Gibson 1959 ES-355 Reissue VN VOS

Gibson 1959 ES-355 Reissue VN VOS review

The Gibson 1959 ES-355 Reissue VN VOS is a U.S.-made, semi-hollow electric guitar with a maple body, a one-piece mahogany neck, and an ebony fingerboard. Available since April 2021, it recreates a 1959 ES-355 configuration with a Vintage Natural VOS finish, gold-finished hardware, and a feature set aimed at players who want a broad range of usable electric-guitar tones. The listed price is 5,190.

Owner feedback describes a guitar that feels carefully built and is as satisfying to play as it is to look at. One player found it light and well balanced while standing, though somewhat less comfortable while seated. That distinction is worth noting if most of your practice or performance happens in a chair. The instrument's appearance is a major part of its appeal, with five-ply binding, pearl block inlays, and a split-diamond headstock inlay setting off the natural finish.

Construction and playing feel

The body uses a maple, poplar, and maple construction, with a maple top. The neck is one piece of mahogany, shaped to an authentic 1959 medium C profile. Its 628 mm scale and 22 frets give it a familiar layout for players accustomed to this style of Gibson. The ebony fingerboard is one of the details that distinguishes this model from related instruments in the same family. One owner who had tried an ES-345 and a 1959 ES-335 said the ES-355 stood out, citing the fingerboard and overall build quality.

That same owner reported that the guitar played well straight out of the case, requiring only tuning before use. They did note that the neck might benefit from an adjustment, but planned to let the instrument settle in its local climate for about a week first. That is a sensible approach with a new guitar, particularly before making setup changes based on an initial impression. The supplied feedback does not include measurements of the action or a detailed setup report, so individual results may vary.

Pickups and controls

Two Custombucker Alnico III pickups, specified as unpotted, provide the guitar's humbucking setup. The control layout consists of two volume controls and two tone controls. In player feedback, the sound is described as warm, powerful, and notably responsive to playing dynamics. One owner reported a touch of twang that worked well for rhythm parts, along with a darker, clean character for single-note lines. Those comments suggest a broad tonal range, though the exact result will depend on the amplifier, settings, and playing style.

The bridge is an ABR-1, paired with an aluminum stopbar tailpiece. The instrument has no tremolo system. One owner, who prefers the feel of jazz guitars, replaced the stopbar with an original trapeze tailpiece. That was a personal modification rather than a stock feature, and the guitar is supplied with the stopbar arrangement described in the specifications. Buyers should consider their preferred string feel and setup before deciding whether any changes are worthwhile.

Hardware, finish, and included items

Kluson waffleback tuning machines and gold-finished hardware complete the period-inspired specification. The Vintage Natural VOS finish keeps the maple top visible, while the decorative binding and inlays give the guitar a more elaborate appearance than a simpler ES-style model. The presentation is clearly part of the draw, but the reported playing experience gives the instrument more to offer than looks alone.

A case and a Custom Shop certificate are included. A separate gig bag is not listed. The guitar is not a limited-run model, and its item number is 486041. Those details help clarify what is included and identify the version being reviewed, especially for buyers comparing listings with different finishes or equipment.

Verdict

The Gibson 1959 ES-355 Reissue VN VOS is an expensive, highly appointed semi-hollow guitar with a distinctive ebony fingerboard, a period-style neck profile, and two unpotted Alnico III humbuckers. Available owner impressions point to strong build quality, a comfortable standing balance, and a lively, warm voice that can cover both rhythm work and clean single-note playing. Seated balance may be less ideal for some players, and the neck setup may need time to settle before any adjustment is made.

At the listed price of 5,190, it is a considered purchase rather than an obvious choice for every player. The available feedback is notably positive, including reports of a guitar that arrived ready to play and impressed its owner sonically. Players drawn to the ES-355 format, its ornate detailing, and its combination of mahogany, maple, and ebony will find a compelling specification here. Those who prefer a different tailpiece or a particular setup should account for that preference before buying.