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1959 Gibson ES-345TD

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Serial #: A-31953, orange oval label FON#: S1447-21

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/12th frets: .84/.91

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

Hardware: Original gold hardware includes Patent Applied For humbucking pickups, Kluson Deluxe single line tuners, ABR-1 no-wire Tuneomatic bridge, 6 position Varitone tone control, long wide-bevel 5 ply pickguard with gold support bracket, gold bell volume and tone knobs. Period gold Gibson aluminum stop tailpiece.

Notes: Introduced in February of 1959 as the 'Stereo Guitar', the ES-345 was Gibson's first model with stereo wiring and the new Varitone six position tone selector. An upmarket upgrade to the popular ES-335, the 345 combined 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 innovative electronics and elegant gold hardware, the 345 became an instant classic, and remained one of the worlds' most celebrated electric guitars. Though regular production ceased over 20 years ago, the model was not reissued for over a decade and a half, making these few original examples a coveted treasure for the player and collector alike.

This striking instrument is from the very first year for the model, and is one of 446 produced in its debut run. It has the original long beveled pickguard, seen only until 1961, and was originally shipped with a Bigsby Vibrola tailpiece. The guitar was converted to a stop tail model decades ago, with its original gold unwired ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge, and a vintage gold Gibson aluminum stop bar.

Lovingly maintained without pick, buckle, or thumb wear, the guitar shows a handsome original three tone sunburst, with the shorter cutaway horns of the earliest models. Body and neck are both crack free, with the lacquer finish showing enough typical age checking to vouch for its authenticity: nothing has been refinished or oversprayed, and the top still shows the faint outline of the original round Bigsby feet, unfaded over the decades.

Best of all, the neck has the wide 1 11/16" nut and fuller C profile so well renowned in this model year. With a bit more depth than it's skinnier successors, the profile of this model year sits smartly in the hand, and is one of the most desirable of all Gibson necks. Fine original medium jumbo frets and a fresh high precision setup make the instrument superbly comfortable to play as well, on stage or in the studio.

At 8lb. 4oz, the body and neck are well balanced, and distinctly lighter in weight than many versions to follow. The original unopened PAF humbuckers measure 8.53K at the neck, and 8.40 at the bridge, and sing with a smooth, high output signal, with the snap, vibrance, and sustain you'd expect from the world's most iconic electronics. The original gold Kluson Deluxe tuners have been fitted with vintage correct aged tulip keys, and a stereo-to-mono plug adapter is included as well, for more convenient play with standard mono cables and amps.

A rare find, and an exceptionally fine original example, from the dawn of one of the 20th century's most innovative guitars. 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; light gauge nickel roundwound strings installed.

Case: Original Lifton 'California Girl' plush lined hardshell case.

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