Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $3,112
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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Standard
High-end
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Description
Discover the Gibson ES-Les Paul, where legendary craftsmanship meets innovative design. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar seamlessly combines the best features of the iconic ES-335 and Les Paul models, delivering a unique sound and playing experience that will thrill both purists and modern musicians alike. With its elegantly crafted 3-ply maple/poplar/maple construction, this guitar offers a balanced resonance and sustain that can only be described as classic Gibson. The one-piece mahogany neck with a comfortable "C" profile ensures smooth playability across the rosewood fingerboard, making it perfect for both intricate solos and powerful chords.
The MHS Humbuckers are a standout feature, providing a rich, warm tone that captures the essence of vintage sound while offering the versatility to explore contemporary styles. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, these pickups ensure every note is delivered with clarity and precision. Pearloid trapezoid inlays add a touch of elegance to the fingerboard, enhancing the guitar's aesthetic appeal.
Ideal for seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, the Gibson ES-Les Paul offers a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-have for any guitarist seeking to elevate their sound.
Key Features:
- 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple construction for top, back, rim with a figured top
- 1-piece mahogany neck with "C" profile
- Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid trapezoid inlays
- MHS Humbuckers for a versatile tonal range
- Bone nut for enhanced sustain and intonation
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Memphis ES-Les Paul |
| Finish | Blue Stain, Bourbon Burst, Classic White, Cobra Burst, Ebony, Faded Light Burst, Goldtop VOS, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Historic Burst, Honey Burst, Lemon Burst, Pelham Blue, Transparent Amber, Transparent Wine Red |
| Year | 2014 - 2016 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Semi-Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Orange, Red, Silver, White, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul ES |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Memphis |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson ES-Les Paul?
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The Gibson ES-Les Paul offers a warm, resonant tone typical of semi-hollowbody guitars, with the added sustain and clarity of a solid-body Les Paul. Its MHS humbuckers deliver rich, vintage-inspired sounds suitable for blues, jazz, and rock.
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Is the Gibson ES-Les Paul suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-Les Paul is well-suited for live performances, offering a versatile tone and reduced feedback compared to fully hollow guitars. Its semi-hollow design provides a lighter weight, making it comfortable for extended play.
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How does the Gibson ES-Les Paul differ from a traditional Les Paul?
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The Gibson ES-Les Paul combines the solid-body Les Paul design with a semi-hollowbody construction, providing a lighter feel and a more resonant tone. It retains the classic Les Paul shape and features but offers enhanced acoustic qualities.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-Les Paul?
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The Gibson ES-Les Paul features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for a wide range of playing styles. This makes it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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Does the Gibson ES-Les Paul come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-Les Paul comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transport for the guitar.
Videos
Guitar Center
Product Spotlight - Gibson ES-Les Paul Semi Hollow Electric Guitar
Product Spotlight - Gibson ES-Les Paul Semi Hollow Electric Guitar
Guitar Center
Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Overview
Wildwood Guitars
Gibson 2015 ES-Les Paul Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Musician's Friend
Gibson Memphis 2015 ES-Les Paul • SN: 10855706
Wildwood Guitars
Gibson ES-Les Paul Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Musician's Friend
Gibson ES-Les Paul Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar - Transparent Amber
Musician's Friend
Guitar Center New from NAMM 2015 - Gibson ES Les Paul Electric Guitar
Guitar Center
Would I rebuy this guitar? Episode 31- Gibson ES-Les Paul
Audiomo Music
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight design offers comfort during extended play sessions
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Versatile tone with single-coil split capability
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Bright bridge sound with a warm neck tone
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High-quality craftsmanship and finish
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Plays effortlessly with an incredible neck feel
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Sustain is impressive, ringing out for a long time
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Perfect for recording, producers love its unique tone
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Hybrid design: combines jazzy ES tones with Les Paul grunt
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Ergonomically favorable for players with smaller hands
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Vintage output pickups provide a classic yet powerful sound
CONS
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Stock pickups may require upgrading for better tone
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ABR bridge can be prone to buzzing
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Sensitive to playing technique, highlights mistakes
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High price point relative to finish quality
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Lack of Certificate of Authenticity (COA) on some units
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-Les Paul.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
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ES-Les Paul models use MHS pickups and are constructed with laminated maple/poplar/maple, featuring a mahogany center block for a unique sound.
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The absence of a pickguard is considered a positive aesthetic choice by some, enhancing the guitar's visual appeal.
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Despite a spec of 1 11/16", the fretboard measures wider, offering a more comfortable playability for some musicians.
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Wired from the top like a 335, eliminating the need for a control cavity in the back, enhancing aesthetics.
Source
User experience
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Owners note a significant weight difference compared to standard Les Pauls, similar to an ES-339 but with a single "horn" design.
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Some owners report that the ES-Les Paul is particularly resonant, making it ideal for unplugged practice sessions on the couch.
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Some models shipped with open white bobbin DiMarzio pickups, providing a different tonal option compared to standard MHS pickups.
Source
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
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Issues such as a twisted neck, maxed-out truss rod, and improperly cut nut were noted on some models, emphasizing the need for thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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Guitars bought from boutique dealers like CME often come with a thorough inspection and setup, ensuring better quality control compared to chain stores.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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One owner had their ES Les Paul modded with Seymour Duncan Antiques pickups with coil-tap functionality, enhancing tonal versatility.
Source
Value and pricing
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A notable deal was found during a Gibson Memphis liquidation, where an ES-Les Paul was purchased for approximately $1400, highlighting potential for good value in certain circumstances.
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Purchased for $1,500, these guitars can sell for up to twice that amount, emphasizing their potential investment value.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Discussed on this introduction to Gibson Memphis range NAMM 2015 - starting at 9:17 and Alex mentioned at 14.55 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKoFTI0F9Zo
Alex playing one on Rush 40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FICkVLg7Vok
"I opened the case and I was completely blown away...it's one of the most beautiful Les Pauls I've ever had the pleasure of caressing." Rob has named this guitar "Georgia".
She almost always uses a Gibson ES-Les Paul, these are identified by their ivory coloured tuning keys and cream pickup rings and pickguard.
He uses this guitar, according to Gibson interview.
The electric guitar Turner uses is his Gibson ES-Les Paul in arctic white colour. Frank was sent this guitar by Gibson to use live. He needed a guitar that not only had the tone he liked, but was light enough for his liking. Frank states that he found out the guitar was a prototype doe a line that gibson never ended up releasing. Frank states that he had his guitar tech unwire the neck pickup and the pickup selecter. He did this because he never uses the neck pickup, and would accidentally switch pickups
In an image from a performance at the Barbican in London, Adam Wiltzie is clearly holding and playing a Gibson ES-Les Paul.
Jacob Binzer has used the Gibson ES-Les Paul for performances of songs such as "A New Age Moving In," "Jihad," "Evil Twin," "Everything Glows," "Monster Philosophy," "I Want What She's Got," and "Bad Craziness."
In this photo of Kelsea Ballerini performing at Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2016, she can be seen playing a Gibson ES-Les Paul Black Top Semi Hollow electric guitar.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-Les Paul, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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