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Handcrafted in Nashville and born from blues royalty, this new model reflects Clark’s evolving artistry, merging heritage, innovation, and unmistakable style
Gibson Custom today proudly unveils the new Gary Clark Jr. ES‑355™, a striking signature model created in close collaboration with the four‑time GRAMMY® Award–winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Austin-born and globally celebrated for his electrifying live performances, Gary Clark Jr. has long blended blues, rock, soul, and hip hop into a sound entirely his own. His previous Gibson and Epiphone signature instruments—the SG™ and Casino™—each captured facets of his musical identity, but the ES‑355 represents a deeper personal connection. Inspired by the first time he saw B.B. King command the stage with one, the ES‑355 has become Clark’s new number‑one guitar, now reimagined with the craftsmanship and detail of the Gibson Custom Shop. The Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES‑355 is available worldwide at Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, via authorized Gibson Custom dealers, and on Gibson.com.
The Gary Clark Jr. Custom ES‑355 is built with a three‑ply maple/poplar/maple body with a figured maple outer layer, paired with a mahogany neck carved to a comfortable 50s Rounded Medium C profile. A bound ebony fretboard with 22 Historic medium jumbo frets and mother‑of‑pearl block inlays delivers a classic playing feel, while multi‑ply binding on the body and headstock elevates the guitar’s vintage‑inspired aesthetic. The headstock features the iconic Custom split diamond inlay and Grover® Rotomatic® tuners with kidney buttons, underscoring the instrument’s premium heritage.
Under the hood, the ES‑355 is equipped with a pair of unpotted Custombuckers featuring Alnico 3 magnets, chosen for their warm, articulate response and dynamic range. The pickups are wired with CTS® audio taper pots, paper‑in‑oil capacitors, a Switchcraft® three‑way toggle, and a mono Varitone circuit topped with a black chicken‑head knob, offering players a wide spectrum of tonal colors. True Historic gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers complete the control layout, reinforcing the guitar’s vintage authenticity.
Every detail of the instrument reflects Gibson Custom’s commitment to precision and artistry. The hardware is finished in VOS nickel, including the ABR‑1 Historic no‑wire bridge and a Bigsby® B7 vibrato for expressive pitch control. The guitar is offered in a stunning VOS Cobra Burst finish, adding a dramatic visual flair that complements its sonic versatility. Each model ships in a Gibson Custom hardshell case adorned with Gary Clark Jr. graphics, featuring a brown exterior and black plush interior.
This special run is limited to just 100 guitars, handcrafted by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee. With demand expected to be high among collectors, players, and fans alike, the Gary Clark Jr. ES‑355 stands as an extraordinary opportunity to own the artist’s new go‑to instrument—an inspired blend of heritage, innovation, and unmistakable style.
In 2026, Gary Clark Jr. continues to push his creative boundaries while bringing the bold sonic world of his 2024 album JPEG RAW to audiences across North America. The project marks a defining leap in his artistry—melding blues, rock, hip-hop, jazz, and global influences into a unified, future-leaning sound that has earned widespread critical acclaim. Onstage, Clark channels this new era with a renewed sense of urgency and experimentation, weaving immersive grooves, pointed lyricism, and explosive guitar work into performances that reaffirm his status as one of modern music’s most electrifying live artists.
Listen to Gary Clark Jr. HERE, and for the latest tour dates, go HERE.
Beyond the studio and the stage, Clark’s artistic reach has expanded into film, cultural programming, and high-profile collaborations, underscoring his evolution as a multifaceted creative force. His portrayal of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, his role as Music Director for Jon Stewart’s Mark Twain Prize ceremony, and his continued work with icons across genres reflect an artist operating at the height of his influence. With JPEG RAW ushering in a bold new chapter and a major tour underway, Clark stands firmly at the forefront of contemporary music—restless, visionary, and shaping the sound of what comes next. Rooted in the blues yet unbound by genre, he’s pushing the tradition forward with purpose and originality, cementing his place as one of his generation’s defining guitarists and storytellers.
Priced at $7,999
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