Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar - Alpine White

For decades, Alex Lifeson's white ES-355 served as a vehicle for some of progressive rock's most adventurous guitar work, delivering everything from shimmering clean passages and expansive textures to soaring leads and hard-driving rhythm tones. The Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue faithfully recreates that legendary instrument, pairing premium ES-355 appointments with the expanded tonal flexibility and refined feel that made it such a central part of Lifeson's sound. Five-ply maple/poplar semi-hollow construction and a solid maple center block provide the resonance, sustain and feedback resistance that define the ES platform, while a three-piece maple neck and ebony fingerboard deliver fast, articulate playability. USA-made Gibson T-Type humbuckers, a mono Varitone circuit and a dedicated bypass switch offer a remarkably broad tonal palette, while the gold Maestro Vibrola adds expressive pitch control and unmistakable visual character. Finished in gloss Alpine White and loaded with Custom-level details throughout, the Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue captures the spirit, sound and sophistication of one of progressive rock's most iconic instruments.

5-Ply Maple/Poplar Construction for Resonance, Sustain and Feedback Control

The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue begins with the same semi-hollow architecture that helped make the original instrument such a versatile creative tool. Its five-ply maple/poplar body delivers the lively resonance, harmonic complexity and airy response associated with classic ES designs, while a solid maple center block enhances sustain and helps control unwanted feedback at higher volumes. The result is a guitar capable of moving effortlessly between shimmering cleans, richly layered textures and more aggressive overdriven sounds without losing clarity or definition. Multi-ply binding on the top and back reinforces the ES-355’s flagship status, adding an elegant visual touch to one of Gibson’s most celebrated semi-hollow platforms.

Three-Piece Maple Neck and Ebony Fingerboard for Stability and Precision

Faithful to the construction of Lifeson’s original instrument, the three-piece maple neck delivers excellent stability while contributing snap, clarity and focused note attack. A Slim C profile keeps the playing experience fast and comfortable, encouraging fluid movement across the fingerboard whether navigating intricate chord voicings or extended lead passages. The ebony fingerboard adds a smooth, luxurious playing surface beneath the fingers while enhancing articulation and definition. Mother-of-pearl large block inlays, 22 medium-jumbo frets and a traditional 24.75" scale length complete a neck design that feels both refined and performance-ready. A volute at the headstock transition provides additional strength, while the GraphTech nut supports dependable tuning stability.

Gibson USA T-Type Humbuckers and Varitone Switch for Expansive Tonal Control

A pair of USA-made Gibson T-Type humbuckers forms the foundation of the guitar’s remarkably broad tonal range. Warm, detailed neck tones and articulate bridge-pickup response provide the classic ES-355 voice, while premium CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors ensure smooth, musical control across the volume and tone ranges. Beyond the traditional controls, a mono Varitone switch dramatically expands the sonic palette, introducing a variety of filtered voices capable of producing everything from subtle tonal shifts to more dramatic textural changes. A dedicated mini toggle allows the Varitone circuit to be engaged or bypassed as needed, giving players immediate access to both traditional ES-355 sounds and the more exploratory tones that became part of Lifeson’s signature approach.

Maestro Vibrola and Premium Appointments for Expressive Performance

One of the most recognizable features of Lifeson’s original ES-355 is its gold Maestro Vibrola, which returns here with the same elegant appearance and expressive functionality. Capable of everything from subtle shimmer to dramatic pitch movement, it adds another layer of musical expression without overwhelming the guitar’s core voice. A gold harmonica-style Tune-O-Matic bridge provides solid intonation and sustain, while premium die-cast tuners with keystone buttons ensure reliable tuning performance. Multi-ply binding, gold hardware, Custom split-diamond headstock inlays and an engraved truss rod cover bearing Alex Lifeson’s name complete a presentation that captures both the sophistication of the ES-355 and the personality of the original instrument.

A Faithful Tribute to One of Progressive Rock’s Most Influential Instruments

As a founding member of Rush, Alex Lifeson helped redefine what a rock guitarist could be, blending technical precision, textural sophistication and fearless experimentation across one of the most celebrated catalogs in modern music. His playing continues to inspire generations of musicians who view the guitar as a tool for exploration. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue reflects that same philosophy, combining premium ES-355 appointments and expanded tonal flexibility in a faithful recreation of Lifeson’s legendary instrument. From its USA-made Gibson pickups and Varitone circuitry to its elegant semi-hollow construction and expressive Maestro Vibrola, every detail encourages players to push beyond the expected. Sophisticated, versatile and unmistakably distinctive, it captures the spirit of an instrument that helped shape decades of groundbreaking music.