There are signature guitars, and then there are instruments that become inseparable from the identity of the artist who played them. Throughout rock history, only a handful of guitars have achieved that rare status where the instrument itself becomes part of the mythology. Jimmy Page’s double-neck Gibson. Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstein. Slash’s Les Paul. Brian May’s Red Special. And for generations of progressive rock fans, one of those instantly recognizable instruments has always been the elegant Alpine White ES-355 associated with Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson.
Now, that legendary instrument is returning to the spotlight in a way that brings its history, sound, and spirit to an entirely new generation of players. Through the Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, Epiphone has unveiled the Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue, a meticulously crafted recreation of the guitar that helped shape some of the most adventurous and influential music ever recorded in the world of progressive rock.
The release is far more significant than a typical artist model. It represents a celebration of one of rock music’s most innovative guitarists, a tribute to one of the most beloved instruments in progressive music history, and a timely reminder that the influence of Rush continues expanding long after the band transformed the landscape of modern rock.
For many fans, Alex Lifeson’s white ES-355 is more than just a guitar. It is a visual symbol of a period when musicians routinely challenged the limits of what rock music could become. Throughout Rush’s remarkable career, Lifeson helped redefine the role of the guitarist within a trio format. While many bands relied on multiple guitarists to create expansive soundscapes, Lifeson developed a unique approach built around textures, dynamics, layering, effects, and harmonic sophistication. His playing became an essential component of the band’s ability to create music that sounded far larger than the number of musicians on stage.
That creativity was often delivered through the unmistakable voice of his 1976 ES-355.
The original instrument became one of the defining guitars of Lifeson’s career and appeared during a period when Rush was evolving from ambitious hard rock upstarts into one of the most respected progressive rock institutions in music history. Albums that challenged listeners intellectually while delivering undeniable musical power helped establish the group as one of the most important bands of the twentieth century. The white ES-355 was present throughout that journey, becoming a trusted creative partner as Lifeson developed a sound that remains instantly recognizable decades later.
The newly released Epiphone recreation honors that legacy with remarkable attention to detail.
Visually, the instrument immediately captures the elegance that made the original so striking. Finished in a beautiful gloss Alpine White, the guitar radiates the same upscale aesthetic that helped separate the ES-355 from other semi-hollowbody designs. Gold hardware, luxurious appointments, multi-ply binding, and refined detailing combine to create an instrument that feels every bit as sophisticated as the music that inspired it.
Yet the true achievement of the project lies beneath the finish.
The guitar features a five-ply semi-hollow construction utilizing layers of maple and poplar, delivering the resonance and character that players expect from the ES family while maintaining the strength and consistency required for modern performance environments. A solid maple center block anchors the design, improving sustain while helping reduce unwanted feedback. The result is an instrument capable of handling everything from delicate clean passages to soaring overdriven leads without sacrificing clarity or control.
For musicians familiar with Lifeson’s work, that versatility is critical.
One of the defining characteristics of his playing has always been his ability to move effortlessly between atmospheric textures, intricate chord voicings, and powerful lead work. Unlike many guitarists who rely primarily on a single tonal identity, Lifeson built entire sonic landscapes. The ES-355 became one of the vehicles that allowed him to achieve that level of expression, and the new reissue embraces that same philosophy.
The three-piece maple neck follows the design principles of the original instrument while incorporating modern reliability. Featuring a comfortable Slim C profile, the neck offers a fast, fluid playing experience that appeals equally to technical players and traditionalists. An ebony fingerboard contributes additional clarity and attack, while mother-of-pearl block inlays reinforce the instrument’s premium visual identity.
Every detail seems intentionally chosen to bridge heritage and modern performance.
The electronics package may be the most impressive aspect of the entire release. Rather than settling for generic components, Epiphone equipped the instrument with USA-made Gibson T-Type humbuckers. These pickups provide the warmth, articulation, and dynamic response required to capture the wide tonal range associated with Lifeson’s work throughout his career.
Combined with CTS potentiometers, Mallory capacitors, and Switchcraft hardware, the electronics platform reflects a serious commitment to quality rather than simple visual authenticity.
One of the most fascinating elements of the guitar is the inclusion of a six-position Varitone circuit. Long associated with higher-end ES models, the Varitone expands the instrument’s tonal vocabulary considerably. Players can shape frequencies, explore unique textures, and access sounds that move well beyond the traditional humbucker formula. A dedicated bypass switch allows users to engage or remove the circuit entirely, creating an instrument capable of adapting to virtually any musical environment.
For a guitarist like Lifeson, whose career has been built upon experimentation and exploration, that flexibility feels entirely appropriate.
The hardware package continues that philosophy of blending functionality with visual elegance. Gold-covered pickups, a harmonica-style bridge, and a matching gold Maestro Vibrola reinforce the guitar’s luxurious appearance while providing the performance characteristics players expect from a professional-grade instrument. The Vibrola in particular offers expressive pitch control that can be used subtly or dramatically, depending on the player’s approach.
Taken together, these features create an instrument that feels equally comfortable in a studio, on a theater stage, in an arena, or at home during a creative writing session.
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the project is the involvement of Lifeson himself. Rather than treating the guitar as a simple licensing exercise, the legendary guitarist has openly expressed enthusiasm for how faithfully the instrument captures the character of the original while remaining accessible to modern musicians.
That accessibility is one of the most important aspects of the release.
Historically, instruments associated with iconic artists often become financially unattainable for the vast majority of players. Boutique recreations, limited-edition Custom Shop builds, and vintage originals frequently command prices that place them far beyond the reach of working musicians. The Inspired by Gibson Custom program seeks to bridge that gap by offering premium recreations that retain historical accuracy while remaining attainable for a much broader audience.
For Rush fans, that means the opportunity to own a version of one of progressive rock’s most iconic guitars without entering the realm of collector-only pricing.
The timing of the release also arrives during a remarkable period in Lifeson’s career.
While his legacy with Rush remains secure, the guitarist continues pushing forward creatively through new projects and collaborations. His work with Envy of None has demonstrated that his appetite for musical exploration remains as strong as ever. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, Lifeson continues seeking new sounds, new ideas, and new creative challenges.
That spirit of innovation has always defined his approach.
It is one reason why his influence extends far beyond progressive rock. Guitarists from hard rock, alternative rock, metal, progressive metal, and even modern experimental genres frequently cite Lifeson as an inspiration. His willingness to prioritize atmosphere, texture, and composition over simple technical showmanship helped expand the vocabulary of rock guitar itself.
The release of the Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue arrives at a moment when interest in Rush is experiencing another major resurgence. New generations continue discovering the band’s catalog through streaming platforms, social media, and classic rock radio. Younger musicians are studying the group’s songwriting, arrangements, and technical mastery with the same enthusiasm that previous generations brought to the music decades earlier.
That renewed appreciation becomes even more significant as excitement continues building around the upcoming Rush Fifty Something Tour.
The highly anticipated return of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee to the live stage represents one of the biggest stories in rock music. Celebrating the band’s extraordinary legacy while honoring the memory of Neil Peart, the tour has instantly become a landmark event for fans worldwide. Beginning with multiple nights in Los Angeles and expanding across North America, South America, and Europe, the tour reflects the enduring global impact of Rush and the continued passion of its audience.
For many fans, the arrival of the ES-355 Reissue and the launch of the Fifty Something Tour feel interconnected. Both celebrate the legacy of a band that refused to follow conventional expectations. Both honor musicians who built careers on creativity, intelligence, and relentless artistic growth. And both remind audiences why Rush remains one of the most respected names in the history of rock music.
The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue ultimately succeeds because it captures something larger than specifications, finishes, or hardware choices. It captures a philosophy. It reflects a career built on exploration, curiosity, and a refusal to remain creatively stagnant.
In an era where many signature instruments simply place a famous name on an existing design, this release feels genuinely meaningful. It serves as a tribute to one of rock’s greatest guitarists while offering players a tool designed to inspire their own creative journeys.
Much like the original instrument that inspired it, this ES-355 is not merely a guitar.
It is an invitation to explore.
RUSH: FIFTY SOMETHING TOUR:
Jun. 11 Los Angeles, California Kia Forum
Jun. 13 Los Angeles, California Kia Forum
Jun. 18 Mexico City, Mexico Palacio de los Deportes
Jun. 20 Mexico City, Mexico Palacio de los Deportes
Jun. 24 Fort Worth, Texas Dickies Arena
Jun. 26 Fort Worth, Texas Dickies Arena
Jun. 28 Fort Worth, Texas Dickies Arena
Jun. 30 Fort Worth, Texas Dickies Arena
Jul. 16 Chicago, Illinois United Center
Jul. 18 Chicago, Illinois United Center
Jul. 20 Chicago, Illinois United Center
Jul. 22 Chicago, Illinois United Center
Jul. 28 New York, New York Madison Square Garden
Jul. 30 New York, New York Madison Square Garden
Aug. 1 New York, New York Madison Square Garden
Aug. 3 New York, New York Madison Square Garden
Aug. 7 Toronto, Ontario Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 9 Toronto, Ontario Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 11 Toronto, Ontario Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 13 Toronto, Ontario Scotiabank Arena
Aug. 21 Philadelphia, PA Xfinity Mobile Arena
Aug. 23 Philadelphia, PA Xfinity Mobile Arena
Aug. 26 Detroit, Michigan Little Caesars Arena
Aug. 28 Detroit, Michigan Little Caesars Arena
Sept. 2 Montreal, Quebec Bell Centre
Sept. 4 Montreal, Quebec Bell Centre
Sept. 12 Boston, Massachusetts TD Garden
Sept. 14 Boston, Massachusetts TD Garden
Sept. 17 Cleveland, Ohio Rocket Arena
Sept. 19 Cleveland, Ohio Rocket Arena
Sept. 23 San Antonio, Texas Frost Bank Center
Sept. 25 San Antonio, Texas Frost Bank Center
Oct. 5 Denver, Colorado Ball Arena
Oct. 7 Denver, Colorado Ball Arena
Oct.10 Seattle, Washington Climate Pledge Arena
Oct.12 Seattle, Washington Climate Pledge Arena
Oct. 15 San Jose, California SAP Center
Oct. 17 San Jose, California SAP Center
Oct. 25 Washington D.C. Capital One Arena
Oct. 27 Washington D.C. Capital One Arena
Oct. 30 Uncasville, Connecticut Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 1 Uncasville, Connecticut Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 5 Hollywood, Florida Seminole Hard Rock Live
Nov. 7 Hollywood, Florida Seminole Hard Rock Live
Nov. 9 Tampa, Florida Benchmark International Arena
Nov. 11 Tampa, Florida Benchmark International Arena
Nov. 20 Charlotte, North Carolina Spectrum Center
Nov. 22 Charlotte, North Carolina Spectrum Center
Nov. 25 Atlanta, Georgia State Farm Arena
Nov. 27 Atlanta, Georgia State Farm Arena
Dec. 1 Glendale, Arizona Desert Diamond Arena
Dec. 3 Glendale, Arizona Desert Diamond Arena
Dec. 10 Edmonton, Alberta Rogers Place
Dec. 12 Edmonton, Alberta Rogers Place
Dec. 15 Vancouver, British Columbia Rogers Arena
Dec. 17 Vancouver, British Columbia Rogers Arena
Jan. 15 Buenos Aires, AR Movistar Arena
Jan. 17 Santiago, Chile Estandio Bicentenario La Florida
Jan. 19 Santiago, Chile Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida
Jan. 22 Curitiba, BR Arena da Baixada
Jan. 24 São Paulo, BR Allianz Parque
Jan. 26 São Paulo, BR Allianz Parque
Jan. 30 Rio de Janeiro, BR Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos (Engenhão)
Feb. 1 Belo Horizonte, BR Estádio Mineirão
Feb. 4 Brasília, BR Arena BRB Mané Garrincha
Feb. 19 Paris, FR La Défense Arena
Feb. 21 Berlin, DE Uber Arena
Feb. 23 Amsterdam, NL Ziggo Dome
Feb. 25 Munich, DE Olympiahalle
Feb. 28 Cologne, DE LANXESS Arena
Mar. 2 Hamburg, DE Barclays Arena
Mar. 4 Stuttgart, DE Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
Mar. 8 Glasgow, UK OVO Hydro
Mar. 10 Glasgow, UK OVO Hydro
Mar. 12 Manchester, UK Co-op Live
Mar. 14 Manchester, UK Co-op Live
Mar. 16 London, UK O2 Arena
Mar. 18 London, UK O2 Arena
Mar. 21 London, UK O2 Arena
Mar. 27 Kraków, PL TAURON Arena Kraków
Mar. 30 Milan, IT Unipol Dome
Apr. 1 Basel, CH St. Jakobshalle Basel
Apr. 4 Copenhagen, DK Royal Arena
Apr. 6 Oslo, NO Unity Arena
Apr. 8 Stockholm, SE Avicii Arena
Apr.10 Helsinki, FI Veikkaus Arena