Gibson Custom Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Cherry Red

“Are you telling me you built a time machine… out of an ES-345?” In the hands of Marty McFly in Back to the Future, a Cherry Red Gibson made movie history. Its appearance in the 1955 Enchantment Under the Sea dance turning a rock and roll performance into an enduring pop-culture moment. Though the ES-345 wouldn’t officially debut until 1959, that cinematic anachronism only added to its mystique. The Back to the Future “1955” ES-345 Collector’s Edition from Gibson Custom brings that legend to life in extraordinary detail, featuring a thinline three-ply maple/poplar/maple semi-hollowbody with a solid maple center block, a 1961 authentic thin D neck profile, and a pair of unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 humbuckers. Aged gold hardware, a Bigsby ’59 B7 vibrato, and the Murphy Lab’s expert aging complete the vintage aesthetic. Handcrafted in Nashville and limited to just 88 instruments worldwide—a nod to the film’s time-traveling speed—this Collector’s Edition stands as both a tribute to one of cinema’s most iconic musical performances and to Gibson Custom’s legacy of uncompromising craftsmanship.

Three-Ply Maple Body With Historic Construction

“Every inch of the Back to the Future “1955” ES-345 Collector’s Edition speaks to Gibson Custom’s pursuit of perfection. Its thinline semi-hollow body pairs three-ply maple/poplar/maple laminates with a solid maple center block for commanding sustain and feedback control. Meanwhile, a hand-stained Cherry Red finish captures the film’s visual signature while honoring the deep, translucent tone of late-’50s Gibson builds. Single-ply binding along the back and fretboard adds subtle contrast, while the Murphy Lab’s expert aging process lends an authentic, played-in feel worthy of a true vintage original.

Custombucker Pickups and Varitone Versatility

“Tone comes courtesy of a matched set of unpotted Custombucker humbuckers with Alnico 3 magnets, meticulously wound to deliver the warmth, clarity and harmonic bloom of the finest late-’50s examples. Each pickup feeds through CTS audio-taper potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors for vintage-accurate response. A six-position mono Varitone circuit expands the palette even further, offering everything from sparkling articulation to throaty midrange punch. The result is an instrument that’s equally at home in rock, blues, R&B, and jazz settings.

Bigsby B7 Vibrato and Aged Gold Hardware

“The Back to the Future ES-345’s hardware is a study in precision and authenticity. An ABR-1 no-wire bridge anchors the strings with period-correct stability, complemented by a Bigsby ’59 B7 vibrato tailpiece finished in gold with black paint—exactly as seen onscreen. Kluson single-line tuners, black top-hat knobs and aged-gold plating complete the ensemble, while the Murphy Lab’s subtle patina ties every element into a cohesive vintage aesthetic. Even the smallest details echo the guitar that inspired millions to pick up the instrument.

Mahogany Neck With Bound Rosewood Fingerboard

“A one-piece mahogany neck joined with hide glue and a long tenon ensures exceptional resonance and durability. Its 1961 authentic thin D profile offers a fast yet substantial feel favored by players who appreciate mid-century Gibson ergonomics. The bound rosewood fingerboard features 22 medium-jumbo frets and split-parallelogram inlays—including a single, full-width parallelogram at the 12th fret, a unique touch drawn directly from the film guitar. Lastly, the nylon nut completes a neck built for comfort, precision and artistry.

A True Guitar Collector’s Showpiece

Each Gibson Custom Back to the Future “1955” ES-345 Collector’s Edition includes a Lifton hardshell case adorned with Marvin Berry and the Starlighters artwork, along with exclusive case candy commemorating this historic release. From the reverse-engineered 1950s specs to the Murphy Lab aged Cherry Red finish, every element reflects Gibson Custom’s commitment to authenticity. And like the film itself, it embraces one charming paradox—the ES-345 didn’t exist in 1955, yet its presence defined the sound of that moment. Limited to 88 pieces worldwide, don’t miss a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own the guitar that truly made time stand still.