Gibson Custom 1961 ES-345 Sapphire Mist Bigsby 150618

Serial: 150618
Weight: 8lb 9.6oz

The Gibson Custom 1961 ES-345 in Sapphire Mist is a Made to Measure instrument that combines early-'60s semi-hollow styling with an unusual pickup configuration and a Bigsby vibrato. Finished in custom Sapphire Mist with a gloss treatment, this ES-345 features a laminated maple body, mahogany neck, and Indian rosewood fingerboard. Its nickel hardware, split parallelogram inlays, and distinctive pickup arrangement set it apart from a traditional ES-345 reissue.

The semi-hollow body features plain maple laminate construction with pressed maple top, back, and rims. Multi-ply binding outlines the top, while white binding complements the back and fingerboard. The Sapphire Mist finish covers the top, back, and sides, with a matching finish over the walnut-filled mahogany neck. A short ES-style pickguard is specially fitted to accommodate the neck pickup.

The mahogany neck features a 1961 ES-335 profile measuring approximately .800" at the first fret and .900" at the twelfth. Its Indian rosewood fingerboard features aged celluloid split parallelogram inlays, white binding, 22 Jescar frets, and a 24.75" scale length. A 1.6875" nut width and historic-style holly headstock veneer complete the vintage-inspired construction.

The electronics depart from the standard ES-345 configuration with a Memphis-style dogear pickup in the neck position, featuring a slanted cover, and a Custombucker humbucker in the bridge. The guitar uses vintage-taper potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors, without the Varitone circuit traditionally associated with the ES-345. A nickel ABR-1 bridge with brass saddles and Bigsby B7 vibrato provide the hardware foundation, complemented by Kluson double-ring tuning machines. A vintage-style black and yellow hardshell case and Gibson Custom Certificate of Authenticity are included.

Highlights

• Gibson Custom Made to Measure 1961 ES-345 in Sapphire Mist

• Custom gloss finish with matching neck and nickel hardware

• Mahogany neck with 1961 profile and Indian rosewood fingerboard

• Memphis-style dogear neck pickup and Custombucker bridge humbucker

• Bigsby B7 vibrato, ABR-1 bridge, and Kluson double-ring tuners

Specifications

Body

• Body Style: Semi-Hollow

• Body Shape: ES-345

• Body Material: Plain Maple Laminate

• Top: Pressed Plain Maple Laminate

• Back: Pressed Plain Maple Laminate

• Rims: Pressed Plain Maple Laminate

• Top Binding: 3-Ply White/Black/White

• Back Binding: White

• Finish Color: Sapphire Mist

• Neck Finish Color: Sapphire Mist over Walnut Filler

• Finish Treatment: Gloss

Neck

• Neck Material: Mahogany

• Neck Profile: 1961 ES-335

• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .800"

• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .900"

• Scale Length: 24.75"

• Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood

• Fingerboard Inlays: Aged Celluloid Split Parallelograms

• Fingerboard Binding: White

• Frets: 22 Jescar FW45100

• Nut Width: 1.6875"

• Headstock Veneer: Historic ES-335 Holly

Hardware

• Bridge: Nickel ABR-1 with Brass Saddles

• Tailpiece: Bigsby B7 Vibrato

• Tuning Machines: Kluson Double-Ring

• Hardware Finish: Nickel

• Pickguard: Short ES-335 Style, Fitted for Dogear Pickup

• Pickup Mounting Rings: Black

• Control Knobs: Gold Top Hats

• Dial Pointers: Included

• Toggle Switch Tip: Cream

• Truss Rod Cover: True Historic Engraved "STEREO"

• End Pin: Aluminum

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Memphis-Style Dogear with Slanted Cover

• Bridge Pickup: Custombucker Humbucker

• Pickup Configuration: Mixed Dogear/Humbucker

• Control Assembly: ES-Style with Vintage-Taper Potentiometers

• Capacitors: Paper-in-Oil

• Varitone: None

Miscellaneous

• Brand: Gibson Custom

• Model: 1961 ES-345

• Collection: Made to Measure

• Orientation: Right-Handed

• Serial Number: 150618

• Case: Vintage-Style Black/Yellow ES-355 Hardshell

• Certificate of Authenticity: Gibson Custom COA Included

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

Tone Shop Guitars is an independent Gibson dealer with locations in Addison, Southlake and Fort Worth, Texas. We offer free nationwide shipping on new instruments and multiple financing options.