem-quality condition. This is a guitar we'll remember forever, and one that has certainly made its mark in the canon of vintage instruments to have graced our little shop.