The King of the ES Models

Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibson's legacy through accuracy, authenticity, and attention to detail.

What could be better than the legendary ES-335? The ES-355!

The ES-355 starts with all the features that make the ES-335 iconic - the feedback-resistant semi-hollowbody construction, the two humbucking pickups with individual volume and tone controls, the legendary sonic versatility and exceptional playability - and kicks it into overdrive with an ebony fretboard that's adorned with 50s pattern mother of pearl block inlays and 22 authentic medium jumbo frets. A split diamond headstock inlay, multi-ply binding, and gold hardware further reinforce the fact that the ES-355 is the top of the line ES™ model.

This expertly crafted Custom Shop rendition's attention to detail makes it an outstanding recreation of the legendary and highly-prized 1959 ES-355. A five latch Lifton™ case is also included.

The 1959 ES-355 features Custom Shop Custombucker pickups that are highly desirable for tube amplifiers. With individual volume and tone controls, these unpotted pickups provide versatility for both chimey country licks and searing rock tones. The Alnico III magnets deliver classic hollowbody-style tones suitable for genres ranging from warm jazz to gritty blues. Additionally, the pickups are handwired with CTS audio taper pots and paper-in-oil capacitors, allowing for extensive tone-shaping capabilities.

Crafted with precision and care by the renowned luthiers of Gibson's Custom Shop, the 1959 ES-355 Reissue boasts an ultra-precise Plek Pro setup for impeccable fretboard and nut optimization, resulting in unparalleled intonation and a comfortable playing experience. From the solid ebony fingerboard to the 17-degree headstock angle, every detail stays true to the iconic legacy of Gibson's ES Series.

The vintage-style nitrocellulose lacquer finish, known for its breathable quality, showcases the guitar's stunning appearance while also enhancing its exceptional tonal character. This classic instrument has the look and feel of a treasured relic, only getting better with time.  The Gibson Custom Shop Historic Reissue models feature the Vintage Original Sheen finish option, which includes lightly aged parts for an authentic vintage patina. The nitrocellulose finish is buffed to a light matte appearance, providing a look and feel reminiscent of a well-loved and well-maintained guitar.

Detailed Specifications Body

Body Shape: ES-335
Body Material: 3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
Centerblock: Solid Maple
Binding: Multi-ply
Weight Relief: None
Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer VOS (Vintage Patina)

Neck

Material: Solid Mahogany
Profile: Authentic '59 Medium C-Shape
Scale Length: 24.75" / 628.65mm
Fingerboard Material: Solid Ebony
Fingerboard Radius: 12"
Number Of Frets: 22
Frets: Authentic Medium-Jumbo
Nut Material: Nylon
Nut Width: 1.69" / 42.85mm
Inlays: 1950s Pattern Mother of Pearl
Joint: Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit

Hardware

Finish: Gold
Tuner Plating: Gold
Bridge: ABR-1
Saddle Material: Nickel-plated Brass
Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar
Tuning Machines: Kluson Waffleback with Pearloid Tips
Pickguard: Multi-Ply Bound Celluloid
Truss Rod: Authentic 1950s No-Tube
Truss Rod Cover: Authentic Stepped 2-Ply
Control Knobs: Amber or Black Butyrate Top Hats
Switch Tip: Amber Catalin
Strap Buttons: Cream Plastic
Mounting Rings: Black M69 Medium & Tall
Pickup Covers: Authentic Profile Gold-plated Nickel Silver

Electronics

Neck Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)
Bridge Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted)
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone; CTS® 500 k Audio Taper Potentiometers, Paper-in-Oil Capacitors
Pickup Selector: 3-Way Switchcraft
Output Jack: Switchcraft

Miscellaneous

Case: Lifton™ Custom Shop Hardshell
Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity