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Description

The 1970 Gibson ES-345 is a vintage gem from the golden era of guitar craftsmanship, offering a unique blend of stereo output and semi-hollowbody design that has made it a favorite among professional musicians for decades. This instrument is revered for its warm, resonant tones, which are perfect for a wide range of genres from blues to jazz, and even rock. Its semi-hollow construction provides a rich, full-bodied sound while minimizing feedback, making it an ideal choice for both studio recording and live performances.

Featuring dual humbucker pickups, the ES-345 delivers a versatile tonal palette. Its stereo wiring allows you to split the signal for a truly expansive sound experience, a feature that was quite innovative for its time. The guitar's Varitone switch further enhances its versatility, offering multiple tonal options by altering the frequency response.

The 1970 Gibson ES-345 also boasts a comfortable neck profile that allows for smooth playability across the fretboard. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the binding on the body to the inlays on the neck, reflecting Gibson's commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for warm, resonant tones
  • Dual humbucker pickups for versatile sound
  • Stereo output for expanded sonic possibilities
  • Varitone switch for multiple tonal options
  • Comfortable neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Iconic vintage craftsmanship and detail

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-345TD
Finish Cherry, Ebony, Sunburst, Walnut, Wine Red
Year 1970 - 1982
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-345
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-345 TD
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1970 Gibson ES-345?

The 1970 Gibson ES-345 is known for its warm, resonant tones with a rich midrange, thanks to its semi-hollowbody construction and dual humbucker pickups. The Varitone switch adds versatility, allowing players to access a range of tonal options from jazz to blues and rock.

How does the Varitone switch on the Gibson ES-345 work?

The Varitone switch on the Gibson ES-345 is a six-position rotary switch that alters the guitar's tonal characteristics by introducing different capacitors into the circuit. This allows players to access a variety of tonal palettes, ranging from warm and full to bright and cutting.

Is the 1970 Gibson ES-345 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the 1970 Gibson ES-345 is well-suited for live performances. Its semi-hollowbody design offers a balance of sustain and feedback resistance, while its stereo output capability allows for versatile stage setups. The guitar's robust build and versatile tones make it a favorite among performing musicians.

What is the neck profile of the 1970 Gibson ES-345?

The 1970 Gibson ES-345 typically features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that allows for smooth playability. The mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard provides a familiar feel, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Does the 1970 Gibson ES-345 come with stereo output options?

Yes, the 1970 Gibson ES-345 includes stereo output options, allowing players to split the signal between two amplifiers for enhanced tonal possibilities. This feature is particularly useful for creating a wide stereo soundstage in live or studio settings.

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1970-72 Gibson ES-345

Video thumbnail for 1970-72 Gibson ES-345 by GregsGuitars

1970-72 Gibson ES-345

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Video thumbnail for 1970 Gibson ES-345 (walnut), Part1 by GregsGuitars

1970 Gibson ES-345 (walnut), Part1

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1970 GIbson ES-345.

Setup and maintenance

  • Switching to a 9.5 - 44 gauge string set can alleviate issues with low wide frets, enhancing playability without altering the original hardware.

    Source
  • Plek machines can be used for refret jobs on a 1970 ES-345, improving playability by ensuring a perfectly level fretboard, despite not preserving original fret nibs.

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Build quality

  • Vintage ES-345s from the 70s may have worn-down fret nibs that affect playability and appearance, yet they are crucial for maintaining vintage authenticity.

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User experience

  • Owners report gaining a couple of millimeters of fretboard space per side after a no-nibs refret, which can enhance playing comfort.

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  • Some players note that T-Top style pickups deliver low output yet bright and articulate sound, ideal for rhythm and light lead work.

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  • Some users report a noticeable decrease in output, akin to a Stratocaster's sound, when using the middle pickup position due to phase issues from conversion.

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Value and pricing

  • A full refret preserving fret nibs can prevent devaluation, matching the cost of nib preservation to the potential loss in vintage value.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend Gibson T-Type or Throbak Pre-T pickups for clean, articulate tones, suitable for blues and Motown styles, over DiMarzio or generic 80s pickups.

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  • Throbak T-Tops are highlighted for their authentic vintage tone, despite being pricey, offering a close match to original 70s pickups.

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  • SD SH-1 '59 pickups, despite being known for a 7.3k output, may suffer from poor wiring, affecting performance significantly.

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  • To rectify phase issues after conversion to mono, reversing the magnets in one pickup is recommended, which helps balance the sound output.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners often convert the original stereo wiring to mono, which can lead to pickups being out of phase, notably affecting the middle switch position sound.

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