The Gibson ES-345TD was introduced in 1959.

While similar in construction and appearance to the ES-335, it had two novel features: stereo wiring, and “Vari-tone” circuitry. According to the company’s publicity, Vari-tone “could produce any sound you’ve ever heard from any guitar”.

Vari-tone settings are adjusted via a rotery knob mounted to the left of the guitar’s volume and tone controls. This has six positions and many players find it useful. Specifically, many consider positions 3 and 4 make the ES-345’s humbucking pickups sound a little like single-coil models.

The guitar also had stereo capabilities that meant it could use Gibson’s own GA-885 stereo guitar amp.