electric · semi-hollow
ES-355
| Maker | Gibson |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Type | electric · semi-hollow |
| Introduced | 1959 |
| Price | USD 6999 (2026-09) |
| Maker founded | 1894 |
| Status | current |
The ES-355 is the top trim level of Gibson's thinline semi-hollow family, adding gold hardware, extra binding and richer inlays.
Watch
Why it matters
Gibson made the ES-355 as the dressed-up version of the ES-335, and the extra features — Varitone, stereo wiring and gold plating — have always placed it above the 335 in price. Current production is largely Custom Shop work, so most examples are expensive. It is a collector's model as much as a player's instrument, which keeps values firm.
Note
Top-shelf 335 variant: stereo wiring, Varitone, gold hardware.
Specifications
- Scale length: unknown
- Neck shape: Rounded C
Before you buy
- the Varitone and stereo wiring are specialist features, so confirm the electronics work as intended
- Custom Shop pricing puts it well above a standard 335
- gold hardware wears visibly on older examples
Other opinions
One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.
Normans Rare Guitars · 2022-04 · 47,253 views
“Enjoy this new episode of : Angela playing a beautiful Gibson Custom Shop 1959 ES-355 available here at !”
Angela Petrilli plays a Gibson Custom Shop 1959 ES-355 at Norman's Rare Guitars.
Peach Guitars · 2023-12 · 7,259 views
“Check it out here: Are you curious what gear we use to record our videos?”
No-talking tone demo of a Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 Reissue with a stop bar tailpiece.