Keith Richards and Gibson Unveil 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition Signature Model Guitar

Keith Richards and Gibson have unveiled the 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition artist signature model electric guitar.

Limited to 150, the new model was handcrafted in the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville using advanced 3D scanning, period-correct materials and construction techniques, with Murphy Lab hand-aging to mirror every detail of Richards’ original black ES-355 — first used in 1969 and later during the sessions for the Rolling Stones’ classics Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St and beyond.

Buy a Gibson ES-355

A “signed guitar and label” variant is limited to 50 and retails for a significant $29,999, while the “signed label” variant is limited to 100 and retails for $19,999 (both appear to be already sold out on Gibson’s website).

“This is my standard-tuning six-string; this is the other side of my thing,” Keith remarked in a press release. “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.”

A truly lavish replica, the ES-355 Collector’s Edition features a multi-ply bound body made from three-ply maple/poplar/maple, with red spruce bracing and a maple centerblock for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, weight-relieved at Keith’s 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. The bound ebony fingerboard includes mother-of-pearl block inlays and Medium Wide fretwire, just like Keith’s original.

Hardware consists of a Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece and Grover Rotomatic tuners with Milk Bottle buttons, while 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 especially 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 comes with a Gibson Protector series case with a certificate of authenticity and a replica strap.

As mentioned, the signature model looks to be sold out on Gibson’s website, but you can keep an eye out for the guitar and browse similar ES-355 models via Reverb. Check out an introductory video with Richards himself, plus product photos, below.