1960s Gibson "parts details"??

[ChrisFFTA]

I am looking to get some period correct parts for my 1964 ES345, specifically a bridge and Bigsby B7.

However I dont know if 1964 should have - for the bridge - just the ABR-1
stamp or were they using the Pat # stamps on bridges of this period.

And then for the Bigsby - what markings/identifiers are there to indicate a period correct part? Thanks!

[gitman]

you'll probably get the most knowledgeabe answers over at the les-paul-forum since they are absolutely on top of all these historic facts and details- there is a sub-forum that deals
with "the other Gibson's" i.e. all models besides the Les Pauls.
i was looking for a 60's Bigsby B7 for my own '68 ES-345 and i simply cannot afford a real one right now- too darn pricy or just so worn that it would look out-of-place on my very clean guitar.... i will hunt down a used new one and relic it myself !
there are a couple of determining factors that let you date a B7 but not very precisely.
the most obvious detail is the missing black paint in the center of the hinge-part : the 60's B7 in gold (even more rare than the nickle version ...) was gold all over.
re the bridge you'll have fewer problems since there are plenty of those around- not cheap but attainable ;-) good luck and enjoy your guitar- these 345's are the bomb !

[ChrisFFTA]

thx for that i will head over there and ask around

i love my 345 and this little restoration has been 10 years in the planning. ebay has made sourcing parts easier but wow the prices!

[mark norwine]

whatever bridge you find, remember that it ought to have nylon saddles to be period correct...

[gitman]

you can get the nylon saddles new, no problem. old ones often are worn down too low and the slots are mis-aligned...i have not noticed any diff. in tone between those and the standard metal saddles though ...

[ChrisFFTA]

whatever bridge you find, remember that it ought to have nylon saddles to be period correct...

i had seen that a bit but apparently they mixed and matched with nylon saddles being used from 62-70 (ish)... a cost thing perhaps but they still did use metal saddles as well.

[Schmidt]

I think you can find all early types of Tune'o'matics on a 1964 - with and without wire and with or without nylon saddles.

[ChrisFFTA]

I think you can find all early types of Tune'o'matics on a 1964 - with and without wire and with or without nylon saddles.

indeed you can but what should be stamped on the bottom? ABR-1 OR Pat #... tis the question :)

[ultra]

indeed you can but what should be stamped on the bottom? ABR-1 OR Pat #... tis the question :)

From memory, it should be ABR-1 with the foundry mark plus wire. Pat # started in '65 in nickel parts. Gold bridges changed over a little later

[Schmidt]

indeed you can but what should be stamped on the bottom? ABR-1 OR Pat #... tis the question :)

uuppps...