Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $5,500
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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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
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What are the standout features of the Gibson ES-355's sound?
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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.
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How does the Gibson ES-355's neck profile affect playability?
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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.
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What kind of music is the Gibson ES-355 best suited for?
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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.
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Does the Gibson ES-355 come with a tremolo tailpiece?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-355TDSV model includes a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects during performances.
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What is the body material of the Gibson ES-355, and how does it affect the sound?
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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.
Videos
GregsGuitars
1971 Gibson ES-355 - Part 1 checking out the varitone options
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
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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.
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FGN Masterfield is highlighted as on par with Fender and Gibson custom shops, though cases are noted as flimsy.
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The Collings I-35LC is considered a fantastic but pricier alternative to the ES-355, surpassing $6,000.
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The ES-347 is noted for its ebony fretboards and coil splitting, often priced more reasonably compared to other 70s-80s ES models.
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Mods and upgrades
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Epiphone Sheraton users often upgrade with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickups and new wiring for a significant tone improvement.
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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.
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Owners have successfully added a Bigsby using a Vibromate for easier installation without permanent modifications.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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An owner with experience in multiple FGN instruments found their craftsmanship consistently superior to major US builds.
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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.
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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.
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Features and functionality
Build quality
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The ES-355 Inspired model features an ebony fingerboard, enhancing its aesthetic and potential playability compared to Indian Laurel alternatives.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
"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.
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.
Santiago Tavella is seen playing a 1971 Gibson ES-355 during a live performance with his band, as evidenced by the image provided.
"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
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.
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