Original Owner · Connecticut · 1966
One Owner’s
1966 Gibson
ES-345
He played it in Connecticut rock bands during the late 1960s, then stored it carefully after he stopped playing.
I traveled to Connecticut to buy this 1966 Gibson ES-345 from the man who purchased it new. He played it in several rock bands during the late 1960s, then stopped playing and kept the guitar safely stored. Nearly sixty years later, its cherry finish and gold hardware were still beautifully preserved. It was one of the cleanest 1960s Gibson guitars I had seen.
01
Rock Bands in Connecticut
I met the original owner at his home in a beautiful Connecticut neighborhood. He bought the ES-345 new in 1966 and used it in several local rock bands during the late 1960s.
When his years of playing in bands ended, he kept the guitar. It did not pass through dealers, collectors or a string of later owners. It remained with the same musician who selected it in 1966.
That direct history came from the owner himself. I was able to see the guitar in his home, hear how he used it and photograph him holding it again.
The Cherry Finish, Gold Hardware, and Original-Owner History Stayed Together for Nearly Sixty Years.
02
A Carefully Preserved One Owner Gibson
A clear ownership history matters with a vintage guitar. This ES-345 came directly from the original owner, along with his account of buying it new and playing it during the late 1960s.
The cherry finish retains strong gloss with little visible edge wear. The gold hardware, split parallelogram inlays, Varitone control, and Maestro vibrato remain together. After seeing it in person, I would grade the guitar near mint.
Seeing the guitar in person made the preservation even more striking. It looked as though the owner had put it away much earlier in its life and taken care of it ever since.
My Gibson ES-345 history and value guide covers the model's stereo wiring, Varitone circuit, year-by-year features, and authentication points.
The Original Musical Pairing
The 1966 Ampeg Gemini II
The owner also sold me his 1966 Ampeg Gemini II. He had owned the amp alongside the ES-345, so the two pieces arrived together with the same history.
The photograph shows him standing with the Gemini II at his Connecticut home. Buying the guitar and its amplifier directly from their original owner made this a memorable trip.
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The Next Chapter
Preserving the Complete Story
This ES-345 and Ampeg spent close to sixty years with the man who bought them in 1966. The guitar's condition, the matching year amplifier and the owner's photographs preserve a history that could easily have been lost.
I am grateful that he trusted me with both pieces and took the time to share their story.
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