Gibson’s latest ES-345 semi-hollow looks and plays like a 335 enhanced. Intact are the original ’64 Split Parallelogram fingerboard inlays and rich multi-ply cream body binding. But gone are the 6-way Varitone circuit (loved by some, reviled by others) and stereo outputs. In their stead, you’ll find a standard two-volume/two-tone control complement and speedy 3-way toggle. Where things get really interesting are the handwired Calibrated T-Type pickups with Orange Drop caps. This gives the 345 a mature and expressive tone that rivals some of the finest Thinlines ever built. The Gibson ES-345 also features a ’50s-style Rounded “C” mahogany neck — a decidedly chunkier profile than the ‘60s SlimTaper — joined to a 3-ply maple-poplar archtop body with bold Adirondack spruce bracing for great tone and attack. Paired with Gibson’s acclaimed ABR-1 TOM bridge and aluminum stopbar for enhanced performance and stylized by a set of Vintage Keystone tuners and Black Top Hat knobs with Silver Reflectors, the ES 345 is one playing experience you’re not likely to soon forget.
Historic appointments
As with the classic 345, Gibson’s latest sports deluxe acrylic Split Parallelogram fingerboard inlays and stunning 3-ply cream body binding. These appointments and more provide a feast for the eyes in today’s Gibson ES 345.
Classic Rounded “C” neck profile
Wrap your hand around the ES-345’s Rounded C mahogany neck, and you’ll know you’re in for something special. Full enough to remain comfortable all the way up and down the fingerboard, yet fast enough for fleet-fingered technical players, the ES-345’s neck is a recipe for satisfying tone and performance. Take it from GIBSON GUITAR CENTER guitarists: if you’re a fan of that 1950s neckfeel, the Gibson ES-345 is one guitar you’re not going to want to miss.