Rush is back and heading out on the road, and now you can own a guitar inspired by the instrument treasured for four decades by Alex Lifeson himself
Epiphone has unveiled the Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue, an Inspired by Gibson Custom guitar that recreates Alex’s own treasured original. The model, teased at NAMM earlier this year, offers everything players need to nail Alex’s unmistakable tone across his work in Rush and as a solo musician.
The model lands just as Rush kicks off their mighty Fifty Something world tour, with Alex and bandmate Geddy Lee reuniting to honor over 50 years of Rush and pay tribute to drummer Neil Peart, who passed away in 2020. Anika Nilles will be taking on drums for the huge global trek, with dates stretching into 2027.
The Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue is finished in gloss Alpine White and showcases premium appointments and materials to deliver the performance expected from an ES-355. It has a five-ply semi-hollow body constructed from layers of maple and poplar, with multi-ply binding on the top and back.
A solid maple centerblock enhances sustain and reduces unwanted feedback, delivering that classic, wide-ranging, expressive ES™ sound. It’s loaded with gold-finished hardware, including a harmonica-style Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and gold pickup covers, and has a matching gold Maestro™ Vibrola™.
“The ES-355 has always been a really special guitar for me—it’s got this incredible balance of elegance and power,” says Alex Lifeson. “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.”
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue
Tones are powered by a pair of USA-made Gibson T-Type humbucker™ pickups, wired to individual volume and tone controls with CTS® potentiometers and Mallory™ capacitors, and 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.
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. It has a Slim C neck profile, an ebony fretboard, and large block inlays, along with 22 medium jumbo frets. The Gibson-style “open book” headstock is outfitted with premium die-cast tuners with keystone buttons and a Graph Tech® nut. Multi-ply binding frames the headstock, where you’ll find mother-of-pearl Epiphone and Custom split diamond inlays.
The truss rod cover is engraved with Alex Lifeson’s name, and the black exterior of the accompanying hardshell case also features a reproduction of his signature. In line with this guitar’s classy, sophisticated look, the case hosts a red plush interior and gold hardware.
The Epiphone Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue is available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers, Gibson Garage locations, and Epiphone.com. Want to learn more about the ES guitar family? Check out our Gibson and Epiphone ES-335 & ES-355 buyer’s guide.
