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1960 Gibson ES-345TDC

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Serial #: A-33668, orange label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/12th frets: 73/.79

Materials: Figured arched maple laminate body; Honduran mahogany neck with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard.

Hardware: Original hardware includes gold Kluson Deluxe tuners, 6 position Varitone tone control, long wide-bevel 5 ply pickguard with gold support bracket, black bonnet volume and tone knobs (3). Vintage Gibson hardware includes Patent sticker T-Top humbucking pickups with aged gold covers, ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge, stop bar, black bonnet tone knob (1).

Notes: Introduced in the Spring of 1959, the ES-345 was an upmarket upgrade to the popular ES-335, combining Gibson's reputation for cutting-edge innovation with classic traditional design. The thin body was easier for players to hold than conventional archtops, and the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback. With its stereo wiring and elegant gold hardware throughout, the 345 became an instant classic, and remained one of the worlds' most innovative electric guitars, until regular production ceased over 20 years ago.

This striking example is from the first catalog year for the cherry finish model (TDC), and is one of just 252 produced that year. It has the original long beveled pickguard, seen only in this and the following year, and was originally shipped with a trapeze tailpiece. The guitar was subsequently converted to a stop tail model, with a vintage gold Gibson stop bar, and wired ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge.

Well maintained without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, the guitar shows a spectacular tiger flame maple back, professionally refinished some years earlier. Body and neck are both crack free, with the front of the peghead oversprayed some time ago as well.

Best of all, the neck has the wide 1 11/16" nut and elegant D profile so well renowned in this model year. Notably slimmer front to back than the bigger 50's necks, the profile of this model year is effortlessly playable, and is one of the most desirable of all Gibson necks. A recent pro refret and fresh high precision setup make the instrument superbly comfortable to play, over the longest session.

The body and neck are well balanced, and at just 7lb. 15oz., the instrument sits comfortably on the lap or the shoulder, and is distinctly lighter than many versions to follow. The 60's vintage Gibson patent sticker T-Top humbuckers measure 8.25K at the neck and 9.15K at the bridge, with a smooth, high output signal, and the snap, vibrance, and sustain you'd expect from the world's most iconic electronics. For more convenient play with conventional amps, the 1/4" jack has been bridged to mono output as well.

With the cost of original 345s reaching stratospheric heights, this rare and eye-catching example is an exceptional player, and delivers true vintage performance, at a price of some high end reissues. One only: call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

Case: Period black plush lined hardshell case.

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