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Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar

This Gibson ES-355 is the key representative of the entire model family. You can review, list, or link it to artists. Remember to enrich your contributions with specifics like year, color, etc. in your notes.

4.5 (64)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

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Page last updated Jun 17, 2026

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Description

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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.

Videos

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Musician's Friend

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

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

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

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Gibson ES-355 played by Toby Lee

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1959 Gibson ES-355 played by Nick Planer

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

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Reviews

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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

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The FGN Masterfield is considered by some to surpass Gibson in production quality, with consistent craftsmanship rivaling Fender and Gibson custom shops.
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The Eastman T486 offers a wider nut, which some players prefer over the Gibson 335, resulting in a $2,000 savings.
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Features and functionality

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Squier Starcaster necks are notably thin and weigh around 7 lbs, offering a comfortable alternative to heavier guitars.
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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.
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The Inspired by Gibson 1959 ES-355 features an ebony fingerboard, nickel hardware, and a satin finish, reflecting traditional specifications with a modern appeal.
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Mods and upgrades

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A Telecaster Thinline semi-hollow can be a beloved alternative, despite being different from the Gibson ES models.
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A Bigsby can be added using a Vibromate, and some players prefer black with gold top reflector knobs for aesthetic enhancement.
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Value and pricing

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The Epiphone Sheraton, upgraded with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickups, offers a cost-effective alternative to the ES-355.
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Described as the best $1200 guitar by owners, surpassing even $3k models in terms of aesthetics, resonance, and playability.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some owners mention the frets needing a polish and suggest adjusting the nut height for personal preference.
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Some owners reported initial scratchy frets, but post-purchase setup, including smoothing fret ends, significantly improved playability.
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User experience

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

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

126

over 5 years ago

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.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Blues Jazz

ronanfitzgerald

over 10 years ago

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.