Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $5,500

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance and superior sound of the 1971 Gibson ES-355. This iconic semi-hollowbody guitar, renowned for its rich tonal palette and exquisite craftsmanship, stands as a testament to Gibson's legacy of quality. With its luscious ebony fingerboard adorned with large block inlays and the luxurious multi-ply binding that encases its body, the ES-355 is more than just a musical instrument—it's a piece of history. Musicians will appreciate the added versatility and sonic character provided by the Varitone switch, making this guitar a true gem for collectors and players alike.

Key Features:

  • Varitone switch for versatile tonal options
  • Ebony fingerboard with large block inlays for a smooth playing experience
  • Multi-ply binding on body and split-diamond inlay on headstock, echoing the craftsmanship of the Les Paul Custom
  • Equipped with two humbucker pickups, delivering Gibson's legendary sound
  • F-holes that enhance the semi-hollowbody's resonant and airy tone
  • Option between vibrato tailpiece and stopbar, catering to personal playing preferences

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-355TDSV
Year 1969 - 1982
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson ES-355
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-355TDSV
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Gibson ES-355's sound?

The Gibson ES-355 is known for its rich, warm tones with excellent sustain, thanks to its semi-hollowbody construction and dual humbucker pickups. It delivers a versatile sound suitable for jazz, blues, and rock.

How does the Gibson ES-355's neck profile affect playability?

The ES-355 features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck and an ebony fretboard, offering a smooth playing experience with easy access to higher frets due to its double cutaway design.

What kind of music is the Gibson ES-355 best suited for?

This guitar excels in genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock due to its warm, resonant tones and versatile humbucker pickups, making it a favorite among musicians who require both clarity and depth.

Does the Gibson ES-355 come with a tremolo tailpiece?

Yes, the Gibson ES-355TDSV model includes a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects during performances.

What is the body material of the Gibson ES-355, and how does it affect the sound?

The body of the Gibson ES-355 is made from maple, which contributes to its bright, articulate sound with a strong midrange presence, enhancing its overall tonal clarity.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

1971 Gibson ES-355 - Part 1 checking out the varitone options

Video thumbnail for 1971 Gibson ES-355 - Part 1 checking out the varitone options by GregsGuitars

1971 Gibson ES-355 - Part 1 checking out the varitone options

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1971 Gibson ES-355 - Part 2 checking out the varitone options by GregsGuitars

1971 Gibson ES-355 - Part 2 checking out the varitone options

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-355.

Comparisons

  • Eastman T486 offers a $2,000 savings compared to the Gibson ES-355, with owners citing its wide nut and compatibility with premium amps like the Allen Encore.

    Source
  • FGN Masterfield is highlighted as on par with Fender and Gibson custom shops, though cases are noted as flimsy.

    Source
  • The Collings I-35LC is considered a fantastic but pricier alternative to the ES-355, surpassing $6,000.

    Source
  • The ES-347 is noted for its ebony fretboards and coil splitting, often priced more reasonably compared to other 70s-80s ES models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Epiphone Sheraton users often upgrade with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickups and new wiring for a significant tone improvement.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer the 355 without the varitone due to its added weight and limited utility, suggesting a non-varitone model for those concerned with weight.

    Source
  • Owners have successfully added a Bigsby using a Vibromate for easier installation without permanent modifications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-355 is referred to as the "Swiss Army knife" of the Gibson lineup, praised for its versatile tones across genres.

    Source
  • A 355 in Watermelon Red with a Bigsby is favored for its mono output and neck profile, providing a comfortable playing experience.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner with experience in multiple FGN instruments found their craftsmanship consistently superior to major US builds.

    Source
  • One owner recommends going through the Gibson Garage for a M2M order to receive an ES-355 quicker, despite the starting price of $7,500.

    Source
  • One owner described it as the best $1,200 guitar in their collection, outperforming some $3,000 models in aesthetics, wood grain, resonance, and tone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 355 is praised for its aesthetic appeal, with custom-style headstock inlay and gold hardware setting it apart visually.

    Source
  • The guitar comes with nickel hardware and a long pickguard, suited for a traditional and vintage-inspired appearance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The ES-355 Inspired model features an ebony fingerboard, enhancing its aesthetic and potential playability compared to Indian Laurel alternatives.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users reported scratchy frets out of the box, but smoothing them improved playability significantly.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Butch Walker uses Gibson ES-355

Butch Walker

Singer, Guitarist

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via Gibson

"Calling himself an “artist first,” Walker’s got the guitar collection to back it up. With his three favorite Gibsons being his ’67 ES-335, ’71 ES-355, and a late-’60s EB0 bass, Walker says, “Those are my Gibsons that I don’t take on the road. " - Walker about his "holy grail" Gibsons.

See how Nick Waterhouse uses Gibson ES-355

Nick Waterhouse

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified

Nick Waterhouse is confirmed to use a Gibson ES-355, as evidenced by a photo on Instagram showing him with the guitar, which notably lacks the Varitone switch.

See how Santiago Tavella uses Gibson ES-355

Santiago Tavella

Guitarist, Bassist

El Cuarteto de Nos

...
Verified via Photo

Santiago Tavella is seen playing a 1971 Gibson ES-355 during a live performance with his band, as evidenced by the image provided.

See how Jake Garcia uses Gibson ES-355

Jake Garcia

Guitarist, Bassist

The Black Angels

...
Verified via YouTube

"The band’s other left-handed guitarist Jake Garcia’s main ride is a 1971 Gibson ES-335. It was a player’s guitar so he’s had several refret jobs, added new tuners, graphite saddles, and installed period-correct Throbak P.A.F.-style pickups in it. You may notice the battle scars of four-removed switches and that was from single-coil taps that Jake got rid of to get the guitar as close as possible to its early ’70s roots." - Premier Guitar

See how Jim Peterik uses Gibson ES-355

Jim Peterik

Singer, Guitarist

Survivor

...
Verified via YouTube

Jim shows his ES models and explains the differences.

See how Dante Schwebel uses Gibson ES-355

Dante Schwebel

Guitarist

...
Unverified

Album Usage

The Gibson ES-355 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-355, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Epiphone Sheraton II
Epiphone Sheraton II Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson EB-3
Gibson EB-3 Electric Basses
1
Fender Jazzmaster
Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Stratocaster 1954
Fender Stratocaster 1954 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Custom 1953-1957
Gibson Les Paul Custom 1953-1957 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-345 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-345 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

More Gibson Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856