1964 Gibson ES-345 Sunburst

1964 was a really good year at Gibson. Almost every model from that year is near its peak and the 345 is no exception. While I love the 59's, I think the 64's are right up there with them. The reason is the neck profile (among other things). By late 59 the race was on between Fender and Gibson to make the "fastest" neck. And, probably more due to the marketing folks than the players, the necks got slimmer and slimmer. Fortunately the nut width wasn't messed with until 65 (and with it the values come crashing down). So, the wide fat neck of 58 and much of 59 became wide and flat by late 60 and pretty much stayed that way until late 63 and into 64. They stuck with a fairly slim profile at the lower frets but by the time you reach the 12th fret, that profile is quite a handful-bigger even than many 59's. This 64 ES-345 has that killer neck profile (.83" at the first and .98" at the 12th fret) and has a monster set of pickups. This guitar is loud and will overdrive your amp into fat, saturated bliss. It's no case queen but it's never been modded or messed with in any way. It is exactly as it left the factory but for some honest player wear. No changed parts and no excuses. Simply a great bone stock guitar. Condition is 8.5. Frets are original. There are some dings and some scrapes but nothing of much note. The worst of it is probably the gold on the stop tail that is flaking off. As is typical in 64, one of the pickups is missing its sticker but we can assume they are both patent numbers. They have never been out of the guitar as far as I can tell. The shielding cans are intact (there are only three in a 345 and a 355-the bridge pickup tone knob is too close to the rim to fit a can). The case is the original black with yellow/gold interior with the Gibson badge. The handle is replaced. So, if your collection is missing a 345, you can't go wrong with a stop tail 64. Don't like the Varitone and the stereo circuit? It's an easy thing to swap in a 335 harness. Just keep the stereo harness intact and put it away so the next guy has a choice as to how he wants his 345 configured. Pickups read 7.94K (bridge) and 8.28K (neck). Weight is 8 lbs 10 ounces but nearly a pound of that is the Varitone circuit. It will weigh just under 8 lbs converted to 335 spec.