Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,225
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" '59 ES-355". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" '59 ES-355 is a masterclass in vintage guitar craftsmanship, merging iconic '50s aesthetics with modern playability. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a tribute to the legendary 1959 Gibson ES-355, celebrated for its warm, resonant tones and impeccable style. Constructed with a layered maple and poplar body, this guitar delivers a rich, balanced sound with impressive sustain, thanks to its solid maple center block. The mahogany neck features a classic '50s "Medium C" profile, ensuring comfortable playability across the ebony fingerboard.
At the heart of the ES-355's sonic prowess are the Gibson CustomBucker pickups, revered for their authentic PAF-style tone. These pickups offer a dynamic range from smooth jazz and blues to cutting rock leads, enriched by premium-grade wiring components for a vintage sound experience. The guitar's design is further enhanced by the Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) lacquer finish, which gives it a timeless appeal, complete with mother-of-pearl block inlays and a split-diamond headstock.
Perfect for musicians and collectors alike, the Epiphone '59 ES-355 combines historical fidelity with modern reliability, making it an essential instrument for those seeking a classic sound with contemporary durability.
Key Features:
- Layered maple and poplar semi-hollowbody with solid maple center block
- '50s "Medium C" mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard
- 24.75-inch scale length with 22 medium-jumbo frets
- Gibson CustomBucker pickups with upgraded vintage-style wiring
- Vintage Original Sheen lacquer finish and mother-of-pearl block inlays
- Gold Grover Rotomatic tuners and Graph Tech nut for stable tuning
- ABR-1 bridge with stopbar tailpiece for enhanced intonation and sustain
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 Material | Ebony |
| 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
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What is the neck profile of the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" '59 ES-355?
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The neck profile is a '50s Rounded Medium C, providing a comfortable grip for both chordal and lead playing, reminiscent of classic Gibson models.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Custombucker pickups in the '59 ES-355?
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The Gibson Custombucker pickups offer a vintage tone with rich, articulate clarity and warmth, making them versatile for genres like blues, rock, and jazz.
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Is the Epiphone '59 ES-355 suitable for feedback resistance?
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Yes, the guitar features a solid maple center block that enhances resonance while reducing feedback, making it ideal for live performances and studio sessions.
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How does the Vintage Original Sheen finish affect the guitar's appearance?
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The Vintage Original Sheen finish gives the guitar a classic, aged look with a subtle gloss that highlights the multi-ply binding, enhancing its vintage aesthetic appeal.
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What materials are used for the body and top of the Epiphone '59 ES-355?
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The body and top are constructed from 5-ply maple/poplar, offering a balance of brightness and warmth, typical of semi-hollowbody guitars.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
"Almost" the Perfect Epiphone! | 2024 Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 White Review
"Almost" the Perfect Epiphone! | 2024 Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 White Review
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Epiphone 1959 ES-355 FULL DEMO
Play and Trade Guitars
Compared: Epiphone ES-335 & Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355
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Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 VS Gibson Custom 1959 ES-335 Reissue Demo
Music Force Official
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional Custombucker pickups enhance sound quality, outperforming typical T-buckers or Burstbuckers
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Dark ebony fingerboard adds a premium aesthetic and feel
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Impeccable fit and finish, comparable to higher-end models
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Flexible sound for rock, country, and blues
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High build quality with smooth fingerboard and immaculate binding
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Strong acoustic resonance and balanced sound
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Grover tuners enhance tuning stability
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Satin neck finish provides a comfortable playing experience
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Plays well with both clean and overdriven tones
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PLEK service significantly improves playability and feel
CONS
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Chunky neck might not suit players who prefer thinner profiles
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Fret ends can be sharp due to wood shrinkage
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Satin finish may initially feel grainy and require smoothing
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson Custom" '59 ES-355.
Comparisons
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The Ibanez Artcore AS93 and AM95 offer similar aesthetics to the ES-355 with better build quality at a lower price, minus the Gibson/Epiphone branding.
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D'Angelico Deluxe Mini DC offers a similar body size to a 339, making it more comfortable for players concerned about larger ES styles.
Source
User experience
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The neck of the Epiphone IBG ES-355 is notably thick, described as "like a baseball bat," which suits some players but may not be comfortable for all.
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Owners describe the ES-355 as a standout in their collections, some even preferring it over their $3k guitars for its aesthetics, tone, and playability.
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Owners express excitement over the ES-355's availability, noting that stock can be limited in both the US and Europe, with long waits for pre-orders.
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Value and pricing
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Purchasing an Epiphone IBG ES-355 used can provide significant savings, with some finding it for $999, leaving budget room for additional gear like pedals.
Source
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
Build quality
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It's noted that some guitars arrive with scratchy frets, but the overall fit and finish are considered exceptional by multiple owners.
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Mods and upgrades
Setup and maintenance
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The guitar typically ships with 10-gauge strings, though some have experimented with 09-gauge before returning to 10-gauge for better playability.
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Lubricating the nut and saddles prevents string binding, maintaining tuning stability, especially crucial when using a Bigsby with a Vibromate.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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