Les Paul CM
THE RICH TONE MODEL GUIDE
Gibson Les Paul CM: the streamlined 2015–16 Les Paul
The Les Paul CM distilled Gibson USA’s carved-top design into a direct, lightweight format. The 2015 model centred on one ’61 Zebra bridge humbucker, a wraparound Lightning Bar bridge and simple volume-and-tone controls, while 2016 brought T, HP and more aggressive CM Black variations.
Single-pickup simplicity
The core CM layout uses one bridge humbucker with master volume and tone controls. It is an intentionally focused alternative to the usual twin-pickup Les Paul wiring while retaining a 24.75-inch scale and set-neck construction.
Carved-top Les Paul build
A mahogany back and plain maple top retain the familiar Les Paul wood pairing. The ribcage contour and satin finish give the CM a more modern, stripped-back feel, while the compensated wraparound bridge keeps the hardware concise.
2015 and 2016 choices
The 2015 specification combined a ’61 Zebra humbucker, Lightning Bar bridge and G Force tuning. The 2016 T and HP versions kept the single-pickup idea with different hardware and neck-access details, while the separate CM Black Floyd Rose model used two Dirty Fingers humbuckers and a locking tremolo.
The 2015 launch specification
The 2015 Les Paul CM used a mahogany back, maple top, rounded maple neck, extra-thick rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays and a single uncovered ’61 Zebra humbucker. Its satin ebony presentation, black-and-white pickup and minimal controls created a deliberately functional Gibson USA model.
How the 2016 versions evolved
For 2016, Gibson offered Traditional and High Performance routes. Contemporary specifications describe the T as a simple single-pickup model with manual hardware, while the HP added the fast-access heel, G Force tuners and adjustable titanium nut and saddles. The CM Black Floyd Rose HH is a distinct high-output sibling, not simply another finish.
A useful place in the Les Paul family
The CM sits between Junior-style directness and carved-top Les Paul construction. Its one-pickup control scheme rewards straightforward playing, while the maple-topped mahogany body, set neck and Gibson scale preserve key parts of the wider Les Paul identity.
Sell Your Gear
Sell Your Gear with Rich Tone Music or explore part exchange towards another guitar. When describing a Les Paul CM, the model year and T, HP or Floyd Rose designation quickly identify its pickup, tuning and bridge specification.
Les Paul CM questions
What does the Les Paul CM offer?
The core model is a stripped-back Gibson USA Les Paul with a carved maple top, mahogany back, one bridge humbucker and simple master volume and tone controls.
Which pickup is in the 2015 Les Paul CM?
The launch specification used an uncovered Gibson ’61 Zebra bridge humbucker. Its mismatched coils and Alnico 5 design belong to Gibson’s hotter, clear 1960s-inspired humbucker family.
What is the Lightning Bar bridge?
It is a compensated wraparound bridge that combines bridge and tailpiece functions in one part, with shaped intonation points for the strings.
How do the 2016 T and HP versions differ?
The HP version adds Gibson’s fast-access heel, G Force tuning and adjustable titanium nut and saddles. The T follows a more conventional hardware route while keeping the CM’s focused single-pickup character.
Is the Floyd Rose CM the same specification?
No. The CM Black Floyd Rose is a distinct 2016 variant with two Dirty Fingers humbuckers, a Floyd Rose top-loader tremolo and more aggressive black-and-red styling.