Gibson
2021 Gibson Custom Shop CHUCK BERRY 1970s ES-355 Murphy Lab Aged Electric Guitar Wine Red 1978
2021 Gibson Custom Shop CHUCK BERRY 1970s ES-355 Murphy Lab Aged Electric Guitar Wine Red 1978
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No Sales Tax (excl. MO):
No Sales Tax (excl. MO):
Sales Tax:
- No sales tax for all US states except Missouri
- Missouri Residents (only) must pay 6% sales tax.
Payment Options:
Payment Options:
Payment Information:
- We accept PayPal, Credit Card, bank wire transfer, bank checks, personal checks (must wait to clear). We offer discount pricing for bank transfers or other no-fee methods.
- 20% down payment holds an instrument for 30 days.
- If you'd like to check out via other methods, please email or call. Thank you!
Layaway:
Layaway:
- 20% down payment holds an instrument for 30 days.
- Other options are available by request. 30-90 days is possible.
- Down payments are non-refundable.
- If a layaway item is returned, the down payment is not refunded.
Shipping Information:
Shipping Information:
Shipping Information:
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL DOMESTIC ORDERS (lower 48)! We usually ship via FedEx. We ship worldwide via FedEx air, contact us for exact shipping price. Europe is usually around $229. Australia $299… We ship to almost every country in the WORLD! International buyers must contact us prior to purchase.
Packing:
All guitars are packed with exceptional care. Let's face it, packages are going to get thrown around and if not properly packed, they will break. We have shipped thousands and thousands of guitars of all values and know the importance of a good job packing.
Insurance:
All packages are fully insured in transit.
Please allow 24 hours for your package to acclimate. Not doing so could result in finish cracks. This is especially important in the Winter months.
Return Policy:
Return Policy:
48 hour inspection period, buyer pays shipping both ways and must be returned in the same condition as sent, no exceptions. 5% restocking fee to cover costs.
Condition Ratings:
Condition Ratings:
Condition Rating Descriptions:
Mint: blemish-free and not modified
Excellent: used instrument with minor cosmetic defects (light scratches, pick marks)
Very Good: used instrument with cosmetic defects (scratches, finish dings, buckle rash)
Good: used instrument in working order with significant cosmetic defects (scratches, dings, pick marks, buckle rash, binding cracks)
Fair: used instrument with imperfections that affect the function of the instrument
Poor: used instrument with imperfections that generally require repair
Non-Functioning: used instrument that does not work
Contact KC Vintage Guitars:
Contact KC Vintage Guitars:

2021 Gibson Custom Shop CHUCK BERRY 1970s ES-355 Aged Guitar MINTY w All the Extras!
Here is a really nice and highly collectible Gibson Custom Shop Chuck Berry ES-355 Murphy Lab Aged, a rare signature model inspired by Chuck Berry’s iconic late-career ES-355 used throughout his legendary performances.
This Murphy Lab recreation is based on Chuck’s well-known mid-to-late ’70s ES-355, faithfully capturing the look, feel, and vibe of the original instrument while incorporating Gibson’s modern Custom Shop craftsmanship and Murphy Lab aging treatment.
The Murphy Lab finish work gives this guitar a naturally worn-in aesthetic, with subtle aging and checking that enhances its vintage character. As expected from Murphy Lab instruments, there are some light finish reactions and minor flaking in a few areas, which is consistent with the aging process and part of the intended visual character.
Condition is very good plus overall, and this example came to us from a collector who played it very sparingly. It shows only light pickguard scratches and minimal additional wear, presenting extremely well for a Murphy Lab-aged instrument.
The neck feels comfortable and familiar, measuring approximately 1-11/16" at the nut, 0.81" at the 1st fret, and 0.99" at the 12th fret, offering a smooth, slightly slim late-’50s/early-’60s style profile that plays effortlessly.
At 9 lbs. 2 oz., it has a solid, resonant semi-hollow feel with excellent sustain and balance.
Tonally, it delivers exactly what you'd expect from a high-end ES-355—rich, articulate humbucker tone with excellent clarity, warm low-end response, and that classic Gibson semi-hollow bloom when pushed. It’s equally at home clean or driven.
It comes complete with the original hardshell case, Certificate of Authenticity, all original paperwork and case candy, including the signature Chuck Berry yacht cap, a fun and highly collectible nod to his later-stage persona.
The Details
- Condition: Very Good Plus
- Originality: 100% Original
- Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Ebony
- Notes: Chuck Berry Signature Model; based on late-’70s ES-355; collector owned; includes yacht cap
Playability & Sound
This one plays exceptionally well with a comfortable slim-profile neck and delivers the classic ES-355 voice—smooth, dynamic, and harmonically rich with excellent note separation and sustain. The Murphy Lab treatment enhances both the visual character and the overall vintage-inspired feel.
Specifications
- Brand: Gibson Custom Shop
- Model: Chuck Berry ES-355 Murphy Lab Aged
- Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Ebony
- Nut Width: 1-11/16"
- Neck Depth: 0.81" (1st Fret) / 0.99" (12th Fret)
- Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
- Case: Original Hardshell Case
- Accessories: COA, Case Candy, Original Paperwork, Chuck Berry Yacht Cap
Why Buy From Kansas City Vintage Guitars?
We specialize in high-quality vintage and modern guitars for collectors and serious players alike. With over 25 years in the guitar business, we focus on accurate descriptions, originality, and transparency.
- Expert Packing: We take pride in packing guitars safely and securely
- Fully Insured Shipping: Your instrument is covered door-to-door
- Worldwide Service: We buy and sell guitars across the globe
- Trusted Vintage Dealer: Known for honest, detailed listings
Thanks from KC Vintage Guitars!

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