The Nashville-built replicas recreate the Rolling Stones guitarist's iconic black ES-355 with incredible detail, using 3D scans, period-correct materials and Murphy Lab aging in two strictly limited editions.
Gibson has announced a collaboration with Keith Richards, releasing two meticulously crafted versions of the Rolling Stones guitarist’s legendary black 1960 ES-355—and boy, do they look good. Handcrafted by Gibson Custom in Nashville and developed in close collaboration with Richards himself, both models represent exact replicas of one of rock’s most recognisable instruments.
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The release comprises two limited editions: 50 Collector’s Edition models with dual signatures on the f-hole label and headstock back, exclusive to Gibson.com and Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London. Another 100 guitars bearing only the f-hole label signature will be distributed through authorised Gibson Custom dealers, Gibson Garage stores, and Gibson.com worldwide.
Richards first used an ES-355 in 1969, taking it on the road and into the studio during recording sessions for Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. His black 1960 model has been a staple of every Rolling Stones tour since 1997, earning its place as one of the most coveted guitars in rock history.
“This is my standard-tuning six-string; this is the other side of my thing,” Richards explains. “My six-string stuff has always been, you know, a great Gibson—that’s where I feel the most comfortable. And also with the sound. Put it through just about any amp, and it will sound the way you want it, because this has so much more room for expression.”
Gibson Custom created the replicas using advanced 3D scanning of the original instrument, period-correct materials and construction techniques, with Murphy Lab hand-aging to mirror every detail and its distinctive tone. Both models feature a multi-ply bound body made from three-ply maple/poplar/maple with red spruce bracing and a maple centre block for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback. The centre block has been weight-relieved at Richards’ request for greater comfort.
The mahogany neck sports a custom Keith Richards profile derived from 3D scans of the original, measuring approximately .801″ at the first fret, .905″ at the 12th, and 1.625″ at the nut. A bound ebony fingerboard includes mother-of-pearl block inlays and Medium Wide fretwire matching the original specification.
Hardware includes a Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece and Grover Rotomatic tuners with Milk Bottle buttons. Every metal part, plastic component, and the Ebony nitrocellulose finish has been hand-aged by Murphy Lab artisans to replicate decades of wear. A pair of unpotted Custombucker pickups with Alnico 5 magnets developed specifically for this model are wired to CTS 500k audio taper pots and paper-in-oil capacitors, delivering the unmistakable sound of the original.
Each guitar ships in a Gibson Protector series case with a certificate of authenticity and a replica of the strap Richards uses.
With models crafted so meticulously, it’s fair to say these guitars are as close as you’ll get to playing the one and only Keith Richard’s actual guitar.
Check out the models here.
