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1968 Gibson ES-345 TD-SV

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Serial #: 972826, orange label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 9/16"

Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Solid Honduras mahogany neck; slab-cut maple top back, and sides; solid rosewood fingerboard, graphite nut.

Hardware: All original gold hardware, including twin Patent Number pickups with original covers, raised-diamond trapeze tailpiece, ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge with retaining wire; black bonnet volume and tone knobs; beveled 5 ply pickguard with support bracket; gold Kluson Deluxe tuners with single ring tulip pegs; Varitone tone selector; Gibson Stereo truss rod cover.

Notes: What do Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Freddie King, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Steve Howe and John McLaughlin all have in common? Besides being Certified Guitar Gods, they all played, at some point in their careers, Gibson's legendary ES-345.

Introduced in 1959, the ES-345 TD-SV (Stereo Varitone) 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 Varitone electronics added cutting edge technology: stereo electronics. Small wonder that the 345 became an instant classic, and has remained one of the worlds' most innovative electric guitars until production ceased over 20 years ago.

A handsome original specimen in superb condition, the guitar retains all its factory hardware and finish, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, only some scattered normal checking to attest to the age of its lovely sunburst nitro lacquer. The neck has a gentle "C" profile, with an easy, elegant feel, and a graphite nut. The original frets are classic mid-60's medium-jumbos, with smooth, low action from a fresh high-precision setup. The body and neck are deftly balanced, and the instrument sits smartly on the lap or the strap.

The original Pat. sticker humbucking pickups sing with a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and sustain, and the Varitone control produces a range of tonal colors unmatched in any comparable instrument. The guitar is supplied with a stereo-to-mono adapter plug as well, enabling mono play with any standard guitar cable and amp. A true 60's classic, in exceptional condition. 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. Action is set from 4/64" to 5/64th at the 12th fret, with light relief.

Case: Original deluxe Gibson arched black plush lined hardshell case.

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