1964 Gibson Memphis ES-345 "64 SEAFOAM GREEN" + OHSC (2016 VOS)

2016 Gibson ES-345 Memphis "1964 VOS" (Vintage Original Specs)
Unique Seafoam Green Finish (Custom Color)
6-Way Varitone Switch Knob
OHSC + COA + Case Candy Included

Adult owned only. Children-free, Smoke-free, Pet-free household. No gigging, no outdoor play.
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Up for sale is a gorgeous Seafoam Green Gibson ES-345 made from the Memphis factory in 2016. 

VERY RARE model - only 50 units TOTAL were released for this specific color and model worldwide. Only available for 1 year and has now been discontinued and cannot be purchased new on the retail market.

This Gibson ES-345 is in near mint and showroom condition. Some minor smudges on metal hardware. Some minor scratches/swirls on pickguard from home play. Some minor marks on side of headstock from being placed on a stand. It is in the same new condition as guitars hung up on upper section at Guitar Center/Sam Ash/etc. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK.

This Seafoam Green finish is one of the best finish colors Gibson has released in their lineup. The Green color changes from a Seafoam Green.. to a Surf Green.. to a Frost Blue.. depending on the lighting of the room. Truly a really beautiful color that is very uncommon for Gibson guitars. Definitely 60's style surf rock inspired.

Pickups have been professionally upgraded to Tim Shaw Era PAFs + Seymour Duncan Antiquities for both neck/bridge humbuckers (over $500+ in value). These humbuckers are a bit hotter than the original Gibson humbuckers - great balanced pickups for blues/rock/jazz. The Seymour Duncan Antiquities provide a great balance of snappiness and warmth for the player. ORIGINAL GIBSON MHS HUMBUCKER PICKUPS WILL BE INCLUDED IN SALE.

Other than the upgraded pickups, everything else is all factory original. Beautiful and very unique "split-parallelogram" abalone inlays starting from 3rd fret. Gives it a different vibe than the standard Gibson pearl inlays and the Gibson LP Custom Block Inlays. Very nice looking double binding that goes throughout the entire guitar body and neck. Original vintage style Kluson Deluxe tuners with superior tuning stability.

Super cool 6-way Varitone switch knob located near the output jack. Same Varitone knob style as the ES Gibson that B.B. King played. I usually put the Varitone at either 1 or 2.. but you can go to 3-6 as well. Gives you a variety of different sounding tones that you can play around with. Similar concept to a coil-split feature but without using the volume buttons to push.

Very classy "Gibson Pearl Crown" right in the center of headstock. Standard 4 knobs (2 volume / 2 tone), standard 3-way toggle switch (neck/middle/bridge). SUPER COMFORTABLE NECK PROFILE. Gibson stayed true to their original 1964 Gibson ES-345 neck spec. Very balanced neck profile that most hand sizes/shapes will enjoy.

Overall, this is just a very nice Gibson semi-hollowbody electric guitar. The Custom Color Seafoam Green makes it stand out from any average Gibson out there. This ES-345 looks good.. but it plays even better. It's a great guitar for both guitar players and collectors alike. One of my favorite Gibson guitars I've played to date.

Comes with:
- 2016 Gibson ES-345 Memphis "64' Seafoam Green"
- Original Gibson Memphis Hardshell Case
- Original Gibson Memphis Humbuckers (both bridge/neck included)
- Original Gibson Memphis COA
- Original Gibson Warranty cards + Tags
- Misc (original case key, etc).

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

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GIBSON ES-345 FACTS:

Gibson ES-345: The Iconic Semi-Hollow Guitar

The Gibson ES-345 is a legendary semi-hollow electric guitar introduced in 1959 as a higher-end counterpart to the Gibson ES-335. Renowned for its versatility, elegant design, and rich tonal palette, the ES-345 has been a favorite of blues, jazz, and rock guitarists for decades.

Key Features

1. Semi-Hollow Body:

   • Combines the warmth of a hollow body with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid body.
   • Features a center block to reduce feedback, making it ideal for high-volume performances.

2. Construction:

   • Body: Made from laminated maple with a maple center block.
   • Neck: Typically mahogany, with a rosewood or ebony fingerboard.
   • Finish: Often features luxurious finishes like vintage sunburst, cherry, or natural.

3. Stereo Output and Varitone Switch:

   • The ES-345 includes a stereo output for splitting the signal into two separate amps or channels.
   • The Varitone switch is a six-position rotary control that allows players to select different tonal filters, providing a wide range of sounds from warm and mellow to sharp and biting.

4. Pickups:

   • Equipped with humbucking pickups (originally Gibson’s PAFs), delivering a warm, full-bodied tone with clarity and reduced noise.

5. Hardware:

   • Features gold-plated hardware, adding a touch of elegance.
   • Often comes with a Tune-o-Matic bridge and a stopbar tailpiece or a Bigsby vibrato system on some models.

Tone and Versatility

• The ES-345 is celebrated for its ability to handle a wide range of musical styles:
  • Warm, rich lows for jazz and blues.
  • Crisp, articulate mids for rock and pop.
  • Bright, singing highs for lead playing.

The Varitone switch adds even more tonal versatility, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead work.

Famous Players

The Gibson ES-345 has been played by numerous iconic guitarists, including:

• B.B. King: Known for his use of the Varitone-equipped ES-345 and ES-355 (nicknamed "Lucille").
• Freddie King: Another blues legend who favored the ES-345 for its singing tone and sustain.
• Chuck Berry: Used semi-hollow Gibsons like the ES-345 to create his signature rock 'n' roll sound.
• Keith Richards: Played an ES-345 during the early days of The Rolling Stones.

Differences from the ES-335

• Stereo Output: The ES-345 offers stereo capabilities, while the ES-335 does not.
• Varitone Switch: The ES-345 includes the Varitone feature for expanded tonal options.
• Aesthetic Upgrades: The ES-345 often features gold hardware and fancier inlays compared to the ES-335.

Modern Versions

• Gibson continues to produce reissue models of the ES-345, replicating its vintage specifications while incorporating modern reliability.
• The Custom Shop offers meticulously crafted versions for collectors and professionals.

Why Choose the ES-345?

1. Tonal Range:
   • The Varitone switch and humbuckers make it one of the most versatile semi-hollow guitars.
2. Classic Design:
   • A timeless aesthetic that looks as good as it sounds.
3. Premium Feel:
   • Gold hardware, elegant finishes, and high-quality craftsmanship set it apart.

Fun Facts

• The ES in the name stands for Electric Spanish, distinguishing it from Gibson’s acoustic and lap steel guitars.
• The Varitone circuit was designed to give players access to a broader range of tones, but some players bypass it for a more direct signal path.
• B.B. King famously removed the f-holes from his ES-345 to reduce feedback, creating his iconic "Lucille" guitar.