Les Paul ES
THE RICH TONE MODEL GUIDE
Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul: semi-hollow Les Paul guide
Introduced in 2014, the ES-Les Paul combines the single-cut outline and 24.75-inch scale of a Les Paul with the laminated body, f-holes and centre block associated with Gibson’s ES family. Built in Memphis, it offers a lighter, airier route into classic dual-humbucker Gibson sounds.
Les Paul meets ES construction
The body uses laminated maple/poplar/maple top, back and rims around a solid mahogany centre block. This creates semi-hollow resonance while the centre block supports sustain and helps control feedback.
Familiar Les Paul feel
A set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, 24.75-inch scale, 12-inch radius and trapezoid inlays keep the playing geometry recognisably Les Paul, despite the very different body construction.
Memphis Historic Spec pickups
Early standard models use a pair of MHS humbuckers created by Gibson Memphis to evoke vintage PAF-style response. Traditional two-volume, two-tone controls and a three-way selector provide the familiar Gibson operating layout.
Introduced by Gibson Memphis in 2014
Gibson announced the ES-Les Paul in June 2014 as a deliberate meeting point between the Les Paul Standard and ES-335. Standard production ran through the mid-2010s, with Rich Tone’s archive including a 2014 Honey Burst example and a Natural-finish instrument.
Why the construction matters
Unlike a solid or weight-relieved Les Paul, the ES-Les Paul uses pressed laminated body panels and visible f-holes. The mahogany centre block anchors the bridge and pickups, balancing semi-hollow openness with the focus and sustain expected from a Les Paul-format guitar.
Hardware and musical character
An ABR-style Tune-o-matic bridge and lightweight stopbar tailpiece support familiar Les Paul response. The combination of MHS humbuckers, spruce bracing and a semi-hollow body gives the model its own voice rather than making it merely a lighter Les Paul Standard.
Sell Your Gear
Sell Your Gear with Rich Tone Music or explore part exchange towards another Gibson. The Memphis ES-Les Paul’s production period, finish and exact variant are useful details when describing this distinctive semi-hollow model.
ES-Les Paul questions
When was the Gibson ES-Les Paul introduced?
Gibson Memphis announced the model in June 2014. Standard examples are chiefly associated with the 2014–16 production period.
Is the ES-Les Paul a hollowbody?
It is semi-hollow. Laminated top, back and rims create hollow chambers, while a solid mahogany centre block runs through the body to support the bridge area and help manage feedback.
How is it different from a chambered Les Paul?
The ES-Les Paul uses ES-style laminated body construction and f-holes around a centre block. A chambered solidbody starts with solid wood that is routed internally, so the two methods are structurally different.
Which pickups are used?
The early standard specification uses two Gibson MHS, or Memphis Historic Spec, humbuckers designed for vintage PAF-inspired response.
Does it retain normal Les Paul controls?
Yes. The standard model uses two volume controls, two tone controls and a three-way pickup selector, together with a Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece.