Gibson ES-Les Paul Custom Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (2015), made in Memphis, Tennessee, serial # 10785711, black lacquer finish, maple/poplar laminate body, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original brown tolex hard shell case.
This ES-Les Paul is a hybrid design which borrows elements from the ES-335 and the Les Paul, essentially the smaller solidbody form constructed as a semi-hollowbody. This Custom/Black Beauty model is a fancier version with multi-ply binding, gold hardware and block fingerboard inlays drawn from the original 1950s Les Paul Customs.
Instead of solid mahogany the body has 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple construction for top, back, and rim with a weight-relieved mahogany center block to minimize feedback while maximizing sustain. This is mated to a 1-piece mahogany neck with a classic "C" profile topped with a multi-bound, block inlaid ebony fingerboard. The sound is powered by two MHS (Memphis Historic Spec) alnico humbuckers based on '50s-era pickups, specifically underwound to capture vintage PAF-style clarity and airy top-end sparkle to enhance the sound of semi-hollowbody guitars. The other gold-plated hardware is typical for the Les Paul custom, one nice subtle touch is a nifty F-hole emblem on the truss rod cover.
This model was introduced in 2014 by Gibson's now sadly closed down Memphis division, likely as their way of getting in on the eternal sales leading Les Paul design. The much lighter body is a boon for shoulders everywhere (this one weighs 6.6 Lbs.) while the sound mixes a woody acoustic depth with the traditional Les Paul sing and sustain. This model was another great idea that the Memphis team brought to Gibson's table; they are sadly gone now but at least they left some cool legacy pieces behind.
Overall length is 39 1/2 in. (100.3 cm.), 12 15/16 in. (32.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.)., 6.6 lbs.
This guitar appears very little used, showing only light handling marks. It plays very well, complete in the original HSC including the Gibson Memphis COA and the original hangtag indicating it was shipped out on April 13 2015. Excellent + Condition.
