This amazing 1959 Gibson ES-345 T just came through my shop from the daughter and granddaughter of its original owner from Wisconsin! It's amazing example from the first year of production of the ES-345. I was amazed at how it has been played all its lifetime, but also well maintained and preserved. The last time I remember seeing this many hang tags with a vintage Gibson was this 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Illinois!
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1959: The First Year of the ES-345
Gibson's ES-345 model was the last of the thinline, semi-hollow archtop range to debut in the Spring of 1959. Unlike the ES-335 and ES-355 from the previous year, the ES-345 was the model Gibson chose to showcase the new Stereo circuitry with six position Varitone switch. This model is nearly always Stereo, with the exception of very few special examples custom ordered without it (one of which is here: 1960 Gibson ES-345 Mono Custom Order). The purpose of the previous two models remained on this intermediate version: a solid center block intended to reduce the chances of feedback through an amplifier, hollow wings to encourage resonance and warmth in the tradition of previously successful full body models, all packaged together in a thinner body that's comfortable to hold and play.
To most players and collectors, 1959 is the pinnacle year of the model (or really all three!). The desirable neck profile which is specific to 1959 is medium fat; measuring 0.85" deep at the first fret and 0.95" deep at the 12th fret. 1959 is really the only year for this exact profile, but some made in 1963 and 1964 have similar profiles which typically measure about 0.82 - 0.95 (1964 Gibson ES-335). Collectors also enjoy the Patent Applied For humbucking pickups with double white bobbins! Check out the pictures below with the pole pieces raised to show of the double cream PAF pickups.
How much did an ES-345 cost in 1959?
Gibson’s original November 1, 1959 price list shows that the ES-345 TD (Sunburst) had a list price of $380, and the ES-345 TDN (Natural) also had a list price of $380.[1] Since Cherry Red had not yet debuted, only the Sunburst and Natural versions appear in the 1959 price list.
The original 1960 Gibson catalog then shows the ES-345 with an additional finish option, Cherry Red, now available. That same catalog shows the Sunburst price reduced to $365, indicating a slight drop from the 1959 pricing.[2]
Figure 1. Gibson price list dated November 1, 1959 showing the ES-345 TD (Sunburst) and ES-345 TDN (Natural), both priced at $380.[1]
Figure 2. 1960 Gibson catalog showing Cherry Red added as a finish option and the Sunburst price listed at $365.[2]
Sources
[1] Gibson, Inc., Prices on Gibson Instruments, November 1, 1959.
[2] Gibson, Gibson: Guitars | Amplifiers, May, 1960.
What is the neck profile of a 1959 Gibson ES-345?
The neck profile on this 1959 Gibson ES-345 is a great example of the 1959 Gibson medium profile neck. It sits almost exactly between the fat 1958 profile and the slim 1960 profile. You can find the exact measurements from this guitar in the table below.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Total Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.70 kg) |
| Nut Width | 1.68" |
| Neck Depth (1st Fret) | 0.85" |
| Neck Depth (12th Fret) | 0.95" |
| Neck Pickup Output | 7.85k ohms |
| Bridge Pickup Output | 8.32k ohms |
These measurements are taken directly from this 1959 Gibson ES-345 with serial number A 32126 and reflect a classic late-1959 Gibson neck profile with a moderate taper and balanced feel.
1959 Gibson ES-345 FON & Serial Number
ES-345 guitars made in 1959 and 1960 typically carry both a factory order number (FON) and an A-prefix serial number. Together, these markings help establish when the guitar entered production and when it shipped from Gibson.
On this guitar, the factory order number is visible through the treble-side F-shaped sound hole. The "S" prefix indicates that the build began in 1959, since FONs were generally assigned early in the production process.
The serial number is found on the orange label visible through the bass-side F-shaped sound hole. In this case, the serial number A32126 indicates that the guitar shipped from Gibson in the fall of 1959.
Figure 1. The factory order number is visible through the treble-side F-shaped sound hole. The "S" prefix indicates that production began in 1959.
Figure 2. The orange Gibson label shows serial number A32126, which indicates shipment in the fall of 1959.
Want to learn more? For a deeper explanation of Gibson serial numbers, factory order numbers, and how to date a vintage ES model, read How to Date a Gibson ES-335 Guitar.
About the Author
John Shults is the owner of True Vintage Guitar, a high-end vintage guitar shop based in Birmingham, Alabama. He specializes in buying, selling, and appraising collectible Fender and Gibson guitars from the 1950s and 1960s.
With over 16 years of experience and millions of dollars in vintage guitar transactions, John has sourced instruments worldwide—often working directly with original owners and their families to uncover exceptional guitars like this 1959 ES-345.
Learn more, request an appraisal, or sell a vintage guitar at TrueVintageGuitar.com .
