Gibson ES-345TD Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1963), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 100506, sunburst lacquer finish, laminated maple body; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
Overall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). This guitar is a real veteran, it remains very original but heavily played with a fantastic vibe. There is moderate finish wear and checking overall, but the only major area of loss is to the back of the neck where there is a lot of lacquer worn away between the 2nd and 11th fret. The rest of the instrument has numerous small dings and chips most notably on the edges of the headstock. There is also a small typical Gibson "smile" headstock repair, in the expected spot leaning slightly more to the treble side. The repair is solid with only the lightest topical touch-up, and no overspray or added finish to the area on the back of the neck. The headstock face shows a spot of finish disturbance just under the Gibson logo where it looks like some sort of applique was removed. The tuners are all original with some uneven shrinkage to the buttons-the A string in particular is rather mummified looking while the D shows comparatively little ageing. This is typical of Kluson tuners of the late '50's-early '60's period, and all the machines are still functional. The knobs, pickguard, stop tailpiece and early-style no-wire ABR-1 bridge are original and fully functional. The two gold-covered PAF pickups, pots and Varitone setup are all original but some of the wiring has been replaced (there is a package of pieces of shielded wire original rig included). The Varitone and stereo are still operating, but the jack has been replaced and (glory be!) it is possible to get a straight mono output by inserting a standard cord 3/4 of the way in. Very well refretted some time ago with plenty of life left to the wire. Equipped with two of the latest-issue PAF pickups from right before they were phased out this is a fantastic sounding instrument, absolutely blues-approved-an excellent player and an eminently giggable early-60's Gibson thinline. Includes a correct period black orange-plush lined HSC that once held a similar but Bigsby-equipped guitar. Very Good + Condition.
