| Comments | The ES-345 model with stereo and varitone was next to top of the line for Gibson thinlines – the next step was the ES-355, with the same general features but an ebony fingerboard, block position markers, more binding, and often a Bigsby or Maestro Vibrola. The TDC in the formal model name means that it’s a Thinline, Double pickup, and Cherry finish.
This 1968 Gibson ES-345 TDC Stereo is in good condition and plays well. |
| Serial Number | 940767, built during 1968 at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. |
| Pricing | $3,799.99 CAD with original case. SOLD |
| Neck | Mahogany neck with bound rosewood fingerboard, split parallelogram position markers, black headplate with Gibson logo and leaf in mother of pearl. There has been a headstock repair – at some point, one of the headstock ‘wings’ cracked and was glued back on. This may have occured due to a replacement tuning gear being a bit too tight. The repair is stable and the damage was not structural. |
| Frets | Original frets with some wear. |
| Body | Classic Gibson thinline ES-3×5 body design, with maple laminate top, back and sides, maple block down the center, and F-holes. |
| Finish | Original gloss nitrocellulose lacquer cherry tint finish, with some wear. |
| Hardware/electronics | Wired as stereo, with varitone. There have been some wiring repairs or modifications somewhere in the past; the bridge pickup pots are missing their sheilding cans. Gold plated metal components; the ABR bridge has the nylon saddles typical of the period. Currently has gold Kluson-Deluxe tuners with plastic keystone buttons, but other tuners have been installed in the past. |
| Playability/Action | Plays well and cleanly. This version of the design, with the trapeze rather than the stop tailpiece, has a rounder, more resonant tone with less attack. |
| Case | Original hardshell case included. |
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