Gibson Custom Es-355 1959 Stop Bar Ultra Light Aged Ebony Cs Mlc

The Legacy of a 1959 Legend

Born at the turn of 1958-1959, the ES-355 is the most luxurious version of the Gibson ES line, recognizable by its multiple binding, gold hardware, and ebony fingerboard. This 1959 reissue captures the historic DNA while opting for a "stop bar" tailpiece to offer a more direct response and increased sustain. The Murphy Lab aging finely reproduces the natural patina of a well-cared-for instrument, without excess.

Who Is This ES-355 For and Which Styles?

Demanding yet immediately rewarding, it suits the ambitious intermediate player as well as the professional. Its playground ranges from blues and jazz to soul, classic rock, and modern pop. The center block allows for strong stage volumes and excellent feedback resistance, while the humbuckers cover silky cleans, tight crunch, and controlled vintage overdrives.

The Sound

The maple/poplar/maple sandwich delivers clarity, attack, and great projection, while the center block channels energy for singing mids and airy highs. The ebony fingerboard adds "snap" and definition. The unwaxed Alnico 3 Custombuckers provide wide dynamics, rich mids, and a preserved top-end openness thanks to the 500k potentiometers and Paper-in-Oil capacitors. The ABR-1 bridge combined with the lightweight aluminum stop bar enhances attack and extends a long, musical, and expressive sustain.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

Nickel string set .010-.046 for electric guitar, gig bag or case in ES-335/ES-355 format, nitro-friendly stand to preserve the finish, and quality 1/4" jack cable. Custom Shop hard case included.

Technical specifications

Body shape	ES-335	Inlays	"1950s Pattern" pearl motif
Body material	3-ply maple/poplar/maple	Neck/body joint	long tenon, hot glued
Center block	maple	Hardware finish	gold; Murphy Lab Light Aged
Binding	multiple	Bridge	ABR-1
Body finish	ebony, nitrocellulose lacquer, Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged	Bridge material	nickel-plated brass
Profile	Medium C	Tailpiece	lightweight aluminum stop bar
Scale length	24.75" / 628.65 mm	Tuners	Grover Kidney
Fingerboard material	ebony	Pickguard	multi-ply celluloid with binding
Radius	12" / 304.8 mm	Pickup rings	Black M69 Medium & Tall
Number of frets	22	Pickup covers	nickel silver gold-plated (authentic profile)
Frets	Authentic Medium-Jumbo	Strap buttons	cream-colored plastic
Nut material	nylon	Control knobs	black butyrate with pointers
Nut width	42.85 mm / 1.687"	Selector knob	"Amber Catalin"
Fingerboard width at body joint	56.89 mm / 2.239"