Gibson has announced a new partnership with Rolling Stones co-founder Keith Richards to release two ultra-limited signature models: the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition. Handcrafted at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, these guitars are meticulous recreations of Richards’ iconic black “Human Riff” guitar, a staple of his live rig since 1997. The instruments were developed using advanced 3D scanning and period-correct construction techniques, featuring Murphy Lab hand-aging to mirror every scratch and ding on the original. Richards described the ES-355 as his “standard-tuning six-string,” noting that the Gibson design offers a unique room for expression and a reliable sound through any amplifier.
The collection is divided into two highly exclusive tiers. The top-tier Collector’s Edition is limited to just 50 units and features a signature on both the internal f-hole label and the back of the headstock. These are priced at $29,999 and sold exclusively through Gibson’s website and the Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London. A second version, limited to 100 units, features a signature on the f-hole label only and retails for $19,999. Both models are constructed with a three-ply maple and poplar body, a mahogany neck with a custom Richards profile, and an ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays.
Technically, the guitars are built for the specific performance needs Richards has refined over six decades. They feature a weight-relieved maple centerblock for increased comfort during long sets and unpotted Custombucker pickups with Alnico 5 magnets to replicate his raunchy blues-rock tone. Premium hardware includes a Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece and Grover Rotomatic tuners. Each guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity, a replica of Richards’ personal guitar strap, and a Gibson Protector series hardshell case. This release honors Richards’ legacy as a primary architect of rock and roll sound and attitude.
Richards’ relationship with the ES-355 dates back to 1969, where he used the model extensively during the ‘Sticky Fingers’ and ‘Exile on Main St.’ recording sessions. By offering these precise replicas, Gibson aims to provide collectors with a “museum-level” reproduction of a guitar that has helped define the sound of modern rock music. The collaboration is part of Gibson’s broader 2026 initiative to celebrate legendary artists through high-fidelity historical recreations. Most units were reported to have sold out within hours of the official announcement on January 13, 2026.
As a co-founder of the Rolling Stones and an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Richards remains a creative force well into his eighties. His signature open tunings and rhythmic precision provided the edge for classics like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Gimme Shelter.” This new signature series follows the successful launch of the Rolling Stones’ 2025 ‘Hackney Diamonds’ world tour and serves as a testament to Richards’ enduring influence on the gear and style of guitarists worldwide. The partnership cements the bond between one of rock’s most influential figures and the brand that has provided the tools for his “Human Riff” persona.