This Gibson Les Paul Supreme in Desert Burst takes the familiar Les Paul platform into considerably more luxurious territory, combining premium woods, ornate appointments and powerful twin-humbucker electronics.

Its specification centres around a chambered mahogany body with a carved AAA figured maple top, complemented by an ebony fingerboard with decorative mother-of-pearl inlays, multi-ply binding and extensive gold hardware.

The beautifully graduated Desert Burst finish allows the figuring of the maple top to remain a central visual feature, while Gibson high-output humbuckers provide everything from full, articulate clean sounds to powerful rock and lead tones.

This individual guitar weighs 8.86 lbs, is presented in Very Good Condition, and is supplied with a hardcase.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Supreme
Finish	Desert Burst
Body	Chambered Mahogany
Top	Carved AAA Figured Maple
Neck	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Ebony
Scale Length	24.75"
Frets	22
Inlays	Decorative Mother-of-Pearl
Pickup Configuration	HH
Pickups	Gibson High-Output Humbuckers
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuners	Grover
Hardware	Gold
Weight	8.86 lbs
Condition	Very Good
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Premium Les Paul specification with ornate Supreme appointments

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Gibson Les Paul Supreme is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

The high-gloss Desert Burst finish and gold-plated hardware can naturally show light evidence of handling and previous use, particularly when viewed under strong lighting.

What's Included?

✔ Gibson Les Paul Supreme Desert Burst
✔ Hardcase

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

The supplied hardcase has not been confirmed as the original Gibson factory case, so no claim of originality is made.

Condition Notes

• Very Good overall condition
• Desert Burst finish
• AAA figured maple top
• Ebony fingerboard
• Gold hardware
• 8.86 lbs actual measured weight
• Hardcase included
• Passive electronics

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson has been checked for general operation and playability.

Assessment includes:

• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• 3-way selector
• Both volume controls
• Both tone controls
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Ebony fingerboard
• Frets
• Nut
• Grover tuning machines
• Tune-O-Matic bridge
• Stopbar tailpiece
• Gold hardware
• Structural condition
• Overall setup
• General playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge adjustment
• Hardware
• General playing feel

What Makes The Gibson Les Paul Supreme Special?

The Les Paul Supreme was conceived as a more luxurious and visually elaborate interpretation of Gibson's flagship solidbody guitar.

It retains the fundamental Les Paul combination of mahogany, carved maple, twin humbuckers and set-neck construction, but adds more elaborate materials and finishing details including a highly figured maple top, ebony fingerboard, extensive binding, ornate inlays and gold hardware.

The chambered construction also gives the Supreme a subtly different physical and resonant character from many traditional solid-bodied Les Paul models.

Chambered Mahogany Body

The Supreme uses a chambered mahogany body.

Removing selected areas of wood from inside the body helps reduce overall weight while influencing the guitar's resonance and acoustic response.

It retains the depth and midrange associated with mahogany while offering a somewhat more open physical response than a completely solid Les Paul body.

Carved AAA Figured Maple Top

The guitar features a premium AAA figured maple top.

The carving provides the classic Les Paul silhouette, while the figuring adds substantial visual depth beneath the transparent Desert Burst finish.

Depending on the lighting and viewing angle, the figuring can appear to move across the top.

Desert Burst Finish

Desert Burst combines a warm amber centre with progressively darker shading towards the body edges.

It works particularly well on figured maple because the transparent finish allows the grain and figuring to remain clearly visible.

Combined with the gold hardware, the result is one of the more luxurious visual treatments associated with the Les Paul family.

Mahogany Neck

The guitar uses a mahogany set neck, maintaining the traditional Gibson construction method associated with the Les Paul.

Mahogany contributes:

• Strong sustain
• Warm midrange
• Full fundamental notes
• Smooth lead response

Ebony Fingerboard

One of the defining premium appointments of this Supreme is its ebony fingerboard.

Ebony provides a smooth, dense playing surface and contributes to a crisp, immediate feel under the fingers.

It also creates a dramatic visual contrast against the mother-of-pearl inlays and gold hardware.

Decorative Mother-of-Pearl Inlays

The fingerboard uses elaborate mother-of-pearl position inlays rather than the simpler trapezoids found on many Les Paul Standards.

These form an important part of the Supreme's premium visual identity.

The headstock also receives more elaborate decorative treatment than a conventional Les Paul.

24.75" Scale Length

The guitar uses Gibson's traditional 24.75" scale length.

Compared with a typical 25.5" scale instrument, this provides slightly softer string tension.

It particularly suits:

• String bending
• Wide vibrato
• Blues phrasing
• Lead playing
• Chord work

Twin Gibson Humbuckers

The guitar uses a pair of Gibson high-output humbuckers.

They provide:

• Full low frequencies
• Strong midrange
• Powerful bridge tones
• Smooth neck sounds
• Good sustain
• Excellent compatibility with overdrive
• Low hum compared with traditional single coils

The exact factory pickup model has not been independently confirmed for this individual guitar, so no unsupported model designation is assigned.

Neck Pickup

The neck humbucker is particularly suitable for:

• Smooth lead tones
• Warm clean sounds
• Blues
• Jazz-influenced playing
• Sustained rock solos

Bridge Pickup

The bridge humbucker provides:

• Greater attack
• Stronger upper-mid presence
• Powerful rhythm tones
• Hard-rock crunch
• Cutting lead sounds

Traditional Les Paul Controls

The Supreme retains the classic Gibson control arrangement:

• Neck Volume
• Bridge Volume
• Neck Tone
• Bridge Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector

This provides straightforward control over each pickup and makes it easy to balance contrasting neck and bridge sounds.

Tune-O-Matic Bridge

The Tune-O-Matic bridge provides individual saddle adjustment for accurate intonation.

It is paired with Gibson's familiar stopbar tailpiece arrangement for secure string anchoring and the solid playing feel associated with the Les Paul platform.

Grover Tuning Machines

The guitar uses Grover tuning machines.

These provide smooth and accurate adjustment while complementing the premium specification.

Gold Hardware

The extensive gold-plated hardware is one of the Supreme's most recognisable features.

It complements the warm Desert Burst finish and adds to the guitar's luxury aesthetic.

Gold plating can naturally show light fading, tarnishing or handling marks over time, particularly on regularly touched surfaces.

Multi-Ply Binding

The Les Paul Supreme receives more elaborate binding than a conventional Les Paul Standard.

The combination of:

• Multi-ply body treatment
• Bound fingerboard
• Decorated headstock
• Mother-of-pearl inlays

helps give the Supreme its immediately recognisable high-end appearance.

Weight

8.86 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual guitar rather than a generic manufacturer figure.

The chambered construction helps keep this example below the weight of many traditionally built solid Les Pauls while retaining a substantial, balanced feel.

Les Paul Supreme vs Les Paul Standard

The Les Paul Standard focuses on the classic Les Paul formula.

The Supreme adds a considerably more elaborate presentation together with premium materials and construction details.

Typical Supreme features include:

• More highly figured maple
• Chambered construction
• Ebony fingerboard
• Elaborate inlays
• Extensive binding
• Gold hardware
• Premium visual appointments

The result is a Les Paul aimed at players who want the familiar format with a more opulent specification.

Les Paul Supreme vs Les Paul Custom

Both sit at the premium end of Gibson's Les Paul range, but they approach luxury differently.

The Les Paul Custom is historically associated with formal solid-colour finishes, block inlays and traditional Custom appointments.

The Supreme places greater emphasis on:

• Highly figured transparent tops
• Elaborate decorative inlays
• Chambered construction
• Supreme-specific headstock treatment

Both offer premium Les Paul character, but the Supreme has a particularly distinctive visual identity.

Who Is It For?

Les Paul enthusiasts – A more elaborate interpretation of Gibson's classic single-cut design.

Classic rock players – Powerful humbuckers and the familiar Les Paul scale work beautifully with overdriven amplifiers.

Blues guitarists – The shorter scale and warm neck pickup suit expressive lead playing.

Hard-rock players – High-output Gibson humbuckers provide plenty of power and sustain.

Collectors – The Supreme's ornate construction and Desert Burst finish make it visually distinctive from more common Les Paul models.

Professional players – A premium guitar suitable for recording and live performance.

Players seeking a manageable Les Paul weight – This individual example weighs 8.86 lbs.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Classic rock
• Blues
• Blues rock
• Hard rock
• Rock
• Jazz rock
• Soul
• Alternative
• Indie
• Americana
• Studio recording
• Professional live performance
• Lead guitar
• Rhythm guitar

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Supreme
Finish	Desert Burst
Body Shape	Les Paul
Body Material	Chambered Mahogany
Top Material	Carved AAA Figured Maple
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Ebony
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Fingerboard Inlays	Mother-of-Pearl Supreme-Style Inlays
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson High-Output Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Gibson High-Output Humbucker
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuning Machines	Grover
Hardware Finish	Gold
Binding	Multi-Ply / Premium Supreme Appointments
Weight	8.86 lbs
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

Production-Era Specification Note

The Les Paul Supreme has been produced in several generations, and specifications have changed over time.

Later versions can differ in areas including:

• Body weight relief
• Fingerboard construction
• Pickup models
• Neck profile
• Electronics
• Switching
• Heel construction
• Hardware

The specification in this listing follows the details identified for this particular Desert Burst Supreme, including its chambered mahogany construction, AAA maple top, ebony fingerboard, Gibson humbuckers and gold hardware.

Because no serial number or production year has been supplied, this listing does not assign an exact year or era-dependent component specification that has not been verified.

Pickup Specification Note

Earlier Les Paul Supreme models are commonly associated with specific Gibson pickup combinations, but the exact pickup model installed in this individual guitar has not been independently verified.

For accuracy, they are therefore described as Gibson high-output humbuckers rather than assigning an unsupported model number.

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included.

The case has not been confirmed as the original Gibson factory case, so it is represented simply as a hardcase.

Power Requirements

None.

The Gibson humbuckers and traditional Les Paul electronics are passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The Gibson Les Paul Supreme in Desert Burst is an impressive combination of classic Les Paul performance and considerably more elaborate presentation.

Its chambered mahogany body, carved AAA figured maple top, ebony fingerboard, twin Gibson humbuckers, Grover tuners and gold hardware give it a specification that feels unmistakably premium without abandoning the fundamental Les Paul formula.

The Desert Burst finish makes particularly effective use of the figured maple, while the ornate inlays and extensive binding distinguish it immediately from a standard production Les Paul.

At 8.86 lbs, this individual example also offers a relatively manageable weight for a substantial Les Paul-style instrument.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, it is a strong choice for anyone looking for a visually striking, high-spec Gibson capable of serious stage and studio use.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition, measured weight and included accessories are represented clearly.

On this Gibson, the Very Good condition grade, 8.86 lbs measured weight and included hardcase are all clearly stated.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Gibson and premium pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Gibson Les Paul Supreme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Gibson Les Paul Supreme in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

What finish does it have?

It is finished in Desert Burst.

What is the body made from?

This example uses a chambered mahogany body with a carved AAA figured maple top.

Is the body completely solid?

No. This Supreme uses chambered construction within the mahogany body.

Why is the body chambered?

Chambering reduces some mass and changes the physical resonance of the guitar while retaining the fundamental mahogany-and-maple Les Paul construction.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has an ebony fingerboard.

What inlays does it use?

The fingerboard features decorative mother-of-pearl Supreme-style inlays.

What scale length does it have?

It uses Gibson's traditional 24.75" scale length.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 frets.

What pickups are fitted?

It uses two Gibson high-output humbuckers.

What exact Gibson pickup models are they?

The precise pickup model has not been independently verified for this individual guitar, so the listing does not assign an unsupported model designation.

Are the pickups active?

No. The electronics are passive.

What controls does it have?

It uses two volume controls, two tone controls and a 3-way pickup selector.

What bridge does it have?

It uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge.

What tuners are fitted?

It uses Grover tuning machines.

What colour is the hardware?

The hardware is gold.

Does gold hardware naturally show wear?

Yes. Gold plating can develop light fading or tarnishing on frequently touched areas with normal use.

How much does this guitar weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 8.86 lbs.

What makes a Les Paul Supreme different from a Standard?

The Supreme adds more ornate materials and appointments including a highly figured top, ebony fingerboard, decorative inlays, extensive binding, gold hardware and chambered construction.

Is the Les Paul Supreme the same as a Les Paul Custom?

No. Both are premium Les Paul models, but they use different construction details, appointments and aesthetics.

Do you know the exact year?

No production year has been supplied, so an exact year has not been assigned in this listing.

Does it require a battery?

No. The electronics are passive.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The supplied case has not been confirmed as the original Gibson factory case, so no claim of originality is made.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. The Les Paul scale, twin humbuckers and strong sustain work particularly well for blues and blues rock.

Is it suitable for hard rock?

Yes. The high-output Gibson humbuckers provide excellent drive, definition and sustain for hard-rock tones.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the Desert Burst figured top and individual condition or hear the humbuckers before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.