The ES-349 was made by the now closed Gibson Memphis Factory.
This is a used "Limited Run ES-349" made in 2015 in limited quantities and filled with the care of the Memphis factory.
The ES-349 has all the features of the ES-345, including split parallelogram inlays and 3-ply body binding, but in a slightly downsized version.
The simple 2Vol2Tone control without a varitone switch, combined with the ease of handling of the small body, makes for outstanding playability!
Of course, it also includes 2015 specs such as a truss rod that eliminates tubes and MHS pickups that are Memphis' own!
The original all-gold parts specification has been replaced with a number of parts, and although it is a hybrid hardware specification, it does not give the impression of losing the atmosphere of the exterior.
The most noticeable replacement parts are listed below.
Replacement of double-ring tuner knobs with nickel parts
Pickup covers (front and rear) replaced with nickel parts
Bridge (ABR-1) and tailpiece replaced with nickel parts
Gold top hat knob
Nut replaced.
Nut replaced.
The overall condition is relatively clean, but there is some paint peeling on the back of the head near the pegs.
There are a few rice grain sized dents on the back of the neck (near the nut) and scratches all over the body.
As mentioned above, there are some signs of use commensurate with the age of the instrument, but the fret loss is slight, with about 80% remaining overall, and there is no chatter or clogging that would be a concern.
Weight : approx. 3.2kg