Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$1,399.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (18)
$1,399.00
Reverb
5.0 (8)
$1,160.71 New
$999.99 Used
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$1,399.00
Thomann
5.0 (8)
$1,169.00 $1,159.00 $10.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,253

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the classic Les Paul sound and feel in an innovative and refreshing package with the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar in Gold Mist Satin. This guitar combines the traditional Les Paul essence with modern improvements and features. The iconic Les Paul character is enhanced with a thinner all-mahogany body, making it more nimble and comfortable for extended play times.

The mahogany neck and SlimTaper neck carve promote ease and speed across the 22-fret rosewood fingerboard. The Les Paul Modern Lite's body shaves off several pounds from the traditional Les Paul weight, making it more approachable than ever without compromising on tone.

Driving the tone of the Les Paul Modern Lite are two humbuckers based on the legendary Gibson PAF. The 498T treble humbucker in the bridge position is hot-rodded for fierce output, while the 490R rhythm humbucker in the neck position offers a smoother presence.

Key Features:

  • Familiar Les Paul performance paired with modern looks and a weight-conscious build
  • Solid mahogany body delivers classic richness and warmth with outstanding sustain
  • Thinner body weighs significantly less than a traditional Les Paul
  • Mahogany neck with a SlimTaper neck carve for fast, all-purpose comfort
  • Indian rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets
  • Wax-potted 490R rhythm humbucker: prized PAF character with enhanced upper midrange and improved resistance to microphonic feedback
  • 498T treble humbucker: hot-rodded PAF-style design optimized to push amplifiers into overdrive, crunch, or distortion
  • Graph Tech nut and Grover tuners enhance string resonance and tuning security
  • Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge offers wide-ranging adjustable intonation
  • Rare matching headstock finish

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Les Paul Modern
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Slim Taper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Acrylic Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.695"
Nut Material Graph Tech
Bridge/Tailpiece Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic & Stop Bar
Tuners Grover Mini Rotomatic
Neck Pickup Gibson 490R Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Gibson 498T Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Softshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar?

The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar features a Slim Taper neck profile, providing fast and comfortable playability suitable for a variety of playing styles.

What type of pickups are installed on the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite?

This guitar comes equipped with Gibson 490R and 498T humbucking pickups, offering a versatile tonal range from warm, vintage tones to more aggressive, modern sounds.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its lightweight design and reliable Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners that ensure stable tuning during gigs.

What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite?

The body of the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is made from mahogany with a maple top, finished with a satin nitrocellulose lacquer for a smooth feel and classic look.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite includes a softshell case, offering protection and easy transport for your guitar.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

A Streamlined Gibson Les Paul? | Gibson Modern Lite & Studio!

Video thumbnail for A Streamlined Gibson Les Paul? | Gibson Modern Lite & Studio! by Andertons Music Co

A Streamlined Gibson Les Paul? | Gibson Modern Lite & Studio!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Demo | First Look by Premier Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Demo | First Look

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite FULL DEMO by Play and Trade Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite FULL DEMO

Play and Trade Guitars

Play and Trade Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite - A Proper Les Paul, Just THIN! by PMTVUK

The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite - A Proper Les Paul, Just THIN!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Deep-Dive Demo by Guitarist

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Deep-Dive Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Demo | Cream City Music by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Demo | Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for The Most Controversial Gibson In Years: The Les Paul Modern Lite by Vic's Guitars & Handlebars

The Most Controversial Gibson In Years: The Les Paul Modern Lite

Vic's Guitars & Handlebars

Vic's Guitars & Handlebars

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design enhances comfort during long playing sessions

  • Hand-wired pickups deliver superb, articulate sound across genres

  • Slim taper neck offers smooth playability and easy access to upper frets

  • High-quality finish with no visible defects or blemishes

  • Comes with a durable, semi-rigid gig bag

  • Excellent tone and sustain, suitable for clean and distorted styles

  • Aesthetically striking with a unique Gold Mist Satin color

  • Well-balanced with no neck dive issues

CONS

  • Some models may arrive with quality control issues like intonation and wiring defects

  • Personal preferences may vary regarding color options and aesthetics

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar.

Comparisons

  • The Les Paul Modern Lite is likened to a studio model but with a thin body, similar to a 2014 Melody Maker.

    Source
  • Compared to SG models, the Les Paul Modern Lite offers more body and sustain, though SGs are favored for ergonomics and weight.

    Source
  • The Les Paul Modern Lite is compared to the 2013 LP Custom Lite, praised for hitting a sweet spot between SG weight and LP form factor.

    Source
  • Compared to the Les Paul Studio, it lacks features like a maple cap, binding, and gloss, making the Studio a better value at similar pricing.

    Source
  • The Les Paul Modern Lite is likened to the 2012-2014 Melody Maker with a second pickup, but at a higher price point.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight its suitability for heavy rock and metal, noting it "sounds heavy" and can "melt faces."

    Source
  • It's touted as an ideal gigging guitar due to its comfort and playability without the worry of damaging a high-end model.

    Source

User experience

  • A user reports the guitar is hard to put down after a few weeks, despite not being flashy, due to its playability and weight.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners struggle with neck dive, which can be alleviated using a cotton strap to balance weight distribution.

    Source
  • An owner reported significant neck issues with two humps, indicating potential setup challenges requiring more than just a Plek job.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's weight and thickness address common complaints about traditional Les Paul models, although it lacks a carved neck heel.

    Source
  • The guitar features a thin, lightweight mahogany body similar in thickness to the ESP Eclipse series and lacks a maple cap.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $800, the guitar is considered a great buy, especially when compared to used offerings like a 2010 Studio for the same price.

    Source
  • There is a consensus that the guitar is overpriced at $1,500, with many suggesting a more reasonable price would be around $950.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners note the guitar's finish can develop glossy spots with regular play due to its thin satin nitro layer, which lacks grain fill and gloss.

    Source
  • The guitar is noted for its very light weight, barely over 6 pounds, making it more comfortable for long playing sessions.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully swapped the stock pickups for EMGs, transforming it into a "full-on metal machine."

    Source
  • Owners suggest the guitar has good potential for modification, such as swapping pickups for enhanced tone, though specific brands aren't consistently mentioned.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite delivers a lightweight and straightforward playing experience, making it an attractive option for rock enthusiasts. At just 6.67 lbs, it stands out for its portability without sacrificing sound quality, thanks to quality pickups that produce raw rock tones. While the stripped-down design may lack some sophistication and modern features, it still resonates with a timeless appeal. However, the frets could benefit from more polish, and the wiring leans more towards classic rather than contemporary. Overall, this guitar is a great choice for both novice players and seasoned musicians looking for an affordable, reliable 'real' Les Paul experience.

positive

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Review - $1499 Guitar With Issues

guitaristnextdoor.com

Great sound and solid hardware can't save the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite from disappointing build quality. While its tones are versatile and the slim taper neck offers playability, issues like uncomfortable fret edges, finish flaws, and a lackluster aesthetic make it hard to justify the $1,500 price tag. For a brand synonymous with quality, the Modern Lite falls short, leaving potential buyers wondering if they should look elsewhere for true value.

negative

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how DeMona uses Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar

DeMona

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube short titled "DeMona - guitar solo," DeMona is visibly playing a Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar. This specific model is further corroborated by its listing on her artist page on the official Gibson website.

See how jaydes uses Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar

jaydes

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: TV Wheat

Jaydes was seen using the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s Mahogany Top Electric Guitar in TV Yellow during his recent show in Orlando, as evidenced by the image provided.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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