Gibson ES-340 TD Guitar

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Gibson Es 340 TD Arch-Top (1968-1973)

In late 1968 the Gibson guitar company in Kalamazoo Michigan introduced the ES-340-TD, these guitar models were more expensive and very similar to their more popular ES-335 Models but instead had a laminated maple neck, a master volume and mixer controls (the toggle switch had settings of pickups in-phase, pickups out-of-phase, and standby).

ES 340 TD models were made in various colors however most of them were made in walnut or natural finishes (seen a rare one with a wine red finish). The guitar was and still is an outstanding guitar and inspired many guitar players at the time because of its versatility in its electronics.

The ES 340 used two pots mounted on one shaft to provide pick up selection, this system provides a gradually changing amount of pick up mixing which standard toggle switches can't do .

In 1973 the ES-335 over shadowed the ES-340, it was fitted with a coil tap that could recreate the same out of phase wiring as as the ES-340.. Due to the price difference and similarity of both guitars, the ES-340 was short lived and discontinued in 1973..

Specs : The ES-340 had an arched maple top, maple back /sides and neck, raised black pick guard, tune o matic bridge, stop or trapeze tailpiece, crown logo inlays on the peg head, two covered hum buckers, nickel hardware, pearl dot or rectangular inlays, 3 position selector switch and bound body.

> Look For Used Or Vintage Gibson ES-340 TD Guitars For Sale.

Gibson ES-340 TD Price Guide (Updated May-3-2021)
  • 1968 - 1973 > $2800 to $3400 (Natural)
  • 1968 - 1973 > $3200 to $3600 (Walnut)

Note : Es-340 guitars are very rare, due to the demand vs supply these guitars can be sold for up to $6000 presuming they are in excellent condition and all original. Highly figured walnut finishes in pristine condition can fetch up to $7000.

Comments

  1. Anonymous2:12 PM

    Correction -

    Select Birch veneer top, back and sides with a solid maple block down the center of the body. Laminated 3 piece maple neck with two more pieces added at the outside of the headstock
    (5 piece)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:09 PM

      The Natural finish has Rosewood lamination, I believe the Tobacco finish has maple or some other light offset color laminations

      Delete
  2. Anonymous2:17 PM

    Correction - #2

    Also, only came with trapeze style tailpiece.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous2:22 PM

    Correction - #3...sorry..lol

    Only available with rectangular inlays.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous8:19 PM

    They also shipped with a Bigsby tailpiece.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous8:03 PM

    I have an es340 lefty natural finish. How rare is this.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous8:56 AM

    My bandmate has a 340 in Walnut that shipped with a Bigsby. What a sweet machine it is!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous11:33 AM

    How do I find out what year an ES 340TD was made? Serial number 634352.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Unknown8:50 PM

    i have '79 es-347 mint. serial 73339006. any thots on value? and what does the stamp "second" under the serial number mean?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous7:33 PM

    Why would Gibson use birch veneer for this guitar? Did they run out of maple? I'm a little confused about this.

    ReplyDelete
  10. 340mike2:51 PM

    I am blessed to be an original owner of a 340TD. Bought in 1971 for 800.00. Still have it.Recently retouched (finish on neck).Replaced the trapeze with bar type precision tail piece for the sake of tuning. The trapeze was not up to consistent tuning. WONDERFUL guitar.....

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous10:22 AM

    I have a ES-340-TDN and it has a (bar) stop tailpiece that's original so apparently they shipped with Bigsby, Trapeze and stop tailpieces. I found mine in a pawn shop for $300 in 1989 - I knew it was a steal even then.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lee2:04 PM

    I have a ES 340 TDW with original case [The case isn't in the best of shape but still serviceable The guitar is all original except for the tuners which have been replaced with Gibson replacements. The guitar plays like butter and I bought it new in the last part of 1968. It has a set of Duncan snaplocks on it. It shows wear and standard crackling on the finish but it is in pretty good shape for the vintage. It needs to be played and at 72 I don't gig out much anymore. It is for sale. Contact Me at
    Lee@pieraverockshop.com

    ReplyDelete

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