Inspired by Gibson Custom and the Rush legend’s famous ES-355
Alex Lifeson needs no introduction. His playing helped define the sound of progressive rock, and now his iconic 1976 Gibson ES-355 lives on in a stunning new reissue from Epiphone. Part of the Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, it is more than just another signature model; it’s a tribute to Alex’s tone, feel, and fearless creativity that helped power Rush through decades of innovation.
The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue features a five-ply semi-hollow body made of maple and poplar. Multi-ply binding around the top and back gives it an elegant look befitting the top-of-the-line ES-355. A solid maple centerblock adds sustain and greatly increases feedback resistance, delivering the versatile tone that ES™ models are famous for.
The neck is crafted from three pieces of maple, and like the 70s-era model, features a volute for added strength at the neck/headstock joint. Its Slim C profile is fast and easy to play, while the ebony fretboard adds a touch of brightness to the tone and enhances the exceptionally smooth playing feel. The fretboard features mother-of-pearl large block inlays and 22 medium jumbo frets. The Gibson-style “open book” headstock features high-quality die-cast tuners with keystone buttons and a Graph Tech® nut, ensuring stable tuning. The multi-ply bound headstock is adorned with the Epiphone logo and Custom split diamond, both inlaid in mother of pearl to complete the vintage-inspired aesthetic. For a personalized touch, the truss rod cover is engraved with Alex Lifeson’s name.
Gold hardware, including a harmonica-style Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and pickup covers, further adds to its refined, elegant appearance, while a gold Maestro™ Vibrola™ delivers enhanced expressiveness with the push or pull of the bar.
Lifeson’s tone is faithfully recreated courtesy of two USA-made Gibson T-Type humbucker™ pickups, each paired with individual volume and tone controls with CTS® potentiometers and Mallory™ tone capacitors and selected with a Switchcraft® three-way toggle switch. A mono Varitone switch provides additional tonal options, while a mini toggle switch allows it to be preset and bypassed/engaged at will. A Switchcraft 1/4” output jack completes the electronics.
The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 is crafted for players who want to explore, evolve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, just as Alex does. Finished in gloss Alpine White, the Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue has all of the Custom-level appointments and high-end features that you’d expect from an ES-355, including Custom Shop feel without the Custom Shop price, making it an exceptional value and perfect for every player and every stage, from your local club to the world’s largest venues. It comes packed in a custom hardshell case with a black exterior with a reproduction of Alex Lifeson’s signature, a red plush interior, and gold hardware.
Highlights
- Semi-hollow layered maple/poplar body with solid maple centerblock
- Three-piece maple neck with volute and Slim C profile
- Bound ebony fretboard with mother-of-pearl big block inlays
- Gibson-style open book headstock
- Gibson T-Type humbuckers
- Mono Varitone switch with mini toggle bypass switch
- Hardshell case with Alex Lifeson signature graphic
Specifications
BODY
Body Shape: ES-335
Body Style: Semi-Hollow Body
Body Material: 5-Ply Maple / Poplar
Binding: Multi-Ply Top and Back
Body Finish: Gloss
NECK
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Slim C
Neck Joint: Glued-In Set Neck
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Radius: 12" (304.8 mm)
Fingerboard Inlays: Block
Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75"
Nut Material: Graph Tech
ELECTRONICS
Neck Pickup: Gibson T-Type Humbucker
Bridge Pickup: Gibson T-Type Humbucker
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pickup Selector: 3-Way Toggle Switch
HARDWARE
Bridge: Harmonica Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: Maestro Vibrola
Tuners: Die-Cast
Control Knobs: Black Witch Hats
Pickup Covers: Gold
Plastic Parts: Black
Hardware Finish: Gold
MISCELLANEOUS
Model Number: ECAL355AWGM
Case: Black Hardshell IGC Case with Custom Alex Lifeson Signature Reproduction
Factory String Gauge: .010 / .013 / .017 / .026 / .036 / .046
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