Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $7,247
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar is the epitome of craftsmanship and sonic excellence, embodying a seamless blend of vintage allure and modern playability. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is crafted for the discerning musician who craves the iconic tone and timeless style of a classic Gibson. A hallmark of the Gibson Custom Shop, the ES-355 Stopbar is painstakingly handcrafted with a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body that delivers a rich, resonant sound, while the solid maple center block enhances sustain and reduces feedback. This guitar's elegant design is completed with a solid mahogany neck and a luscious ebony fretboard, offering a smooth, comfortable playing experience.
Equipped with the revered Custombucker Alnico III pickups, the ES-355 Stopbar delivers a versatile tonal palette perfect for genres ranging from jazz to rock. Each pickup is controlled by individual volume and tone knobs, providing precise control over your sound. The guitar's hardware includes an adjustable ABR-1 bridge and a lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece, ensuring stability and tuning precision.
The ES-355 Stopbar's aesthetic is further elevated by the meticulous aging performed by Gibson's Murphy Lab, giving it a vintage charm with a lightly aged finish and VOS patina hardware. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history, reimagined for today's players. Whether on stage or in the studio, the ES-355 Stopbar promises to be your faithful companion in crafting music that resonates with soul.
Key Features:
- 3-ply maple/poplar/maple semi-hollowbody construction
- Solid mahogany neck with a medium "C" profile
- Ebony fretboard with rolled binding
- Custombucker Alnico III pickups for versatile tones
- Handwired CTS pots and paper-in-oil capacitors
- Adjustable ABR-1 bridge and aluminum stopbar
- Grover tuners for reliable tuning stability
- Artfully aged by the Murphy Lab with VOS patina hardware
- Includes 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 | 3-ply Maple/Poplar |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Body Finish | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Relic | Ultra Light Aged |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Finish | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck Shape | Authentic '59 Medium C |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Inlay | 1950s Pattern Mother-of-Pearl |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Nut Material | Nylon |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | ABR-1 Adjustable Bridge with Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover |
| Neck Pickup | Custombucker Alnico 3 Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Custombucker Alnico 3 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 type of pickups does the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar feature?
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The Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar is equipped with dual Custombucker Alnico 3 humbucking pickups, offering a rich, vintage tone suitable for a variety of music genres.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar?
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The neck of the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar features an Authentic '59 Medium C shape, providing a comfortable and traditional feel for players.
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Is the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar suitable for jazz music?
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Yes, the semi-hollowbody design and the warm, articulate sound from the Custombucker pickups make the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar an excellent choice for jazz musicians.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar body?
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The body of the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar is made from 3-ply maple/poplar/maple, offering a balanced tone with both warmth and clarity.
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Does the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar include a case?
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Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tone versatility, suitable for rock, blues, country, and jazz
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Comfortable weight and balanced feel, reducing fatigue during play
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High-quality aging process enhances aesthetic appeal
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Highly responsive volume and tone controls for precise sound shaping
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Long-lasting sustain that surprises and impresses
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Neck pickup provides great clarity and chime
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High-quality build with attention to detail, despite minor quirks
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Neck design strikes a balance between slim and full, offering great playability
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Distinctive color and hardware give it a unique, sophisticated look
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Made in America, supporting craftsmanship and local workers
CONS
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Pick-guard plastic not aged, causing a color mismatch with cream binding
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Slightly flat intonation at the 12th fret, typical of short neck scale
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Minor craftsmanship issue with neck binding thickness due to hand scraping
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar.
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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There is an aftermarket knob on the upper horn, potentially used as a master volume or tone, adding functionality beyond the standard controls.
Source
Value and pricing
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Vintage versions of the ES-355, especially with original "patent applied for" pickups, are highly valuable, potentially worth tens of thousands of dollars.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's advised to have a professional setup to investigate any modifications and optimize playability, especially for vintage models.
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Build quality
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Some owners note the absence of serial numbers on the headstock, instead relying on the label inside the F-hole and the COA booklet for identification.
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The instrument's aged appearance, specifically the check lines, is described as soothing by owners, indicating a strong positive response to its vintage aesthetic.
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User experience
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One user humorously recounts leaving their guitar in 118°F heat, leading to notable finish checking, described as a "battle scar."
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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