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1961 Gibson ES-345TDSV

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Serial #: 2509, orange label FON#: R6541-10

Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Solid Honduras mahogany neck; maple top, back, and sides; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original gold hardware includes twin Patent Applied For pickups, stop tailpiece and studs; gold reflector cap volume and tone knobs; beveled b/w/b/w/b pickguard with gold support bracket; Varitone selector knob; Gibson Stereo truss rod cover. Vintage correct aged gold double ring Kluson Deluxe tuners, vintage gold Gibson Pat # Tuneomatic bridge.

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, the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, and the revolutionary Patent Applied For humbucking pickups set a standard of performance unmatched to this day. With its 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 three decades ago.

One of just 174 examples from its model year, this guitar has been carefully maintained by a single owner for over half a century. The factory order number indicates the guitar was begun in 1960, and its four digit serial number shows the instrument was finally shipped in early 1961. A very rare variant, this instrument was factory built with fingerboard inlays extending to the first fret, a feature seen only in this model year. The most upscale version of the 345, the SV is equipped with both stereo wiring and the Varitone multi-function control, for unmatched versatility in tonal range.

The neck has the generous 1 11/16" nut width and a gentle D profile: slimmer front to back than the big 50's necks, the shape is effortlessly playable. The frets are classic 60's medium-jumbos, and in excellent shape; with a fresh high-precision setup the guitar plays like melted butter.

The original gold PAF pickups measure 6.91K at the neck and 7.71K at the bridge, and produce a smooth, high output signal with all the snap, crunch and sustain you'd expect from the world's most sought after electronics. The nitrocellulose finish is 100% original, with a subtly shaded three tone sunburst showing only very light scattered checking. Pots and caps have been upgraded, a polished bone nut fitted, and a hand-aged set of vintage correct gold Kluson Deluxe tuners has been installed. Playwear is remarkably light: one of the peghead points shows a slight nick, and a bit of lacquer touchup is visible on the neck, though showing no sign of structural repair. The guitar is supplied with a stereo to mono 1/4" cable, allowing it to be played through any standard guitar amp, as a conventional mono-wired instrument.

With the price of original PAF 335's reaching stratospheric heights, this rare and handsome alternative delivers all the performance, and true vintage quality, at the 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: Original deluxe Gibson brown Lifton 'California Girl' arched plush lined hardshell case.

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