Gibson Les Paul Supreme Trans Ebony B

Gibson Les Paul Supreme Trans Ebony B review

The Gibson Les Paul Supreme Trans Ebony B pairs familiar Les Paul construction with a weight-reduced mahogany body, a carved AAA flamed maple top, and a versatile set of push-pull controls. Its $3,485 price puts it firmly in the high-end category, so buyers should expect careful finishing and consistent setup. Customer reports praise the guitar's sound, comfort, and appearance, but some also describe cosmetic flaws on individual examples. Those differences matter when choosing an instrument at this price.

Construction and finish

The body is mahogany with what Gibson calls ultra-modern weight relief. Buyers often appreciate the resulting balance and reduced weight, and one owner found the guitar easier to play for long periods than other Les Paul models. The set-in mahogany neck has a Slim Taper profile, a contoured heel, and an ebony fingerboard. Mother-of-pearl split-block inlays provide a prominent visual detail, while the 22 frets and 629 mm scale retain the familiar feel associated with this style of guitar.

The top is listed as AAA flamed maple. The finish appears under the name Trans Ebony Burst in the detailed specifications, while the general color field says Trans Black. That variation reflects the supplied product data, and the appearance may also differ from one instrument to another. One buyer reported that two examples seen in person had notably different grain visibility and finish consistency. The instrument ultimately purchased had attractive figuring and an even finish. This is a good reason to inspect the specific guitar when possible, rather than relying on photos of another unit.

Other construction details include a Graph Tech nut measuring 43.1 mm wide, Grover locking tuners, gold-plated hardware, and an included case. The guitar is made in the United States. There is no tremolo system, and the supplied specifications do not list a gig bag.

Pickups and controls

The pickup set consists of a Burstbucker Pro humbucker at the bridge and a Burstbucker Pro+ humbucker at the neck. Customer comments repeatedly describe the sound as clear, defined, and strong. One player was especially impressed by the clean tones, while another valued the pickups' sound and broader range of available settings. The reports suggest that this model can cover more than a single thick, high-output Les Paul voice, though the supplied feedback does not include measured output or controlled comparisons.

Each of the two volume controls has a push-pull function for coil tapping. Both tone controls also push and pull, providing Pure Bypass and phase functions. A three-way pickup switch selects the bridge pickup, neck pickup, or both. Owners praise the added tonal options and the ability to change pickup character from the guitar's controls. The specifications identify the individual functions, but do not explain which specific pull position activates each option. Check the instrument's documentation if you need a precise control map.

Playability and owner reports

Positive feedback focuses on the neck, balance, and general feel. Several players describe the neck as comfortable, and one owner called this model especially easy to handle because of its weight and neck shape. The contoured heel may also make upper-fret access more comfortable, although that impression will depend on playing style and hand position.

Reports on quality are not entirely consistent. Some buyers describe flawless finishing and a well-adjusted setup. Others noticed marks around the neck or lower edge of the fingerboard, and one showroom visitor found uneven-looking finish and poorly positioned strings at the bridge on the display guitar. That player later received another example with an even finish, attractive figuring, and a well-adjusted string height. These accounts do not establish how common such issues are, but they make a strong case for checking the finish, fretboard edges, and bridge setup on the exact instrument being purchased.

Verdict

The Les Paul Supreme offers premium materials, a comfortable weight-reduced body, an ebony fingerboard, locking tuners, and a broad control layout built around two humbuckers. Customer feedback supports its reputation for clear, appealing sound and comfortable playability. The main reservation is consistency between individual examples, especially in finish appearance and small cosmetic details. At $3,485, inspect the guitar closely or confirm the seller's return and exchange terms. Buyers who find a well-finished example should get a distinctive, highly adjustable Les Paul supplied with its case.