Gibson ES-347TD 1979 – Tobacco Sunburst – Pure Vintage Mojo

I purchased this lovely ES-347 from the vintage selection of a guitar retailer in Columbus, OH about a year ago. There it was, hanging on display in all its well-worn glory. I picked it up and plugged it in and I was done. It was way out of my budget, but I made it work because I just couldn’t pass it up. She looks older than stated age, and honestly the authentic relic look and feel of this guitar was what made me fall in love with it. Sure, there are some of these 347s out there that are in mint condition, and I love that too, but this gal has played some real music, and has definitely been loved. A “player’s grade“ if you will, though all wear and aging is cosmetic in nature and does not affect the quality and playability of the axe at all.

Please look at the pictures carefully for all signs of its age. Please as for more photos or info if you’re seriously interested and want more detailed shots or details of any particular areas. I hate to sell it, I just have to downsize my unhealthy collection.

My luthier has gone through this guitar and could not find any signs of previous repairs. He professionally plugged and rethreaded the screw hole for the pickguard, where it meets the neck. (Not visible as it is under pickguard.) A non-original replacement gold screw was used, and lightly aged. He also repaired the split coil switch, which was not working when I originally purchased the guitar, with just some fresh solder, conserving the original switch.

Other than those two repairs, everything on the guitar is original.

Has been kept in its case with humidity packs since I purchased.

SPECS:
Body:

Maple top, back, and sides.

Neck:

Mahogany neck with a “C” profile

1-11/16″ wide brass nut

Ebony fretboard with a 12″ radius and block inlays

Frets are low and wide without buzzing or dead spots anywhere on the fretboard.

Neck Thickness: .78″ at the 1st fret, .99″ at the 12th fret

Pickups/Hardware:

Original hardware, except as stated above

Original Tarback pickups which are famous in their own right for highlighting some of the darker tones while balancing out the highs of the ceramic magnets. They definitely have a powerful low end, which may take some getting used to and adjusting some amp settings to make them shine.

3 way pickup selector switch

2 way coil-tap switch , which gives the bridge pickup the ability to produce some serious twangy tones

Independent volume and tone controls

Bridge and Tailpiece: original bridge, original tailpiece with micro-tuning knobs. I’ve debated swapping for a stop tailpiece, but the original gives these their distinctive sound and look.

Playability: It‘s hard to put down. The neck plays so smoothly from years of wear that it feels like no Gibson neck I’ve ever played before. Action is perfect and professionally set up by my local luthier. Frets have plenty of life left, though they are on the lower side.

Weight: 9lbs 4 oz

Condition: Good

Case: Gibson Tan/Pink pictured in photos, from the early 90s. (~$300 value)

Extras: Couch Guitar Straps 3” Padded Oxblood Strap

***Please review all photos and description before purchasing. Please request more photos and info if you’d like and I will happily provide them. This is a vintage player’s grade guitar and has significant wear that is clearly detailed in the photos. It is sold “as-is” and I will not accept returns unless in arrives in a condition that is different than pictured.***