Gibson ES Supreme Bourbon Burst

Gibson ES Supreme Bourbon Burst review

The Gibson ES Supreme is a U.S.-made, semi-hollow electric guitar in the Modern Collection, finished here in Bourbon Burst. It has an arched AAA flamed maple top, a maple body, and a mahogany set neck. An ebony fingerboard, split mother-of-pearl inlays, and gold-plated hardware give the model a distinctive high-end look. The package includes a case.

Gibson lists the guitar as a semi-hollowbody, though its style is also described as hollowbody. Those labels can be confusing: the supplied specifications identify this model as semi-hollow, not a fully hollow guitar. Its ES-style shape follows the familiar double-cutaway design, while a contoured neck heel is intended to make the upper frets easier to reach.

Construction and playing feel

The neck has a rounded C profile, a 43 mm nut, and 22 frets. The scale length is given as 24.75 inches, or 629 mm in the detailed specifications. A separate listing rounds that metric figure to 628 mm. The nut is made by Graph Tech, and the guitar uses Grover locking tuners.

One owner described the finish and build of their example as excellent, with no workmanship issues to report. They also found the neck comfortable and the action well set. After fitting heavier,.011-gauge strings, they said no neck adjustment was needed. That is useful real-world feedback, though setup and feel can vary between individual guitars and players.

The maple top has a strong visual role, with its flamed figuring contributing to the Bourbon Burst appearance. One owner noted that the figured top was laminated rather than solid, and pointed out that laminated construction has a long history in Gibson's ES designs. The available specifications identify the wood and top finish, but do not give further construction details about the maple layers.

Pickups and controls

The ES Supreme pairs a Burstbucker Pro humbucker at the bridge with a Burstbucker Pro+ humbucker at the neck. Two volume controls have push-pull coil-tap functions, while two tone controls and a three-way toggle switch provide the main switching options. There is no tremolo system.

Player feedback describes the sound as rounded and warm, with clear treble that remains present without becoming piercing. The bridge pickup was also praised for producing convincing rock tones with distortion. The coil-tap controls add another option for changing the pickup response, although the supplied feedback does not specify the exact tonal difference or output level in that mode.

One reviewer felt the guitar could cover jazz, blues, rock and roll, and bossa nova. That is a player's assessment rather than a guarantee of a particular sound in every rig. Amplifier choice, effects, playing technique, and setup all shape the result. Still, the combination of two humbuckers, individual volume and tone controls, and coil tapping gives players several ways to adjust the guitar's voice.

Price and ownership considerations

At a listed price of $3,666, the ES Supreme sits in a premium bracket. The case is included, and the gold-plated hardware, figured maple top, ebony fingerboard, and locking tuners contribute to its upscale specification. The available information says the model has been offered since July 2024. It does not establish that every guitar will arrive with the same setup or finish quality as the examples described by owners.

One customer mentioned registering the serial number with Gibson and reported a lifetime warranty. Buyers should confirm current warranty terms directly with Gibson, since coverage can depend on the instrument, owner, and place of purchase. Another owner acknowledged that comparable guitars from other makers may cost less, leaving the buyer to decide whether this model's design, features, and Gibson identity justify the premium.

Verdict

The Gibson ES Supreme Bourbon Burst combines a semi-hollow ES-style body with a comfortable rounded C neck, two Burstbucker pickups, and push-pull coil tapping. Reported examples earned praise for their finish, playability, and warm but clear sound. The high price makes comparison shopping sensible, especially for players weighing the Gibson name against lower-cost alternatives. For someone drawn to its construction, appearance, and flexible controls, it has a compelling specification, but the final value depends on personal preference and the price available from a retailer.