Gibson ES-345 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar (with Case)

No longer available at zZounds
This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is designed after the original 1959 model. It features '57 humbucker pickups and a Tri-burst or Sunburst finish.

Much like the legendary ES-335, the Gibson ES-345 was introduced in the late '50s as part of Gibson's revolutionary new series of semi-hollowbodies. In construction and appearance, the stately ES-345 is much like the ES-335. It carries the same full-fledged tones and smooth playability that have made these go-to jazz and blues guitars for decades. Where the ES-345 makes its mark is in its distinct electronics and stylized details. Expertly crafted in Gibson's Memphis facility, the ES-345 is a true Gibson legend in its own right.

Distinct Electronics

The ES-345 distinguishes itself from other Gibson semi-hollowbodies with the inclusion of a varitone electronic system and stereo outputting option. The six-way varitone selector switch alters the frequency of the output from the dual '57 Classic humbuckers for a versatile array of vintage tones. From robust low-end to sizzling high-end options, the varitone's six modes create an enormous palette of sonic possibilities to work with. While the standard full-bodied textures of the ES-345 are ideal for jazz, the high-end crunch afforded by the varitone system is excellent for rock too -- the higher varitone options sound especially tasty through a distortion channel or pedal. Also included are stereo output jacks much like the ones used by B.B. King on Lucille.

Stylish Details and Quality Craftsmanship

The modern ES-345 is built in Memphis Tennessee by the master craftsmen at Gibson. The body is constructed from fine maple with read more a solid maple centerblock and single-piece mahogany neck. The fretboard is rosewood and features attractive split parallelogram inlays. Finely complemented by a gold-plated hardware, vintage tulip-style tuners, and white binding, the ES-345 carries a vintage visual vibe to match its unmistakable tone.

Features:

- Varitone six-way tone selector for wide array of sonic options
- Stereo output configuration
- Classic semi-hollowbody design and feel
- Vintage appointments with split parallelogram inlays, gold-plated hardware, and tulip-style tuners
- Maple back and sides, with mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard
- Solid maple centerblock for classic semi-hollowbody sustain
- Included Gibson hardshell case
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Body: plain laminated Maple top, back, and rims

Body Binding: Multi-ply binding on top, single-ply on back

Neck Species: 1-piece Mahogany

Profile: 1960 slim taper

Fingerboard Species: Rosewood

Scale Length: 24-3/4 in.

Number of Frets: 22

Nut Width: 1-11/16 in.

Inlays: Pearloid split-parallelogram

Fingerboard Binding: Single-ply

Hardware Plating Finish: Gold

Tailpiece: Stopbar

Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic

Tuners: Vintage tulip

Pickups: '57 Classic humbuckers

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way switch, Vari-tone switch

Strings: Brite Wire .010

Case: Black levant

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (10 ratings)
Submitted August 10, 2011 by a customer from suddenlink.net

"Gibson ES - Can't find one better"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
Varitone allows a wide selection of sounds. Combined with todays amps and additional controls nothing comes close to smooth if you want it and kick a$$ raunchy if you need it.
Features
Mine is stereo with a Bigsby arm and it stays in tune !! Stereo is great for pick up 1 in the treble amp and pick up two in the box with 15" speakers.
Ease of Use
The action is by far the best of any guitar I have put my hands on (and playing since 1962 I have touched a few.)
Quality
Finish is mahoganey sunburst with gold plated hardware. Looks amazing. As stated earlier - action is unbeatable.
Value
Expensive - but worth every penny. My most prized possession.
Manufacturer Support
Hey - don't need support with a quality instrument like this.
The Wow Factor
Hey - my wife was carrying this for me after gigs before we were married. She likes to listen to me play the blues and jazz on it. Is that what you call sexy ?

Musical Background:

active for 15 years (20 years ago)

Musical Style:

Rock, Blues, Jazz
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No longer available at zZounds

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