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Nashville-based Gibson is once again raising the bar for craftsmanship with the unveiling of the new Gary Clark Jr. ES-355™, a stunning signature model created in close collaboration with the four-time GRAMMY® Award–winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Gary Clark Jr..
Handcrafted by the expert luthiers at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, this limited-edition ES-355 reflects Clark’s deep personal connection to the iconic model. Inspired by the first time he saw B.B. King command the stage with an ES-355, Clark has since made the guitar his new number one — now reimagined with Gibson Custom’s signature precision and artistry.
Born in Austin and celebrated worldwide for his electrifying performances, Clark has built a career blending blues, rock, soul and hip hop into a sound entirely his own. While previous signature models like the SG™ and Casino™ highlighted different chapters of his musical journey, the ES-355 represents something more personal — a full-circle tribute to one of his earliest inspirations.
The Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES-355 features a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body with a figured maple outer layer and a mahogany neck carved into a comfortable ’50s Rounded Medium C profile. A bound ebony fretboard with 22 Historic medium jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl block inlays delivers classic feel and visual elegance, while multi-ply binding and the Custom split diamond headstock inlay underscore its vintage appeal.
Tonally, the guitar is powered by a pair of unpotted Custombuckers with Alnico 3 magnets, offering warm articulation and dynamic response. Premium components — including CTS® audio taper pots, paper-in-oil capacitors, a Switchcraft® three-way toggle and a mono Varitone circuit — provide a wide palette of tonal options. Finished in VOS nickel hardware with an ABR-1 Historic bridge and Bigsby® B7 vibrato, the instrument balances old-school authenticity with expressive versatility.
Visually, the ES-355 makes a statement in a dramatic VOS Cobra Burst finish. Each guitar comes housed in a Gibson Custom hardshell case featuring exclusive Gary Clark Jr. graphics.
Limited to just 100 guitars worldwide, the Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 is available at Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, through authorized Gibson Custom dealers and online at Gibson.com. With its blend of heritage, innovation and unmistakable style, this release is poised to become a must-have for collectors and players alike — and another proud moment for Gibson’s Nashville headquarters.
Watch the new interview with Gary Clark Jr. above.
Those formative experiences shaped Oates into the artist Nashville audiences will see on February 20th — a keeper of the flame whose music blends rock, folk, soul and Americana into something timeless, personal and unmistakably his own.
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