Gibson CS356

Gibson CS356 Description

In the world of vintage and high-end guitars you sometimes come across instruments that are genuine works of art in terms of their design and looks, or alternatively just possess a magical tone unlike any other. It is very rare however that you find an instrument that has both true beauty and a heavenly tone.

The Gibson CS356 is indeed one such guitar and that is immediately evident when you open the luxury fitted case. It quite simply takes your breath away at first sight. Manufactured by the Gibson Custom Shop (the CS stands for Custom Shop) this outstandingly well-crafted instrument oozes quality in every respect. Gibson achieved with this guitar, one of their all time ambitions of making the back and sides of a semi acoustic guitar out of a single piece of wood with no joins. They certainly succeeded with this instrument.

Taking a block of choice flamed mahogany, Gibson scooped out the hollow and created the shape and top with the same wood. The CS356 in fact takes the 335, 345 and 355 body shapes in to the territory of a Les Paul. This has produced an utterly unique sound as good as anything ever produced by the company. Gibson has really gone the extra mile with this guitar and every facet of it is of superb quality.

The best quality woods were used in its construction and the gold plated fitments alone are just outstanding. It has an elegant and comfortable 13-3/4″ wide body (vs. 16″ on a 335) providing the incomparable versatility of a genuine semi-hollow, complete with ’57 classic humbuckers. There is considerable versatility in the tones that are possible with this guitar and it is capable of hours of differing playing styles and sounds.

Gibson CS356 Details

The CS356 guitar has a gorgeous figured solid-maple top joined to a tonally carved mahogany back, sides, and center block for an almost three dimensional tone. Gibson’s no-expense-spared appointments include large mother-of-pearl inlays on a bound Richlite fretboard, 7-ply top and back binding, a multi-bound turtle pickguard, and truly eye catching gold hardware. All this is finished off with a majestic Bigsby tailpiece.

This is another fine instrument from the collection of John Lee (former guitarist with ‘Edison Lighthouse’) and is in ‘as new’ condition and comes with a fitted Gibson Custom Shop case accompanied by all the documents of authenticity. It is highly desirable and much sought after by collectors/players as a result. We still can’t believe just how good this guitar looks and sounds.

Gibson CS356 Features

• Figured solid maple top 7-ply top and back binding
• Tonally carved mahogany back, centerblock, and sides
• 13-3/4″W x 16″L x 1-11/16″D body – 24-3/4″ scale length
• One piece mahogany neck with 1960 slim taper neck profile
• Bound Richlite fretboard with pearl block inlays
• Vintage tulip tuners
• 2 x ’57 Classic humbucker pickups
• Independent volume and tone controls & 3-way pickup selector
• All gold hardware
• ABR-1 bridge
• Bigsby Tremolo
• Fitted CS luxury case
• All documents of authenticity