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GIBSON CUSTOM DEBUTS THE GARY CLARK JR. ES-355, A TRIBUTE TO TONE AND TRADITION

Gibson Custom today proudly unveils the new Gary Clark Jr. ES355™, a striking signature model created in close collaboration with the four‑time GRAMMY® Award–winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Austin-born and globally celebrated for his electrifying live performances, Gary Clark Jr. has long blended blues, rock, soul, and hip hop into a sound entirely his own. His previous Gibson and Epiphone signature instruments—the SG™ and Casino™—each captured facets of his musical identity, but the ES‑355 represents a deeper personal connection. Inspired by the first time he saw B.B. King command the stage with one, the ES‑355 has become Clark’s new number‑one guitar, now reimagined with the craftsmanship and detail of the Gibson Custom Shop. The Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES‑355 is available worldwide at Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, via authorized Gibson Custom dealers, and on Gibson.com. The Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES‑355 is built with a three‑ply maple/poplar/maple body with a figured maple outer layer, paired with a mahogany neck carved to a comfortable 50s Rounded Medium C profile. A bound ebony fretboard with 22 Historic medium jumbo frets and mother‑of‑pearl block inlays delivers a classic playing feel, while multi‑ply binding on the body and headstock elevates the guitar’s vintage‑inspired aesthetic. The headstock features the iconic Custom split diamond inlay and Grover® Rotomatic® tuners with kidney buttons, underscoring the instrument’s premium heritage. Watch/share the new interview with Gary Clark Jr. HERE.
Click on the image above to play the interview with Gary Clark Jr.
Gary Clark Jr. ES355 from Gibson Custom Under the hood, the ES‑355 is equipped with a pair of unpotted Custombuckers featuring Alnico 3 magnets, chosen for their warm, articulate response and dynamic range. The pickups are wired with CTS® audio taper pots, paper‑in‑oil capacitors, a Switchcraft® three‑way toggle, and a mono Varitone circuit topped with a black chicken‑head knob, offering players a wide spectrum of tonal colors. True Historic gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers complete the control layout, reinforcing the guitar’s vintage authenticity. Every detail of the instrument reflects Gibson Custom’s commitment to precision and artistry. The hardware is finished in VOS nickel, including the ABR‑1 Historic no‑wire bridge and a Bigsby® B7 vibrato for expressive pitch control. The guitar is offered in a stunning VOS Cobra Burst finish, adding a dramatic visual flair that complements its sonic versatility. Each model ships in a Gibson Custom hardshell case adorned with Gary Clark Jr. graphics, featuring a brown exterior and black plush interior. This special run is limited to just 100 guitars, handcrafted by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee. With demand expected to be high among collectors, players, and fans alike, the Gary Clark Jr. ES‑355 stands as an extraordinary opportunity to own the artist’s new go‑to instrument—an inspired blend of heritage, innovation, and unmistakable style.
Gary Clark Jr. performs with his new Gibson Custom ES355 in Cobra Burst. In 2026, Gary Clark Jr. continues to push his creative boundaries while bringing the bold sonic world of his 2024 album JPEG RAW to audiences across North America. The project marks a defining leap in his artistry—melding blues, rock, hip-hop, jazz, and global influences into a unified, future-leaning sound that has earned widespread critical acclaim. Onstage, Clark channels this new era with a renewed sense of urgency and experimentation, weaving immersive grooves, pointed lyricism, and explosive guitar work into performances that reaffirm his status as one of modern music’s most electrifying live artists. Listen to Gary Clark Jr. HERE, and for the latest tour dates, go HERE. Beyond the studio and the stage, Clark’s artistic reach has expanded into film, cultural programming, and high-profile collaborations, underscoring his evolution as a multifaceted creative force. His portrayal of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, his role as Music Director for Jon Stewart’s Mark Twain Prize ceremony, and his continued work with icons across genres reflect an artist operating at the height of his influence. With JPEG RAW ushering in a bold new chapter and a major tour underway, Clark stands firmly at the forefront of contemporary music—restless, visionary, and shaping the sound of what comes next. Rooted in the blues yet unbound by genre, he’s pushing the tradition forward with purpose and originality, cementing his place as one of his generation’s defining guitarists and storytellers.
Check out more photos of the new Gary Clark Jr. ES‑355 from Gibson Custom:
Gibson Custom Gary Clark Jr. ES355Gibson Custom Gary Clark Jr. ES355Gibson Custom Gary Clark Jr. ES355 arrives in a stunning Cobra Burst finish.Gibson Custom Gary Clark Jr. ES355
Gibson Custom Gary Clark Jr. ES355 front headstock
Gibson Custom Gary Clark Jr. ES355 COA and hardshell guitar case.
Gary Clark Jr.:
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About Gibson:Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.comGibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on InstagramX and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London.

About The Author

Ben

I am the owner of Cerebral-overload.com and the Verizon Wireless Reviewer for Techburgh.com. My love of gadgets came from his lack of a Nintendo Game Boy when he was a child . I vowed from that day on to get his hands on as many tech products as possible. My approach to a review is to make it informative for the technofile while still making it understandable to everyone. Ben is a new voice in the tech industry and is looking to make a mark wherever he goes. When not reviewing products, I is also a 911 Telecommunicator just outside of Pittsburgh PA. Twitter: @gizmoboaks

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