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Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar main image

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar

$1,269.00 to $1,299.00 Price Tier: High-end

1 Critic Review

Find out who is using Epiphone 1959 ES-355

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Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated April 30, 2026.

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Reviews

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5.0 (26)

$1,299.00

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4.5 (13)

$1,299.00

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5.0 (7)

$1,299.00

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4.0 (3)

$1,299.00

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5.0 (9)

$1,299.00

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4.8 (17)

$1,269.00

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£1,111.00

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Average Price: $1,294

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Step into the golden age of rock 'n' roll with the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar, a masterful tribute to an iconic era. Crafted in collaboration with Gibson Custom Shop, this guitar is a stunning recreation of the legendary 1959 model, capturing its aesthetic elegance and rich, vintage tone. The Gibson CustomBucker pickups are a standout feature, offering a faithful PAF-style sound with exceptional clarity and warmth. The 5-ply maple and poplar body, complete with a solid maple center block, ensures a balance of resonance and feedback resistance, while the mahogany neck with a '50s "Medium C" profile provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience.

The sleek ebony fingerboard, adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays, adds a touch of sophistication, while the 22 medium-jumbo frets offer effortless playability. This guitar is not just about looks; it’s built for performance with premium components like CTS potentiometers, Mallory capacitors, and a Switchcraft toggle switch, all contributing to its authentic vintage sound. The vintage-style gold-plated hardware and multi-ply binding add to its classic charm, making it a prized possession for both players and collectors. Whether you're exploring the blues, jazz, or rock, the ES-355 offers a versatile sound palette, ready to inspire your next musical journey.

Key Features:

5-ply maple and poplar body with solid maple center block
Mahogany neck with '50s "Medium C" profile
Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays
22 medium-jumbo frets
Dual Gibson CustomBucker pickups
Gold-plated hardware with multi-ply binding
Vintage-style wiring with CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors
Includes a hardshell case

Product specs

Model	1959 ES-355
Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape	ES
Body Material	5-ply Maple/Poplar
Top Material	5-ply Maple/Poplar
Body Finish	Vintage Original Sheen
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Shape	'50s Rounded Medium C
Neck Joint	Set Neck
Radius	12"
Fingerboard Inlay	Blocks
Number of Frets	22
Scale Length	24.75"
Nut Width	1.692"
Nut Material	GraphTech
Bridge/Tailpiece	ABR-1 style bridge, Gibson Historic Reissue Aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece
Tuners	Grover Rotomatic, 18:1
Neck Pickup	Gibson Custombucker Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Gibson Custombucker Humbucker
Controls	2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching	3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings	Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Epiphone 1959 ES-355's pickups?: The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 is equipped with Gibson Custombucker Humbuckers, which deliver a classic, warm, and resonant tone suitable for a variety of genres, from blues and jazz to rock.
Is the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 suitable for beginners?: While the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 offers high-quality craftsmanship and sound, its features and price point may be more suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking a vintage-style semi-hollowbody guitar.
What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone 1959 ES-355?: The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 features a '50s Rounded Medium C neck profile, providing a comfortable grip and a classic feel that is ideal for players who prefer a slightly thicker neck.
Does the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 come with a case?: Yes, the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 comes with a hardshell case, offering protection and convenient transport for your guitar.
How does the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 handle feedback at high volumes?: As a semi-hollowbody guitar, the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 can be prone to feedback at high volumes. Proper positioning relative to amplifiers and using feedback suppressors can help manage this issue effectively.

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional Custombucker pickups deliver powerful, sweet, and warm tones
High build quality comparable to more expensive models
Attractive satin finish that can be buffed to a glossy shine
Gold hardware adds a luxurious aesthetic touch
Comfortable neck profile, not too thin or chunky
Excellent electronics with quality components like CTS pots
Offers great value for the price compared to similar models
Comes with a high-quality case for secure transport
Versatile sound suitable for various music styles

CONS

Requires setup adjustments out of the box for optimal playability
Some units have sharp fret ends needing attention
Faulty bridge saddle reported in a specific case
Satin finish may not appeal to everyone, requiring polishing for a glossy look
Initial high action may require setup for personal preference

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar.

Value and pricing

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Epiphone's 1959 ES-355 can be negotiated down by about $100 from the $1300 retail price, offering better value for those willing to haggle.
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Several owners assert that this guitar, valued around $1,200, rivals guitars in the $3,000 range, offering outstanding value.
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Purchasing a used or B-stock D'Angelico Deluxe can save $600-1000, making it a cost-effective alternative to the Epiphone 1959 ES-355.
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Use cases and applications

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A seasoned jazz player described the guitar as stunning, with excellent resonance and aesthetic appeal, making it a top choice for jazz musicians.
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Semi-hollow body guitars like the D'Angelico Deluxe Mini DC, praised for comfort, are recommended for those primarily playing seated due to their smaller body size.
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Mods and upgrades

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Adding a Bigsby with a Vibromate, along with straplocks and black with gold top reflector knobs, enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
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Installing a Bigsby with a Vibromate allows for easy reversion to a stopbar, avoiding permanent modifications to the guitar body.
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User experience

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Owners praise the guitar's exceptional fit, finish, and tone, often comparing it favorably to higher-priced Gibson models.
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Some users report quality control issues, such as a messed-up inlay and scratched fretboard/binding, but generally find the guitar excellent in playability.
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A user described the Epiphone IBG ES-355 as a noticeably high-end instrument, offering inspiring playability, especially when obtained at a used price of $999.
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Setup and maintenance

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One owner reported out-of-the-box scratchy frets, which required smoothing for optimal playability.
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Owners recommend a setup to adjust neck and string heights, and applying oil to the fretboard for optimal playability.
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Features and functionality

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The design includes a long guard, traditional F-holes, and nickel hardware, contributing to its classic aesthetic and tonal qualities.
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The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 comes with Gibson Custombucker pickups and an ebony fretboard, which are difficult and costly to upgrade on a semi-hollow body.
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Other

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The satin finish on the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 may not appeal to everyone, as some prefer a gloss finish.
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Comparisons

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Compared to a Gibson ES-335, the Epiphone version is considered by some as nearly equivalent in quality but at a significantly lower price.
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The neck of the Epiphone IBG ES-355 is likened to a baseball bat, which may not suit everyone, particularly when compared to the Epiphone Sheraton's varied neck profiles.
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The Ibanez Artcore AS93 offers build quality perceived as superior to Epiphone's, with warm jazzy humbucker tones, at a significantly lower price.
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Critic Reviews

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 | Review - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 delivers vintage charm and exceptional craftsmanship at an attractive price point. Its semi-hollow maple body, mahogany neck, and Custombucker pickups provide a rich, resonant tone ideal for blues and jazz. The guitar's aesthetics are stunning, featuring high-quality inlays and bindings that mirror its Gibson counterpart. However, while it excels in warm tones and articulation, it may not satisfy modern metal players seeking aggressive sounds. Overall, this guitar stands out as a refined homage to an iconic classic, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

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Taiyo Someya

Singer, Guitarist

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Taiyo Someya can be seen with Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar - Cherry Red in this post. He plays tha guitar on North America tour in 2024.