Alex Lifeson’s influence on progressive rock is undeniable, as his adventurous playing helped shape the genre. Now, his iconic 1976 Gibson ES-355 is reborn in a beautifully realized reissue from Epiphone. As part of the Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, this model goes beyond a typical signature guitar, capturing Alex’s unmistakable tone, refined feel, and innovative spirit that fueled Rush’s groundbreaking music for decades. The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue sports a five-ply semi-hollow body constructed from layers of maple and poplar, with multi-ply binding on the top and back that adds a touch of elegance worthy of the flagship ES-355 name.

A solid maple centerblock enhances sustain and significantly reduces unwanted feedback, delivering the wide-ranging, expressive sound that ES models are known for. Its three-piece maple neck mirrors the construction of the original 70s-era instrument and includes a volute for additional strength at the neck-to-headstock transition. The Slim C neck profile offers fast, comfortable playability, while the ebony fretboard contributes clarity, snap, and a luxurious playing feel. Mother-of-pearl large block inlays, along with 22 medium jumbo frets, complete the fretboard. Finally, the Gibson-style “open book” headstock is outfitted with premium die-cast tuners with keystone buttons and a Graph Tech nut for reliable tuning stability.

Multi-ply binding frames the headstock, which is adorned with inlaid mother-of-pearl Epiphone and Custom split diamond logos. Adding a personal detail, the truss rod cover is engraved with Alex Lifeson’s name. Gold-finished hardware, including a harmonica-style Tune-O-Matic bridge and gold pickup covers, enhances the guitar’s upscale appearance. A matching gold Maestro Vibrola adds expressive pitch control, allowing subtle shimmer or dramatic movement with ease, while Alex’s distinctive voice is brought to life by a pair of USA-made Gibson T-Type humbucker pickups.

These pickups are wired to individual volume and tone controls using CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors, with pickup selection handled by a Switchcraft three-way toggle. A mono Varitone switch expands the tonal palette, while a dedicated mini toggle allows the Varitone circuit to be engaged or bypassed as desired. A Switchcraft quarter-inch output jack completes the electronics package. Designed for musicians who thrive on exploration and evolution, the Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue encourages players to push creative boundaries, just as Alex Lifeson has throughout his career.

Finished in gloss Alpine White, the Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue delivers the premium appointments and elevated performance expected of an ES-355, offering Custom-level feel and features without the Custom Shop price. Equally at home in an intimate club or on the world’s biggest stages, it represents exceptional value and versatility. The guitar ships in a custom hardshell case featuring a black exterior with a reproduction of Alex Lifeson’s signature, a plush red interior, and gold hardware.