For Sale: 2012 Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 – Ebony Black VOS Bigsby w/ OHSC & COA

Up for sale is a 2012 Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 in Ebony Black VOS, complete with its original hard-shell case and certificate of authenticity.

This is a very classy and well-appointed Gibson Custom Shop semi-hollow, built with all the upscale features that make the ES-355 such a special model. It combines the warmth, air, and versatility of the ES platform with premium appointments including block inlays, gold hardware, a Bigsby B-7, and a vintage-inspired VOS Ebony Black finish. Gibson’s Memphis-built ES models from this period are especially well regarded, and this one is a great example with excellent looks, feel, and tone.

Condition

This guitar is in excellent condition and I would rate it a solid 9/10. It shows only light scratches and some tarnish to the gold hardware, but nothing major. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

There are no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The neck is straight, the frets are in excellent shape, and the guitar plays cleanly up and down the neck with no buzzing or dead spots. It has also been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The original hard-shell case and certificate of authenticity are both included.

Specifications

Serial Number: CS250161
Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz
Nut Width: 1.70"
Neck Depth: .80" at the 1st fret, .96" at the 12th fret
Body: 3-Ply Maple / Poplar / Maple
Finish: VOS Nitrocellulose Lacquer, Ebony Black
Neck: 1-Piece Mahogany
Neck Profile: Traditional C
Fingerboard: Richlite
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Blocks
Scale Length: 24.75"
Pickups: Gibson ’57 Classic Humbuckers
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Wiring: Hand-Wired with Orange Drop Capacitors
Bridge: ABR-1
Tailpiece: Bigsby B-7 Vibrato
Tuners: Grover “Milk Bottle” Rotomatics
Hardware: VOS Gold
Case: Original Hard-Shell Case
COA: Included

Electronics & Features

One of the standout features of this ES-355 is the combination of premium appointments and classic vintage-inspired Gibson semi-hollow construction. The ’57 Classic humbuckers are a great fit for this model, offering smooth, articulate, and balanced vintage-style tone, while the hand-wired electronics with Orange Drop capacitors add to the overall quality of the package.

The Bigsby B-7 also adds a lot of visual appeal and gives the guitar an extra layer of character without taking away from the core ES-355 voice. Along with the block inlays, gold hardware, and VOS finish, it gives the guitar a very elegant and unmistakably high-end look.

Tone & Feel

This guitar has the warm, open, and expressive tone players expect from a great Memphis-built ES model. The semi-hollow construction gives it excellent resonance and air, while the ’57 Classics provide clarity, sweetness, and just the right amount of vintage-style output.

The Traditional C neck feels comfortable and substantial without being too large, and at 8 lbs 10 oz, the guitar has a solid, balanced feel in hand. It is a great choice for blues, jazz, rock, soul, and just about anything else that benefits from rich semi-hollow tone.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments. Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship guitars so it arrives safely.

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This 2012 Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 in Ebony Black VOS is a clean, elegant, and great-playing semi-hollow with premium appointments, original case, COA, and classic Memphis Custom Shop quality.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006