1959 Gibson ES-345
The 1959 ES-345 — the deluxe semi-hollow with stereo output and Varitone tone circuit. More versatile than the 335, with gold hardware and additional tonal options.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Maple/Poplar/Maple laminate (semi-hollow, center block) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with Bigsby vibrato or stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cherry Red, Natural |
| Est. Production | 400 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbucking pickups with stereo wiring and Varitone 6-position rotary switch.
What Changed in 1959
First year of the ES-345 — upscale version of the 335 with stereo output and Varitone circuit.
Collector's Notes
The Varitone circuit is a defining feature — guitars with original Varitone intact command premium. Many have been converted to mono or had the Varitone removed. Stop tailpiece versions are more valuable than Bigsby.
How to Authenticate a 1959 Gibson ES-345
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1959 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Verify original PAF or patent-number humbuckers. The ES-345 also has a Varitone circuit — check that the six-position switch and internal choke/inductor are present and functional. Distinguished by Varitone circuit and stereo wiring. Verify six-position Varitone switch. Gold-plated hardware. Dot neck. Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.