Gibson has officially announced the latest addition to its prestigious Custom Shop lineup: the Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES-355. Strictly limited to just 100 units worldwide, this stunning semi-hollow electric guitar is a premium tribute to the Austin-born blues virtuoso and 4-time Grammy winner.
Priced at $7999.00/£6,999.00, this exclusive release sees Gary Clark Jr. teaming up with Gibson’s elite artisans to recreate the instrument that has become his “number one” on stages across the globe.
A Tribute to Blues Heritage
Gary Clark Jr. has long been celebrated for blending blues, rock, soul, and hip-hop into a unique modern sound. While his previous signature models with Gibson and Epiphone have explored different facets of his tone, this new ES-355 digs deep into his roots.
Inspired by B.B. King
According to the launch details, the guitar is inspired by the first time Clark saw B.B. King wield an ES-355. That moment left an indelible mark, leading Clark to collaborate with the Custom Shop to produce a guitar that captures both vintage soul and modern playability.
Key Features and Craftsmanship
The Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES-355 is not just a looker; it is built to the exacting standards of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville.
1. The Body and Finish
The guitar features a classic 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple body with a gorgeous Figured Maple top. It is finished in a striking VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) Cobra Burst, giving it the look of a well-cared-for vintage instrument right out of the case. The aesthetic is tied together with multi-ply binding on the body and headstock, framing the iconic split-diamond inlay.
2. The Neck
Built for comfort during long sets, the Mahogany neck features a ‘50s Rounded Medium “C” profile. It is topped with a bound Ebony fingerboard featuring 22 Historic medium jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl block inlays. The Ebony board adds a snappy attack and smooth feel that complements the semi-hollow warmth.
3. Electronics: The “Varitone” Edge
Under the hood, this ES-355 is a tonal powerhouse. It is equipped with a pair of unpotted Custombuckers with Alnico 3 magnets. These pickups are Gibson’s most revered recreation of the original PAFs, offering a rich, open, and airy tone.
However, the secret weapon is the Mono Varitone circuit. Controlled by a black “Chicken Head” knob, this circuit acts like a built-in equalizer, allowing players to filter their tone from thick, smoky jazz sounds to cutting, mid-scooped funk clarity.
4. Hardware
The hardware package is finished in VOS Nickel and includes:
-
Grover Rotomatic tuners with kidney buttons.
-
ABR-1 Historic no-wire bridge for precise intonation.
-
Bigsby B7 Vibrato, allowing for expressive shimmers and retro pitch modulation.
Note on Case Candy: The guitar ships in a specific Gibson Custom hardshell case with a brown exterior, plush black interior, and exclusive Gary Clark Jr. graphics.
Full Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Model | Gibson Custom Shop Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES-355 |
| Finish | VOS Cobra Burst |
| Body Material | 3-Ply Figured Maple/Poplar/Maple |
| Neck Profile | ‘50s Rounded Medium “C” (Mahogany) |
| Fingerboard | Ebony with Mother-of-Pearl Block Inlays |
| Pickups | 2 x Custombucker Alnico 3 (Unpotted) |
| Controls | 2 Vol, 2 Tone, Mono Varitone Circuit |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | ABR-1 Historic No-Wire / Bigsby B7 |
| Production Run | Limited to 100 Worldwide |
| Price | £6,999.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many Gibson Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 guitars are being made?
This is a highly exclusive run. Only 100 units will be available worldwide. Once they are sold out, they are unlikely to be reproduced in this specific configuration again.
What is the Varitone switch?
The Varitone is a rotary switch that engages different capacitors to filter specific frequencies from the guitar’s signal. It allows you to instantly change the character of the sound, offering a palette of tones ranging from deep and dark to thin and “quacky,” which is perfect for cutting through a mix.
What are “Unpotted” pickups?
The Custombuckers in this model are unpotted, meaning they have not been dipped in wax. This is historically accurate to vintage 1950s PAF pickups. Unpotted pickups tend to be more microphonic, resulting in a more open, airy, and harmonically complex sound compared to modern wax-potted pickups.
Does the guitar come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
While the specific inclusion of a paper COA wasn’t detailed in the initial text, Gibson Custom Shop models of this tier typically include a Certificate of Authenticity. However, the custom hardshell case with artist graphics serves as a significant marker of its provenance.
Our Verdict
The Gibson Custom Shop Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES-355 represents the pinnacle of modern lutherie meeting vintage inspiration. It is a fitting instrument for a player who has done so much to revitalize the blues genre for a new generation.
With a price tag of £6,999 and a strict limit of 100 pieces, this is destined to become a collector’s item immediately. For players looking to capture that specific blend of “syrupy sustain” and “Gary Clark Jr. growl,” this ES-355 in Cobra Burst is the ultimate tool for the job.
Price & Availability
Available at Andertons – £6999
Available at Sweetwater – $7999
More Information
#Gibson # Gary Clark Jr. #Custom ES-355
This article may contain affiliate links to Andertons, DeathCloud, Donner, Fender, Gear4Music, Positive Grid, Sweetwater, and Thomann that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don’t worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases.
