The Supremes were launched with innovation in mind—new Les Paul and SG models for those who appreciate the finer things
As a 130-year-old brand like no other in the musical instrument industry, one of Gibson’s charms is its rich archive of creative treasures, some hidden away and forgotten for decades until they are rediscovered. Gibson’s journey, shaped by generations of creatives, likely harbors numerous brilliant yet overlooked ideas.
2022’s Theodore is one great example: a Ted McCarty guitar design that lay dormant for 65 years like an artifact in a resplendent Egyptian tomb before it became a reality. Another such drawing influenced 2023’s Les Paul Supreme, and it now adorns the latest SG Supreme, released in 2024. Let’s delve into it and explore how.
The Les Paul Supreme is a contemporary musical powerhouse, offering versatile pickup tones and a compound fingerboard radius for easy playability. Yet, it resonates with historical influences. Notably, its headstock inlay—originally depicting Terra in rich abalone on the 2003 model—has been a hallmark of beauty. The iconic Super 400 split-diamond neck inlays continue to adorn this modern iteration.
Prior two images © Getty Images—Studio still life of a 2003 Gibson Les Paul Supreme guitar (Photo by Nigel Osbourne/Redferns)
Once just an idea, a penciled sketch sparked the reinvention of the Les Paul Supreme’s headstock inlay, now fondly known as the “chandelier.” This new inlay design reflects the grandeur and geometric finesse of the Art Deco era, blending opulence with modernity.
Let’s talk about the design’s origin story. Below is a vintage sketch from around 1940 that was culled from the Gibson archives. The drawing on the left made its way onto a lap steel guitar, and the other became integral to the current history of the Les Paul Supreme
The design has been subtly modernized for the new line of Supremes—they share some DNA with the Les Paul Modern and some with the Les Paul Custom. Among these is an exclusive 3-pickup Ebony model with a slightly different electronics layout than the figured top iterations, available only through Gibson.com. The SG Supreme shares the same DNA, including an exclusive Ebony version available only from Gibson.com.
Design and Aesthetics
For the figured top Supremes, the guitar’s top is a work of art, featuring a stunning AAA-figured maple design. This choice not only adds to the guitar’s aesthetic value but also enhances its acoustic properties. The mahogany body complements the maple top, offering a rich, warm tone that is highly sought after by guitarists. The Ebony model’s classic finish speaks for itself, and there’s a maple top under that mysterious nitrocellulose sheen, too.
Neck and Fretboard Features
The neck, crafted from high-quality mahogany, stands out for its durability and comfort. It is fitted with a beautiful ebony fretboard, known for its smooth playability and sharp attack. The fretboard’s compound radius allows for comfortable chording and effortless soloing, while the Super Split Block mother-of-pearl inlays add a touch of elegance.
Innovative Neck Design
One of the guitar’s most innovative features is its Modern Contoured Heel. This design provides unparalleled access to the upper frets, a boon for lead guitarists. The headstock is adorned with the unique “chandelier” mother-of-pearl inlay that we’ve been discussing.
Electronics and Sound
The guitar is equipped with Burstbucker™ Pro and Pro + pickups, renowned for their rich, versatile tones. The push/pull volume and tone potentiometers offer flexibility with coil tap, phase, and Pure Bypass switching, catering to a wide range of sound preferences.
Playability and Performance
This guitar is not just about looks; it’s a performer’s dream. Its ergonomic design with Ultra-Modern Weight Relief ensures comfort during extended playing sessions, and its versatility makes it suitable for many musical genres, from rock to jazz to funk and beyond.
Finishes and Hardware
The figured-top Supreme comes in three breathtaking finishes, each elegantly complemented by gold hardware. This combination enhances the visual appeal and adds a touch of class and sophistication.
Overall, the Les Paul Supreme stands out for its blend of visual appeal, innovation, and versatility. It caters to both professional musicians and enthusiastic hobbyists and represents the pinnacle of modern instrument design, combining aesthetic beauty with technical brilliance. It is a testament to Gibson’s commitment to the evolution of musical instruments and a must-have for serious guitarists.
Explore the Gibson Les Paul Supreme and the entire line of Les Paul guitars, and be sure to check out the new SG Supreme.
