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Average Price: $2,695
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Description
Experience the fusion of classic design and modern innovation with the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar combines the best of both worlds, offering the warmth and resonance of a hollow body with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid body. Crafted in the iconic Gibson Memphis factory, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The ES-Les Paul Special features a traditional maple top with a mahogany back, delivering a rich, warm tone that is both distinctive and versatile. Its MHS humbuckers, designed specifically for this model, provide a balanced output perfect for a variety of music styles, from jazz to rock. The guitar's hand-rolled fingerboard ensures a comfortable and smooth playing experience, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians.
Gibson’s attention to detail is evident in the guitar’s construction, featuring a lightweight center block that enhances sustain while reducing feedback. With its exceptional playability and tonal versatility, the ES-Les Paul Special is ideal for musicians looking to push their creative boundaries.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design for a warm, resonant tone
- Maple top with mahogany back
- MHS humbuckers for balanced output
- Lightweight center block for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback
- Hand-rolled fingerboard for smooth playability
- Crafted in the Gibson Memphis factory
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Memphis ES-Les Paul Special |
| Year | 2016 - 2017 |
| 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 | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul ES |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| 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 are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special?
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The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special offers a warm, resonant tone with a blend of semi-hollowbody depth and solidbody sustain. Its dual humbucking pickups provide rich, versatile sounds suitable for rock, blues, and jazz.
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How does the semi-hollow body affect the playability of the ES-Les Paul Special?
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The semi-hollow body design of the ES-Les Paul Special offers a lighter weight and a comfortable playing experience while maintaining the classic Les Paul feel. It also enhances the guitar's resonance and sustain.
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Is the neck profile of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special suitable for fast playing?
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The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special features a comfortable set-neck construction that supports fast playing and smooth transitions across the fretboard, making it suitable for various playing styles.
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What kind of music genres is the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special best suited for?
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The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special is versatile and well-suited for genres like blues, rock, jazz, and fusion, thanks to its warm tone and dynamic range provided by the semi-hollowbody design and dual humbuckers.
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Does the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Special handle feedback well due to its semi-hollow design?
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The semi-hollow design of the ES-Les Paul Special can be more prone to feedback at high volumes, but its construction and pickup configuration help manage and control feedback effectively, making it suitable for live performances.
Videos
Guitar Interactive Magazine
Gibson 2016 ES-Les Paul Special Review
Gibson 2016 ES-Les Paul Special Review
Guitar Interactive Magazine
NAMM 2016 - Gibson ES Les Paul Special
Guitar World
2016 Gibson "ES-Les Paul Special"
GregsGuitars
2016 Gibson Memphis Les Paul Special
GregsGuitars
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight, offers classic Les Paul sound without the heft of solid bodies
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Unique flat top design with understated aesthetics, perfect for customization
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Offers great tonal quality and versatility for various music styles
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Comes with a hard case, making it a great value for the price
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Pre-Nashville model from the Memphis factory, sought after by collectors
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Ideal for those seeking a semi-hollowbody experience with Les Paul characteristics
CONS
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Neck feel may not meet traditional Gibson expectations
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Some pickups can sound muddy through certain amplifiers
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Inconsistent top patterns; may differ noticeably from advertised models
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Stop bar placement may affect playing comfort for some users
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Lack of contrast in binding makes it easy to overlook craftsmanship details
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 Special.
Features and functionality
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The ES Les Paul is noted for being extremely lightweight and resonant, resembling a well-constructed violin compared to traditional heavy Les Paul models.
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The absence of cavity plates on the back and the inclusion of F holes make this model distinct from typical Les Pauls, offering a unique aesthetic and sound.
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The MHS2 pickups offer a hotter sound compared to the original MHS, catering to players seeking a more modern, overwound tone.
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User experience
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Some owners report the pickup selector switch's locknut can interfere with the switch tip, causing accidental switching during live play.
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The guitar's lightweight build (around 3.2kg) is praised for enhancing portability and comfort during extended play sessions.
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A 2015 ES-Les Paul in Lemonburst became a primary guitar for an owner after a quality setup, indicating its potential as a versatile, go-to instrument.
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Setup and maintenance
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Reports of quality issues include twisted necks, maxed-out truss rods, and improperly cut nuts, making it crucial to inspect before purchase.
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Comparisons
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The MHS pickups are compared to Seymour Duncan Antiquities and underwound Lollars, praised for their classic PAF sound, especially in genres requiring low-wound tones.
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Some players favor the ES Les Paul over high-end 335s for its unique sound and lighter build, suggesting it offers an alternative to traditional hollow-body Gibsons.
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The ES-Les Paul is favored over Burstbuckers for jazz due to the more vintage sound of MHS pickups, suggesting a preference for underwound options in jazz applications.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners note the ES Les Paul excels in producing airy, open tones, making it ideal for jazz and lighter musical styles rather than high-gain applications.
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Owners who prefer smaller guitar bodies appreciate the ES-Les Paul for its comfort over larger hollow bodies, noting less strain on arms and shoulders during play.
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Value and pricing
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At one point, this model was sold at a significant discount ($1400 to $1600), highlighting its past affordability compared to current market prices.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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