A particularly clean 1964 Gibson ES-345 TD in sunburst, this is a superb example with the highly desirable factory stoptail configuration and a great ’64 neck profile. Sitting just above the ES-335 in Gibson’s semi-hollow range, the ES-345 added a touch more refinement with gold hardware, split parallelogram inlays and stereo/Varitone wiring, while retaining the same classic thinline semi-acoustic construction that has made this family of guitars so enduringly popular.

This example has a lovely, vibrant sunburst finish and presents very well throughout, highlighted perfectly but the slightly yellowed binding. The guitar retains its correct Union Made orange label, reflector knobs, short pickguard, gold hardware showing some tarnishing and age, and the correct wired ABR-1 and factory stoptail setup being a particularly appealing combination for both players and collectors. The original-style short guard is still present and carries the initial stickers “JF”.

The pickups are the correct Pat No. humbuckers, with the cover solder appearing intact, and they deliver everything you would hope for from a great mid-’60s ES model: warmth, clarity and that airy semi-hollow response, with plenty of articulation and bite when pushed, with the Varitone offering a plethora of really interesting tones as you'd expect.

The neck is one of the real highlights. It has a superb ’64 profile: comfortable, nicely rounded and substantial without feeling overly large. It measures 42.1mm at the nut, with depths of 20.8mm at the 1st fret tapering out to a full feeling 25.1mm at the 12th which feels great for lead playing and string bending, offering plenty of support. The frets appear original, the nut looks to have been changed, and the correct gold-plated single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners remain in place, now fitted with changed single-ring tips.

Condition-wise, this is a very clean and largely original example. There is an area of finish touch-up to the bass side of the neck pickup, most likely from thumb wear, but otherwise it remains a very smart and well-preserved guitar for its age. The gold hardware has aged attractively and the overall impression is of a guitar that has clearly been cared for while still showing light use over the years.

At 3.42kg, it is comfortable on the strap and has that lively, resaonant and responsive feel that the best ES guitars tend to have. A fine factory stoptail ES-345 from one of Gibson’s most sought-after periods, combining great looks, excellent originality, a superb neck profile and a superb pair of PAT No humbuckers.