Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$7,499.00
Guitar Center
$7,499.00
Musician's Friend
$7,499.00
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$6,499.00 $6,490.00 $9.00 · All time low

Average Price: $7,247

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

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.

* 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

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

What type of pickups does the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar feature?

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.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar?

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.

Is the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar suitable for jazz music?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar body?

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.

Does the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar include a case?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Stopbar comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone versatility, suitable for rock, blues, country, and jazz

  • Comfortable weight and balanced feel, reducing fatigue during play

  • High-quality aging process enhances aesthetic appeal

  • Highly responsive volume and tone controls for precise sound shaping

  • Long-lasting sustain that surprises and impresses

  • Neck pickup provides great clarity and chime

  • High-quality build with attention to detail, despite minor quirks

  • Neck design strikes a balance between slim and full, offering great playability

  • Distinctive color and hardware give it a unique, sophisticated look

  • Made in America, supporting craftsmanship and local workers

CONS

  • Pick-guard plastic not aged, causing a color mismatch with cream binding

  • Slightly flat intonation at the 12th fret, typical of short neck scale

  • 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

  • The ES-355 features a Varitone circuit with a bypass setting that alters sound frequencies, providing versatile tonal options for different musical styles.

    Source
  • The neck pickup has been modified with the "Peter Green mod," reversing its orientation for a unique tonal characteristic.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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

  • Vintage versions of the ES-355, especially with original "patent applied for" pickups, are highly valuable, potentially worth tens of thousands of dollars.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to have a professional setup to investigate any modifications and optimize playability, especially for vintage models.

    Source

Build quality

  • 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.

    Source
  • The instrument's aged appearance, specifically the check lines, is described as soothing by owners, indicating a strong positive response to its vintage aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • One user humorously recounts leaving their guitar in 118°F heat, leading to notable finish checking, described as a "battle scar."

    Source

Comparisons

  • The guitar is likened to a "fully loaded, Cadillac of an instrument," highlighting its premium feel compared to other models.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Gibson Custom Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides