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Head to head

Gibson Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry Red vs Gibson Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, Signed Guitar and Label, Ebony, Exclusive

The verdict

The Gibson Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry Red and Gibson Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, Signed Guitar and Label, Ebony, Exclusive are closely matched overall — 77 to 78 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Gibson Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry Red wins on
  • Lower price ($19,999 vs $29,999)
Gibson Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, Signed Guitar and Label, Ebony, Exclusive wins on

No standout advantage.

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricBack to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry RedKeith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, Signed Guitar and Label, Ebony, Exclusive
Overall7778
Build8791
Playability7575
Sound7474
Value6768

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecBack to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry RedKeith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, Signed Guitar and Label, Ebony, Exclusive
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years
CountryUSUS
Body wood3-ply maple/poplar/maple3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
Neck woodMahoganyMahogany
FretboardRosewoodEbony
Strings66
Frets2222
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsCustombucker Alnico 3, Unpotted / Custombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedCustombucker with Aged Alnico 5 Magnet / Custombucker with Aged Alnico 5 Magnet
Rating
Price$19,999$29,999
Binding3-ply top, single-ply back and fretboardSeven-ply Top, Three-ply Back, Five-ply Headstock (Cream), Single-ply Fretboard (White)
Body FinishMurphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose LacquerMurphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeES-335ES-335
Body StylesES-335ES
BridgeABR-1 No-WireABR-1 (Wire)
Bridge pickupCustombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedCustombucker with Aged Alnico 5 Magnet
CaseLifton™ hardshell with Marvin Berry and The Starlighters graphicsCustom Shop Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector's Edition Hardshell
CenterblockMapleMaple; Weight-Relieved
Control KnobsBlack top hat with gold reflectorTrue Historic Black Top Hat with Dial Pointer
Controls2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS 500k audio taper potentiometers, paper-in-oil capacitors; 6-position mono varitone2 Volume, 2 Tone; CTS 500k Audio Taper Potentiometers and Paper-in-Oil Capacitors
FinishAged goldMurphy Lab Aged Gold
Fretboard inlayCelluloid split parallelogram with celluloid parallelogram at 12th FretMother of Pearl Block
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count2222
Headstock InlayGibson logo and crown in mother of pearl; Hill Valley Music dealer plaque on headstock rearGibson Logo and Split Diamond in Mother-of-Pearl
JointLong tenon, hide glue fitGlued In, Set Neck; Long Tenon
Model55ES345BTTFMLGH160ES355KREBMLGH1
Mounting RingsBlack M69 medium & tallBlack
Neck pickupCustombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedCustombucker with Aged Alnico 5 Magnet
NutNylonBone
Nut width42.85mm / 1.69in41.28mm / 1.63in
Output Jack1/4" Switchcraft1/4" Switchcraft
PickguardShort ES-335; black 5-ply, wide bevel
Pickup CoversGoldMurphy Lab Aged Gold
Pickup SelectorSwitchcraft 3-way toggleSwitchcraft 3-way Toggle
Profile1961 Authentic Thin D-ShapeCustom Keith Richards profile
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonsBurnished brass2 - Dunlop Dual Design Straplok - Bottom and Neck Heel
String gauges.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch TipCreamTrue Historic Amber
SwitchwasherGold with black lettering (Varitone)
TailpieceBigsby '59 B7, gold with black paintBigsby B7 Vibrato
Truss rodAuthentic 1950s no-tubeAdjustable
Truss Rod CoverAuthentic stepped 2-ply
Tuner PlatingAged goldMurphy Lab Aged Gold
TunersKluson single line, single ringGrover Rotomatic with Milk Bottle Button
AccessoriesCertificate of Authenticity, Replica Keith Richards Strap
BracingRed Spruce
Plastic PartsBlack

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