“All three of these guitars have their own sonic character – all of them great”: Gibson’s ES Supreme might be the ultimate modern semi-hollow, but it still feels alive
The Gibson ES-335 has established itself as the most versatile of all of the hallowed builders’ iconic shapes.
Yes, the mighty Les Paul is the most popular (and most copied), while the SG remains the ultimate utilitarian rocker, but neither of them can hold a candle to their semi-hollow sibling when it comes to handling just about any music style you can throw at it.
Blues greats, jazz talents, rock icons, hip hop, soul, and funk players have all picked up ES-335s and made them sing.
Earlier this year, Gibson unveiled its ultimate take on a contemporary ES build, in the form of the ES Supreme – offering a classy contemporary take on the iconic semi-hollow shape, with a wealth of aesthetic flourishes and high-end appointments, alongside new electronics.
As you can see from the video above, Guitar World’s Paul Riario had the pleasant job of trying out three of them to see just what the Supreme build looks, feels, and sounds like up close.
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Gibson ES Supreme Blueberry Burst(Image credit: Gibson)
Gibson ES Supreme Seafoam Greeen(Image credit: Gibson)
Gibson ES Supreme Bourbon Burst(Image credit: Gibson)
It’s just a matter of preference. Try as many as you can – and find the one that speaks to you
Paul Riario
Paul’s demo trio includes the eye-catching Seafoam Green, Blueberry Burst and Bourbon Burst finish options. The bright colorways really draw attention to the AAA maple figured tops, which – in a first for the Supreme line – is continued around the backs and sides of the guitars. And it’s all double-bound to give it the full tuxedo treatment.
The three-ply body is constructed of maple, poplar and maple, then there’s the usual centerblock, a mahogany neck with a highly playable rounded C profile (“bound of course”, notes Paul), plus a stealthy modern convenience with a compound radius ebony fretboard.
Up at the headstock, there’s a Gibson logo in mother of pearl, alongside a stunning Supreme chandelier inlay (a 1940s design rescued from the firm’s archives), plus locking Grover Keystone tuners.
(Image credit: Gibson)
Pickup duties are ably handled by a pair of Gibson’s top-of-the-line Burstbucker Pro humbuckers and, as if the ES-335 was not versatile enough, we’ve now got the option of coil-tapping via two push/pull volume pots.
In the clip, Paul takes us through a whole host of available tones, from crystalline jazz, to vintage Cream-style hot-rodded blues and even shreddy, high-gain scenarios. He also shows what you can do with the flexibility of those coil-splits, as you edge into notched wah-style territory.
One thing that stands out – aside from the finishes – is the tonal variety of these three identical models – all built in the firm’s Nashville, TN ‘craftory’ – with each of the three instruments offering its own lively, organic voice.
“All three of these guitars have their own sonic character; all of them great,” concludes Paul. “It’s just a matter of preference. Try as many as you can – and find the one that speaks to you.”
The Gibson ES Supreme is priced at $4,299. For more information, head to Gibson.
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