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Head to head

Gibson Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry Red vs Gibson Tony Iommi "Monkey" 1964 SG Special Replica, Right-Handed Aged / Signed, Right-Handed Aged/Signed

The verdict

The Gibson Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry Red comes out ahead overall — 77 to 71 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
  • Better playability (75 vs 64)
  • Better sound (74 vs 68)
  • Better value (67 vs 61)
Gibson Tony Iommi "Monkey" 1964 SG Special Replica, Right-Handed Aged / Signed, Right-Handed Aged/Signed wins on

No standout advantage.

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricBack to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry RedTony Iommi "Monkey" 1964 SG Special Replica, Right-Handed Aged / Signed, Right-Handed Aged/Signed
Overall7771
Build8787
Playability7564
Sound7468
Value6761

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecBack to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition, Light Aged, Cherry RedTony Iommi "Monkey" 1964 SG Special Replica, Right-Handed Aged / Signed, Right-Handed Aged/Signed
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years
CountryUSUS
Body wood3-ply maple/poplar/maple
Neck woodMahogany
FretboardRosewood
Strings66
Frets22
Scale24.75"
PickupsCustombucker Alnico 3, Unpotted / Custombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedJohn Birch Superflux / John Birch P-90
Rating
Price$19,999$19,999
Binding3-ply top, single-ply back and fretboard
Body FinishMurphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeES-335
Body StylesES-335
BridgeABR-1 No-WireAdjustable Wrap-Around
Bridge pickupCustombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedJohn Birch P-90
CaseLifton™ hardshell with Marvin Berry and The Starlighters graphics1960s Replica Black/Yellow Hardshell
CenterblockMaple
Control KnobsBlack top hat with gold reflectorBlack Witch Hats w/ Silver Inserts
Controls2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS 500k audio taper potentiometers, paper-in-oil capacitors; 6-position mono varitone2 500K CTS Volume Pots, 2 500K CTS Tone Pots, Hand-Wired Harness
FinishAged goldChrome - Aged
Fretboard inlayCelluloid split parallelogram with celluloid parallelogram at 12th Fret
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count22
Headstock InlayGibson logo and crown in mother of pearl; Hill Valley Music dealer plaque on headstock rear
JointLong tenon, hide glue fit
Model55ES345BTTFMLGH1SGSPC64TIACH1
Mounting RingsBlack M69 medium & tallCustom John Birch
Neck pickupCustombucker Alnico 3, UnpottedJohn Birch Superflux
NutNylon
Nut width42.85mm / 1.69in
Output Jack1/4" SwitchcraftSwitchcraft
PickguardShort ES-335; black 5-ply, wide bevelBlack 5-Ply Wide Bevel
Pickup CoversGoldChrome Engraved
Pickup SelectorSwitchcraft 3-way toggle3-Way Switchcraft
Profile1961 Authentic Thin D-Shape
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonsBurnished brassAluminum
String gauges.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch TipCreamBlack
SwitchwasherGold with black lettering (Varitone)Thin Black
TailpieceBigsby '59 B7, gold with black paintStud Anchors Only
Truss rodAuthentic 1950s no-tube2-way Adjustable
Truss Rod CoverAuthentic stepped 2-ply3-Ply Black/White/Black
Tuner PlatingAged goldChrome - Aged
TunersKluson single line, single ringSchaller M6
AccessoriesCertificate of Authenticity, Replica Heavy Leather Strap, Replica Silver Cross Necklace in Coffin
Control CoversBlack
Saddle MaterialBrass

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