Well, Gibson has yet to put up an official product page for their soon to be released Alex Lifeson Inspired By ES-355, but I’ve noticed at least a few online retailers this morning expecting the instrument to be available for purchase this coming Monday, March 3rd.
Billed by Gibson as a “painstaking recreation” of the vintage ‘76 ES-355 that Rush guitarist Lifeson has used extensively throughout his decade’s long career, the Alex Lifeson ES-355 was first announced at last month’s ‘08 Winter Namm Show, and it looks like the guitar is already ready for prime time.
With a street price hovering just below $3700 (hey, it listed for nearly $6,000!) the guitar is expected to feature a body of plain laminated maple (top, back & sides,) 3-piece maple neck with volute, ’60s “slim taper” neck profile, an Alpine White finish, and of course an unmistakable Maestro Long vibrola tailpiece.
Electronics are to include a pair of ‘57 Classic pickups with dual volume and tone controls, 3-way pickup switching, and a unique six-position Vari-Tone switch with vintage-style chicken head knob.
Other features will include an adjustable “wide-travel” Tune-O-Matic bridge, ebony fretboard with 22 frets (24 3/4“ scale length,) pearl block inlays, Alex Lifeson Custom Shop case, and a certificate of authenticity.
I’ll update you as more info becomes available…
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February 27th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
On the Lifeson model – It’s a ES-355 – not a 335
February 27th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Oooh! Good catch Gary :)
February 27th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Nice. Alex Lifeson was probably the most inspirational guitarist to me in my formative years, and a picture of this guitar used to hang on my wall as part of a giant 2112 poster, when Alex, Neil, and Geddy looked more like a mix of Led Zeppelin and Peter Frampton.
That said, I wouldn’t want this particular guitar. I prefer the late 60’s and early 70’s necks on the (non-stereo) ES-335 like the Larry Carlton model. I have always wanted to give a Howard Roberts Fusion model a try (I think its an ES-175). It’s what Alex used on most of “Exit Stage Left”….and it left an enduring mark on my early teenage years….playing along with the entire 4 sides of that “record.”
February 27th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Its a lovely guitar but I personally prefer the “inspired by” David Grohl DG-335. Even though I’ll have to play righty to use either one. :-)
February 27th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I’m with you, Rick (righty). I still own everything from their debut album through Permanent Waves on vinyl. Rush was a huge part of my formative years as a music fan. But…if/when I get an ES-series guitar I would definitely want one in sunburst. Plus, my 70s Gibson L-6S has the wide-travel bridge and vari-tone, so I don’t need another guitar with those features.