There are moments when a familiar design is pushed just far enough to reveal something entirely new. The Gibson ES Supreme semi-hollowbody electric guitar does exactly that—taking the foundational language of the ES-335 and refining it into a flagship instrument that feels both unmistakably Gibson and distinctly elevated. This two-pickup version pairs a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body and solid maple center block for resonance, sustain and feedback control with a mahogany neck and compound-radius ebony fingerboard that move effortlessly from first-position chords to upper-register bends. Burstbucker Pro pickups with coil-splitting expand its tonal range, while gold-appointed hardware—including a Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece and locking Grover tuners—ensures stability, precision and a refined visual presence. Elegant without excess, the ES Supreme is a study in how far thoughtful refinement can take an already iconic design.
3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple Body With Center Block for Warm Resonance and Feedback Control
Built on the iconic ES-335 platform, the ES Supreme features a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body that balances warmth, clarity and projection. This layered construction enhances top-end articulation while maintaining a smooth, controlled low end, giving the guitar a broad, adaptable voice across genres. A solid maple center block runs through the body, increasing sustain and significantly reducing feedback at higher volumes, making it equally at home on stage and in the studio. Spruce bracing supports the top for added stability and responsiveness, while the semi-hollow design preserves the open, airy character that defines the ES family.
Mahogany Neck With Ebony Fingerboard for Smooth Feel and Expansive Range
The mahogany neck is carved to a Rounded C profile that feels substantial without slowing the hand, offering a familiar, comfortable grip for both chord work and lead playing. Set into the body with a glued joint, it reinforces sustain and overall resonance. The bound ebony fingerboard introduces a fast, glassy playing surface with a 10"–16" compound radius that transitions from comfortable chording in the lower positions to flatter, more accommodating geometry for bends and upper-register work. With 22 medium-jumbo frets and a 24.75" scale length, the neck supports fluid phrasing and precise articulation across the entire fretboard.
Burstbucker Pro Pickups With Coil-Splitting for Expanded Versatility
Equipped with a Burstbucker Pro Rhythm in the neck and a Burstbucker Lead Pro Plus in the bridge, the ES Supreme delivers a wide tonal palette rooted in classic Gibson character. The neck pickup offers warmth and clarity with a smooth, rounded response, while the bridge adds bite, presence and dynamic push for more assertive playing. Push/pull volume controls enable coil-splitting for each pickup, opening up brighter, more focused single-coil-style tones without sacrificing output balance. The result is a flexible, responsive voice that moves easily between clean articulation, driven textures and nuanced in-between settings.
Premium Hardware and Appointments for Stability, Sustain and Visual Impact
Gold hardware reinforces both the instrument’s performance and its visual identity, anchored by an aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece that provide strong sustain, accurate intonation and a direct, responsive feel. Locking Grover Rotomatic tuners with keystone buttons ensure quick string changes and stable tuning, while a Graph Tech nut promotes smooth string travel and consistent pitch return. A bound headstock with a mother-of-pearl inlay inspired by a 1940s Gibson design, along with Super Split Block inlays on the fingerboard, adds a refined visual signature that complements the striking figure of the wood grain.
The ES Supreme: A Refined Expression of Gibson’s Semi-Hollow Legacy
The Gibson ES Supreme builds on one of the most versatile electric guitar platforms ever created, refining its construction, playability and tonal flexibility into a cohesive, modern flagship. From its maple body and center block design to its compound-radius ebony fingerboard and coil-splittable Burstbucker pickups, every element is chosen to expand capability without disrupting the core identity of the ES line. It’s a guitar that doesn’t reinvent the formula—it sharpens it, delivering a more focused, responsive and visually striking take on a design that continues to define what a semi-hollow electric can be.