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Gibson ES-345TD Sunburst (1965)

Semi-Hollow · HH (2 Humbuckers) Pickups · Vintage

Currently unavailable
DOCUMENTED HONESTLYEvery repair, every change
VETTED ON THE BENCHBefore it's listed
SINCE 1968Still independent

A beautiful playing transitional-era ES-345 with a "Mono" mod, wide nut, and excellent sounding Patent Number pickups

1965 Gibson ES-345TD in Sunburst finish just in on consignment!

We LOVE 345s. The paralellograms, the gold hardware - hard to argue with the elevated aesthetics on a 335-style build, right? But sometimes that Stereo Varitone can be a bit challenging to use in a "grab and go" environment.

Have no fear- this 345 has been professionally modified to mono wiring. Leave that second amp at home! Beyond the fairly common mod, this is a very clean and almost entirely original example of a transitional 345. It was produced early enough in the year to still have the desirable 1 11/16" nut width - officially 1.65" by our measurement. The original ABR-1 bridge with nylon saddles was not favored by the consignor, so into the case pocket it went in favor of a quality Faber replacement.

The Patent # humbuckers exhibit much of that late PAF voice, with a beautiful harmonic bloom and great output that drives an amp wonderfully without overpowering it. It remains out of phase in the middle position, but the flip of a magnet can correct that should the next owner opt for it.

Overall condition is excellent, with mostly lighter signs of play wear throughout. The gold hardware shows some typical wear and patina, but is still quite nice looking agains the Sunburst. The original hardshell case is also in very nice shape, albeit with a slightly musty odor likely developed from long term storage. Frets are original as are the seldom seen single ring Kluson tuners found on some of the late '64 to early '65 ES-345s.
Condition: Vintage. Fully inspected and set up by TME staff before it ships or leaves the showroom.
Style Semi-Hollowbody
Body Laminated Maple with centerblock
Finish Nitrocellulose
Color Sunburst
Pickups Pat #
Electronics Repro Mono harness (Original Stereo harness included)
Controls Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / Varitone Switch / 3-Way Toggle
Bridge Faber ABR-1 w/ Bigsby (original ABR-1 included)
Tuners Gibson/Kluson
Pickguard Original
Neck Mahogany
Binding White
Carve Slim/Medium C | .81-.96"
Fingerboard Rosewood
Radius 12"
Inlays Parallelogram
Frets Original
Nut 1.65" | Replacement
Scale Length 24 3/4"
Serial # 353525
Weight 8lbs 9oz
Case Original Hardshell

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.

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Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they'll play beautifully for decades to come.
Gibson ES-345TD Sunburst (1965)
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Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

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