Gibson launches replica of the “Back to the Future” ES-345 and the hunt for the original goes on

Gibson has officially unveiled two new replicas of the ES-345 guitar made famous in Back to the Future, one crafted in the Gibson Custom Shop and another produced under the Epiphone brand. The launch celebrates the film’s 40th anniversary and brings to life one of the most recognizable guitars ever seen on screen.

The story behind the instrument is almost as mythical as the movie itself. In the 1985 film, Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly jumps on stage at the “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance and launches into a blazing version of “Johnny B. Goode.” The red Gibson in his hands became a symbol of pure rock energy and the perfect visual metaphor for time travel through sound.

But here’s the twist: the real guitar used in the movie has been missing for decades. Gibson is still searching for it through a global campaign called “Lost to the Future,” where fans are invited to send tips about the whereabouts of the original Cherry Red ES-345. Thousands of leads have been submitted, yet the guitar remains lost in time, just like its cinematic counterpart.

The two new reissues bring that legend back to life. Both models carry every visual cue from the movie guitar — the glossy cherry finish, gold hardware, Bigsby B7 vibrato, Varitone control, and even the unique solid parallelogram inlay at the 12th fret that sets it apart from standard ES-345s. Gibson labeled it a “1955 ES-345,” matching the year of the film’s setting, even though the ES-345 wouldn’t officially appear until 1959. It’s a playful wink to movie lore that fans of both the film and the brand will recognize instantly.

More than a simple recreation, this release is a bridge between two worlds: cinema and instrument history. For decades, that single scene in Back to the Future inspired kids to pick up a guitar, not because of technique or tone but because of what it represented — freedom, rebellion, and the sheer joy of making noise. By reviving the ES-345 in all its vintage charm, Gibson is paying homage to a cultural moment that transcended genres.

The search for the real guitar continues, but the replicas offer something just as powerful: a chance to hold a piece of rock mythology. They’re not just collectibles. They’re reminders that the past isn’t gone; it’s waiting to be plugged in again.


By Dara Christine – October 22 2025