luvgibson Posted April 25, 2014 Posted April 25, 2014 I have heard on the grapevine that a limited edition 1959 ES345 will soon be available. Does anyone have any news?
L5Larry Posted April 25, 2014 Posted April 25, 2014 IF this is true, there are a few people (willing to pay the premium) that are in for a real treat. I happen to have one of the batch the Nashville Custom Shop made around 2000. It's one of the finest built Gibsons (fit and finish) that I've owned. If built using the proper and correct materials/parts, templates and electronics, this guitar will be an incredible upgrade versus the standard Memphis production model. I don't mean to re-open the Memphis vs Nashville custom shop debates, but I hope they build it in Nashville. Edit: Photo added.
jimmyl51 Posted April 25, 2014 Posted April 25, 2014 Why for the $$ that Gibson wants for these guitars can't they get the darn volume and tone control knobs correct? For this kind of money it is NOT that much of a big deal to put the correct period correct knobs on these guitars which they currently are not doing! jim from Maine currently working in Denver,Colorado
luvgibson Posted April 26, 2014 Author Posted April 26, 2014 There will be a 59 version and a sixties version. for example the 59 will have MM ears and a black disc under the varitone control. The 63 version will have detail correct for that time. Price about £2800 here in England
jimmyl51 Posted April 27, 2014 Posted April 27, 2014 Are these 345's strictly a UK release? jim in Maine currently working in Denver,Colorado
luvgibson Posted April 27, 2014 Author Posted April 27, 2014 Are these 345's strictly a UK release? jim in Maine currently working in Denver,Colorado Hello, Don't know the answer to that one but the web site of the shop is www.guitarvillage.co.uk
Pin Posted April 27, 2014 Posted April 27, 2014 Hello, Don't know the answer to that one but the web site of the shop is www.guitarvillage.co.uk Hi luvgibson, Had a look at the site and couldn't find a mention. Do you have a link?
L5Larry Posted April 27, 2014 Posted April 27, 2014 Had a look at the site and couldn't find a mention. Do you have a link? He gave the link. Scroll down to "New Releases On Order"!
JimR56 Posted April 28, 2014 Posted April 28, 2014 He gave the link. Scroll down to "New Releases On Order"! OR, you could have posted a direct link: http://guitarvillage.uk.com/product/15250/Gibson-1959-ES345-TD-ES45H14HBGH1-New-Historic-Burst-Incl-Case.aspx
Pin Posted April 28, 2014 Posted April 28, 2014 OR, you could have posted a direct link: http://guitarvillage.uk.com/product/15250/Gibson-1959-ES345-TD-ES45H14HBGH1-New-Historic-Burst-Incl-Case.aspx Cheers Jim, I couldn't find it on the site (but that's typically me)so thanks for the direct link.
Kaiser Bill Posted April 28, 2014 Posted April 28, 2014 How hard would it be to replace the knobs with the correct ones?? If the guitars are expensive...and you are willing to buy one...whats a few more dollars for replacement (correct) knobs?
spitball Posted April 29, 2014 Posted April 29, 2014 If built using the proper and correct materials/parts, templates and electronics, this guitar will be an incredible upgrade versus the standard Memphis production model. I have to disagree there. I can't think of a "major upgrade" that could be done to the Memphis 345. I suppose hide glue would be considered one. Other than that, I think the Memphis models have it going.
spitball Posted April 29, 2014 Posted April 29, 2014 Has anyone else noticed that the twin parallelogram inlays on the ES-345 and other models changed sometime maybe back in the 90s? The inlays became wider and thus the space between them narrowed. Compare any Gibson with these inlays from the 1980s or earlier with one made in the 90s or later, and I think you'll see what I mean. The new ones look strange to me - almost like they're a Gibson copy. This doesn't bother me enough to pass on these guitars. My favorite Gibson I've ever bought is my 2011 ES-345.
Pin Posted April 29, 2014 Posted April 29, 2014 Has anyone else noticed that the twin parallelogram inlays on the ES-345 and other models changed sometime maybe back in the 90s? The inlays became wider and thus the space between them narrowed. Compare any Gibson with these inlays from the 1980s or earlier with one made in the 90s or later, and I think you'll see what I mean. The new ones look strange to me - almost like they're a Gibson copy. This doesn't bother me enough to pass on these guitars. My favorite Gibson I've ever bought is my 2011 ES-345. Yep, you are right spitball. I've noticed it too but never have thought to mention it before.
spitball Posted April 30, 2014 Posted April 30, 2014 Yep, you are right spitball. I've noticed it too but never have thought to mention it before. I have no idea why the dimensions were changed. The old ones look better. But as I mentioned, I like the new guitars enough to overlook this. The material seems to be a little brighter in color, too, making the change more noticeable to me.
Pin Posted May 2, 2014 Posted May 2, 2014 Well, I've pulled the plug and ordered one of these 1959 reissue Memphis ES345s. I can just about afford it (with difficulty) but I figure that this is not a loss maker guitar. And besides, I have never gotten over selling my original Gibson ES345 1964. In many ways, this "new" 1959 reissue ES345 probably suits me better re its spruce top (rather than maple) and my current inclinations towards jazz and blues.
L5Larry Posted May 2, 2014 Posted May 2, 2014 probably suits me better re its spruce top I read the above linked website as "spruce top and back BRACING", describing the bracing. This still makes no sense, since other than the center block and glueing kerf around the perimeter, THERE IS NO BRACING INSIDE THIS GUITAR.
jimmyl51 Posted May 3, 2014 Posted May 3, 2014 Why can't Gibson make the darn guitar exactly like it was made in 1959? For the life of me I just don't get it. Sorry but for the amount of money that all of these guitars cost I find NO excuse on why this company can't do that very simply! jim in Maine currently working in Denver,Colorado
spitball Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 I feel like a bit of a complainer to even mention the inlays. The 345 I have is so damned good that I do not covet any vintage models. Still, it's a silly thing for them to get "wrong".
powerwagonjohn Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 I agree with you spitball. I just pick up a 2009 ES-345 that has been hanging in the shop since new. It's got a few minor imperfections but it such a nice guitar I can all but forget any minor flaws. It is a Memphis and not a Nashville built guitar but it's a beautiful guitar, near perfect build with great playability and sound. For me the neck is perfect. I have been dreaming on this one for almost 2 years now. the only thing I will change the gold toped reflector knobs and a pair of strap locks. Thanks John
spitball Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 ...I just pick up a 2009 ES-345 that has been hanging in the shop since new...It is a Memphis and not a Nashville built guitar but it's a beautiful guitar, near perfect build with great playability and sound. For me the neck is perfect... Sounds like you made a good choice! I can echo your words about playability and sound. And yes, the neck is wonderful!
powerwagonjohn Posted May 6, 2014 Posted May 6, 2014 I think the spruce bracing they refer to is the two pieces between the arched top and back and the center block. It is my understanding that these filler pieces were originally made of spruce. Thanks John
spitball Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 I think the spruce bracing they refer to is the two pieces between the arched top and back and the center block. It is my understanding that these filler pieces were originally made of spruce. Thanks John John, do you have pictures of your ES-345?
L5Larry Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 I think the spruce bracing they refer to is the two pieces between the arched top and back and the center block. It is my understanding that these filler pieces were originally made of spruce. Thanks John Ah, thanks for the info!
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