powerwagonjohn

I installed a Bigsby B7 on my 2009 Es-345 using a Vibramate. It worked great. Not only did I avoid drilling any holes in my guitar but it raised the Bigsby high enough off the face of the guitar to make the bridge break angle perfect for smooth operation of the Bigsby and keep the guitar in tune. Thanks john

Just to confuse the issue there were a few new style {reissue} L-4 CES guitars produced with fully carved back and sides that were quite expensive and very limited production. And some with unique finishes like white sparkle and extravagantly engraved hardware. Thanks John

There were various styles of L-4 guitars over the many years they were built. The new versions were built with laminated backs and sides of maple ply as were the ES-175's of the period. Then then they were built of laminated mahogany again like the ES-175. Finally they were built of all carved mahogany back and sides in the last iterations. All of the models I know of had carved spruce tops. I have a 1952 carved top and laminated maple back and sides L-4 and a all carved mahogany back and sides 2009 L-4 CES . I have played the laminated maple and laminated mahogany L-4 CES and their companion ES-175's. They are all different in tone but none are better the others. I remember reading that the new crew at Nashville were trained in on carving the L-4CES guitar tops before L-5 and S-400 guitars were put in to production. Thanks John

I think he is referring to the area under fretboard extension and yes this is unfinished on most archtop models with a raised fretboard. I doubt they can buff it out with their buffing polishing methods. I will bet some higher end archtop makers have a way to finish and polish this area but it has never bothered me any more than over scraping the binding in areas. Enjoy your L-4 it's a great guitar, I sure like mine. Thanks john

I would be interested in the replies. I have a ES 345 and besides position 1 I like 3 and 4 the best. I find it very useful especially in a studio/recording session. the older ES 355 usually had it but a lot of the newer reissues don't. The varitone is one of the reasons I bought my 2009 ES 345, that and the playability/tone. And don't even get me started on the stereo feature. Thanks john

Today I am playing my ES 345 through my 1962 Fender Pro, tomorrow who knows. It's hand wired too. Thanks john

Sounds like you found yourself a very nice guitar and are enjoying it. I have a 1956 ES225T, one year older than me, and I enjoy it very much so I know from where you speak. They are unique guitars and I think the tailpiece is part of the reason. Have fun. Thanks John

Beautiful guitar TK LP, enjoy. If it plays half as good as it looks you will be happy with it. Thanks John

I had a similar problem with my ES-335 and my ES-345. The correct Vibramate was off about 3/16 of an inch. I didn't want to use an extra bottom plate so I marked, re-drilled and tapped the top mounting holes in the Vibramate. Now it fits perfect. The Vibramate also gave me a better break angle over the bridge and makes the roller bridge unnecessary. I hope this helps and thanks John

Very nice and cool guitar. Thanks John

Steve, I have no answer to your question but the should be a very nice guitar. It is nice to see you around. Thanks John

There was a lot of variation in the original PAF humbuckers so saying any one pick up is closer to a PAF comes down to which individual PAF pick up your talking about. As long as you like them is what counts. Thanks John

Note, not all Fender amps or other amps for that matter have the two channels out of phase. I can run each channel of my ES-345 through my 1964 Tremolux or my 1966 Ampeg Gemini II with no problems. thanks John

I have a pair of Duncan Seth Lovers in a Guild Starfire VI and a Les Paul and I really like the clear open tone I get from them. I also have Gibson 57 classics in my ES-345 and L-4CES and they do drive my amps a bit more than the Seth Lovers. I have been wanting to try Duncan Pearly Gates for more drive but I am very happy with what I have so no change is foreseen. Thanks John

I have bought various items from Jim and sometimes he is the only place to have what you need. He usually has case handles and mounting hdwr. but didn't have a hinge I needed and I still have not found one 5 years later.My ES-225 is a real nice guitar but what good is a guitar you can't play. I thought about having a new one made too but a couple holes in the replacement piece will work great. I would think a tech. could install a removable plug so you could use a 3rd screw or even a screw in strap pin to retain the tail piece. Thanks and good luck. John

Thanks for pointing this tail piece out as I recently opened the case for my ES-225 and found the tailpiece cracked at the base. I ordered this tailpiece in nickel and with a couple holes drilled into the bottom plate I can make a replacement mounting plate and put the cracked piece in the case. I figure even if I get it repaired it will still look repaired but the replacement will look and work fine. I can play the guitar while looking into fixing the end plate or just leave it for the next owner. It's not like the ES-225 tail piece is easy to find or cheep. Unless someone here has a spare laying around. Thanks again. John

The varitone is the reason I bought a ES-345.That and the good deal I got from Trent at Professional Music in IA ! Thanks John

Apparently, but what's the point? A ES-335 with different inlays? Thanks John

Now that you mention it, it does have 2 pickups. That is one cool looking whammy bar too! I would like to try one out also. Looks way more "hip" than my old Electra black beauty Les Paul copy I had. Thanks John

I sure looks like a single pick up version of the Idol PA23. Thanks for the website, I never heard of a lot of those guitars. thanks john

I humidify all my solid wood guitars and my laminated guitars. I have several older laminated guitars [56 ES225, 72 Guild Starfire] That have cracks in outer layer of the laminated wood so I humidify them also. The only ones I don't humidify are my solid bodies. I try to keep the whole house humidified up here in the MN winters, esp. with wood heat. Thanks John

It's not a new problem, my 2009 L-4CES has the same pick up problem but I have to say it's a wonderful guitar and nearly perfect. I seems the pick up in the 2009 ES-345 was slanted too. Thanks John