dr.fingers Posted December 24, 2011 Share Posted December 24, 2011 Hi Everyone......I need help deciding which one to choose.....I love the ebony fretboard of the 355....but also intrigued with the stereo outputs of the 345....I was thinking of the black guitar...so ...any input would be appreciated....and Happy Holidays to ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!.....ALSO....Does anyone know the feel of the necks on these guitars.....are they wide?......I had an Epiphone Casino which was a good feel for me.....Again.....THanks...Bo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 24, 2011 Share Posted December 24, 2011 I like the 345 personally, the split block inlays and the stereo option tip the scales for me, interested to hear what you finally decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSAR Posted December 24, 2011 Share Posted December 24, 2011 I have no use for the varitone and stereo setup of the 45, so for me it would be an easy decision. It really depends on what you intend to play, and what you're looking for in a guitar... A couple people have them, so they should be able to help you about the neck... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted December 24, 2011 Share Posted December 24, 2011 If you'll be running two cables from the 345 to two different PA speakers/amplifiers, the 345 would be intriguing. But, if you're only using one amp, then stereo wouldn't provide any additional benefit. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong on this, but that's my understanding of how it works. The necks are probably typical epi's - slim 60's style. If you can play first, that would be the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Posted December 24, 2011 Share Posted December 24, 2011 Hi Bo, I have the 355 in white. I prefer the inlays, matched pickups, knobs, and tuners on the 345, but don't particulary care for the varitone, stereo, or single-layer binding (on a white guitar). I can go either way on the ebony vs. rosewood. I believe the stereo feature routes the bridge pickup to one output and the neck pickup to the other. If you were going for some type of stereo separation by having two amps spread apart, it would be cool in the middle switch position, but when you were only using a single pickup your sound would only be coming out of one side. I guess if you used a two channel amp the pickup switch would allow you to do some interesting things, but it just seems too complicated to me and something I would never use. As for the varitone, I have a Gibson 355 with one. For me it's just kind of a novelty that I never use, and thus only adds unnecessary weight to the guitar. It really knocks the volume down too the further up the dial you go. Also, I don't think the black ring used on the Epiphones looks very good, especially with the white body (gold would be better). All that said, they are both very cool guitars and I wouldn't mind also having a 345, maybe in cherry. As for the neck, the width is pretty standard Gibson/Epiphone with the 1.68" nut. However, it is advertised as "D" shape and is fairly deep, at least mine is. The ads also say it is "60's slim profile", but mine feels more like a 50's neck. I really like it. I have played IBJL and regular Casinos and I would say it's a little deeper than those. Good luck with your choice and let us know which one you pick. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted December 24, 2011 Share Posted December 24, 2011 My choice between the two............The Epi 345................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Hi guys, I'm having some problems deciding between these two as well. I want to buy the Es355 from Thomann, however it says the shipment doesn't arrive till March 20th which is quite a long way away. The Es345 however is available right now, but it costs about $60 more and I have no use for the Varitone and Stereo. Do these features add a burden if they are not used? Do you think I'd be better off waiting 2 months for the Es355 to be available? Or should I just get the Es345 now? Apart from some of the small appearance differences, and the varitone etc., is there anything else of note that's different? I noticed that the Es355 is lot more popular than the Es345, is this because it is actually better in some aspects? Sorry about the overload of questions, any help will be good. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 IMHO, extra knobs etc aren't a "burden." If you won't be using the "Varitone" or the stereo features, wait and get the 355.......... Time flies really fast.........So, bear the wait............. [thumbup] .....................( only my opinion )............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersonic Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I do not understand the people that are saying they have no use for the VariTone. How could you not have any use for something that gives you 18 tonal options on a 2 pickup guitar? As for the stereo feature, you don't HAVE to use it. You can use the 345 just like a normal guitar, but if you should ever need to use the stereo feature somewhere down the road then you would have that option available to you. How is that not useful? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 The "Varitone" can be very frightening to newbies........It's big and has so many numbers............... As per stereo options..............I usually run stereo when live........So, I dunno......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersonic Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 The "Varitone" can be very frightening to newbies........It's big and has so many numbers............... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I do not understand the people that are saying they have no use for the VariTone. How could you not have any use for something that gives you 18 tonal options on a 2 pickup guitar? As for the stereo feature, you don't HAVE to use it. You can use the 345 just like a normal guitar, but if you should ever need to use the stereo feature somewhere down the road then you would have that option available to you. How is that not useful? The point is that just about everyone has been able to manage playing a guitar without the Varitone. Sure it can be useful, but it's not necessary for me and neither is the stereo feature. I've heard the reason that the Gibson es345 didn't really become popular was because no one could be bothered with the Varitone. I've also heard that the extra features add weight to the guitar, which would be a shame if I never used them. I don't know if any of this is true, so I'm just checking/ I'm sorry if my questions have annoyed you. But I just want to know if the 345 can play just as well as the 355 without it's added features which I may not use, and if I can justify getting it over the 355. If anything, I think es345 looks better, but I'm worried if I am getting a poorer guitar for more because of things I'm not going to properly utilise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 The point is that just about everyone has been able to manage playing a guitar without the Varitone. Sure it can be useful, but it's not necessary for me and neither is the stereo feature. I've heard the reason that the Gibson es345 didn't really become popular was because no one could be bothered with the Varitone. I've also heard that the extra features add weight to the guitar, which would be a shame if I never used them. I don't know if any of this is true, so I'm just checking/ I'm sorry if my questions have annoyed you. But I just want to know if the 345 can play just as well as the 355 without it's added features which I may not use, and if I can justify getting it over the 355. If anything, I think es345 looks better, but I'm worried if I am getting a poorer guitar for more because of things I'm not going to properly utilise. Specifically, the stereo feature and the varitone switch may not 'add' anything you use, but it certainly won't detract. If you get picky enough about the tone and have either one for a long time, you will problably want to upgrade the pickups anyway. Any added weight from the extra features would be offset by variations in wood between guitars-some are heavier. If you are torn between the two, the only way to determine which you prefer is to play them. Every guitar will play, sound, and feel a little different than another. The difference between LIKING a guitar and LOVING a guitar can make all the difference. Start with coffee before you make a proposal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Specifically, the stereo feature and the varitone switch may not 'add' anything you use, but it certainly won't detract. The difference between LIKING a guitar and LOVING a guitar can make all the difference. Start with coffee before you make a proposal. THIS......... [thumbup] .....And yes, REAL REGULAR COFFEE.........Skip the " Mild Grande Mid Size shade western slope grown ginsu infused semi green gently hand picked sung to coffee beans grown organically in steamed swerry white tailed bird droppings with just the slightest hint of crushed cinnamin and three dolloups of organic forgiestic non pasturized sheep milk, madagascarian non dutch proccessed cocca flavoring shaved chips, layered steamed non dairy eco-grown soy non-fat milk type cream, nutmeg flavored enhanced bubbles, served in the 100% pre-consumer recycled bamboo fiber degradable cup with the "Please save the World" motiff printed with "all natural nature dolphin safe dyes"................... :unsure: ...................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 THIS......... [thumbup] .....And yes, REAL REGULAR COFFEE.........Skip the " Mild Grande Mid Size shade western slope grown ginsu infused semi green gently hand picked sung to coffee beans grown organically in steamed swerry white tailed bird droppings with just the slightest hint of crushed cinnamin and three dolloups of organic forgiestic non pasturized sheep milk, madagascarian non dutch proccessed cocca flavoring shaved chips, layered steamed non dairy eco-grown soy non-fat milk type cream, nutmeg flavored enhanced bubbles, served in the 100% pre-consumer recycled bamboo fiber degradable cup with the "Please save the World" motiff printed with "all natural nature dolphin safe dyes"................... :unsure: ...................... ROFPML Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Specifically, the stereo feature and the varitone switch may not 'add' anything you use, but it certainly won't detract. If you get picky enough about the tone and have either one for a long time, you will problably want to upgrade the pickups anyway. Any added weight from the extra features would be offset by variations in wood between guitars-some are heavier. If you are torn between the two, the only way to determine which you prefer is to play them. Every guitar will play, sound, and feel a little different than another. The difference between LIKING a guitar and LOVING a guitar can make all the difference. Start with coffee before you make a proposal. Cool, if it doesn't detract then that would be great, I might even learn to use the extra features to their full potential eventually. I'd really like to try each of them myself and pick the one I like, but it's hard here in Australia. The 355's, 345's and 339's are not available here yet. Also, every other guitar here is way overpriced. The Epiphone Dot which is usually around the $300-$400 mark in Europe and the US, is usually around $700-$800 here which is rediculous. Thanks for the help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 DAMIAN! I see you made it back from your trip! Successful, I assume. I can never get that coffee made like that, because I can never order right. Should have you with me next time. Only in Portland, can you get coffee that good. Only 6 bucks, too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Cool, if it doesn't detract then that would be great, I might even learn to use the extra features to their full potential eventually. I'd really like to try each of them myself and pick the one I like, but it's hard here in Australia. The 355's, 345's and 339's are not available here yet. Also, every other guitar here is way overpriced. The Epiphone Dot which is usually around the $300-$400 mark in Europe and the US, is usually around $700-$800 here which is rediculous. G'day BB, welcome to the forums, geeze the second new Aussie in the last hour or so, there's a great bunch around here, hope you like it. I have 60+ guitars, and I imported about 50 of them, it's way cheaper, I've discussed importing (at a rudimentary level) guitars just a short time ago in THIS THREAD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Cool, if it doesn't detract then that would be great, I might even learn to use the extra features to their full potential eventually. I'd really like to try each of them myself and pick the one I like, but it's hard here in Australia. The 355's, 345's and 339's are not available here yet. Also, every other guitar here is way overpriced. The Epiphone Dot which is usually around the $300-$400 mark in Europe and the US, is usually around $700-$800 here which is rediculous. Thanks for the help Australia? Holy crap, you got it bad for buying guitars. We need to put you in touch with a group we call the AUSSIE MAFIA. The NIGHT SHIFT! It is a coalition of guitar acquiring coffee drinking men dedicated to the acquisition of guitars. You might have to join, though. You might have to pass a test. ME, they just let me hang around sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 DAMIAN! I see you made it back from your trip! Successful, I assume. I can never get that coffee made like that, because I can never order right. Should have you with me next time. Only in Portland, can you get coffee that good. Only 6 bucks, too! I have an invite to OZ for some gigs........Can't do it this year....Next year, probably....Might do a Seattle recording gig soon.....Hmmm..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 G'day BB, welcome to the forums, geeze the second new Aussie in the last hour or so, there's a great bunch around here, hope you like it. I have 60+ guitars, and I imported about 50 of them, it's way cheaper, I've discussed importing (at a rudimentary level) guitars just a short time ago in THIS THREAD. Hi! Thanks for the welcome. It's good to see some Aussie's here. I think people here in Aus are starting to realise that you are much better off getting guitars from overseas, so we're all hopping on the net for importing advice, that's why you've been seeing so many new Aussies joining haha. I know some have suggested that we should help out local dealers by buying locally, and I can understand that, but I simply can't justify buying something here when you can get something for half price elsewhere, the difference is just way too big. By the way, where did you go to get your guitars? Is mostly the same couple of places or is it very variable depending on the guitar you are getting? Australia? Holy crap, you got it bad for buying guitars. Haha, I was starting to think that it was just me thinking the guitars are overpriced here. Looks like Australia is knowned for being bad for buying guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Hi! Thanks for the welcome. It's good to see some Aussie's here. I think people here in Aus are starting to realise that you are much better off getting guitars from overseas, so we're all hopping on the net for importing advice, that's why you've been seeing so many new Aussies joining haha. I know some have suggested that we should help out local dealers by buying locally, and I can understand that, but I simply can't justify buying something here when you can get something for half price elsewhere, the difference is just way too big. By the way, where did you go to get your guitars? Is mostly the same couple of places or is it very variable depending on the guitar you are getting? Haha, I was starting to think that it was just me thinking the guitars are overpriced here. Looks like Australia is knowned for being bad for buying guitars. There's an extremely strong Aussie presence here, but I'm about the only one who imports my own on a regular basis, they're here coz this is the best forum on the net, and Aussies always seek out the best places, LOL. I've championed the cause for importing into Oz strong and loud on here for ages, bugger the dealers, if I can import a guitar for half the price they sell for here, then why can't they be sold here for that price, remember I'm doing it one at time, they could bring in hundreds for way less freight and taxes than I have to pay as an individual, bugger 'em, they have to realise it's a global economy these days, sink or swim I say. I'm a pensioner, so every cent counts to me. I've bought them from all over the planet, UK, US, Sweeden, China and Japan among others, I do have some favourite sellers when I'm looking for something special, but production guitars it doesn't matter that much, unfortunately most of that info is on a hard disk that's currently non-functional, I hope to have it fixed this week but I'm waiting on a parcel from the UK with the bits needed, I wish Oz Post would pull their finger out, I ordered it mid Dec. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I'm sorry if my questions have annoyed you. But I just want to know if the 345 can play just as well as the 355 without it's added features which I may not use, and if I can justify getting it over the 355. If anything, I think es345 looks better, but I'm worried if I am getting a poorer guitar for more because of things I'm not going to properly utilise. Billybob, I'm sure the overall build quality is exactly the same (as much as it can be for a production guitar made in China anyway), and the 345 will play just as well if you are not using the stereo or varitone features. Note the 345 is lacking some features that the 355 has which would cost more, like the "ebony" fretboard, inlaid split diamond headstock, and 5-ply binding on the body and headstock. I don't know if this is a consideration for you or not, but the 355 is advertised to have the hotter Alnico Plus pickup in the bridge position, whereas the 345 has a regular Alnico Classic in the bridge (though my 355 did not have the Plus). I really like both of the guitars and for me the decider was the 5-ply binding on the 355, since I was getting the alpine white and thought the 5-ply looked better on it. Still wouldn't mind a cherry 345 though. Good luck with your choice and please post some pics when you get your guitar. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Billybob, I'm sure the overall build quality is exactly the same (as much as it can be for a production guitar made in China anyway), and the 345 will play just as well if you are not using the stereo or varitone features. Note the 345 is lacking some features that the 355 has which would cost more, like the "ebony" fretboard, inlaid split diamond headstock, and 5-ply binding on the body and headstock. I don't know if this is a consideration for you or not, but the 355 is advertised to have the hotter Alnico Plus pickup in the bridge position, whereas the 345 has a regular Alnico Classic in the bridge (though my 355 did not have the Plus). I really like both of the guitars and for me the decider was the 5-ply binding on the 355, since I was getting the alpine white and thought the 5-ply looked better on it. Still wouldn't mind a cherry 345 though. Good luck with your choice and please post some pics when you get your guitar. Tom Yeah, I do like the binding on the body and headstock, especially the head. Though it's not as noticeably different on the body of the Cherry. I also like the ebony fretboard on the 355. At the same time though, I prefer the volume/tone knobs of the 345 and the tulip tuners haha. If the 345 plays just as well, I might get the 345, since I can get it soon, hopefully when the euro is at its weakest, I'm worried it might get stronger soon if the Greece debt talks start working out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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