Gibson ES-295 1953

The Gibson ES-295, introduced in 1952, is one of Gibson’s most iconic archtop electric guitars, instantly recognizable by its gold finish and bold styling. Designed as a more flamboyant counterpart to the ES-175, the ES-295 features a full hollowbody construction and a stunning metallic gold lacquer that set it apart during the 1950s boom in electric guitar innovation. It quickly became associated with early rock and roll, jump blues, and country music, owing to its unique blend of visual flair and versatile tone.

Elvis Presley’s guitarist, Scotty Moore, famously played a Gibson ES-295, using it to lay down some of rock’s earliest riffs, including on classics like “That’s All Right” and “Good Rockin’ Tonight.” Moore’s use of the ES-295 solidified its place in guitar history, combining jazz-inspired articulation with a raw edge that defined rockabilly tones.

This particular 1954 ES-295 features its original gold finish, now heavily patinated with a rich character that only decades of use can produce. It has a slightly sunken top, which is not uncommon on these and barely noticeable, which does not affect tone or structural integrity.

It retains all original parts except for three replaced pots and the bridge pickup tone knob. The finish is worn off the back of the neck. Refretted with modern jumbo frets, it now plays exceptionally well, surpassing the feel and performance of many vintage examples. Weight is 2700 grams.

The original Lifton case is included—worn but still functional, with all latches working.

This 1954 Gibson ES-295 truly exemplifies the magic of vintage guitars—historic tone, playability, and undeniable visual charm. A true piece of guitar history.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Construction: Single-cutaway full hollowbody
• Top: Laminated maple with arched construction
• Back and Sides: Laminated maple
• Finish: Metallic gold lacquer
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in construction
• Fretboard: Rosewood with split parallelogram inlays
• Scale Length: 24.75 inches
• Nut Width: 1 11/16 inches
• Frets: 20 frets (refretted with modern jumbo frets)
• Pickups: Dual P-90 single-coil pickups
• Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone (3 pots replaced, bridge tone knob non-original), 3-way toggle switch
• Bridge: Rosewood base with trapeze tailpiece
• Hardware: Nickel-plated; Kluson tuners
• Weight: 2,700 grams (approx. 5.95 lbs)
• Case: Original Lifton case (worn but fully functional)