Gibson ES-345TDC (1964)

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Product information

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.

Body
Style
Semi-Hollowbody
Body
Laminated Maple with centerblock
Finish
Nitrocellulose
Color
Cherry

Hardware
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
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"

Other
Serial #
175921
Weight
7lbs 14oz
Case
Gibson Hardshell

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