Gibson ES-345 1961 Humbucker/P-90 with Bigsby Sapphire Mist #150005

This Gibson Custom Select 1964 ES-345 in "Sapphire Mist" stands out thanks to carefully selected details characteristic of these unique creations. The Gibson Custom Select series comprises instruments featuring special appointments, such as rare finishes and specific hardware configurations. These details are hand-picked by skilled experts at the Gibson Custom Shop. Key features of this ES-345 include the "Sapphire Mist" finish, a Dogear P-90 pickup in the neck position, and a Bigsby® vibrato.

Originally introduced in 1959, the ES-345 is the upscale sibling of the ES-335, distinguished by features such as split-parallelogram inlays and multi-ply binding. The body is still shaped using the original machinery from the late 1950s.

The model shown here was produced in very limited numbers as part of Gibson’s "Made to Measure" program; its unique details make it a true rarity. These include the neck-position Dogear P-90 pickup, the stunning Sapphire Gloss finish, and the omission of the Varitone circuit typically found on the ES-345.

The neck features a "1964 Medium C" profile, modeled directly after historical originals. With a thickness of 0.874 inches at the first fret and 0.957 inches at the twelfth, this profile is similar to that of the 1959 models. The fretboard edges are rounded ("rolled edges") where the binding meets the wood, enhancing playing comfort.

general

• Model: 1961 ES-345 
• Finish: Nitrocellulose
• Color: Sapphire Mist
• Sr.-Nr.: 150005
• Weight: 3938 Gramm (8,68 lb)
• Glue: Hot hide glue
• Strings: Gibson 10 - 46

body

• Material: 3-Ply Maple/ Poplar / Maple
• Center Block: Lightweight Solid Maple
• Bracing: Selected Adirondack Spruce
• Binding: 1-Ply Cream

neck

• Material: 1-Pc. Mahogany
• Profile: Authentic '64 Medium C-Shape
• Saddle: Nylon
• Nut Width: 1.69" / 42.85mm
• Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood, Hide Glue Fit
• Inlays: Aged Celloloid Split Parallelogram
• Binding: 1-Ply Cream
• Frets: 22 Authentic Medium-Jumbo
• Headstock: Gibson Logo & Crown , Holly Headstock Veneer
• Joint: Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
• Scale Length: 62,86 cm / 24,75"

Electric

• Neck Pickup: Custom Dogear P-90
  
• Bridge Pickup: Custombucker Alnico III
• Controls: 2 Volume/2 Tone 
• Switches: 3-way toggle
• Type: handwired, matched CTS 500 kOhm Audio potentiometers

Hardware

• Bridge: ABR-1 Tune -O- Matic
• Tailpiece: Bigsby B7
• Tuning Keys: Kluson Single Line, Double Ring
• Control Knobs: Amber Top Hats 
• Pick Guard: Black 5-Ply Wide Bevel
• Strap Buttons: Aluminium

Accessories

• Gibson Black Hardshell Case
• Certificate of Authenticity