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Gibson Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry Red vs Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Custom 57, Custom 57

Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Custom 57, Custom 57
Electric$15,999
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76Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry Red and Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Custom 57, Custom 57 are closely matched overall — 77 to 76 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

No standout advantage.

Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Custom 57, Custom 57 wins on
  • Lower price ($15,999 vs $19,999)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricBack to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry RedLeo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Custom 57, Custom 57
Overall7776
Build8787
Playability7575
Sound7471
Value6766

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecBack to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry RedLeo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Custom 57, Custom 57
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years
CountryUSUS
Body wood3-ply maple/poplar/mapleAlder
Neck woodMahoganyMahogany
FretboardRosewoodIndian Rosewood
Strings66
Frets2222
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsCustombucker Alnico 3, Unpotted / Custombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedLeo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound P-90 Soapbar Alnico 2 and 3 Magnets 79 k DC Resistance / Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Vault 59 Patent Applied For Humbucker Alnico 2 Magnet 845 k DC Resistance
Rating
Price$19,999$15,999
Binding3-ply top, single-ply back and fretboard
Body FinishMurphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose LacquerMaster Artisan Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeES-335Theodore
Body StylesES-335Double Cut
BridgeABR-1 No-WireABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Custom Dog Bone Base
Bridge pickupCustombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedLeo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Vault 59 Patent Applied For Humbucker Alnico 2 Magnet 845 k DC Resistance
CaseLifton™ hardshell with Marvin Berry and The Starlighters graphicsCustom G&G Hardshell with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
CenterblockMaple
Control KnobsBlack top hat with gold reflectorCustom Skull Volume, Black Top Hat with Silver Reflector Tone; All with Dial Pointer
Controls2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS 500k audio taper potentiometers, paper-in-oil capacitors; 6-position mono varitone2 Volume, 2 Tone; 50s-style Hand-wired with VIPots 550k Potentiometers and Bumblebee Capacitors
FinishAged goldMaster Artisan Aged Nickel
Fretboard inlayCelluloid split parallelogram with celluloid parallelogram at 12th FretPearloid Dot
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 rearCustom Raised Aluminum Gibson Logo
JointLong tenon, hide glue fitLong Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
Model55ES345BTTFMLGH1CS-ART-105
Mounting RingsBlack M69 medium & tallP-90: None, Humbucker: Dogear
Neck pickupCustombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedLeo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound P-90 Soapbar Alnico 2 and 3 Magnets 79 k DC Resistance
NutNylonNylon
Nut width42.85mm / 1.69in42.85mm / 1.69in
Output Jack1/4" Switchcraft1/4" Switchcraft
PickguardShort ES-335; black 5-ply, wide bevelCustom Aged Metal
Pickup CoversGoldMaster Artisan Aged Nickel
Pickup SelectorSwitchcraft 3-way toggle3-way Switchcraft
Profile1961 Authentic Thin D-ShapeC
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonsBurnished brass2 - Bottom and Upper Horn
String gauges.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch TipCreamCustom Skull
SwitchwasherGold with black lettering (Varitone)Custom, Hell / Back
TailpieceBigsby '59 B7, gold with black paintBigsby B7 Vibrato
Truss rodAuthentic 1950s no-tubeAdjustable
Truss Rod CoverAuthentic stepped 2-plyAged Aluminum
Tuner PlatingAged goldMaster Artisan Aged Nickel
TunersKluson single line, single ringKluson Six In-Line with Custom Color-Infused Cream Oval Button
AccessoriesCertificate of Authenticity Box
Control CoversAged Metal
HeadstockScimitar
Neck FinishLeo Scala Custom Oiled
Plastic PartsMaster Artisan Aged

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