Four decades after Marty McFly brought high-voltage rock and roll to 1955 with his performance of “Johnny B. Goode,” Gibson and Epiphone have officially launched two extraordinary, limited-edition recreations of the iconic Cherry Red ES-345 semi-hollow guitar. These instruments pay direct homage to the guitar Michael J. Fox played in the legendary “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance scene in Back to the Future, a moment that inspired countless musicians.
The original Gibson ES-345 used in the 1985 film—a 1959 model that was hilariously out-of-period for a 1955 setting—has famously been “Lost to the Future.” Until that original instrument is recovered, these new limited-edition models offer fans and collectors the closest possible link to cinematic and musical history.
Officially Released!
These Gibson and Epiphone limited-run models, which we have been teased about for months, are now officially released today!
Many stores have already sold out, so you may have missed out already!
If only you had a time machine…
The Collector’s Grail: Gibson Custom Shop “1955” ES-345
For the ultimate enthusiast, the Gibson Custom / Murphy Lab Back to the Future “1955” ES-345 Collector’s Edition is a masterfully crafted, ultra-limited replica. Handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee, this edition is restricted to just 88 pieces worldwide, a knowing wink to the 88 mph needed for the DeLorean’s temporal displacement.
Single Parallelogram
The guitar is built with a thin-line, three-ply maple-poplar-maple body and a solid maple centerblock, delivering authentic ES tone with enhanced sustain.
The mahogany neck, which is joined with hide glue and a long tenon, features a 1961 Authentic Thin D-Shape profile. Crucially, the bound rosewood fretboard includes a rare single parallelogram inlay at the 12th fret, a unique detail that faithfully reproduces the specific neck configuration of the guitar seen on screen.
Gibson Custombucker
Powering the sound are unpotted Gibson Custombucker pickups with Alnico 3 magnets. These are hand-wired to individual volume and tone controls using CTS potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors, ensuring a premium, vintage tonal response. A mono Varitone switch adds further sonic flexibility.
The instrument is finished with aged gold hardware, a Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece, and receives the full Murphy Lab aging process, giving it a beautifully worn, vintage aesthetic.
Flux Capacitor
Each guitar is housed in a Lifton hardshell case adorned with Marvin Berry and The Starlighters graphics and includes exclusive case candy.
MSRP – £17,449
The Fan Favorite: Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345
For players and fans seeking the iconic look and playability at a more accessible price point, the Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345 Cherry Red is a stunning alternative. This highly collectible edition is limited to 1,985 units worldwide, celebrating the year the movie premiered.
Kalamazoo headstock
The Epiphone ES-345 features a five-ply maple semi-hollow body with a solid maple center block for reduced feedback and improved sustain. It has a mahogany neck with a comfortable Rounded C profile and a bound rosewood fretboard with classic pearloid split parallelogram inlays. The 60s-style Kalamazoo headstock includes a Graph Tech nut and Epiphone Deluxe tuners with cream Keystone buttons.
Hill Valley Music
A subtle film nod is provided by the Hill Valley Music store decal on the back of the headstock.
Gold hardware, including a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and a Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece, completes the classic ES-345 look. Under the hood, two Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers provide rich, vintage tone, complemented by individual volume and tone controls and a mono Varitone circuit for expanded sonic options.
The guitar is presented in a retro-style hardshell case featuring the memorable Marvin Berry and the Starlighters graphics.
Both the ultra-exclusive Gibson Collector’s Edition and the limited Epiphone ES-345 are essential items for guitar aficionados and Back to the Future devotees alike. They represent the closest fans can get to wielding the instrument that made history—and we’re afraid they’re just too darn loud.
MSRP – £949
They also offer a range of Back To The Future x Gibson merchandise, including T-shirts, pick tins, a guitar strap, and an AXE HEAVEN Mini Guitar replica.
More Information
#Back to the Future #Marty McFly #Gibson #Epiphone
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