Sometimes, a description of "excellent" condition doesn't quite capture how clean an exceptional guitar really is. "Near mint" covers that ground and this 59 ES-345 is a real good example of that description. It's early enough to have the black Varitone ring and late enough to have the very popular "transition" neck profile. Sealed PAFs (never opened) and all original. This one is still stereo and the Varitone is functioning perfectly. I would rather not see this one converted to 335. There is no wear beyond some of the gold plating and only the very lightest checking (too light to photograph-it's really mostly the lacquer settling into the wood grain). Unusual two piece top and back. PAFs are hot, hot, hot. The bridge measures 8.73K and the neck just over 9K. Wow. Weight is unusually light at 8 lbs 4 ounces (and that's with the Varitone). 59 is the year everybody wants and when you start seeing the 60 345's with a 59 FON (which is pretty common) described as 59's, it's clear what the buyers want. FON only signifies the date that construction started. It could have been completed a year or more later. So, don't compromise. Get a real 59-started in 59, completed in 59 and shipped in 59. No excuses, no stories, just great guitars that will lead the market in appreciation. Oh, yeah, and it's a killer player. Brown Gibson badged case, case candy (instructions, dealer tag and case key) and stereo cord.