Gibson Custom Shop CS-356-F - USA 2004

The Gibson Custom Shop CS-356 was one of the most ambitious semi-hollow guitars ever produced by Gibson. Rather than following the traditional laminated construction of an ES-335, the CS-356 was carved from a solid block of Honduran mahogany before being chambered, creating a lighter, more resonant instrument with increased sustain while retaining the warmth and openness players expect from a semi-hollow design. The result is a guitar that comfortably bridges the gap between a Les Paul and an ES-335, offering the best characteristics of both.

Built in the Nashville Custom Shop in 2004, this CS-356F carries serial number CS41552 and features a beautifully figured AAA maple top over the carved mahogany body, giving it an elegant appearance that reflects its place at the top of Gibson's Custom Shop range. Slightly smaller than an ES-335, the compact body is exceptionally comfortable while remaining lively and acoustically resonant.

A pair of Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers deliver authentic PAF-inspired tones, producing warm cleans, articulate midrange, and smooth overdriven sounds with excellent note definition. The ebony fingerboard, comfortable 1960 SlimTaper neck profile, gold hardware, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, and Grover tuners complete a specification that perfectly balances vintage inspiration with premium Custom Shop craftsmanship.

Produced in relatively limited numbers, the CS-356 has developed a loyal following amongst players looking for something beyond the traditional ES-335. Beautifully built, remarkably versatile, and finished to an exceptionally high standard, it remains one of Gibson's finest modern Custom Shop designs.

Specifications:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm
Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.50mm
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.0mm
Nut Width: 42.80mm / 1.687"
Width at 12th Fret: 53.00mm
Weight: 3.300kg
Year: 2004
Serial Number: CS41552
Model: Gibson Custom Shop CS-356F
Body Style: Chambered Semi-Hollow
Top: Solid Carved AAA Figured Maple
Body: Solid Carved Honduran Mahogany
Neck: One-Piece Honduran Mahogany
Neck Profile: 1960 SlimTaper "C"
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale Length: 24.75" / 628.65mm
Frets: 22
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Block
Headstock Inlay: Mother of Pearl Split Diamond
Binding: Multi-Ply Body & Headstock, Single-Ply Fingerboard
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: Stopbar
Bridge Pickup: Gibson '57 Classic Humbucker
Neck Pickup: Gibson '57 Classic Humbucker
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Output Jack: Side Mounted
Hardware: Gold
Tuners: Grover Kidney Button
Case: Original Custom Shop Hardshell Case
Crafted In: Nashville, Tennessee, USA