Circa 1970 Gibson ES-340 (ES-335 derivative) — rare, beautifully aged example!

Overview

This ES-340—produced between 1969 and 1973 and most likely manufactured around 1970—is a distinctive derivative of the ES-335. At a glance it resembles an ES-335, but it features a 5-piece maple/walnut neck and original-style balancer controls with pickup phase switching. The balancer originally mixed/changed the pickups (rather than a standard selector) and the individual pickup volumes were not adjustable, which made the factory wiring different from a typical Gibson, and may be difficult for the player used to the standard. This guitar has been rewired to practical ES-335–style controls for conventional operation.

Finish & feel

- Transparent (clear) lacquer originally reserved for higher-end Gibsons of the era.

- Entire finish exhibits attractive, period-appropriate weather-checking, giving the guitar a dignified, vintage look.

- Despite expectations of a bright “maple-neck” tone, the neck has a thicker profile (nut width 40 mm with a noticeably fuller high-position grip), producing a warm, silky tone with excellent response.

Specs

- Body: Maple

- Neck: 5-piece maple with walnut laminates

- Fingerboard: Rosewood

- Scale: Medium

- Frets: 22

- Weight: 3.5 kg

- Accessory: Hard case (Gibson case from another year)

- Manufacture year: circa 1970 (pot dates ’69; pickup and parts details indicates it's ’70 production)

Mods & repairs

- Controls and wiring modified to ES-335–style operation; switches and wiring materials replaced. (No body routing or structural body modifications.)

- Evidence that pickup covers were removed and reinstalled; pickups retain genuine numbered PAF stickers.

- Tuners replaced with modern Cruson-type (original tuners that are slightly bent and stiff are included.)

- Nut replaced with cow bone.

- Bridge stud mounting hole repaired: larger hole drilled, filled, and re-drilled.

- Screws throughout instrument have been replaced.

Condition

- Professionally inspected and setup at Astronauts Guitars for optimal playability — arrives ready to play.

- Damages: Full-surface weather checking; some dents, buckle rash, and paint chips consistent with age. Repair mark present on rear pickup escutcheon.

- Neck: Straight—no warp or twist. Truss rod operates normally.

- Frets: Previously leveled and recrowned multiple times. Lowest fret height measured 0.7 mm; estimated 60% fret life remaining.

- Action: 12th-fret string height 1.25 mm (1st string), 1.5 mm (6th string).

Why buy

Rare, beautifully aged example with authentic late‑’60s/early‑’70s appointments and excellent playability. Perfect for the collector or the player seeking a distinctive, vintage semi-hollow with original PAFs.

Please note

- We are unable to accept price negotiations, as the listed price already reflects our best.

- The shipping fees listed on the item page are reference prices and may differ from the actual shipping cost (including Reverb and PayPal fees.) While the amounts are accurate for many countries, they may vary significantly for others.

- All customs taxes and VAT are the buyers’ responsibility. Please check out the requirements for your country.

- All items are also for sale in our physical workshop in Takadanobaba. There is a chance they might be sold out.

- We sell only at Reverb for customers from outside Japan.

- We accept payment only through Reverb platform.