Some signature guitars feel like branding exercises. This one doesn’t.

The new Gibson Custom Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 exists because a real player found the instrument that fit his voice — and then refined it until it became his number one. Built in close collaboration with Gary Clark Jr. and crafted by the team at Gibson Custom Shop, this limited model captures everything that makes his sound powerful: warmth, clarity, soul, and authority.

Inspired by the first time Clark saw B.B. King perform with an ES-355, this guitar blends classic semi-hollow elegance with modern stage-ready functionality. The result is a piece that feels rooted in history but built for players pushing forward.

A Guitar Built Around Feel

At first glance, the Cobra Burst finish grabs attention — but the deeper appeal is in the construction. A three-ply maple/poplar/maple body with figured maple outer layers keeps things articulate and resonant, while the mahogany neck and bound ebony fretboard add richness and snap under the fingers. The 50s Rounded Medium C profile lands in that sweet spot between vintage comfort and modern playability.

This is very much a player’s instrument. The balance feels right on a strap, the neck fills the hand without slowing you down, and the semi-hollow construction gives notes an openness that solidbodies can’t fake.

Classic 355 Styling, No Compromises

The ES-355 has always represented the upscale side of the ES lineage, and Gibson didn’t cut corners here. Multi-ply binding, mother-of-pearl block inlays, and the Custom split-diamond headstock make this instantly recognizable on stage.

The VOS nickel hardware, ABR-1 no-wire bridge, and Bigsby B7 vibrato complete the package with the kind of visual sophistication that makes the guitar look as good under stage lights as it does in a studio rack.

Tone: Wide Open and Dynamic

The electronics are where this model separates itself from many modern signature guitars. Unpotted Custombuckers with Alnico 3 magnets give the guitar a dynamic response that rewards touch — soft playing stays articulate, while digging in brings out the growl and harmonic bloom players chase in vintage instruments.

CTS audio taper pots, paper-in-oil capacitors, and a mono Varitone circuit expand the tonal range beyond standard semi-hollow territory. You can move from smoky jazz textures to aggressive blues-rock leads without fighting the instrument.

This isn’t a guitar that forces you into one sound. It adapts to the player.

Limited for a Reason

Only 100 of these guitars are being handcrafted in Nashville, which puts this squarely into collector-grade territory while still being absolutely road-worthy. Each one ships in a Gibson Custom hardshell case featuring Gary Clark Jr. graphics.

For players who follow Gary Clark Jr.’s career, this guitar represents more than a spec sheet. It reflects a musician who bridges blues tradition with modern creativity — and an instrument designed to do the same.

Why This Matters to Players

Here’s the honest truth: not every signature guitar deserves attention outside of the artist’s fanbase. This one does.

Even if you never play a Gary Clark Jr. tune, the combination of an ES-355 platform, Custom Shop build quality, and thoughtfully chosen electronics makes this one of the more compelling semi-hollow releases in recent memory. It sits in that rare space where artist inspiration, real-world functionality, and timeless design intersect.

Available Now at Tone Shop Guitars

If you’ve been waiting for a modern ES-355 with real personality, this is it. The Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES-355 isn’t just another limited release — it’s a guitar designed to become someone’s forever instrument.

And with only a small number available worldwide, it won’t stay around for long.