Konrad00711 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Hi pals, I have a tiny little problem but I'm 100% sure that you can help me. I'm interested in ES-345 1964 VOS Historic Burst. I found one in excellent condition, made in 2015. There is one thing that worries me a lot. I'm not Gibson specialist, it will be my second Gibson ever (the first was cheap Flying V faded, I had it when I was young and fascinated by V shape :)), as I'm big German made Hofners fan. For my knowledge, there are 3 main Gibson guitars line: Gibson USA, Gibson Custom and Gibson Custom Shop (Nashville), am I right? All current ES are build in Memphis and have Gibson Custom status. They have Gibson Custom COA and CS XXXXXX serial no. But, to my surprise, those ES-345 1964 VOS instead of Gibson Custom COA has Gibson Memphis COA. Back on the headstock there is just 5 digit number, without CS at the beginning. How should I understand that? Is it still Gibson Custom or something like, let's call it, standard or regular guitar line? What's more, yesterday I had a chance to touch Gibson ES-345 Custom Schop (its owner presented it this way). The guitar was made in Memphis, had Gibson Custom COA and proper serial number. It was also significantly cheaper. Now I'm confused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 The ES models (Hollow & Semi-hollow) are from Memphis. The are not synonymous with Custom Shop. The solid bodies are Nashville made. Custom Shop is also in Nashville. Custom shop make both solid bodies & ES models. I'm not aware of a Custom Shop other than Nashville. If there is someone will enlighten us soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konrad00711 Posted May 25, 2016 Author Share Posted May 25, 2016 Ok, thx. But is there any difference between Memphis made ES specified as Gibson Custom and Gibson Memphis? Or maybe I say it different way: is there any logical explanation why some Memphis made models don't have visible signs of being a Gibson Custom line and other guitars have them? I remember ES-335 that I've been trying last month. It was described as Custom Shop Block Reissue (made in Memphis). The black COA book had "Gibson Custom" statement and on the headstock there were 6 digit serial number with CS at the begining + those fancy custom shop logo. The owner said it is custom model build in Memphis. I was surprised that ES-345 don't have it. Is it possible that all year reissues like '64 or, let say, '59 don't have those typical Gibson Custom designations? I saw 1963 Block Inlay ES-335 and this particular model also have Gibson Memphis COA and 5 digit serial number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 It sounds as if you are being told something completely different by the dealer. It also sounds as if I didnt make myself clear enough in the last post, but I dont know how else to explain it. We could use some help. Help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 ok I just found this link. It deals with your question properly. http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/32343-custom-shop-es-335/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Most things, I've read, state that the "Historic" CS models are made in Nashville. LP, SG, ES, whatever. Some, like "Lucille" are called "Custom Shop" but are still made in Memphis. Now, who knows... Memphis may actually make the bodies and necks, on the ES "Historic" models, and Nashville just does the "Historic" finish work, parts, and assembly. ??? In some ways, that would make more sense. Maybe someone from Gibson, can tell us for sure?! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konrad00711 Posted May 27, 2016 Author Share Posted May 27, 2016 ok I just found this link. It deals with your question properly. http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/32343-custom-shop-es-335/ It was the first thread I've read before I decided to start new topic here. Sure, it is full of useful information and explains may things, but still there is no word why in one Gibson plant, Gibson Memphis, we can find guitars signed as Gibson Memphin and Gibson Custom. Fortunately, someone else explained it in a proper way. All in all, thanks. Maybe someone from Gibson, can tell us for sure?! CB Yes, of course :) I've never received information from them that was different than the slogan copied from the COA or their website :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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