RUSH’s Alex Lifeson has teamed up with Epiphone to reissue his iconic 1976 ES-355 in Alpine White.
Lifeson famously wielded the white ES-355 from the late ’70s breakthrough of RUSH on for decades both on stage and in studio before finally parting ways with it as part of a charity auction in 2022.
The RUSH guitarist stated, “The ES-355 has always been a really special guitar for me—it’s got this incredible balance of elegance and power. What I love about this Epiphone ‘Whitey’ recreation is how faithfully it captures that original spirit while still feeling fresh and alive in your hands. It’s a guitar that invites you to explore, to take chances, and to find your own voice. I’m genuinely thrilled that players everywhere will have the chance to experience it and make it part of their own musical journey.”
Per Epiphone:
“The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue features a five-ply semi-hollow body constructed from layers of maple and poplar, with multi-ply binding on the top and back. It delivers the visual and tactile refinement expected of an ES-355. A solid maple centerblock enhances sustain and significantly reduces unwanted feedback, delivering the wide-ranging, expressive sound that ES™ models are known for.
Its three-piece maple neck mirrors the construction of the original 70s-era instrument and includes a volute for additional strength at the neck-to-headstock transition. The Slim C neck profile delivers a fast, effortless playing experience, while the ebony fretboard contributes clarity, snap, and a luxurious playing feel. Mother-of-pearl large block inlays, along with 22 medium jumbo frets, complete the fretboard. The Gibson-style “open book” headstock is outfitted with premium die-cast tuners with keystone buttons and a Graph Tech nut for reliable tuning stability. Multi-ply binding frames the headstock, which is adorned with inlaid mother-of-pearl Epiphone and Custom split diamond logos. Adding a personal detail, the truss rod cover is engraved with Alex Lifeson’s name.
Gold-finished hardware, including a harmonica-style Tune-O-Matic bridge and gold pickup covers, enhances the guitar’s upscale appearance. A matching gold Maestro Vibrola adds expressive pitch control, allowing subtle shimmer or dramatic movement with ease. Alex’s distinctive voice is brought to life by a pair of USA-made Gibson T-Type humbucker™ pickups. These are wired to individual volume and tone controls using CTS potentiometers and Mallory™ capacitors, with pickup selection handled by a Switchcraft® three-way toggle. A mono Varitone switch expands the tonal palette, while a dedicated mini toggle allows the Varitone circuit to be engaged or bypassed as desired. A Switchcraft quarter-inch output jack completes the electronics package.”
The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 reissue is available via Epiphone or Reverb, retailing for $1,499. The guitarist previously collaborated with Epiphone on a Les Paul Custom Axcess in 2023.
Meanwhile, RUSH recently launched their “Fifty Something” reunion tour. Tickets are available here.
See photos of the guitar and watch a trailer below.
