I am offering a Gibson Memphis ’64 ES-345TD Historic Burst VOS from 2014, a manufactured at the Custom Shop in Memphis, Tennessee (USA), reissue model of a 1964 Gibson ES-345 featuring a top, back and sides made of maple/poplar/maple laminate, including a solid maple center block, set-in mahogany neck with 1964 Rounded “C” neck profile, bound rosewood fretboard with split parallelogram inlays, two hand-wound Gibson MHS Historic AlNiCo II & III humbucker pickups, including sophisticated electronics with a Varitone rotary switch, high-quality Kluson double-ring tulip buttons, vintage tuners as well as Gibson No Wire ABR bridge with nylon string saddles and aluminum stopbar in a beautiful Historic Burst VOS nitro finish in excellent collector's condition including black Gibson Custom luxury hardshell case, manufacturer's papers (including C.o.A.) and professional setup with 10-gauge Elixir strings.

This 2014 Gibson ES-345TD, part of the “Historic Reissue” series, is a faithful reproduction of the legendary 1964 model from the former Gibson Custom Shop location in Memphis, Tennessee. With its semi-hollow body construction featuring a solid maple center block, this model combines the best qualities of acoustic resonance and electric feedback control—a design that has been considered a milestone since its introduction in the early 1960s.

Compared to the simpler ES-335, the ES-345 featured higher-quality components and came equipped with a 6-way Varitone rotary switch. Gibson naturally viewed the more lavish features as an upgrade—after all, the concept had already been successfully established by the Les Paul Standard and Les Paul Custom. However, the ES-345 failed to achieve a major breakthrough, as the two capacitors required by the Varitone circuit were quite large and, above all, heavy at the time—players preferred the lighter ES-335 instead. Today, things are different: the Varitone electronics are, if anything, only marginally heavier than those of the ES-335, but with its array of capacitors and resistors, it offers more than adequate tonal variations that can meaningfully complement the sound palette. The Varitone really shines with overdrive sounds, delivering some highly interesting alternatives with almost singlecoil-like tones.

However, if you don’t know what to do with the Varitone, you can safely leave it in the bypass position. The hand-wound MHS humbuckers with AlNiCo III (neck) and AlNiCo II (bridge) deliver warm, open cleans, bluesy mids, and a clearly defined vintage crunch with transparent response in the PAF style. Combined with the traditional ABR bridge featuring nylon saddles and an aluminum stopbar, this creates an exceptionally dynamic playing feel with an authentic 60s tone character.

The set-in hide-glued mahogany neck with a medium-wide 1964 Rounded “C” profile sits comfortably and balanced in the hand and, in combination with the pleasantly rolled fretboard binding, ensures excellent playability right up to the highest registers. The short scale length of 628mm and the 43.3mm nylon nut support the soft attack and nuanced dynamics.

A sound sample of the model can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

Visually, this ES-345TD shines in a beautifully aged Historic Burst VOS nitro finish with an authentic patina. Classic split parallelogram inlays made of period-correct aged celluloid, the black 4-ply pickguard, multi-ply cream-colored body binding, and subtly tarnished gold VOS hardware underscore the historically inspired aesthetic and give it a timeless, classic appearance.

Technical Specifications:

• Origin: Memphis, TN, USA
• Year of manufacture: 2014
• Construction: Semi-hollow with solid maple center block
• Top: Maple/poplar/maple, laminated
• Back/sides: Maple/poplar/maple, laminated
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in (hide glue)
• Neck profile: 1964 Rounded “C”
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with Aged Cellulose Split Parallelogram inlays and rolled fingerboard bindings
• Fingerboard radius: 12"
• Frets: 22
• Nut: 43.3mm, nylon
• Pickups: 2x Hand-wound Gibson USA MHS Historic AlNiCo II & III humbuckers
• Electronics: 3-way switch, 2x volume & 2x tone controls, Varitone rotary switch
• Tuners: Kluson Double Ring Tulip Buttons Vintage Tuners
• Bridge: Gibson No Wire ABR with nylon saddles and aluminum stopbar
• Hardware: Gold VOS
• Bindings: Cream, multi-ply
• Pickguard: Black, 4-ply
• Finish: Historic Burst VOS High-Gloss, Nitrocellulose
• Scale length: 628mm
• Weight: 3.79kg
• Serial No.: 41742
• Includes black Gibson Custom luxury hardshell case, certificate (C.o.A.)

The Gibson Custom Shop 1964 ES-345TD Historic Burst VOS was built in 2014 and is extremely rare.

This Gibson CS ES-345TD is in excellent collector’s condition and technically flawless. Visually it shows only occasional, finest wear (see photos). The frets are in great condition.

The instrument has received a professional setup with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €49.99 within Germany or €119.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All images shown are of the actual instrument for sale.