Gibson CS-356 Custom Shop | 2018

Introducing this pre-loved Gibson Custom Shop CS-356 in a striking Ebony Black finish; a rare chance to own one of Gibson's most refined semi-hollow instruments in superb, well-cared-for condition. Now available at Sun-Sounds Music Shop in Sliema, Malta. 
 
Built to the same compact dimensions as the ES-339, the CS-356 is often mistaken for a scaled-down member of the ES family, but its construction tells a different story. While the ES-339 is laminated, the CS-356 is built using Gibson Custom Shop's "tonally carved" method: the back, sides, and center block are carved from a single piece of mahogany, paired with a gently arched, carved maple top. This more labor-intensive construction opens up the tone with a touch of airiness and resonance, without sacrificing the sustain and focus players expect from a solid-body Gibson.
 
Visually, the guitar is a statement piece. Finished entirely in deep Ebony Black, it wears a Les Paul Custom-inspired aesthetic that includes split diamond fingerboard inlays, elegant block position markers, multi-ply custom binding around the body and neck, and gleaming gold hardware throughout. The overall effect is understated luxury; sophisticated on stage, and just as at home in the studio.
 
At the heart of its voice sit a pair of '57 Classic humbuckers, Gibson's vintage-style PAF-inspired pickups renowned for their warm, articulate output. Combined with the semi-hollow chambering, the CS-356 delivers the mellow, thick midrange that Gibson guitars are famous for, layered with the airy harmonics, subtle hollowness, and tight low-end response unique to semi-hollow bodies. The result is a guitar that moves effortlessly from smooth, jazzy clean tones to rich, singing overdrive and beyond, making it a genuinely versatile voice for players who refuse to be boxed into one genre.
 
Despite its Custom Shop pedigree and premium feel, the CS-356 remains surprisingly light and easy to handle; a guitar that feels special in your hands without ever feeling like a burden on a long gig.
This particular example is used but in great condition, and comes complete with its original hardcase, certificate of authenticity, and all accompanying paperwork; everything you need for total peace of mind with a Custom Shop instrument.
 
Come try it out at Sun-Sounds Music Shop in Sliema, Malta while it is still with us. If you are seeing it from overseas, get in touch so we can check for you shipping prices and insurance to your address.