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Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015

Gibson’s flagship model gets an update, here we look at what’s new with the Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015.

Gibson Les Paul Supereme 2015

Related Feature:
Les Paul Supreme 2014

As expected from their top-of-the-line model, the company equipped it with their very best tonewoods and hardware, allowing this guitar to reign supreme as the best production line Les Paul you can buy for 2015.

Since we have featured last year’s version, it is only fitting to put the spotlight on the successor and see what Gibson changed. I’m still not sold to the semi-hollow body design that deviates from traditional Les Pauls, especially since they already have very good semi-hollow guitars like the ES-335. Still, there’s no denying that the added f-holes add to the premium appeal of the instrument.

The Les Paul Supreme 2015 has some interesting changes over the previous model, most notable of which is the use of a wider neck and fingerboard. From 1.695″ last year, the new nut width is 1.795″, which according to Gibson improves the playing comfort for solo playing techniques that include hammer-ons, bends and pull offs. Interestingly, even though the neck is wider, the string spacing is retained, so you won’t have to relearn your favorite chord and scale shapes. The typical 24.75″ scale length is maintained for the 2015 version.

Speaking of the nut, Gibson employed what they call as “Zero Fret Adjustable Nut”. This patent applied for technology is designed to help increase sustain and intonation, while offering a wide range of adjustments for the action. This allows for precise intonation and action adjustments right at the nut. A new comprehensive PLEK program was also put in place, resulting in lower actions on all 2015 models right out of the box. Together with the improved nut, wider neck and genuine pearl crown inlay, the Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015 is easier to play.

For 2015 models, Gibson USA now prioritizes consistency of the figure, intensity of the figure, clarity, and grain wave when matching wood. This applies to the guitar’s semi-hollow body, which is divided into parts, the back and the top. Both the top and back are crafted from the best maple that the company can source, and are grafted together to form the familiar single-cutaway body albeit with a chambered body and f-holes. As expected the guitar is replete with bindings and other visual appointments. Gibson says that this is “the only guitar in the 2015 lineup with a figured maple back provides a solid mass to generate maximum sustain and beautiful looks.”

For the electronics, Gibson opted for a floating mini-humbucker for the neck position and a 492R humbucker for the bridge. These pickups are described as having umatched bobbin windings that result in improved highs, closer to how vintage pickups sound. The pickups are routed to a straightforward set of controls that include a 3-way pickup selector, and independent knobs for adjusting the volume and tone of each pickup.

Gibson Les Paul Supereme 2015

Zero Fret Adjustable Nut

The hardware of the new Les Paul Supreme was also updated, featuring Tune-O-Matic bridge with Titanium saddles. These upgraded saddles are notched to precisely match each string, resulting in improved clarity and sustain, along with ease of bridge height adjustment. The output jack are also redesigned to be more secure, a practical improvement to one of the earliest Les Paul parts that usually break. Multipoint connection is also implemented for better signal transfer and for holding the heavier gauge wire that all the 2015 Gibson guitars will be using.

Interestingly, the Les Paul Supreme does not come with their “G-Force” automatic mechanical tuner, which to me is quite odd especially since you expect the best features to be available to the flagship model. Finally, the guitar has a Les Paul Hologram, which serves as its mark of authenticity, paying tribute to the man behind the Les Paul name.

The MSRP for the new Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015 is $6,599, which noticeably costs more than its predecessor. For more information and other details, head over to Gibson.

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1 thought on “Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015”

  1. The fact that g-system isn't
    Anonymous

    The fact that g-system isn’t on here is good IMHO. I was looking for a high-end Les Psul this year but they’ve put that gimick on most I’m interested. Waiting another year now or finding an older model.

    Oh and your captchas are impossible. I’ve tried 3 times so far. Grumble.

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