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: 3.300 kg

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 Hard Shell Case

Crafted in: Nashville, Tennessee, USA