1968 Gibson ES-345 TDC just into the shop on consignment!
If the stereo wiring and varitone circuit aren't quite your bag, but you love the look of a dressed up ES-335, this is the one for you. This ES-345 was converted from its factory stereo configuration to a mono wiring setup, and along with an amazing refret by vintage guitar guru Holger Notzel, it delivers some serious playability.
The original Patent Number T-Top humbuckers are bright and punchy, with a particularly clear top end that can cut right through a band mix. The original magnets were flipped to allow for the "in-phase" two pickup sound typically absent in these models, but otherwise feature their original winds. A quality repro wiring harness was also installed as part of the conversion, but the original factory harness and variton choke are included with the sale should the next owner want to revert things to more of a factory spec.
The original tuners and trapeze tailpiece show off a good deal of their original gold plating, with the latter having slightly more contact wear and patina. The ABR-1 is a quality replacement as are the control knobs, but the pickguard, switch tip, and truss rod cover are original to the guitar. The original varitone potentiometer was left installed, disconnected, with its chicken head knob in place.
With the varitone circuit removed, this ES-345 weighs in at only 7lb 9oz - quite light for a Gibson semi-hollow! It's got a super comfortable Slim/Medium C neck that resembles the 62/63 carve to some degree, allowing for some speedy lead work and clean rhythm.
While not entirely in the "player grade" camp, this '68 ES-345 TDC has some changes that not only make it a great value, but a high-performance vintage electric that provides seriously tonal versatility.
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