Differences Between the Gibson ES-335 and es-345
Fretboard inlays and Orange Drop capacitors
While I could be missing some of the nuanced technical details between these two guitars, there's very little to distinguish them, which makes sense given their price points being so close. Orange Drop capacitors are mentioned for the calibrated T-type pickups in the 345, while they're listed for the 500k pots in the 335. However, I'm not sure if all technical specs are being listed for each instrument. Either way, the differences are very subtle.
| Feature | ES-335 | ES-345 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Semi-hollowbody | Semi-hollowbody |
| Body Shape | ES-335 | ES-345 |
| Body Material | 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple | 3-ply Maple/Poplar |
| Top Material | 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple | (not specified, though likely the same) |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Gloss |
| Color | Sixties Cherry | Sixties Cherry |
| Neck Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Rounded C | Rounded C |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Acrylic Dots | Pearloid Split Parallelogram |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.695" | 1.695" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech | Not specified |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece | Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Aluminum Stopbar |
| Tuners | Vintage Deluxe with Keystone Buttons | Vintage Deluxe |
| Neck Pickup | Calibrated T-type Rhythm Humbucker | Calibrated T-Type Humbucker with Orange Drop capacitors |
| Bridge Pickup | Calibrated T-type Lead Humbucker | Calibrated T-Type Humbucker with Orange Drop capacitors |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 2 x tone (500k pots) | 2 x volume, 2 x tone (pot specs not listed) |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | .010-.046 | Gibson, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case | Hardshell Case |
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I'd prefer the Gibson ES-335, largely because I'm just partial to originals. Image via Tim (TF Guitars)
The Varitone circuit (which is pictured here) is no longer included in the ES-345. Image via Capsule Music
Top Notable Differences
Top Material:
- ES-335: 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
- ES-345: Not specified
Fingerboard Inlay:
- ES-335: Acrylic Dots
- ES-345: Pearloid Split Parallelogram
Bridge/Tailpiece:
- ES-335: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece
- ES-345: Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Aluminum Stopbar
Tuners:
- ES-335: Vintage Deluxe with Keystone Buttons
- ES-345: Vintage Deluxe
Pickup Configuration:
- ES-335: Calibrated T-type Rhythm Humbucker (Neck), Calibrated T-type Lead Humbucker (Bridge)
- ES-345: Calibrated T-Type Humbucker (Neck and Bridge)
What would I go with?
If someone has some more insight into the differences between these two guitars, please share it in the comments section below. But my reading of the specs sheet, and some additional information online, doesn't present a lot of distinction. To that end, and based entirely on subjective preference, I'd go with the ES-335. It's a bit cheaper and I've always liked earlier versions of guitars like these.
Again, if you want to add some info or ask questions, feel free to hit up the comments section below
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