Gallery
Description
Features
Specs
Reviews
Q&A

Videos (1)

View Allarrow icon
NEW Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Guitars - Full 2024 Lineup Revealplay button

NEW Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Guitars - Full 2024 Lineup Reveal

Epiphone

collapse expand iconDescription

Epiphone 1959 ES-355: Vintage Style, Modern Playability

The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 is a faithful recreation of one of the most iconic guitars in history. Built with a semi-hollow 5-ply maple and poplar body and a solid maple center block, the Epiphone ES-355 combines warm, woody resonance with impressive sustain and feedback resistance. Its one-piece mahogany neck, rounded '50s profile, and ebony fingerboard provide a smooth, comfortable playing experience. Modeled after the legendary 1959 original, this Epiphone '355 is perfect for players seeking vintage tone and aesthetic with modern reliability.

Vintage-Inspired Construction

The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 captures the look and feel of the classic guitar it’s based on. Its aged Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) lacquer finish gives the body a worn, vintage-style appearance, while the multi-ply binding adds elegance reminiscent of late 1950s designs. The semi-hollowbody construction with a solid maple center block reduces feedback while enhancing sustain, creating a perfect balance of resonance and focus. Whether on stage or in the studio, this guitar delivers timeless tone and style.

Iconic Gibson Headstock and Hardware

The split-diamond headstock design on the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 pays homage to Gibson's classic aesthetic. Gold Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure precise, stable tuning, while the Graph Tech nut and ABR-1 bridge with a stopbar tailpiece add to its vintage authenticity. These components are crafted to provide excellent intonation, tuning stability, and period-correct appeal. This attention to detail makes the ES-355 a standout for players and collectors alike.

Ebony Fingerboard With Block Inlays

The Epiphone ES-355 features a one-piece mahogany neck with a rounded '50s profile, designed for comfortable playability. Its ebony fingerboard adds warmth and articulation to the tone, while the mother-of-pearl block inlays lend a touch of elegance. The 22 medium-jumbo frets and 12-inch radius make the fingerboard smooth and easy to navigate, whether you’re playing intricate solos or strumming chords.

Handwired Pickups for Classic Tone

The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 is equipped with Gibson Custom humbuckers, handwired to CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors. The neck pickup produces warm, rounded tones ideal for jazz and blues, while the bridge pickup delivers bright, cutting treble and solid lows perfect for rock and lead work. Combined, these pickups offer a wide range of vintage-inspired tones, making the guitar versatile for multiple genres.

Open Box Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Level 1 Classic White
Open Box Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Level 1 Classic White
Open Box Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Level 1 Classic White

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 5-ply maple/poplar body with a solid maple center block for resonance and feedback resistance
  • Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays for smooth playability and a touch of elegance
  • '50s rounded mahogany neck with 22 medium-jumbo frets for comfortable playing
  • Gibson Custombucker pickups handwired to CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors for vintage tone
  • Vintage Original Sheen lacquer finish with multi-ply binding for a classic look
  • Gold hardware, Graph Tech nut, ABR-1 bridge, and stopbar tailpiece for reliable tuning and intonation
  • Includes a brown hardshell case with a pink interior and Inspired by Gibson Custom Logo

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Shape: ES-355
  • Body wood: 5-piece layered maple/poplar
  • Binding: VOS-Vintage original sheen 7-ply 
Neck
  • Wood: 1-piece mahogany
  • Profile: '50s Rounded Medium C
  • Nut Width: 1.69" (43 mm)
Fingerboard
  • Wood: Ebony
  • Scale Length: 24.75"
  • Number of Frets: 22
  • Inlay: Mother-of-pearl block
Hardware
  • Bridge: ABR-1
  • Tailpiece: Gibson Historic Reissue Aluminum StopBar
  • Tuners: Grover Rotomatic
  • Plating: Gold
Electronics
  • Configuration: HH
  • Neck: Gibson Custombucker
  • Bridge: Gibson Custombucker
  • Controls: Individual volume, individual tone
  • Special features: Hand-wired with CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors and '50s wiring
Other
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Strings: 6
  • Case: Hardshell

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

5

5 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

5504030201
A lot of guitar for the money
Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming4
  2. Practicing4
  3. Recording4
  4. Rock Concerts4
  5. Small Venues4
Cons
  1. Paint where neck meets body1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
  2. Novice1
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Fun To Play5
  2. Good Feel5
  3. Good Pick Up5
  4. Good Tone5
  5. Solid Electronics4

Reviewed by 5 customers

  • Next best thing to a Gibson

    5

    submitted3 months ago

    byQ

    fromDallas, TX

    Epiphone has produced a truly remarkable instrument in the 1959 ES-335. It feels and sounds like a guitar twice the price. I love the thick neck. The CustomBuckers are outstanding and paired with the well-constructed body, this instrument really sings. The red finish is gorgeous.

  • A lot of guitar for the money

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    byDave

    fromKnoxville TN

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Best deal out there for this much guitar. Flawless except for one minor thing, the paint on the bass side of neck at the body. I got the classic white and thinking about getting the gloss ebony when available.

  • I am surprised.I'm very pleased with the sound of this instr

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    byRodney

    fromT- Town Washington

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The build quality, playability, sounds produced and overall feel of the Instrument. Even the protective case it comes with such a nice touch. Not to mention affordability of Instrument. The packaging and shipment of the instrument was very timely as well as the ease of purchase. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend.

  • A lot of guitar for the money

    5

    submitted4 months ago

    byDave

    fromKnoxville TN

    This is A LOT of guitar for the money as opposed to a lot of MONEY for the guitar. The custombuckers are growling beasts when cranked up. My only complaint is the paint at the neck and body joint, Trogly has this flaw documented on YouTube... The fat 50s neck takes getting used to.

  • It's great

    5

    submitted4 months ago

    byTyler

    fromOxford, CF

    I have some nice guitars- a Slash Gibson Les paul, a musicman Sabre, to name a few- and now this. Maybe it's because it's my newest, but I haven't touched my other guitars since getting it. It plays great, sounds great, zero issues. Guitar center gives you 45 days to return so there is no risk ordering online IMO.

  • Previous
  • 1
  • Next

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted11 days ago

    asked byArthur

    fromClermont, Fl.

    Width of the body & total length.

    Width of the body & total length.

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    the ES-355 typically features a body width of approximately 16 inches (40.6 cm), a body length around 20 inches (50.8 cm), and a body depth of about 1.7 inches (4.3 cm). 42 inches (106.7 cm) from the tip of the headstock to the bottom of the body.

  • submitted3 months ago

    asked bykevin

    fromBillings, MT

    What is the country of manufacture?

    What is the country of manufacture?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Made in China.

  • submitted5 months ago

    asked byDavid

    fromKnoxville

    Is the finish nitro or Polly?

    Is the finish nitro or Polly?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It's Polly.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byMike

    fromGreensboro, NC

    Is it set up before shipping to the customer?

    Is it set up before shipping to the customer?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it will be set up by Epiphone.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byTightrope

    fromLoudonville ohio

    How much does this model generally weigh?

    How much does this model generally weigh?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This will be about 8 lbs.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byMICHAEL

    fromEagan, MN

    Where is this guitar made?

    Where is this guitar made?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Cherry Red is made in China.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byGdub

    fromOrmond Beach, FL

    What is country of origin?

    What is country of origin?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Cherry Red is made in China.