There's always another stone to turn when it comes to Gibsons – case in point, the Gibson ES-345 Semi-Hollow. Boasting a series of aesthetic advancements from the Gibson ES-335, this semi-hollow electric is a premier entry from one of guitar's finest names.
With a suite of quality materials, the ES-345 makes a name for itself balancing fine construction and pristine electronics. This all starts with a multi-ply binding wrapped three-ply maple and poplar semi-hollow double-cutaway body. A maple/poplar/maple construction summons great resonance and projection acoustically. The acoustic qualities of this 345 are enhanced through its maple centerblock and quartersawn Adirondack spruce bracing. Stabilizing and balancing the overall output of the guitar, these close considerations make for an acoustically impressive sonic profile right out of the case.
From here, the ES-345's mahogany neck takes the stage in a Rounded "C" profile. This neck pairs up with a bound rosewood fingerboard adorned with twenty-two Medium Jumbo frets for an articulate fretting feel on the fingers. Measuring with a flatter, twelve-inch radius, this 345 plays with speed for a variety of playing styles and genres. Acrylic Split Parallelogram fret inlays highlight the rosewood and are exclusive to this model in the ES series and add to the overall aesthetic sum.
Sonically, the ES-345 sings with classic Gibson warmth and clarity with two Calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups. A three-way toggle swaps between pickup configurations while the hand-wired control assembly features Orange Drop capacitors. Delivering sonic fidelity and that all-necessary element of humbucker kick, the ES-345 is classic Gibson incarnate.
This semi-hollow builds up its musical elements with an array of fine hardware specifications to tie them all together. An ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge drops in with an aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece for string stability against the body. Across the scale length, Vintage Deluxe tuning machines with Keystone buttons line the headstock alongside a Graph Tech nut for solid stringing and steady intonation. Traveling with this Gibson marvel is made an afterthought with an included hardshell case that protects from wear and damage.
As a classic silhouette with a classic color from Gibson history, the ES-345 delivers an experience that is unmistakably Gibson.