Gibson ES 345 : The history of an underrated gem

  • Post comments:0 Comments
  • Reading time:5 mins read
You are currently viewing Gibson ES 345 : The history of an underrated gem
Representation image: This image is an artistic interpretation related to the article theme.

Gibson ES-335: A Timeless Classic

The Birth of a Legend

In 1958, Gibson introduced the ES-335, a revolutionary semihollow archtop guitar that would go on to become one of the most iconic and sought-after instruments in the world. The ES-335 was a game-changer, combining the best of both worlds: the warmth and resonance of a hollow-body guitar with the sustain and playability of a solid-body electric. The ES-335 was designed to fill a gap in the market for a guitar that could deliver the rich, full-bodied sound of a hollow-body instrument while still offering the versatility and durability of a solid-body electric. Gibson’s engineers worked tirelessly to perfect the design, experimenting with various materials and configurations to achieve the perfect balance of tone and playability.

Key Features

  • Hollow-Body Construction: The ES-335 features a semihollow body made from a combination of mahogany and maple, providing a rich, resonant sound with excellent sustain. Solid-Body Neck: The neck is made from mahogany, offering a smooth, fast playing feel and excellent sustain.

    The ES-335T was a more expensive model than the ES-345T, with a higher price point due to the deluxe wiring loom and the six-position Varitone switch.

    The ES-345T: A Thinline Model with a Twist

    The ES-335T was a variation of the ES-335 model, with the main difference being the addition of a thinline body. This design change allowed for a more comfortable playing experience, as the thinline body reduced the weight of the guitar while maintaining the same level of tone and sustain.

    Key Features of the ES-335T

  • Thinline Body: The ES-335T featured a thinline body design, which reduced the weight of the guitar while maintaining its tone and sustain. Deluxe Wiring Loom: The ES-335T came with a deluxe wiring loom, which included a six-position Varitone switch. This switch allowed for a wide range of tonal variations, making it a popular choice among guitarists. High-Quality Electronics: The ES-335T featured high-quality electronics, including a pair of humbucking pickups and a master volume control.

    For many players, the ES-345 hit the sweet spot between form and function, offering a little more glam than the ES-335 with the same easy playability and tonal versatility. Notable among those who have taken the middle ground are B.B. King, Elvin Bishop, Freddie King, George Harrison, Bob Weir, Steve Howe, Keith Richards, Joe Bonamassa, Jorma Kaukonen and several others. Often noted, too, is the fictional character Marty McFly from the movie Back to the Future, although the scene in which he duckwalks across the prom stage wielding a cherry ES-345 was set in 1955, four years before the model came along.

    The ES-345’s output is a single-ended, single-channel design that is more akin to the output of a vintage tube amp than a stereo system.

    The ES-345’s Sound

    The ES-345 is known for its warm, rich, and full-bodied sound. It is a versatile instrument that can produce a wide range of tonal colors, from bright and snappy to smooth and mellow. The guitar’s pickups are designed to capture the nuances of the player’s style, allowing for a high degree of expressiveness and control over the sound. Key characteristics of the ES-345’s sound include: + Warm and rich tone + Full-bodied sound + Versatile and expressive + Can produce a wide range of tonal colors

    The ES-345’s Design and Construction

    The ES-345 is a solid-body electric guitar made from a combination of mahogany and maple. The guitar’s body is made from a single piece of mahogany, while the neck is made from a single piece of maple. The fretboard is made from rosewood, and the guitar features a set-in neck design. Key features of the ES-345’s design and construction include: + Mahogany and maple construction + Set-in neck design + Rosewood fretboard + Single piece body and neck

    The ES-345’s Electronics

    The ES-345 features a single-ended, single-channel design for its electronics. This means that the guitar has a single output jack and a single volume and tone control.

    Removing the Varitone switch and the choke eliminates the ES-345’s unique sound.

    Removing the Varitone switch and the choke also eliminates the ES-345’s ability to produce the ES-345’s unique sound.

    The ES-345: A Legendary Electric Guitar

    The ES-345 is a highly sought-after electric guitar model produced by Gibson, known for its rich, warm, and articulate sound. Introduced in 1958, the ES-345 has been a favorite among professional musicians and collectors alike.

    History of the ES-345

    The ES-345 was designed to be a more affordable alternative to the ES-335, which was introduced in 1958. The ES-345 was marketed as a more budget-friendly option, with a lower price point and a more compact body shape. Despite its lower price point, the ES-345 was still built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring a rich and articulate sound.

    Key Features

  • Bigsby Vibrato Tailpiece: The ES-345 was originally equipped with Bigsby vibrato tailpieces, which were later removed in many mono conversions. Varitone Switch: The ES-345 features a Varitone switch, which allows players to switch between different tonal settings. Choke: The ES-345 has a choke that enables the Varitone switch to function, adding weight to the guitar.

    The Gibson ES-345 is a legendary electric guitar that has been a staple of rock music for decades. With its rich history, stunning looks, and versatility, it’s no wonder that the ES-345 has remained a favorite among guitarists for so long.

    The Birth of a Legend

    The Gibson ES-345 was first introduced in 1958, a year that marked a significant turning point in the history of electric guitars.

    • Leave a Reply