The History of the Gibson ES-345: A Semi-Hollow Icon

The History of the Gibson ES-345: A Semi-Hollow Icon

The Gibson ES-345 is one of the most iconic semi-hollow electric guitars in history, revered by blues, jazz, and rock musicians alike. First introduced in 1959, the ES-345 was designed as a higher-end version of the ES-335, featuring advanced electronics, luxurious aesthetics, and a rich, warm tone that became a signature sound for legendary players like B.B. King, Freddie King, and Chuck Berry.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the history of the Gibson ES-345, its key design changes over the decades, and why it remains a sought-after classic for collectors and players today.

The Birth of the Gibson ES-345 (1959)

By the late 1950s, Gibson was pioneering new designs in electric guitars, blending the warmth of hollow-body guitars with the sustain and feedback resistance of solid-body models. This led to the creation of the ES (Electric Spanish) series, with the ES-335 debuting in 1958 as the first semi-hollow guitar featuring a center block to reduce feedback.

Building on the success of the ES-335, Gibson introduced the ES-345 in 1959, adding a range of premium features that set it apart:

Key Features of the 1959 ES-345

Stereo Output – Unlike the ES-335, the ES-345 featured stereo wiring, allowing players to send different signals to two amplifiers for a more expansive sound.

Varitone Circuit – A six-way rotary switch enabled different tonal presets, adjusting midrange frequencies for varied sound textures.

Gold Hardware – A step up in luxury, the ES-345 featured gold-plated tuners, bridge, and tailpiece for a high-end aesthetic.

Double Parallelogram Inlays – Unlike the dot inlays on the ES-335, the ES-345 had fancier parallelogram fretboard inlays.

Premium Wood Selection – The ES-345 used a laminated maple body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, contributing to its balanced tone.

💡 Did You Know? The first ES-345s shipped out of Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory in April 1959, the same year as the legendary ’59 Les Paul Standard, making it an iconic year in Gibson history.

The 1960s: ES-345 Gains Popularity

Throughout the 1960s, the ES-345 gained traction among blues and rock guitarists who appreciated its versatility and luxurious feel. It was commonly used in jazz, blues, and rockabilly, but found its way into rock and pop as well.

Notable Players of the 1960s

B.B. King – Used an ES-345 before transitioning to the ES-355, his signature “Lucille” model.

Freddie King – Famous for his sunburst ES-345, which helped define Texas blues.

Chuck Berry – Rock & roll pioneer frequently played an ES-345 and ES-355.

By 1963, Gibson made slight design refinements, including a narrower nut width and refined neck profiles, following trends from the Les Paul and SG models of the era.

The 1970s: Norlin-Era Changes

The 1970s brought significant changes to Gibson under the ownership of Norlin Industries (1969–1986). During this period, the ES-345 underwent manufacturing changes that some vintage purists criticize but still made the guitar a staple in professional setups.

Key Changes in the 1970s ES-345 Models

Volute on Neck – Added for extra durability but altered the feel of vintage necks.

Larger “Pancake” Headstock – A distinctive feature of many Norlin-era Gibsons.

Laminated 3-Piece Maple Neck – Replacing the earlier mahogany neck for stability.

Changes in the Varitone Circuit – Some models had different capacitors, slightly altering tonal options.

Despite these changes, many legendary players continued using the ES-345, cementing its reputation as one of Gibson’s greatest semi-hollow designs.

The 1980s & 1990s: Decline and Resurgence

By the 1980s, the ES-345 saw a decline in production, with fewer models being produced as guitarists moved toward solid-body guitars like the Les Paul and Superstrats (e.g., Ibanez RG, Fender HM Strat).

However, by the 1990s, a resurgence of interest in vintage guitars—driven by blues-rock revivalists like Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, and Gary Moore—led to renewed appreciation for the ES-345. Gibson responded by reintroducing the model with more vintage-correct specs.

The 2000s – Today: Reissues & Modern Variations

Gibson’s Custom Shop and Memphis Division began producing high-quality ES-345 reissues, with models reflecting the 1959–1964 specifications, bringing back key vintage elements.

Modern ES-345 Features

Classic 1959 neck profiles – Thicker necks for a vintage feel.

Burstbucker Pickups – Designed to mimic vintage P.A.F. humbuckers.

Optional Stereo & Mono Wiring – Some models dropped stereo output due to player preference.

Historically Accurate Finishes – Including Cherry Red, Sunburst, and Vintage Natural.

Today, the ES-345 is available through Gibson’s Original and Custom Shop lines, offering both vintage-inspired models and modern adaptations with updated neck profiles, hardware, and finishes.

Why the ES-345 Is Still a Legend

Even after six decades, the Gibson ES-345 remains an iconic guitar, bridging the gap between the raw simplicity of the ES-335 and the luxury of the ES-355.

What Makes the ES-345 Special?

Rich, warm tone – Ideal for blues, jazz, and classic rock.

Premium look & feel – Gold hardware, parallelogram inlays, and high-end finishes.

Versatile electronics – The Varitone circuit offers more tonal possibilities than a standard ES-335.

Historic significance – Played by legends like B.B. King, Freddie King, and Chuck Berry.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a semi-hollow guitar with vintage character, versatile tones, and a touch of elegance, the ES-345 is a perfect choice.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the ES-345

The Gibson ES-345 is more than just a guitar—it’s a piece of musical history that continues to inspire players worldwide. Whether you’re a collector, gigging musician, or blues enthusiast, an ES-345 offers timeless tone, premium craftsmanship, and a legendary reputation.