Showroom Spotlight | Gibson Custom 1959 ES 355 Bigsby in Argentine Grey VOS
Few electric guitars capture the spirit of the late fifties quite like the Gibson ES 355. This was a period defined by rapid change across the world of music, with jazz, blues and the earliest forms of rock and roll shaping a cultural shift that can still be felt today. Gibson was deep into what many players now consider the company’s golden era, producing instruments that pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship, tone and style. The ES 355 sat at the very top of that range, offering players something elegant, expressive and unmistakably Gibson.
This custom colour reissue pays tribute to that history with a look that instantly recalls the instrument B B King played during the legendary Live At The Regal performance. Argentine Grey was an incredibly rare finish during the fifties, used only in small numbers. Original examples are almost impossible to find today, which makes this Custom Shop recreation something genuinely special. It has the attitude and character of a true golden era classic, but with the reliability and consistency that modern Custom Shop builds are known for.
The three ply maple and poplar body gives the guitar a lively acoustic response with a clear top end and a warm lower midrange. Combined with the VOS nitro finish, the result is a body that feels open and resonant from the first strum. Argentine Grey suits the ES 355 perfectly, allowing the curves and carving of the guitar to stand out in a way that feels refined but still full of presence.
A solid mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard continue that premium feel. The ebony adds a fast, smooth surface under the fingers, while the traditional block inlays give the guitar a look that is instantly familiar to ES fans. With 22 frets, a 24.75 inch scale and hide glue construction, the whole neck assembly responds with a vintage style warmth that invites expressive playing. Whether you lean into chord work or melodic lead lines, the guitar remains balanced and controlled.
Custombucker pickups deliver the classic late fifties PAF voice. These pickups are known for their clarity, harmonic depth and dynamic response. Clean settings reveal a wide and detailed tone, while overdriven sounds offer that unmistakable bloom associated with classic ES models. It is a tone that sits comfortably across blues, soul, early rock and more modern styles, which is why guitars like this have remained so desirable over the decades.
A factory fitted Bigsby adds another layer of character. It is perfect for subtle vibrato effects, chord embellishments and gentle movement within lead lines. The way it interacts with the resonance of the ES 355 gives the guitar a musical, vocal quality that suits everything from slow blues to atmospheric indie textures.
This is a guitar built to celebrate history, but it is also one that feels inspiring in the present. It captures the sound and spirit of a legendary era while offering the playability and consistency expected from the Gibson Custom Shop today. Finished in one of the rarest colours of the period, this ES 355 is a standout piece for collectors and players alike.
