Gibson Custom Shop Limited Greatest Hits Collection II 1961 ES-345 Reissue - Gloss w/ VOS Hardware, Mono Varitone

The 1961 ES-345 Reissue in Zenith Gold is a stunning tribute to one of Gibson's most revered semi-hollow designs, reimagined as part of Gibson Custom's Greatest Hits Collection. This limited-run series celebrates decades of Made to Measure creativity and the artistry of our Nashville Custom Shop team, delivering instruments that blend historic accuracy with inspired aesthetics.

The ES-345 debuted in the early 60s as an upscale sibling to the ES-335, offering players elegant appointments and versatile electronics. This reissue captures that spirit with meticulous attention to detail. The body is crafted from a three-ply maple/poplar/maple laminate for exceptional resonance and clarity, along with a solid maple center block for increased sustain and feedback resistance. The body is paired with a solid mahogany neck for warmth and sustain. The long tenon neck joint, secured with hide glue, ensures a rock-solid connection that enhances tone and stability.

The Authentic 1961 neck profile feels instantly familiar, with a slim, comfortable taper that invites effortless playability. A rosewood fretboard with a 12-inch radius and 22 medium jumbo frets provides a smooth playing surface for bends and chords alike. Aged celluloid split parallelogram inlays add a touch of vintage sophistication, framed by single-ply fretboard binding for a clean, classic look. The nut is crafted from nylon for period-correct authenticity and measures 1.687 inches for ideal string spacing.

Electronics are true to the original concept, featuring a pair of '57 Classic humbuckers that deliver warm, articulate Patent Applied For-style tones with classic vintage bite. The mono Varitone switch expands tonal possibilities, offering a range of filtered sounds that made the ES-345 a favorite among adventurous players. CTS potentiometers and a Switchcraft three-way toggle and ¼ output jack ensure reliable performance, while black Top Hat knobs with silver inserts complete the retro aesthetic.

Every hardware detail reinforces the vintage vibe. The ABR-1 bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece are finished in gently aged nickel, complementing the Grover milk bottle tuners for precise. stable tuning. The Zenith Gold VOS finish has a subtle matte to its sheen, while lightly aged hardware imparts a tasteful patina that feels like a well-loved classic from day one.

Housed in a Gibson Custom hardshell case, the 1961 ES-345 Reissue is more than a guitar-it's a piece of history reborn for modern players who demand authenticity and artistry. Limited in number and unmatched in character, this model stands as a testament to Gibson's legacy of innovation and craftsmanship

• Brand Name: Gibson Custom Shop
• Model Name: Limited Greatest Hits Collection II 1961 ES-345 Reissue
• Finish Color: Zenith Gold
• Finish Type: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer with VOS Hardware
• Weight: 8.01 lbs.
• Body Wood: 3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
• Neck Dimensions: .790 1st - .910 12th
• Neck Wood: Solid Mahogany
• Neck Shape: Authentic 1961
• Fingerboard Wood: Indian Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Fingerboard Inlays: Aged Cellulose Split Parallelogram
• Frets: 22 Reissue Jescar FW45100, Medium Jumbo
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Width at Nut: 1.687"
• Pickups: 2 Aged '57 Classic Humbuckers with Mono Varitone
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way Switch
• Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar with VOS Nickel Plating
• Hardware: VOS Nickel
• Tuners: VOS Nickel Grover Milk Bottles
• Bridge: ABR-1 Historic, No-Wire with VOS Nickel Plating
• Pickguard: Multi-ply Black
• Case: Gibson Custom Hardshell