To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the classic sci-fi film "Back to the Future," guitar giant Gibson officially launched its new ES-345 Collector's Edition this week, alongside a special Epiphone edition. These releases pay homage to the iconic 1955 high school dance scene that "rewrote music history."
This limited-edition guitar is inspired by the ES-345 played by protagonist Marty McFly, portrayed by Michael J. Fox, during his performance of "Johnny B. Goode" in the film.
In recent months, Gibson has launched a global search to locate the original guitar used in the film, even hiring the same professional investigation team that found Paul McCartney's long-lost bass. While the search continues, Gibson decided to honor the film and the spirit of rock and roll with this high-end replica.
The new ES-345 Collector's Edition features a light aging treatment by the Murphy Lab, continuing the premium craftsmanship of the Gibson Custom Shop. The body is equipped with two unpotted Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers, featuring dual volume and tone controls, and a three-way pickup selector, while retaining the Varitone mono switch. Internally, it boasts paper-in-oil capacitors and CTS potentiometers, all hand-wired, ensuring collector-grade detail and tonal performance.
Additionally, the design team recreated the film's "anachronistic" detail. Although the ES-345 was first introduced in 1959, this special edition is specifically named the "1955 Edition" to align with the movie's plot. The back of the headstock features a fictional "Hill Valley Music" dealer plaque, while the custom Lifton case displays the "Marvin Berry and The Starlighters" band logo, packed with Easter eggs.
The official accessories are equally impressive: Each guitar comes with a commemorative pick, a guitar strap, a Casio watch, a prom poster, and a certificate of authenticity, along with a "DeLorean time machine key" symbolizing time travel.
In its official statement, Gibson wrote: “At a 1955 high school dance, a Gibson guitar changed the course of music history – and even rewrote history itself.” This replica not only recreates that classic scene but also symbolizes the timeless appeal of rock and roll across eras. It is sure to become a dream item for both film enthusiasts and musicians.