6 Best Alternatives to the Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red (2026)

How the alternatives compare

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White shifts from a semi-hollow design to a solid-body construction. It is significantly lighter at 19.4 pounds compared to the ES-355, which lacks a listed weight. The body is narrower at 15.8 inches wide and shorter at 43.8 inches long. You trade the ES-355’s gold-plated stop bar tailpiece for a traditional Les Paul bridge setup. This model suits players who want heavy sustain and a classic aesthetic without the bulk of a semi-hollow body. It gives up the hollow chamber resonance but offers a different tonal character focused on midrange punch and sustain.

ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin

The ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte is a solid-body electric guitar designed for high-gain performance. It is much larger, measuring 53 inches in length and 23 inches wide, with a weight of 25 pounds. The ES-355 is a full-size semi-hollow, while this is a dedicated metal instrument. You get active pickups and a locking bridge for tuning stability during aggressive playing. The Snakebyte sacrifices the vintage aesthetic and acoustic resonance of the ES-355. It is built for rhythm guitarists who need precise intonation and heavy output. The size and weight make it less portable than the ES-355 but ideal for stage performance.

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose is a solid-body guitar with a modern HSS pickup configuration. It is lighter at 13.9 pounds and smaller, measuring 42.1 inches in length and 15.3 inches wide. The ES-355 is a semi-hollow with a fixed tailpiece, while this model features a Floyd Rose tremolo system for pitch modulation. You gain access to single-coil clarity alongside humbucker power. The Stratocaster offers modern versatility and tremolo stability that the ES-355 does not provide. It lacks the vintage look and semi-hollow tonal warmth. This guitar is best for players who frequently use the tremolo bar and need a complete package with accessories.

ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin

The ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin is a solid-body guitar featuring an Evertune bridge for exceptional tuning stability. It weighs 12 pounds and measures 44 inches in length and 16 inches wide. The ES-355 is heavier and larger, with a semi-hollow body. This ESP model uses active pickups for high output, contrasting with the ES-355’s likely passive setup. You get a heavy, dark aesthetic and precise intonation. The Evertune bridge removes the need for frequent retuning during aggressive playing. It sacrifices the vintage aesthetic and acoustic resonance of the ES-355. This guitar is for players who prioritize stable tuning and specific wood combinations over lightweight designs.

ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo

The ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo is a solid-body guitar with a Fishman Powerbridge for hybrid acoustic-electric tones. It is the lightest option at 10 pounds, measuring 45 inches in length and 17 inches wide. The ES-355 is a semi-hollow, while this is a solid body with piezo capabilities. You gain access to acoustic-like tones through the piezo system alongside humbuckers. The EC-1000QM offers premium tonal versatility that the ES-355 cannot match. It lacks the traditional semi-hollow body resonance. This guitar is for players who value high-end woods and hybrid output capabilities. It provides a unique sound palette for those seeking both electric and acoustic textures.

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue

The Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue is a solid-body guitar with 50s era wiring and mahogany construction. It measures 44.1 inches in length and 15.7 inches wide. The ES-355 is a semi-hollow with a width of 19.7 inches and includes a hardshell case. This Les Paul offers vintage tone through its traditional build. You get a classic Les Paul aesthetic without the semi-hollow chamber. It lacks the included case protection found with the ES-355. The solid body provides focused sustain and midrange. This model is for players who value traditional Les Paul specs and vintage tone. It is a direct competitor in the vintage reissue market but with a different body style.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case

Best for: Classic semi-hollow tone and look

Dimensions

47.2 × 19.7 × 6.3 inches

View on Amazon: Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case Affiliate link

This Epiphone ES-355 is a full-size semi-hollow electric guitar finished in Cherry Red. It features a gold-plated aluminum stop bar tailpiece and a long neck tenon for stability. The body has multi-ply binding and includes a hardshell case. Its dimensions are 47.2 inches in length, 19.7 inches in width, and 6.3 inches in height. It suits players seeking classic ES-355 styling.

Pros

• Gold-plated lightweight aluminum stop bar tailpiece
• Long neck tenon for structural stability
• Includes a hardshell case
• Multi-ply binding on the body

Cons

• Fixed stop bar tailpiece limits vibrato flexibility
• Semi-hollow body may feedback at high volumes
• No piezo or electronic switching options listed

Good fit if

• You want a classic semi-hollow design
• You prefer a fixed tailpiece setup
• You need a hardshell case included

Skip if

• You need extensive tonal switching
• You require a floating tremolo system
• You prefer a solid body construction

Verdict: Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red is a faithful reissue for players who value traditional build quality and included protection. It fits those who prioritize classic aesthetics and stable hardware over modern versatility.

2 Also great

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White

Best for: Players wanting a heavy, classic Les Paul Custom

Pickup Configuration

Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set

Dimensions

43.8 × 15.8 × 5.91 inches

Weight

19.4 pounds

View on Amazon: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White Affiliate link

This Epiphone Les Paul Custom features a solid mahogany body with a two-piece maple top. It uses a Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set for tone. The long neck tenon aims for maximum sustain. It weighs 19.4 pounds and measures 43.8 inches long. You get it in Alpine White or Ebony. It suits players seeking a heavy, traditional Les Paul build.

Pros

• Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set
• Solid mahogany body with maple top
• Long neck tenon for sustain
• Includes hard case

Cons

• Heavy at 19.4 pounds
• Alpine White finish only
• No piezo or active electronics

Good fit if

• You want a classic Les Paul Custom look
• You prefer heavy, solid-body guitars
• You like Gibson pickup sets

Skip if

• You need a lighter guitar for long gigs
• You prefer a black or dark finish
• You want a thinner body style

Verdict: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul offers a heavy, traditional build with quality pickups. It fits players who value sustain and classic aesthetics over portability.

3 Best premium

ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin

Best for: Metal rhythm guitarists

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Three-piece mahogany

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

24.75"

Dimensions

53 × 23 × 6 inches

View on Amazon: ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin Affiliate link

This ESP LTD model is a signature instrument designed for James Hetfield. It features a mahogany body and a three-piece mahogany neck with a 24.75-inch scale length. The ebony fingerboard includes 22 extra-jumbo frets and a distinctive snake inlay. Active EMG JH Set pickups provide high output. It weighs 25 pounds and comes in Black Satin.

Pros

• Set-neck mahogany construction for sustain
• Active EMG JH Set pickups
• Ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
• TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece

Cons

• Heavier build at 25 pounds
• Active pickups require battery power
• Limited to two finish options

Good fit if

• You prefer active pickups for high-gain tones
• You want a set-neck guitar for sustain

Skip if

• You need a lightweight instrument for long gigs
• You prefer passive pickups for dynamic range

Verdict: The ESP James Hetfield Snakebyte suits players seeking heavy rhythm tones. Its active pickups and locking bridge provide stability for aggressive playing styles.

4 Best budget

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose

Best for: Players needing tremolo stability and HSS versatility

Neck Material

Modern "C" neck (not specified)

Fretboard Material

12" radius fingerboard (not specified)

Pickup Configuration

HSS

Dimensions

42.1 × 15.3 × 4.7 inches

Weight

13.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose Affiliate link

This Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster features an HSS pickup configuration with a modified humbucker and noiseless strats. It includes a Floyd Rose Special tremolo system for pitch changes and a coil-split control for single-coil tones. The Modern C neck has rolled edges and a 12-inch radius. It ships with a gig bag, strap, cable, picks, and cleaning kit. It suits players seeking versatile tones and tuning stability.

Pros

• HSS pickup configuration with modified humbucker and noiseless strats
• Floyd Rose Special tremolo system with double-locking design
• Coil-split tone control for expanded sonic versatility
• Modern C neck with rolled edges and 12-inch radius

Cons

• Heavier at 13.9 pounds compared to standard Strats
• Floyd Rose system requires more setup than hardtails
• No piezo or onboard electronics for acoustic simulation

Good fit if

• You want versatile tones from humbuckers and single-coils
• You need tuning stability during heavy tremolo use
• You prefer a bundle with essential accessories included

Skip if

• You prefer a traditional hardtail bridge
• You want a lighter instrument under 8 pounds
• You seek a vintage-style tremolo system

Verdict: Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose offers modern versatility and tuning stability for players who need both humbucker power and single-coil clarity. It is ideal for those who use the tremolo bar frequently and want a complete package with accessories.

5 Best black

ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin

Best for: players wanting a heavy black guitar

Body Material

mahogany

Neck Material

mahogany

Fretboard Material

ebony

Pickup Configuration

2 active humbucking pickups

Body Type

solidbody

Color

Black

View on Amazon: ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin Affiliate link

This solidbody electric guitar features a mahogany body and neck with an ebony fingerboard. It uses two active humbucking pickups and a maple top. The finish is black satin. It measures 44 inches long and weighs 12 pounds. This model suits players who prefer a dark aesthetic and stable tuning hardware.

Pros

• Mahogany body and neck construction
• Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
• Two active humbucking pickups
• Maple top layer

Cons

• Heavier at 12 pounds
• Active pickups require battery power
• Black satin finish shows scratches

Good fit if

• You want a black finish
• You prefer mahogany and ebony woods
• You need active humbuckers

Skip if

• You prefer passive pickups
• You want a lighter instrument
• You need a maple fretboard

Verdict: ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune BB Black offers a heavy, dark aesthetic with active pickups. It fits players who prioritize stable tuning and specific wood combinations over lightweight designs.

6 Also great

ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo

Best for: players wanting piezo and humbucker tones

Body Material

mahogany

Fretboard Material

ebony

Dimensions

45 × 5 × 17 inches

Weight

10 pounds

View on Amazon: ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo Affiliate link

This ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo is a mahogany-bodied electric guitar with a quilt maple top and ebony fretboard. It features Fishman Powerbridge piezo pickups and two humbuckers for versatile tone. Weighing 10 pounds, it offers a classic double-cutaway design. You will appreciate its premium materials and hybrid output options. This model suits players seeking rich tonal variety and high-end construction details.

Pros

• Fishman Powerbridge piezo system
• Mahogany body construction
• Ebony fretboard
• Quilt maple top
• Two humbucking pickups

Cons

• Heavier at 10 pounds
• Limited to two pickup types
• No remote or app control listed

Good fit if

• You want piezo and magnetic tone options
• You prefer mahogany and ebony materials
• You like quilt maple aesthetics

Skip if

• You need a lighter guitar under 8 pounds
• You prefer single-coil pickups only
• You want digital connectivity features

Verdict: ESP LTD EC-1000 Piezo delivers premium tonal versatility through its Fishman Powerbridge and humbuckers. It fits players who value high-end woods and hybrid output capabilities.

7 Also great

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue

Best for: Players seeking vintage Les Paul tone and build

Neck Material

1pc Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Number of Strings

6

Body Type

solid body

Dimensions

44.1 × 15.7 × 6.1 inches

View on Amazon: Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Affiliate link

This solid-body electric guitar features a mahogany body with an AAA flame maple veneer top. It uses a one-piece mahogany neck with a 59 rounded medium C profile and a rosewood fretboard. The electronics include CTS pots, 50s era wiring, and Mallory capacitors. It comes in Deep Cherry Sunburst and includes a vintage-style hardshell case. This model suits players seeking classic Les Paul tone and build quality.

Pros

• Mahogany body with AAA flame maple veneer top
• One-piece mahogany neck with 59 rounded medium C profile
• Rosewood fretboard with single-ply binding
• CTS pots with 50s era wiring and Mallory capacitors
• Includes vintage-style brown and pink hardshell case

Cons

• Fixed bridge instead of a stopbar or tune-o-matic with adjustable saddles
• No piezo or active electronics for acoustic simulation
• Standard humbuckers lack coil-splitting capabilities

Good fit if

• You want a classic Les Paul sound with vintage wiring
• You prefer a one-piece mahogany neck for sustain
• You need a hardshell case included for protection

Skip if

• You require a tremolo system for pitch modulation
• You need piezo output for acoustic tones
• You prefer a thinner neck profile for fast playing

Verdict: Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue delivers vintage tone through its 50s era wiring and mahogany construction. It fits players who value traditional Les Paul specs and included case protection.

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