Inspired by Gibson Custom craftsmanship and Rush’s legendary ES-355,
Alex Lifeson's influence on progressive rock is undeniable. His bold playing helped shape the genre, and today, his iconic 1976 Gibson ES-355 is reborn in a magnificent reissue by Epiphone. Part of the Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, this model transcends the typical signature guitar, capturing Alex's inimitable tone, refined touch, and the innovative spirit that fueled Rush’s groundbreaking music for decades.
The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 reissue features a five-ply semi-hollow body, constructed from layers of maple and poplar. Multi-ply binding on the top and back adds a touch of elegance worthy of the prestigious ES-355 name. A solid maple center block enhances sustain and significantly reduces feedback, providing the rich, expressive tone for which ES™ models are renowned.
Its three-piece maple neck replicates the construction of the original 70s instrument and incorporates a volute for added strength at the neck-to-headstock joint. The Slim C profile offers optimal playing comfort and speed, while the ebony fretboard provides clarity, responsiveness, and a luxurious feel. Pearloid block inlays and 22 medium jumbo frets complete the fretboard. The Gibson-style "open book" headstock is equipped with premium die-cast tuners with keystone buttons and a Graph Tech® nut for impeccable tuning stability. Multi-ply binding frames the headstock, which is adorned with mother-of-pearl Epiphone and Split Diamond Custom logos. As a personal detail, the truss rod cover is engraved with Alex Lifeson's name.
Gold hardware, including a harmonica-style Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and gold pickup covers, enhances the guitar's premium look. A matching gold Maestro™ Vibrola™ offers expressive pitch control, allowing for subtle or dramatic effects with ease.
Alex's unique sound comes to life thanks to a pair of USA-made Gibson T-Type humbucker pickups. These pickups are wired to individual volume and tone controls via CTS® potentiometers and Mallory™ capacitors, with pickup selection handled by a three-position Switchcraft® toggle switch. A mono Varitone switch expands the sonic palette, while a dedicated mini-switch allows the Varitone circuit to be turned on or off. A 1/4" Switchcraft jack completes the electronics.
Designed for musicians who thrive on exploration and evolution, the Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 reissue encourages guitarists to push the boundaries of creativity, much like Alex Lifeson throughout his career. With its gloss Alpine White finish, the Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 reissue offers the premium appointments and exceptional performance expected of an ES-355, providing a feel and features worthy of a Custom Shop, without the exorbitant price. Equally at home in an intimate club or on the world's biggest stages, it combines exceptional value with great versatility. The guitar comes in a custom hardshell case, black with a reproduction of Alex Lifeson's signature, red plush interior, and gold hardware.
Specifications
Body
Binding: Multi-ply top and back
Body Material: 5-ply Maple/Poplar
Body Finish: Gloss
Body Shape: ES-355
Body Style: Semi-hollow
Neck
Profile: Slim C
Joint: Set Neck
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Nut Material: Graph Tech
Inlays: Blocks
Fingerboard Radius: 12" (304.8 mm)
Binding: Single
Scale Length: 24.75" (628.65 mm)
Electronics
Neck Pickup: Gibson T-Type
Bridge Pickup: Gibson T-Type
Controls: 2 Volumes, 2 Tones
Pickup Selector: 3-way toggle
Hardware
Bridge: Harmonica Tune-O-Matic
Finish: Gold
Plastics: Black
Tuning Machines: Die-cast
Control Knobs: Black Witch Hats
Pickup Covers: Gold
Tailpiece: Maestro Vibrola
Miscellaneous
Case: Hardshell case included