Gibson ES-345 TDC (1968)
Vintage
A near-perfect example of a late 60s uncirculated Gibson ES-345 that delivers on tone, playability, and looks.
Why We Love This
Within a span of about one month, we had the rare "lightning strike" event of TWO one-owner Gibson ES-345 models walking through our doors. The first? A stunning 1959 ES-345 T in Cherry. And right behind it - this equally clean 1968 ES-345 TDC. The fact that both guitars would survive in the condition they're in and without so much as a screw changed or out of place is just insane!Believed to have been purchased new in the Boston area in the late 60s, this is a fabulous example of one of the last of the true 60s spec semi-hollow Gibsons, and it's about as complete as they come.
Its gorgeous rich Cherry Red finish shows little fading throughout, and accents the original gold hardware perfectly along with the dark contrast of the factory black plastics. With the exception of the original Pat # early T-top humbucker covers, the gold plated hardware remains quite clean, from the double line Kluson tuners to the ABR-1 bridge and trapeze tailpiece.
In typical late 60s fashion, this ES-345 TDC features a narrower 1 9/16" nut width along with a Slim C neck shape that has a big, full taper. The original medium jumbo frets have been lightly crowned and dressed to maximize playability; to be honest, they feel great in-hand. The original humbuckers are fantastic sounding, with a nice bright top end, clear midrange, and medium output that allow for stellar clean and dirty tones alike.
What more can be said? All in all it's just a wonderful playing, sounding, and looking ES-345 that hasn't been on the market in over 60 years, and is ready for another 60!
| Style | Semi-Hollowbody |
| Body | Laminated Maple with centerblock |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | Cherry |
| Pickups | Original Patent # (7.75k Neck / 7.63k Bridge) |
| Electronics | Original |
| Controls | Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / Varitone Switch / 3-Way Toggle |
| Bridge | Original ABR-1 w/ Original trapeze tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Double Line |
| Pickguard | Original |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Binding | White |
| Carve | Slim C w/ larger taper: .78-.95" |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Radius | 12" |
| Inlays | Parallelogram |
| Frets | Original Medium Jumbo |
| Nut | Original |
| Scale Length | 24 3/4" |
| Condition | Excellent+ / Exceptionally well maintained with very little lacquer checking scuffs or dings |
| Serial # | 980968 |
| Weight | 8lbs 7oz |
| Case | Original Gibson Case |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.