Vintage Gibson ES-300 - USA 1946

Here is a 1946 Gibson ES-300 in sunburst, a beautifully aged example of one of Gibson’s important post-war archtop designs. With its warm amber-tinted nitro finish and full-depth hollowbody construction, this guitar captures the early evolution of Gibson’s electric archtop era with strong vintage character and visual appeal.

This example features a 17-inch non-cutaway laminated maple hollow body with a mahogany neck and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The result is a rich, open acoustic response with strong fundamental tone and the airy resonance typical of early Gibson hollowbody construction. The sunburst finish has developed a natural patina and lacquer checking consistent with its age.

It retains period-correct appointments including white body binding, pearl double parallelogram inlays, Kluson Deluxe tuners, and the classic Gibson headstock with crown inlay. The original-style controls with high-top barrel knobs are also present, maintaining its authentic vintage character.

Electronics and hardware show a mix of originality and sympathetic replacement parts. The pickguard has been replaced, and the tailpiece appears to be a later Gibson-style replacement with evidence of a previous mounting point. There is a repaired crack on the treble-side bout with non-professional finish touch-up, along with a crack near the input jack. The back of the neck has been refinished in the playing area, and a former strap button hole remains at the heel. Despite these cosmetic and structural notes, the guitar remains fully functional and stable.

Playability is strong, with a comfortable neck and responsive feel suited to professional use. The guitar delivers warm, rounded archtop tones with excellent clarity and natural acoustic depth, making it suitable for both stage and studio environments.

It comes supplied in a non-original hard shell case and includes a comprehensive assessment from Gruhn Guitars (Nashville, TN). A well-preserved and characterful early post-war Gibson ES-300 with genuine vintage presence and musical utility.

Specifications:

Year: 1946
Country: USA
Model: Vintage Gibson ES-300
Finish: Warm Amber-tinted Nitro
Body: Laminated figured maple top and back
Neck: Solid mahogany
Fingerboard: Solid Brazilian rosewood, dual-parallelogram inlays, 12" radius
Scale: 25.5"
Pickups: Single P-90 pickup with original electronics
Bridge: Adjustable compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe Keystone
Case: Non-original Gibson HSC