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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 – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio

Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio
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 – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio 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 – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio 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 – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio
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 – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio
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 4 and Alnico 3 Magnets 79 k DC Resistance / Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Vintage Hot 57 Patent Applied For Humbucker Alnico 4 Magnet 84k 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 Vintage Hot 57 Patent Applied For Humbucker Alnico 4 Magnet 84k 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 reflectorLeo Scala Custom Metal 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 Gold
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 Brass Gibson Logo
JointLong tenon, hide glue fitLong Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
Model55ES345BTTFMLGH1CS-ART-104
Mounting RingsBlack M69 medium & tallCustom Color-Infused (Humbucker)
Neck pickupCustombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedLeo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound P-90 Soapbar Alnico 4 and Alnico 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 bevelNone
Pickup CoversGoldCustom Color-Infused (Soapbar P-90), None (Humbucker)
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 TipCreamCream
SwitchwasherGold with black lettering (Varitone)Black
TailpieceBigsby '59 B7, gold with black paintBigsby B7 Vibrato
Truss rodAuthentic 1950s no-tubeAdjustable
Truss Rod CoverAuthentic stepped 2-plyAged Brass
Tuner PlatingAged goldMaster Artisan Aged Gold
TunersKluson single line, single ringKluson Six In-Line with Custom Color-Infused Keystone Button
AccessoriesCertificate of Authenticity Box
Control CoversAged Brass, Embossed Retroliner
HeadstockScimitar, Matching Color with Graphics; Stinger on Rear
Neck FinishLeo Scala Custom Oiled

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