Gibson ES-345 Custom 1959/60 - Sunburst

**HOLD**Back in the day, Gibson would build just about any guitar you wanted as long as it was based on one of their existing models. These one-offs or custom builds are rare and sometimes a little strange (Byrdland tailpieces on a 355 and ornate headstock inlays on a 335 and so on). This one is a pretty cool (and unique) mix of features. Gibson calls it a 345. OK, but there's no Varitone and I have never (ever) seen a mono 345 with no Varitone. That sort of qualifies it as a 335 in my mind. The top binding is 345 three ply and the headstock is the usual 335/345 crown inlay. It is routed for a Varitone even though there isn't one. But it has an ebony board and big block markers-it's a 355 fingerboard with fretless wonder frets (in great shape, by the way). The hardware is gold and in case you forgot to ask, the pickups (sealed PAFs) are in phase unlike a stereo 345. The Bigsby is the correct narrow plate type you only see on 59's and early 60's. Stop tail bushings are under the pearl dots (no Custom Made plates until late 60). The FON is 59. The serial is early 60. Call it a 59 or call it a 60. I usually go by the serial so it's a 60. Neck is medium "transitional" profile measuring .84" at the first fret and .95" at the 12th. Nice. Weight is 8.5lbs but set it up as a stop tail and it will be under 8 (a B7 Bigsby weighs around 10-12 ounces). This is a tricky one to price because it is unique and the things that make a 345 worth less than a 335 (Varitone and stereo circuit) aren't there. Maybe closer to a mono 355 than a 345. Brown Gibson badged case is near mint as is the guitar. I'll call it a 9+. It plays amazingly well. Fretless wonders aren't for everybody but I think this guitar deserves to be the centerpiece of someone's serious collection. One other thing worth noting-I got it with a tortoise guard (short) but it was obvious by the bracket position and the fact that the mounting block on the tortoise guard was moved, that this guitar originally had a long guard. In fact the short tortoise guards didn't even exist until very late 60. So, I have swapped in a real 60 long guard. If you want the tortoise guard, I'll swap it back in. No problem (but you don't get both of them).