Gibson has unveiled an exciting new release for rock music lovers and guitar collectors around the world. The company has launched a limited collection of the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355, a guitar that holds a very special place in rock history. This release celebrates one of the most iconic instruments used by Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones.
This collection includes two versions of the guitar. The first is the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, which features both a signed guitar and a signed label. Only 50 units of this extremely rare model will be made available worldwide, making it one of the most exclusive Gibson releases in recent years. The second version is the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355, which includes a signed F-hole label only. This version will have 100 guitars available globally.
Both guitars have been handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee, by Gibson Custom’s expert luthiers. What makes this release even more special is that Keith Richards himself was involved in guiding the project. The goal was to create exact replicas of the original ES-355 he famously played during the peak of his career.
The Gibson ES-355 is widely known as Keith Richards’ most famous six-string guitar. He began using his 1960 ES-355 around 1969, and it became a key part of The Rolling Stones’ sound for decades. This guitar was used on legendary albums such as Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St., both considered among the greatest rock albums of all time. Richards continued to use the guitar regularly until 1997, proving its lasting importance in his musical journey.
Keith Richards has often spoken about his connection to the ES-355. He described it as his “standard-tuning six-string” and explained that Gibson guitars are where he feels most comfortable. According to Richards, the guitar offers incredible expression and delivers the sound he wants through almost any amplifier. For him, it represents the other side of his musical personality, separate from his famous open-tuning work.
To make these new guitars as authentic as possible, Gibson used advanced 3D scanning technology, period-correct materials, and original construction techniques from the 1960 era. The guitars also went through a detailed hand-aging process carried out by a specialized lab. This aging helps recreate the look, feel, and sound of a guitar that has been played for decades, giving it a truly vintage character.
The Collector’s Edition, with signatures on both the headstock and the F-hole label, is expected to be highly sought after by serious collectors and fans of Keith Richards. The version with the signed label only still offers a rare chance to own a guitar personally signed by one of rock’s greatest musicians.
Both versions of the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 will be available through Gibson’s official website with worldwide shipping. They can also be purchased at Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, as well as through authorized Gibson Custom dealers.
This release is more than just a guitar launch. It’s a celebration of rock history, craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of Keith Richards. For fans of The Rolling Stones, this guitar represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of music history that helped shape the sound of rock and roll. 🎸