Gibson ES-345TD Cherry w/ Bigsby 1967
Description
Gibson ES-345TD Cherry w/ Bigsby 1967
The "ES-345," released in 1959 as the flagship model above Gibson's iconic semi-acoustic "ES-335," continues to captivate many players with its traditional boxy resonance combined with the sustain characteristic of a solid body guitar.
The unit we have in stock features serial number "097728" and is a genuine vintage from 1967. It weighs 4.09kg. The cherry color combined with gold hardware and the added Bigsby, along with the eye-catching "Varitone (Baritone) Switch" knob attached to the guitar, makes this a striking instrument. This was manufactured during the final period of narrow neck, one-piece mahogany neck construction, a highly sought-after era.
Beneath the chicken head-shaped knob, a notch filter with six different capacitors soldered to the switch's circuit board is equipped. Position 1 is true bypass, where the signal from the pickup flows directly to the volume pot. This signal does not pass through resistors or capacitors. The other five positions work to remove predetermined specific frequency bands. The Varitone switch functions without issue in its current state.
The body features a semi-acoustic structure with a center block set in the rim, topped with pressed maple plywood and a maple back. It features a rosewood fingerboard inlaid with split parallelogram inlays, offering high playability.
The two decal-numbered humbucker pickups installed match the characteristics of those from that era. Please judge from the images. Regarding the electrical components such as pots, due to operational issues, all four volume and tone pots have been replaced. The original pots that were originally installed are included, but the date cannot be read due to solder. Based on the volume torque, they are likely original. Originally configured as stereo output, it has been modified to mono with the jack replaced, and the pegs have been replaced with Grover models. The rotary switch has been cleaned by us, and the toggle switch has been replaced. The nut has also been replaced.
We have refretted and corrected the neck, so the playing condition is like new. While wearing parts and components have been replaced, with the important vintage elements preserved intact, this is an instrument that continues to be beloved by players for over 60 years, allowing you to experience the versatile Gibson ES tone that has been cherished.
As the ES-345 gets older, such as models from 1962, the price jumps dramatically. Even so, this is an opportunity to try this rare Gibson masterpiece from the mid-1960s that allows you to enjoy vintage semi-acoustic sound as an immediately playable instrument. Please take this opportunity to experience it.
【Accessories】Hard case (uncertain if original, but presumably a Gibson case from that era)
【Appearance & Condition】The instrument shows vintage-appropriate wear including dulling of parts, scratches and small dents, cracks in the finish, deterioration and peeling of binding, marks on the back of the headstock, and chips on the knob plate. The nut and saddle have been modified, and parts such as pegs have been replaced, with some wearing parts having been serviced.
【Truss Rod】Plenty of room
【Frets】No wear (Refretted)
【Neck】Straight
【Nut Width】Approximately 42mm
• If there are any buzzing, dead spots, or other issues that significantly impair playability, we will always note them. In the absence of such notation, we consider the playing condition to be problem-free.
• Unless specifically marked as "Original" or "Replacement," we do not make definitive statements regarding specifications or condition.
• Regarding the truss rod, from a product protection standpoint, we only check up to approximately 45 degrees in both the tightening and loosening directions. (When marked "Plenty of room," this indicates 45 degrees of clearance in both directions.)
• The posted content is as of the time of listing. There may be changes due to seasonal or aging factors.
• Accessories are limited to those shown in the posted photos and those listed on the product page.
• As we also sell items in-store simultaneously, items may be sold or under negotiation.
• We cannot accommodate requests for specific delivery time slots.
• For any further questions or if you would like to try the instrument, please contact us via the inquiry form or our store email address (mion-gakki@mion.tokyo).
• Our store hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (11:00–18:30).