Gibson Custom has announced a rare and meticulously crafted tribute to one of the most influential figures in Latin rock history: the late Argentine singer, songwriter, and guitarist Gustavo Cerati. The newly unveiled Gibson Custom Gustavo Cerati ES-335 serves as a direct replica of the iconic instrument that remained inextricably linked to Cerati’s artistic output, stage presence, and sonic evolution throughout the latter half of his legendary career.
Announced initially in mid-September, the release is exceptionally scarce. Production of the custom-spec guitar is strictly limited to 60 instruments worldwide. Due to the high collector demand and the micro-batch nature of the run, distribution has been centralized exclusively through the Gibson Garage Miami, located in the heart of Florida’s Wynwood Art District, with purchases restricted to in-store visits or direct phone orders.
A Definitive Instrument for a Rock Pioneer
The instrument is an exacting physical recreation of Cerati’s original 1965 Gibson ES-335 TD, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that the musician purchased in the mid-1990s at Rudy’s Music in New York City. Even when Cerati acquired it, the vintage piece carried unique modifications—specifically, a factory-style double pickguard, a leather back pad designed for stage comfort, and a B7 Bigsby vibrato tailpiece.
For Cerati, this specific ES-335 was not merely a backup or studio novelty; it became a primary tool for sonic exploration. It accompanied him through some of the most critical eras of his professional journey, both as the frontman of the pioneering band Soda Stereo and as a boundary-pushing solo artist. The guitar bore witness to the shifting landscapes of Latin alternative rock, moving effortlessly from the acoustic-electric arrangements of the mid-1990s to the heavy electronic textures of the turn of the millennium.
Chronology of a Legacy: The History Behind the Guitar
To understand the cultural weight of the Gibson Custom Gustavo Cerati ES-335, one must trace the timeline of the original instrument and the milestones it helped shape.
- Mid-1990s: Cerati acquires the 1965 ES-335 TD at Rudy’s Music in New York, instantly adopting its modified aesthetic—featuring the dual pickguards and Bigsby tailpiece—as part of his signature visual and tonal profile.
- 1996: The guitar takes center stage during Soda Stereo’s historic and critically acclaimed MTV Unplugged performance, helping to redefine how rock en español could be adapted into stripped-down, acoustic-leaning arrangements.
- 1997: The instrument features heavily on "El Último Concierto," Soda Stereo’s emotional farewell tour that initially concluded the band’s groundbreaking run.
- 1999: Following the dissolution of Soda Stereo, Cerati launches his definitive solo era with the release of Bocanada. The ES-335 becomes his main guitar during this period, anchoring a sound that seamlessly fused alternative rock, trip-hop, and electronic experimentation.
- 2007: The guitar makes a high-profile reappearance during two major events: Soda Stereo’s massive "Me Verás Volver" reunion tour, which broke attendance records across the Americas, and Cerati’s powerful performance alongside Shakira at the Live Earth concert.
- 2014: Following a four-year coma resulting from a stroke suffered after a concert in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2010, Gustavo Cerati passes away at the age of 55, plunging the Latin music world into profound mourning.
- 2024–2026: More than a decade after his passing, Cerati’s legacy is formally cemented by international publications like Billboard, which names Soda Stereo the No. 1 Latin Rock Band of All Time. Surviving band members Charly Alberti and Zeta Bosio launch the ECOS tour, utilizing a digital avatar of Cerati alongside live instrumentation.
- September 2025/2026: Gibson Custom officially debuts the Gustavo Cerati ES-335 edition, marking the first time the historic guitar manufacturer has honored the Argentine icon with a signature release.
Specifications and Craftsmanship of the Collector’s Item
Built by the artisans at the Gibson Murphy Lab—known for their meticulous vintage-aging techniques—the Gustavo Cerati ES-335 is engineered to mirror the exact wear, tear, and aesthetic specifications of Cerati’s original well-traveled instrument.
The guitar features a period-correct ’60s Cherry finish that has been artfully weathered to simulate decades of rigorous live performance. True to the source material, it incorporates factory double pickguards, Grover kidney button tuning keys, and the distinctive B7 Bigsby tailpiece. Every instrument is bundled with a custom hardshell case, a leather back pad matching Cerati’s preferred stage setup, and an official Certificate of Authenticity.
Industry analysts and guitar collectors have noted that the inclusion of the Murphy Lab aging process elevates the instrument from a standard commemorative release to a high-end replica aimed squarely at serious collectors and professional musicians. Given the strict production cap of 60 units globally, secondary market value and long-term collectibility are projected to be exceptionally high.
Broader Implications and Cultural Impact
The release of the Gibson Custom Gustavo Cerati ES-335 highlights a broader industry shift: major legacy instrument manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond Anglo-American rock canons to honor foundational artists from Latin America. While iconic models have long been dedicated to guitarists like Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Slash, official artist tributes for Latin rock pioneers remain relatively rare.
For Gibson, aligning with the Cerati estate bridges a crucial cultural gap, acknowledging the massive global footprint of rock en español. Soda Stereo’s influence extended far beyond Argentina, shaping the alternative music scenes of Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and the United States throughout the late 20th century. By immortalizing Cerati’s weapon of choice, Gibson not only satisfies high-end collectors but also validates the enduring historical significance of Latin American rock on the global stage.
Purchasing Information and Availability
Due to the extreme scarcity of the run, the Gibson Custom Gustavo Cerati ES-335 is not available through standard retail channels or online checkouts. Interested collectors and fans must coordinate directly with Gibson Garage Miami. Inquiries and purchase requests can be made in person at the store—situated at 2660 NW 3rd Avenue within Miami’s Wynwood Art District—or by contacting the retail location directly via telephone.
