In a legendary scene from Back to the Future, a Gibson guitar played a starring role; not only in the film, but also in music history. Although the prom in the film takes place in 1955, a Gibson ES-345 was used, a model originally introduced in 1959. The Cherry Red ES-345, supplied by Norman Harris of Norman’s Rare Guitars, may not have been time-true, but its appearance and sound made it the perfect choice for the unforgettable “Enchantment Under the Sea” scene.

Today, Gibson Custom proudly presents the Back to the Future 1955 ES-345 Collector’s Edition, a masterful tribute to the guitar that has connected generations. The thinline body of three-ply maple-poplar-maple with a solid maple center block provides extra sustain and less feedback, while the looks are just as impressive as the sound. The mahogany neck, bonded with hide glue and featuring a long tenon, has a 1961 Authentic Thin D profile and a bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets. Just like the rare original from the film, this version features a single parallelogram inlay on the 12th fret, a unique detail for this model.

The guitar is equipped with two unpotted Gibson Custom humbuckers, each with individual volume and tone controls, wired with CTS potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors. A mono Varitone switch adds extra tonal possibilities, while the aged gold hardware, Bigsby B7 vibrato, and Black Top Hat knobs with gold reflector complete the classic ES-345 look. Finished in hand-stained Cherry Red and aged by the Murphy Lab, every guitar carries the character of the original, including the Hill Valley Music Store decal on the back of the headstock.

Hand-built by the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, this limited edition model is a true collector's item. Only 88 units are being produced worldwide, a timeless tribute to Gibson craftsmanship and to one of the most iconic musical moments in film history.
This 2025 Gibson ES345 is in mint condition and comes with all the accompanying case candy in the original Gibson case.

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.

Consignment.