Gibson ES-345TDC (1964)
Semi-Hollow · HH (2 Humbuckers) Pickups · Vintage
A sweet sounding factory stoptail '64 345 that's been lovingly restored
We're having some serious luck with vintage ES models lately!This Cherry Red ES-345 just came in on consignment, and like the ones that came before it, it's a total tone machine. A factory stoptail model (no holes for an aftermarket Bigsby either- we checked) with a true wide nut and amazing Patent # humbuckers... does it get any better?
This 345 left the factory with the standard Stereo Varitone setup, and while it went through some minor changes over the years, it's recently been restored for maximum playability and sound. The stereo harness has been pulled in favor of a repro Mono harness a la 335, leaving the varitone switch locked in place to maintain an original aesthetic.
The pickups are original Patent # humbuckers, with the neck pickup having undergone a proper rewind by Ron Ellis due to a corroded and damaged coil. Ron also supplied an aged gold cover in the absence of the original, which matches the bridge pickup quite nicely. The pickups sound amazing, with the richness and clarity these late PAF-spec humbuckers are known for. Luthier and Vintage Restoration extraordinaire Laurent Brondel provided all of the electronics conversion work, as well as outfitting period-correct Klusons back onto the guitar, replacing an old set of Schallers. There's some light lacquer touchup on the headstock to help conceal evidence of the Schaller's mounting footprint and bushing marks, but rest assured there are no breaks whatsoever.
Laurent refretted the guitar with Jescar 51100 wire and set it up with super comfortable low action. It's as easy to play as you'll find any vintage guitar. The original ABR-1, stopbar, and studs remain, all with varying degrees of plating wear and patina. The pickguard is an earlier replacement, but looks the part nonetheless.
Many of these 345/355 guitars were shipped with Bigsbys, so finding a factory stopbar model from this period is no easy feat! This is such a great player of a guitar that has all of the critical elements intact.
Paired with a modern Gibson ES hardshell.
| Style | Semi-Hollowbody |
| Body | Laminated Maple with centerblock |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | Cherry |
| Pickups | Original Pat # 7.9k / 7.3k | Neck Pickup Rewind (Ron Ellis) |
| Electronics | Repro Mono harness |
| Controls | Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / Varitone Switch / 3-Way Toggle |
| Bridge | ABR-1 w/ Stopbar |
| Tuners | Gibson/Kluson |
| Pickguard | Repro |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Binding | White |
| Carve | Slim/Medium C | .81-.97" |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Radius | 12" |
| Inlays | Parallelogram |
| Frets | Jescar 51100 |
| Nut | Bone |
| Scale Length | 24 3/4" |
| Serial # | 175921 |
| Weight | 7lbs 14oz |
| Case | Gibson 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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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.
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