Up for sale, a 1979 Gibson ES-345 TDW in collector-grade, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of Gibson's premier semi-hollow models, the ES-345 TDW is an upscale version of the 335, with gold hardware and a six-position Varitone rotary switch, still factory wired for stereo operation. This particular model also features a full traditional 1 11/16” nut width, a notable contrast to the more slender 1 9/16" nut used on the majority of ES models from 1965 through the end of the '70s.

This ES-345 delivers a bold acoustic bark with plenty of chiming treble cut, qualities that translate well through the T-Top humbuckers. Still factory wired for stereo operation (modern stereo Y cable included), the bridge pickup has plenty of presence and midrange growl, while the neck humbucker is bold and warm, retaining great detail. Engaging the six-position rotary Varitone switch provides access to five very distinct tones (1st position bypasses the Varitone) for varying degrees of thinned out snap and midrange focused cut. This ES-345 TDW weighs 8lbs 10oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Maple (three-piece)
• Shape: Slender-to-chunky C, measuring .785” 1st fret, .975” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, split parallelogram inlays
• Frets: Medium jumbo, very faint wear favoring the plain strings on frets 1-3
• Scale Length: 24 3/4”
• Headstock: “Stereo” truss rod cover
• Nut: 1 11/16”
• Tuners: Gibson-branded (Schaller-made)
• Serialization: Eight-digit stamp dates to 1979

Body Specs:

• Wood: Maple (maple centerblock)
• Pickups: T-Top humbucker x2 (Apr 16, 1979 and Sep 20, 1979 date stamps on baseplates)
• Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Varitone (six-position rotary), three-way pickup selector, wired Stereo
• Hardware: Nashville bridge, trapeze tailpiece
• Plastics: Four-ply black pickguard, witch hat knobs, chicken head knob (Varitone)

The gloss Walnut finish is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, nearly opaque on top and revealing the grain more on the back, framed by multi-ply binding. Extremely well-kept, wear is limited to light pick scuffing across the strum path, one area of very faint buckle wear central to the lower bout on the back, and a few additional minor marks and finish scratches.

The original Gibson-branded hardshell case is included, along with a modern stereo Y cable.