The 2009 Gibson ES-345 Stereo in Vintage Sunburst is a premium USA-made semi-hollow electric guitar that takes the classic ES platform and adds one of Gibson’s most flexible vintage electronics systems.

With its semi-hollow maple construction, mahogany neck, bound rosewood fingerboard, twin Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers, 6-position Varitone control and dedicated stereo/mono output options, the ES-345 offers everything from warm jazz and blues tones to articulate rock, soul and expressive lead sounds.

This pre-owned example is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional. Serial number 03239751 dates the guitar to 2009, and a hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-345 Stereo
Year	2009
Finish	Vintage Sunburst
Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Serial Number	03239751
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Premium Gibson semi-hollow with Varitone and stereo/mono versatility
Best For	Blues, jazz, rock, soul, studio and live performance

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 2009 Gibson ES-345 Stereo is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional and well suited to regular playing, recording and live use.

What’s Included?

✔ 2009 Gibson ES-345 Stereo Vintage Sunburst
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

The guitar displays cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with its Very Good condition grading.

No specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Serial Number: 03239751

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson ES-345 Stereo has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Gibson ’57 Classic pickups tested
• Three-way pickup selector checked
• Volume controls tested
• Tone controls tested
• 6-position Varitone checked
• Mono output tested
• Stereo output tested
• Output sockets checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Rosewood fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Tuning machines assessed
• Tune-O-Matic bridge checked
• Stopbar tailpiece inspected
• Hardware assessed
• General playability checked
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and general playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Varitone operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Hardware
• General playability

Semi-hollow guitars can respond naturally to changes in temperature and humidity, so minor setup movement during transportation can occasionally occur.

What Makes The Gibson ES-345 Stereo Special?

The ES-345 Stereo expands on Gibson’s classic semi-hollow formula with a 6-position Varitone circuit and stereo output capability, giving players significantly more tonal control than a conventional twin-humbucker ES guitar. The ’57 Classic pickups retain the warmth and harmonic depth associated with vintage-style Gibson humbuckers, while the Varitone can reshape the frequency response for brighter, leaner and more focused sounds.

Its Vintage Sunburst finish, gold hardware, multi-ply body binding and split-parallelogram fingerboard inlays also place the ES-345 visually above the more understated ES-335. It is a particularly appealing choice for players who want traditional Gibson semi-hollow character with additional tonal flexibility and a more luxurious presentation.

Key Features & Benefits

Gibson ’57 Classic Humbuckers

The twin Gibson ’57 Classics provide a vintage-inspired humbucker voice with warmth, clarity and a responsive dynamic range. The neck pickup excels at smooth jazz and blues tones, while the bridge delivers enough bite and definition for classic rock, soul and overdriven lead work.

6-Position Varitone Control

The Varitone rotary switch introduces a series of frequency-filtered tonal options beyond the standard pickup and tone-control settings. This allows the ES-345 to move from its natural full-bodied humbucker voice into progressively more focused and distinctive sounds without relying on external effects.

Stereo And Mono Outputs

The ES-345 Stereo can operate as a conventional mono electric guitar or use its stereo functionality to route the pickups separately within a compatible setup. This creates interesting possibilities for recording, dual-amplifier rigs and players who enjoy experimenting with more complex signal chains.

Semi-Hollow Construction

The semi-hollow design combines hollow body wings with a solid centre block, producing more acoustic openness than a solidbody while helping control the feedback associated with a fully hollow electric guitar. It is a proven format for blues, jazz, rock and stage use.

Bound Rosewood Fingerboard

A bound rosewood fingerboard with split-parallelogram inlays gives the ES-345 its distinctive upscale appearance while retaining the smooth feel and familiar 24.75" Gibson scale associated with classic ES models.

Gold Hardware And Vintage Sunburst Finish

Gold hardware, body binding and the rich Vintage Sunburst finish give the ES-345 an elegant appearance that reflects its position as a more highly appointed member of Gibson’s ES family.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gibson ES-345 Stereo vs Gibson ES-335

The ES-335 offers the classic semi-hollow Gibson formula with straightforward twin-humbucker electronics, making it ideal for players who value simplicity. The ES-345 adds the Varitone circuit, stereo capability, split-parallelogram inlays and more ornate appointments, making it better suited to players who want greater tonal flexibility and a more distinctive specification.

Gibson ES-345 Stereo vs Gibson ES-355

The ES-355 traditionally sits at the top of Gibson’s semi-hollow hierarchy with even more elaborate appointments and, depending on model, additional hardware options. The ES-345 occupies an attractive middle ground, combining premium styling and advanced electronics with a somewhat less ornate overall presentation.

Gibson ES-345 Stereo vs Gibson ES-339

The smaller-bodied ES-339 provides a more compact feel closer to a solidbody guitar while retaining semi-hollow construction. The full-size ES-345 offers a larger traditional ES body, stronger vintage visual identity and the additional flexibility of Varitone and stereo electronics.

Who Is It For?

Blues guitarists – The ’57 Classics and semi-hollow construction deliver warm, expressive tones that respond particularly well to touch and amplifier breakup.

Jazz players – The neck pickup provides the rounded, smooth response needed for clean chord work and melodic playing.

Rock guitarists – The centre-block construction and bridge humbucker allow the ES-345 to handle driven amplifiers far more confidently than many fully hollow instruments.

Soul and R&B players – Varitone switching makes it easy to access cleaner, leaner tones that work particularly well for articulate rhythm guitar.

Studio musicians – Multiple pickup combinations, Varitone settings and stereo routing provide a broad palette of sounds from one instrument.

Players wanting a premium ES guitar – The combination of Vintage Sunburst, gold hardware, elaborate binding and split-parallelogram inlays gives the ES-345 a distinctive step-up appearance.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Jazz
• Classic rock
• Soul
• R&B
• Funk
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• Americana
• Country
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• Vintage-style valve amplifiers

Why Choose A Semi-Hollow Guitar With Varitone?

A traditional semi-hollow guitar already offers a useful balance between the resonance of a hollowbody and the control of a solidbody. Adding a Varitone circuit greatly expands that tonal range.

Rather than functioning as a conventional tone knob, the Varitone uses selectable filtering to alter specific parts of the guitar’s frequency response. This can make the instrument sound leaner, more focused or more cutting, helping it occupy different spaces within a band or recording.

For players who prefer to shape their core sound directly from the guitar, the ES-345 offers considerably more flexibility than a conventional two-humbucker semi-hollow.

Story & Context: Gibson ES-345

Gibson introduced the ES-345 in 1959, positioning it between the groundbreaking ES-335 and the more luxurious ES-355.

While it shared the basic double-cutaway semi-hollow architecture of the ES-335, Gibson gave the ES-345 additional features including a Varitone circuit, stereo wiring, split-parallelogram fingerboard inlays, more elaborate binding and gold-plated hardware.

The combination made the ES-345 particularly attractive to professional musicians who needed versatility without giving up the warmth and responsiveness of a semi-hollow instrument.

Over the decades, the model became closely associated with blues and electric guitar history, while the stereo and Varitone circuitry ensured it remained one of the most distinctive guitars in Gibson’s ES range.

This 2009 ES-345 Stereo carries that traditional specification into a modern Gibson-built instrument while retaining the Vintage Sunburst appearance most closely associated with the classic model.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-345 Stereo
Year	2009
Serial Number	03239751
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Vintage Sunburst
Body Shape	Double-Cutaway ES
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Body Material	Laminated Maple
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlays	Split Parallelogram
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Additional Control	6-Position Varitone
Pickup Selector	3-Way Toggle
Outputs	Stereo / Mono
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuners	Gibson Deluxe
Hardware Finish	Gold
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The ’57 Classic humbuckers, Varitone system and stereo/mono electronics are passive.

A standard guitar cable can be used for conventional mono operation. Players wishing to explore the stereo functionality will require an appropriate stereo-compatible cable and signal path.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The 2009 Gibson ES-345 Stereo in Vintage Sunburst is an outstanding choice for players who love the feel and response of a traditional Gibson semi-hollow but want considerably more tonal flexibility than a standard ES-335 offers.

The ’57 Classics provide an excellent core humbucker sound, while the Varitone and stereo capability make the guitar particularly interesting for studio work and more adventurous signal setups. Its Vintage Sunburst finish, gold hardware and split-parallelogram appointments also give it the elegant appearance expected from one of Gibson’s more premium ES designs.

Presented in Very Good Condition with a hardcase included, this is a highly appealing pre-owned USA Gibson for blues, jazz, rock, soul and serious studio use.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Pre-owned instruments can offer access to specifications and periods of production that may no longer be readily available new, often with significantly more individuality than standard current-production stock.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale, helping customers make an informed decision about the condition and character of the exact instrument they are purchasing.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham’s largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying and selling new, used and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham’s largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Gibson and premium pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing gear could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current equipment could be worth towards this Gibson ES-345 Stereo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Varitone control do?

The 6-position Varitone progressively changes the guitar’s frequency response through a selection of filtered tonal settings, allowing sounds that range from the natural full-bodied humbucker voice to leaner and more focused tones.

How does the stereo output work?

The stereo facility allows the two pickups to be routed separately when used with an appropriate stereo cable and compatible signal setup, opening up options such as separate amplifiers or recording channels.

Can the ES-345 be used like a normal mono guitar?

Yes. The guitar provides conventional mono operation, so it can be connected to a normal guitar amplifier or pedalboard without needing to use the stereo facility.

What pickups are fitted?

This model uses a pair of Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers, designed around the warm, articulate response associated with vintage Gibson PAF-style pickups.

Is the ES-345 fully hollow?

No. It is semi-hollow, using hollow body sections around a solid centre block. This provides acoustic resonance while improving sustain and feedback control.

How does it differ from an ES-335?

The ES-345 adds stereo electronics, a 6-position Varitone, more elaborate binding, split-parallelogram fingerboard inlays and gold hardware to the fundamental ES-335-style semi-hollow platform.

Is it suitable for higher-gain rock tones?

Yes. The solid centre block helps control feedback compared with a fully hollow guitar, while the ’57 Classic bridge pickup works very well with overdrive and classic-rock levels of gain.

Does the Varitone require a battery?

No. The Varitone circuit is passive and does not require battery power.

What scale length does the ES-345 use?

It uses Gibson’s traditional 24.75" scale length, giving it the familiar string tension and playing feel associated with many Gibson electric guitars.

Is this a good studio guitar?

Yes. The combination of two humbuckers, independent volume and tone controls, Varitone filtering and stereo routing makes the ES-345 particularly versatile for recording.

Does it come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included with this pre-owned guitar.

Can I try the guitar before purchasing?

Yes. This individual Gibson can be viewed at the Fair Deal Music Birmingham showroom, subject to availability.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for a premium pre-owned instrument if you would like a closer look at its condition and individual character before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of musical equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.