Gibson Unveils the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition

Image: from Gibson X@gibsonguitar

By Guitar World X Music & Gear Desk

In a major announcement for guitar enthusiasts and Rolling Stones fans alike, Gibson has officially launched a limited-run recreation of one of the most iconic instruments in rock history: Keith Richards’ 1960 ES-355. This new release, titled the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, aims to capture the essence and tone of the guitar that helped define the sound of “The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”

The Legend of the Black ES-355

If you start us up, we'll never stop!🎶 We had fun celebrating the launch of the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition guitars today.

What song would you play on this beauty? pic.twitter.com/ltGbDPJOuv

— Gibson Garage (@GibsonGarage) January 13, 2026

Keith Richards first began using his original black Gibson ES-355 in 1969. Since then, the instrument has been a mainstay in both the recording studio and on the world’s biggest stages. It played a pivotal role during the legendary sessions for albums like Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. Since the late 90s, the guitar has been a permanent fixture in Richards’ live rig, often serving as his primary choice for standard tuning.

“This is my mainstay six-string, standard tuning guitar,” Richards remarked in an exclusive interview with producer Andrew Watt for Gibson TV. “Plug it into almost any amp, and it will sound how you want it to, because it has so much room for expression.”

Masterful Craftsmanship

Developed by the experts at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, this recreation is the result of intensive 3D scanning and analysis of Richards’ original instrument. The attention to detail includes:

• Period-Correct Materials: Built using methods and materials consistent with the 1960 production year.

• Murphy Lab Aging: The guitar features artificial aging to meticulously replicate the decades of wear, dings, and battle scars found on the original.

• High-End Expression: The semi-hollow body design and specific pickup configurations ensure the versatile, resonant tone that Richards is famous for.

An Exclusive Rarity

This release is strictly limited to just 150 units worldwide. To add to its prestige, a portion of these instruments will be hand-signed by Keith Richards himself.

As expected for an instrument of this caliber and historical significance, the price point reflects its collector status. Units are currently retailing for between $20,000 and $30,000 USD (approximately R$ 107,000 to R$ 161,000 at current exchange rates).

Summary Table: The Keith Richards ES-355