The pinnacle of semi-hollowbody design, reimagined as a limited edition with figured maple.
The 1960 ES 355™ Reissue with Figured Maple, Light Aged, Antique Blonde stands among the most refined instruments in the Gibson Custom Limited Edition Collection—a series shaped by years of Made to Measure creations and the imagination of the Custom Shop artisans in Nashville, Tennessee. This model captures the unmistakable elegance of Gibson’s top of the line semi hollowbody from the early 1960s, blending upscale appointments with a voice that remains one of the most versatile in electric guitar history. With its figured maple top laminate and meticulous Light Aging performed by the Murphy Lab, it offers the character, feel, and vibe of a treasured original from the first Gibson Golden Age.
Constructed from a layered combination of figured maple, poplar, and maple, the body is bound in multi-ply trim on both the top and back, projecting the upscale identity that set the ES 355 apart when it debuted. Its semi-hollow design utilizes a solid maple centerblock that enhances sustain and reduces feedback, especially at higher stage volumes. Finished in Light Aged nitrocellulose lacquer, every checking line and softened surface detail reflects the nuanced hand-applied work of the Murphy Lab, contributing to an unmistakably authentic vintage vibe.
The one-piece mahogany neck is carved to the slim, Authentic 1961 profile—a fast, articulate shape long favored by many players. The long neck tenon increases stability and resonance, while the ebony fretboard delivers a smooth, even response under the fingers. Adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays and single ply binding, it brings together premium materials and period correct details. Reissue medium jumbo frets and a 12 inch fretboard radius make for effortless bends, controlled vibrato, and a consistent playing feel across the entire 24.75 inch scale length.
A matched pair of Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups provides the expressive tonal range expected of a vintage reissue ES 355. Warm, open, and dynamic, they reveal the airiness of the semi-hollow body while retaining the focus and punch needed for articulate lead work. The traditional control layout, with individual volume and tone controls and a three-way toggle switch, provides familiar tools for shaping tones ranging from delicate cleans to rich, harmonically complex overdrive.
Gold hardware, Grover® Rotomatic® tuners, an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic™ bridge, nickel pickup covers, black plastics, and True Historic black Top Hat knobs with dial pointers complete the period-accurate aesthetic. The mother-of-pearl Gibson logo, bound headstock, and Custom split diamond headstock inlay underscore its top-of-the-line status within the Gibson Custom lineup. Each guitar includes a Certificate of Authenticity and a Lifton™ reissue hardshell case.
All instruments from Music Makers are professionally evaluated and set-up in our historic Galesburg, IL. storefront prior to shipping.
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