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$1201+
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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
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What makes the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) different from a standard Les Paul?
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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.
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How does the absence of f-holes affect the sound of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul?
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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.
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What type of pickups are in the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole), and what tones can they produce?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole) suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul (No F-Hole), and how does it affect playability?
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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
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Unique design without F-holes for a distinct Les Paul aesthetic
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Limited edition with only 100 made, offering exclusivity
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Versatile tone range from warm blues to searing leads
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Semi-hollow body offers lightweight comfort
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Exceptional tone clarity highlighting every playing detail
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Stunning visual appeal with intricate wood grain patterns
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Powerful, high-output pickups for dynamic sound
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Customizable neck reshaping for personalized playability
CONS
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Original neck profile may be too large for some players
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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