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Description

Blending the timeless allure of a Les Paul with the sonic depth of an ES-335, the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul with Bigsby is a stunning creation for musicians who value both tradition and innovation. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar boasts an exquisite combination of classic craftsmanship and modern playability. The result is a versatile instrument that delivers powerful, resonant tones while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable feel.

At its heart are the celebrated Memphis Historic Spec (MHS) alnico humbuckers, which capture the vintage essence of the '50s. These pickups are tailored to enhance the semi-hollowbody design, allowing you to effortlessly switch from warm, jazzy chords to crunchy rock riffs. The inclusion of a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds a dynamic layer of expression, perfect for those smooth, subtle tremolo effects that elevate your performance.

The guitar's craftsmanship is evident in its meticulous details, such as the rolled neck binding for a comfortable grip and low-profile frets for seamless playability. The modified 1959 profile neck, made from a single piece of mahogany, offers incredible stability and comfort, while the weight-relieved mahogany center block and spruce top bracing ensure a rich, harmonic soundscape.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring guitarist, the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul with Bigsby is a harmonious blend of history and innovation, crafted to inspire your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced harmonic richness
  • Memphis Historic Spec (MHS) alnico humbuckers for versatile tones
  • Bigsby vibrato tailpiece for added expression
  • Modified 1959 profile one-piece mahogany neck
  • Rolled neck binding and low-profile frets for smooth playability
  • Weight relieved mahogany center block and spruce top bracing

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Memphis ES-Les Paul with Bigsby
Year 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 Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Orange
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-345, 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 kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul with Bigsby?

The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul with Bigsby offers a warm, rich tone with a blend of semi-hollow resonance and solid-body sustain. Its MHS humbuckers deliver vintage-inspired sounds suitable for blues, jazz, and rock.

How does the Bigsby tremolo affect the playability of this guitar?

The Bigsby tremolo allows for subtle pitch modulation, adding expressive vibrato effects to your playing. While it enhances versatility, it may require regular tuning adjustments, especially with aggressive use.

Is the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul with Bigsby suitable for beginners?

This guitar is more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its complex features and higher price point. However, beginners with a preference for high-quality instruments can still benefit from its exceptional tone and craftsmanship.

What is the neck profile like on this guitar?

The neck of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul with Bigsby features a C-shaped profile, providing a comfortable grip suitable for various playing styles, from rhythm to lead.

How does this guitar compare to a traditional Les Paul?

The ES-Les Paul combines the solid-body sustain of a traditional Les Paul with the airy, resonant qualities of a semi-hollow body, offering a unique tonal palette not found in standard Les Paul models.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Gibson 2015 Memphis Limited Run ES-Les Paul w/Bigsby Tremolo Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2015 Memphis Limited Run ES-Les Paul w/Bigsby Tremolo Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson 2015 Memphis Limited Run ES-Les Paul w/Bigsby Tremolo Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis 2015 Limited ES-Les Paul w/ Bigsby  •  SN: 13534735 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis 2015 Limited ES-Les Paul w/ Bigsby • SN: 13534735

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis Limited ES-Les Paul with Bigsby 2015 Gibson Memphis Limited ES-Les Paul Demo Review by GAK

Gibson Memphis Limited ES-Les Paul with Bigsby 2015 Gibson Memphis Limited ES-Les Paul Demo Review

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis 2015 Limited ES-Les Paul w/Bigsby  •  SN: 13534725 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis 2015 Limited ES-Les Paul w/Bigsby • SN: 13534725

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Reviews

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 with Bigsby.

Features and functionality

  • The MHS pickups are praised for their low-wound, classic PAF sound, highly regarded among enthusiasts of vintage tones.

    Source
  • The ES-Les Paul features a center block construction, contributing to its unique tonal qualities distinct from solid body Les Pauls.

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  • Aged black and gold hardware on the 3-pickup ES Les Paul with Bigsby resembles a Custom, offering a unique aesthetic appeal.

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  • Some owners express interest in additional features like a piezo and in/out phase switches, indicating a demand for more versatile tonal options.

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Build quality

  • Some models lack fret nibs, leading to concerns about authenticity, as genuine Gibsons typically feature them.

    Source

User experience

  • The ES-Les Paul is noted for its lightweight and resonant feel, making it excellent for unplugged practice and a viable alternative to larger semi-hollow models like the ES-335.

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  • Owners describe the ES-Les Paul as "wildly different" from standard Les Pauls in terms of build and sound, indicating a significant variation in playing experience.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Issues with pickup selector switches include needing longer threading to prevent accidental switching during performances.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-Les Paul is favored by players seeking a lightweight guitar without sacrificing tonal richness, ideal for live performances and extended playing sessions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • During a liquidation post-flood, prices dropped significantly, with some acquiring the guitar for around $1400, highlighting potential past deals.

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Comparisons

  • The ES-Les Paul can be likened to a Gibson 355/359 in tone, sharing similarities with Norlin-era sounds rather than the 335/339 models.

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  • The ES-Les Paul is suggested as an alternative to the Les Paul Florentine or Les Paul Supreme, both of which have carved maple tops and F holes.

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  • The CS-336 is noted as the closest model to a fully hollow Les Paul, but with different build characteristics and price considerations.

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  • The ES-175 is suggested as an alternative for those seeking a full hollowbody experience, though it differs significantly in design and function.

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