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Description

Step into the realm of musical legends with the Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar, a true icon in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars. Revered by musicians for its elegant craftsmanship and versatile sound, the ES-355 merges vintage aesthetics with modern playability, offering a harmonious blend of style and substance. Its '57 Classic humbuckers deliver that unmistakable vintage PAF tone, capturing the essence of the late '50s while providing the clarity and warmth that define the Gibson legacy.

The guitar's body is crafted from high-quality laminate maple, ensuring a bright, resonant tone that's perfect for a wide range of genres—from bluesy riffs to rock anthems. The mahogany neck, featuring a 1960 slim taper profile, allows for fast, effortless fretwork, making it a dream for any guitarist who loves to explore the neck with ease. The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with elegant pearloid block inlays, adds a touch of sophistication to this already stunning instrument.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Gibson ES-355 promises to deliver both punch and finesse, making it a favored choice among discerning players. Its timeless design and superior craftsmanship make it not just an instrument, but a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with classic archtop aesthetics
  • Laminate maple top, back, and sides for vibrant tone
  • '57 Classic pickups for vintage PAF sound
  • Mahogany neck with a 1960 slim taper profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid block inlays
  • Includes a Custom Shop hardshell case for protection and style

Product specs

Body shape Double cutaway
Body type Semi-hollow or chambered body
Body material Laminated
Top wood 3-Ply AAA Figured Maple/poplar/maple
Body wood 3-ply AAA Figured Maple/poplar/maple
Body finish Gloss Nitrocellulose
Orientation Right handed
Neck shape C rounded
Neck wood Quartersawn Mahogany
Joint Set-in
Scale length 24.75 in.
Truss rod Standard
Neck finish Gloss Nitrocellulose
Material Dark Rosewood
Radius 12 in.
Fret size Medium jumbo
Number of frets 22
Inlays Full Block
Configuration HH
Neck MHS II Rhythm
Bridge MHS II Lead
Brand Gibson
Active or passive pickups Passive
Series or parallel Parallel
Piezo No
Active EQ No
Special electronics Orange drop capacitor
Control layout Volume 1, volume 2, tone 1, tone 2
Pickup switch 3-way
Coil tap or split No
Kill switch No
Bridge type Fixed
Bridge design ABR-1 Tune-o-matic
Tailpiece Stopbar
Tuning machines Grover kidney
Number of strings 6-string
Case Hardshell case
Country of origin United States

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson ES-355 best suited for?

The Gibson ES-355 is versatile and well-suited for genres like jazz, blues, and rock, thanks to its semi-hollow body design and warm, resonant tone.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson ES-355 affect playability?

The C-shaped neck profile of the Gibson ES-355 provides a comfortable grip, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles, enhancing overall playability for various hand sizes.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson ES-355 pickups?

The MHS II pickups on the Gibson ES-355 offer a balanced and articulate tone, delivering warm lows, clear mids, and bright highs, making it ideal for expressive playing in multiple genres.

Is the Gibson ES-355 a good choice for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-355 is excellent for live performances due to its robust build, stable tuning, and versatile sound, which can easily cut through a mix on stage.

Does the Gibson ES-355 come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson ES-355 comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transportation for the guitar.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Gibson ES-355 Bigsby Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-355 Bigsby Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson ES-355 Bigsby Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson ES-355TDC | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson ES-355TDC | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-355  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-355 • Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: Gibson Custom Shop 1959 ES-355 | Angela Petrilli at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: Gibson Custom Shop 1959 ES-355 | Angela Petrilli at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Limited Run VOS ES-355 Varitone Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar w/ Maestro Vibrato by Musician's Friend

Gibson Limited Run VOS ES-355 Varitone Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar w/ Maestro Vibrato

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for 1969 Cherry Gibson ES-355 | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy by Chicago Music Exchange

1969 Cherry Gibson ES-355 | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-355 played by Toby Lee by Carter Vintage Guitars

Gibson ES-355 played by Toby Lee

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson ES-355 played by Nick Planer by Carter Vintage Guitars

1959 Gibson ES-355 played by Nick Planer

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Custom '59 ES-355 Ebony Bigsby Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged GH by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson Custom '59 ES-355 Ebony Bigsby Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged GH

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Electric Guitar- Played By Carl Miner by Carter Vintage Backstage

Gibson Custom Shop ES-355 Electric Guitar- Played By Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for 2017 Gibson ES-355 Maestro, walnut 2018 Model by GregsGuitars

2017 Gibson ES-355 Maestro, walnut 2018 Model

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The FGN Masterfield is considered by some to surpass Gibson in production quality, with consistent craftsmanship rivaling Fender and Gibson custom shops.

    Source
  • The Eastman T486 offers a wider nut, which some players prefer over the Gibson 335, resulting in a $2,000 savings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Squier Starcaster necks are notably thin and weigh around 7 lbs, offering a comfortable alternative to heavier guitars.

    Source
  • The Gibson exclusive VOS black finish on the ES-355 is noted for its matte appearance, which some find exciting due to its unique aesthetic.

    Source
  • The Inspired by Gibson 1959 ES-355 features an ebony fingerboard, nickel hardware, and a satin finish, reflecting traditional specifications with a modern appeal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Telecaster Thinline semi-hollow can be a beloved alternative, despite being different from the Gibson ES models.

    Source
  • A Bigsby can be added using a Vibromate, and some players prefer black with gold top reflector knobs for aesthetic enhancement.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Epiphone Sheraton, upgraded with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickups, offers a cost-effective alternative to the ES-355.

    Source
  • Described as the best $1200 guitar by owners, surpassing even $3k models in terms of aesthetics, resonance, and playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners mention the frets needing a polish and suggest adjusting the nut height for personal preference.

    Source
  • Some owners reported initial scratchy frets, but post-purchase setup, including smoothing fret ends, significantly improved playability.

    Source

User experience

  • The chunky neck on the 1959 ES-355 is highlighted as a positive feature, particularly appreciated by those who prefer a substantial neck profile.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Jazz players with extensive experience (30 years) praise its tone and fit, noting it as a versatile choice for jazz and semi-hollow enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Gibson ES-355 was the Cadillac of Classic Thinline Semis | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Gibson ES-355 is lauded as the "Cadillac of classic thinline semis," impressing with its ornate design and customization options. Known for its rich history since 1958, it features luxurious elements like ebony boards and real mother-of-pearl inlays, along with gold hardware. Its stereo and mono versions are highly desirable, particularly the stoptail models praised for better sustain and cleaner string bending. While the transition to nylon saddles in the '60s may divide opinions, they are noted to complement the guitar's sound. Overall, this article paints the ES-355 as a high-end, customizable instrument cherished by collectors and players alike.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 64 Ratings

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robert_lutz

Grace and versatility.

An instrument that can define the sounds of artists as far apart as BB King, Johnny Marr, Ryan Adams, Noel Gallagher and Keith Richards has to be a classic tone machine. An artists’ staple for over half a century, this upscale 335 is at home across genres from Jazz to country. Is it worth the extra dish for better bindings, inlays and varitone? Only if you own one.

ronanfitzgerald

1996 Gibson ES-335

I wanted a Gibson since I was a kid and learned that my favourites had them. I got the train to and from Dundee in Scotland to buy mine off a postman in a 14 hour round trip. In recording, I use it to play open chords all the way through a song, through a Vox AD100VT, to balance the brightness of my Strat and the growl of my Z. I love it.

jimmarchi1

your amp is totally wasting this guitar's potential

rik_lefevere

Gibson ES-355 Antique Red

A wonderful guitar, great playability, smooth sound, great looks!

stanley_christiaensen

505

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

aaron_fellenbaum

Someday...

I would love to have this, but upside-down, since I'm a southpaw. Maybe someday.....

eileen_williams_lombardi_dymitrowicz

me too ! l have a Les Paul custom my husband had made for me ,also a southpaw

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

On the picture right we can see Gilmour playing a Gibson Es 355.

See how Slash uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

Slash played with ebony ES on last song.

See how Kirk Hammett uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11:38 Kirk Hammett states he has a 1959 ES-335 in Black and that it's his 2nd favorite sounding guitar. Now you don't get a look at the guitar in the video but it could be the guitar behind his left shoulder beside Greenie.

See how Johnny Marr uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Photo

"I met Sire Records boss Seymour Stein in late 1983 when the Smiths were about to sign to the legendary New York label. Seymour told me that he had once gone to a guitar store on 48th Street with Brian Jones to get him a guitar when the Rolling Stones were in town, so I suggested that if I signed with Sire he should buy me a guitar. We signed the contract on January 2, 1984, and true to his word, Seymour took me down to We Buy Guitars on 48th and bought me the 1959 Gibson 355. I took it back to the Iroquois Hotel and wrote "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" and "Girl Afraid". It became my main guitar for quite a while, and I'm told it inspired Bernard Butler and Noel Gallagher to get buy one of their own. It's still one of my favorites."

-Excerpt from Pat Graham's book Instrument, used with permission.

Used on Heaven Knows..., Nowhere Fast, and the 1984-5 Smiths tour.

"On the first tour I also ended up using the Gibson 355 quite a lot. As it was wired in stereo we just didn't have any power at all, so I got it re-wired and also put it through a Boss equaliser to give it some boost."

The first documented appearance of the guitar was January 26, 1984 on Top Of The Pops. It's last known documented appearance was Feburary 14, 1985 also on Top Of The Pops.

See how Noel Gallagher uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Noel Gallagher is pictured with his Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar while performing live. His 355 is fitted with a Bigsby, and appears to have a six-position Varitone switch near the tone and volume knobs (this could indicate the model is the ES-355TD-SV, which was released in 1959).

In an interview from November 2011, when asked what he brings on the road when touring for High Flying Birds, he says, "...the guitars I bring on tour are either 355s or 345s. Those are what I play."

Later in the interview he confirms it is a 1960s model, saying, "Usually, I just pick my 1960's Gibson 355 – that's the basis for everything."

According to Premier Guitar interview, he talks about this guitar a little bit more.

"Talk about your affinity for the Gibson ES-355. I’ve got two or three, and some ES-345s, too. My 1960 ES-355 is the greatest guitar I’ve ever played. It can do anything, and it’s become a part of me. [Ex-Smiths guitarist] Johnny Marr no less picked it up in the studio, then looked like a startled wizard because of how great the guitar is. I got the 355 a while back for 4,000 pounds, and it’s the best 4,000 pounds I’ve ever spent. I’ve taken the guitar on four or five world tours and beat the living daylights out of it, but it still sounds and plays incredible. I’m in awe of the guitar. I put it second to my wife only because I can have sex with her. If I could have sex with that guitar, I’m not sure which I’d choose."

In an interview with guitar.com, he confirms that this is a 1960 model, saying, “My favourite electric guitar I bought in the 90s,” he says without hesitation. “It’s the 1960 Gibson 355 that I played in Oasis. I don’t play it so much nowadays, because the music I’m writing is different and I’m going for a different sound. But if push came to shove, that guitar is priceless for the amount of tunes that I wrote on it.”

See how Angus Young uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Angus Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:24 in this video, one can see Angus Young playing a Gibson ES-355 in cherry red.

See how Keith Richards uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

This rather renown photo is from a photoshoot by Annie Leibovitz. It's for a Louis Vuitton advertisement, where Keith Richards can be seen strumming his 1959 black ES 355 mono.

An article on Gibson's official site says, "His black 1959 ES-355 has been used for live versions of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Oh No Not You Again,” “She’s So Cold,” “Little T&A” and others." (source: http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/keith-richards-0502-2011.aspx)

The stock photo shows a newer model 355. The Keith Richards original one does not have a pickguard, and obviously differs since it's a vintage from 1959.

See how Gary Clark Jr uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Gary Clark Jr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram picture, GCJ’s custom shop Cobra burst ES-355 fitted with a Bigsby can be seen on the far left. He’s also used it in several performances and videos over the last 2 years which can be seen on both his Instagram and all over YouTube.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Joe Bonamassa

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

"1968 ES-355, just like Freddie King’s main guitar. The late 60?s Gibson’s were quirky but these 355?s were a star. It’s big and bold and screams, Are you Ready For Freddie?!!!!!" says Joe Bonomassa, on his website.

See how B.B. King uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

B.B. King

Guitarist

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black

In the early stages of his career, B.B. King frequently played a Gibson ES-355, as depicted in a photo from Biography. This was before he received his official Gibson signature models.

See how Daron Malakian uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Daron Malakian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Premier Guitar titled "Rig Rundown: System of a Down's Daron Malakian," at the 30:18 mark, Patrick Lachman, the guitar tech for Daron Malakian, showcases a Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar with a distinctive black and gold finish.

See how Pete Townshend uses Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

"Pete Townshend used Gibson ES-355 thinline semi-hollow guitars during U.S. shows in 1968 and in rehearsals and promotional appearances in 1969."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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elcodyloco

elcodyloco

Gear IQ 74

1 alternative for Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar, curated by the Equipboard community.

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