QUESTION

Why when I am Looking for Gibson semi hollow guitars the Gibson ES-345 is so much cheaper than an ES-335.  Basically they look the same to me , also are they a good buy at this time in teh market.

REPLY

Thank you for your question. First of all they have always been the little brother to the ES-335 and a unwanted little brother at that. The Gibson ES-345 guitar has gotten a bad rap from day one in the vintage guitar business. Everyone has to have a ES-335 but in truth many of these guitars are killers.

Any Gibson ES-345 from 1959 – 1965 is amazing for several reasons. The early ones with paf pickups rock and have to me from hell and the pre t tops pickups ,well just think of the Clapton cream sound  and you’ll get the picture.  The necks on these are also 1 11/16″ and have that wider nut which is very desirable. plus they play just as good as any Gibson Es-335.

The thing that bothers everyone is the Varitione unit. Well guess what !! just disconnect it and save your self $5000 -$7000 . Yes it is an easy fix that will not damage the vintage guitar and is a easy thing to out back just take it out of teh circuit.  That is it besides a set of different inlays it is the same guitar .

These also came in every variation like the Gibson Es-335 . they has a stop tailpiece , a bigsby or a lyre vibrato. So again if you prefer one or the other they were all offered from the factory. This is why I have said they were always a steal and a sleeper. But what do I know.

Today the vintage guitar market has hit bottom and is the best time to buy any guitar. But as far as  Gibson ES-345 this is the best time to buy one. There are alot around and the prices are great. As always I would suggest buying a a total original guitar they are less problematic and worth more if you ever go to sell one. An original guitar is also more likely to go up in value faster over time.

Hope you get a good one and love it. If you have any other question pertaining to period correct Gibson ES-345 please e mail me at The Parts Drawer

Thak you

Jim Pasch

QUESTION

I have what i believe to be a 1967 Hofner Bass. It is like the one Paul Mccartney used in The Beatles. I have not used it in years and i took it out of case and action is high and i cannot adjust it enough to play. The bass was in a normal closet no water or heat damage i do not know what to due . I took it to a local music store and they said i need a new neck .

REPLY

Hold on relax I bet first of all you do not need a new neck. The music store you went to I am sure does not deal in vintage guitars and restorations. Of Course i need to see pics of guitar but i am sure you need a neck reset that is all. So take a deep breath and relax.

First of all this is a common problem with all hofner basses . I Will go out on a limb as say 70% of the basses need or have had neck sets. This was a structural design flaw by hofner ans is very very common you did nothing wrong except maybe you should also ways loosen the strings if you do not play the bass this helps tale tension off neck.

Many can be critical of the design but few can argue as i am sure you know how great these bases sound. NOTHING sound like a hofner bass and its sound is legendary. So when people criticize as they have for years how badly these basses  were build i say the construction or lack of extra reinforcement probably adds to the fact of the great tone. many poorly constructed  guitar sound great they justneed constant care . Probably because they vibrate and resonate better

So first thing never bring a vintage guitar to a music store that does not deal specifically with vintage guitars. The repair procedure is totally different than a normal guitar. When you get a neck set be sure you tell the repair man you want it to remain as close to its original state as possible aka do not use alot of over spray preferably none!!!! this Will preserve the value greatly.

Remember the most important thing is after you get a neck reset it to loosen the string a half step or so when storing your bass or guitar . This relived the tension on the neck and you will find that the problem will be resolved. if you want to send me pictures of the bass i Will be glad to look at it and tell you what i thing or if you have any further question e mail me at The Parts Drawerand i Will e mail with 48 hours

Jim Pasch