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Description

Crafted for the discerning player who demands tonal versatility and classic looks without compromise, the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar delivers the rich, resonant tones that have made Gibson a household name, yet it does so with a sleek, solid top that eliminates feedback commonly associated with traditional F-holes. The result is a guitar that offers both the warmth and depth of a semi-hollowbody and the sustain and clarity of a solid body.

Its body is meticulously constructed from laminated maple and poplar, enhancing durability while maintaining that iconic Gibson sound. The Les Paul-style neck, made of solid mahogany, features a rosewood fingerboard that offers a smooth playing experience with excellent response. With a pair of Gibson's handcrafted MHS humbuckers, this guitar provides a wide tonal spectrum, from sweet, singing highs to punchy lows. Whether you're playing jazz, rock, or blues, this instrument is ready to deliver.

Key Features:

  • No F-hole design for reduced feedback
  • Semi-hollowbody construction with laminated maple and poplar
  • Les Paul-style solid mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Handcrafted MHS humbucker pickups for versatile tone
  • Classic Gibson design and craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole)
Year 2016
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Orange
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

What makes the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) different from a standard Les Paul?

The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) combines the iconic Les Paul shape with a semi-hollow body design, offering a unique tonal blend of warmth and sustain. Unlike traditional Les Pauls, it features a semi-hollow construction without f-holes, providing a distinctive look and sound.

How does the absence of f-holes affect the sound of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul?

The lack of f-holes in the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul results in a more focused and controlled resonance, reducing feedback compared to typical semi-hollow guitars. This design choice offers a solid body feel with the added warmth of a semi-hollow construction.

What type of pickups are in the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole), and what tones can they produce?

The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) is equipped with dual humbucker pickups (HH configuration), delivering a rich, full-bodied tone suitable for rock, blues, and jazz. These pickups provide a versatile range from warm, clean sounds to powerful overdriven tones.

Is the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) is well-suited for live performances, offering a unique blend of sustain and resonance with reduced feedback. Its semi-hollow design provides warmth and depth, making it ideal for various musical styles on stage.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole), and how does it affect playability?

The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience. The neck profile is designed for ease of playability, catering to both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique design without F-holes for a distinct Les Paul aesthetic

  • Limited edition with only 100 made, offering exclusivity

  • Versatile tone range from warm blues to searing leads

  • Semi-hollow body offers lightweight comfort

  • Exceptional tone clarity highlighting every playing detail

  • Stunning visual appeal with intricate wood grain patterns

  • Powerful, high-output pickups for dynamic sound

  • Customizable neck reshaping for personalized playability

CONS

  • Original neck profile may be too large for some players

  • High-output pickups can amplify playing mistakes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole).

Features and functionality

  • MHS pickups are specifically tuned for the ES-Les Paul body, offering a tonal similarity to Gibson 355/359 models rather than the expected 335/339.

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  • The ES-Les Paul is a semi-hollow guitar without F-holes, offering a unique aesthetic and construction compared to traditional Les Paul models.

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User experience

  • An owner mentions the guitar's light weight of just 3.2 kg, making it easy to transport and play for extended periods.

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  • Owners describe the ES-Les Paul as having a neck that's easier to play than even the Silver Sky, highlighting its user-friendly design.

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  • Some owners, despite not being fans of traditional Les Pauls or ES guitars, find the ES-Les Paul highly desirable due to its unique build and sound character.

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  • Owners have noted the ES-Les Paul's lightweight design makes it feel like a well-constructed violin rather than the heft of a typical Les Paul or 335.

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Value and pricing

  • A P-90 gold top version of the ES-Les Paul is regarded as a "beast" and praised for its increasing value despite initial pricing challenges.

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  • During a Gibson Memphis liquidation, these guitars were available for as low as $1400, highlighting occasional opportunities for significant savings.

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Use cases and applications

  • This model is praised for its loud unplugged sound, making it ideal for casual strumming sessions in front of the TV.

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  • The ES-Les Paul is praised for its versatility, offering a sound profile that can complement a collection already heavy on ES models, like the 355.

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  • The ES-Les Paul is praised for its suitability as an "unplugged couch guitar" due to its lightweight and resonant qualities.

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Comparisons

  • The ES-Les Paul is noted for its sweet humbucker tones, reminiscent of PAF pickups, yet distinct from high gain-focused guitars.

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  • Owners compare the ES-Les Paul to an ES-339 but with only one cutaway, providing a distinct alternative for those familiar with traditional Les Paul and ES models.

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Build quality

  • The ES-Les Paul features a mahogany neck with laminated maple/poplar/maple top, back, and sides, providing a unique resonance compared to solid-body Les Pauls.

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  • Some models lack fret nibs, which can be a concern for authenticity or personal preference, especially among those wary of fakes.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A few new models encountered issues like twisted necks and maxed-out truss rods, emphasizing the importance of inspecting before purchase.

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  • One owner experienced an issue with the pickup selector switch being too short, making it easy to accidentally switch positions during live performances.

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