Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $6,654
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your musical potential with the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that stands as a testament to Gibson's enduring legacy. This instrument is a meticulous reissue from the Gibson Custom Shop, capturing the essence of a vintage classic with modern precision. Crafted with a maple/poplar/maple body and a sustain-enhancing center block, it offers the vibrant tones beloved by blues, jazz, and rock musicians alike.
The '59 ES-355 is equipped with Custombucker Alnico III pickups, designed for those who crave a blend of vintage warmth and modern clarity. Whether you're after chimey country riffs or gritty rock solos, the pickups offer versatile sound-shaping capabilities thanks to their individual volume and tone controls. The guitar’s solid mahogany neck, topped with a Plek’d solid ebony fretboard, provides a smooth playing experience, ensuring comfort and precision across all styles.
Finished with the exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with Gibson's elite luthiers, the guitar boasts a period-correct medium "C" neck profile, rounded cutaways, and Grover tuners for reliable performance. The ultra-light aged treatment from the Murphy Lab gives it the look and feel of a well-preserved vintage instrument, adding an extra layer of character to this already legendary model.
Key Features:
- Maple/poplar/maple semi-hollow body with center block
- Authentic ’59 medium “C” neck profile with solid ebony fretboard
- Custombucker Alnico III pickups with individual controls
- 3-way toggle switch; CTS audio taper pots and paper-in-oil capacitors
- Adjustable ABR-1 bridge; lightweight aluminum stopbar
- Grover tuners
- Ultra-light aged finish from the Murphy Lab
- Handcrafted in Gibson’s Nashville Custom Shop
- 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 is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355?
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The neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355 is an Authentic '59 Medium C, which offers a comfortable grip suitable for various playing styles.
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What kind of tone can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355?
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The guitar features Custombucker Alnico 3 humbuckers, delivering a classic PAF-style tone with warm, articulate, and dynamic sound, ideal for blues, jazz, and rock.
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Is the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the semi-hollowbody design and high-quality pickups make it suitable for live performances, providing both rich tonal depth and feedback resistance.
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What is the body material of the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355?
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The body is constructed from 3-ply Maple/Poplar with a Maple top, offering a bright, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
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Does the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355 include a case?
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Yes, the guitar comes with a hardshell case for protection and transport.
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional versatility, handles genres from metal to blues and country
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Bright, warm tone with impressive sustain
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Lightweight and well-balanced, no neck dive
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Reactive volume and tone pots for dynamic sound control
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High-quality build with a subtle aged finish
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Comfortable neck, neither too slim nor too bulky
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Neck pickup mixes with bridge for chime or snarl
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Looks elegant and unique, like a grand piano in black with gold hardware
CONS
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Pick-guard plastic not aged, mismatches with cream binding
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Slight edge on neck due to hand scraping process
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Expensive price may deter some buyers
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '59 ES-355.
Build quality
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Owners note that the ES-355 lacks serial numbers on the headstock, relying on the F Hole label and COA for identification.
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Comparisons
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Owners mention subtle differences compared to the Lucille model, suggesting a unique tonal and aesthetic experience.
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The Ibanez Artcore series, particularly models AS93 and AM95, offer a similar aesthetic and build quality to the ES-355 at a lower price point, with a warm jazzy tone.
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The D'Angelico Deluxe Mini DC is noted for its smaller body size, offering a more comfortable alternative for players who find the 335 size too large.
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The Epiphone '59 ES-355 is described as competing closely with lower-end Gibsons, with some users preferring it over vintage models for its Custombuckers and neck profile.
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User experience
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A user who left their guitar in extreme heat observed significant finish checking, indicating the finish's sensitivity to temperature changes.
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Owners of the Epiphone IBG ES-355 highlight its neck profile as notably thick, similar to a "baseball bat," which may not suit all players but is appreciated by some.
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Owners suggest that trying a wide range of guitars, including unexpected models like Teles and headless guitars, can uncover surprising preferences beyond initial visual appeal.
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Owners praise the '59 ES-355 for a smooth ebony fretboard and chunky neck, with reports of needing only minor setup tweaks for optimal playability.
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Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
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The Sterling Valentine Chambered model is recommended for its blend of Gibson and Fender characteristics, appealing to players seeking versatile tonal options.
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Features and functionality
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The '59 ES-355 reissue includes an ebony fretboard and Gibson Custombucker pickups, which are difficult to replace in semi-hollow bodies, making them crucial for tonal decisions.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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