This is a fine example of the classic Gibson ES-345TD Stereo Varitone and one that has come down to us in remarkably original condition. It was made in Kalamzoo in 1960 and it’s in excellent structural and cosmetic condition. It has all of its original parts, including the PAF humbuckers and the Kluson single line tuners with 5 original keystone buttons, and one replaced button(b string). It’s fitted with the original ABR-1 bridge and stop bar tailpiece. The gold hardware shows some signs of wear, but most of the plating is still bright.
The S prefix Factory Order Number (S1795) tells us production was started in 1959, and the neck profile seems transitional between the more bulky '59 shape and the slimmer 1960 neck that followed. Gibson stamped Factory Order Numbers when production was started, but serial numbers weren't assigned until after an instrument was completed. The sunburst finish is still vibrant and shows almost no signs of fading. It has just the slightest amount of crazing. It shows some surface wear, but except for an odd blemish under the low E tuner this ES-345 has that used-but-never-abused vibe throughout. This guitar was recently refretted here at Gryphon, so it plays and feels like a new guitar. Includes the original brown and pink hardshell case.
