1967 Gibson ES-345
The 1967 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 | Grover Rotomatic |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cherry Red, Natural |
| Est. Production | 1,200 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two humbucking pickups with stereo wiring and Varitone switch.
What Changed in 1967
Norlin-era 345. Production increasing. Indian rosewood fingerboard.
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 1967 Gibson ES-345
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1967. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1967 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. Gibson used nitrocellulose lacquer through the late 1960s. Check for natural checking and wear patterns. Under UV light, original finishes fluoresce differently than refinishes. 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. Block inlays. Original Grover Rotomatic should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.