I like the 2015 Les Paul - Anyone else?

[Allenjason]

I bought a used 15 Junior because it was cheap (or so I thought, I went into G.C. not long after I bought mine and found a brand new one for 50 bucks more than I paid).

Ripped off the G Force and put on regular tuners a few days after I got it. I toyed around withe G Force but it wasn't very accurate and just seemed silly to me. I could see if you played in multiple turnings why you might want robo tuners but Gibson was out of their minds thinking the average LP buyer would want them.

Don't care one way or the other about the zero fret other than I'm worried about wearing grooves in it.....I really like the wider fretboard, it feels great IMO.......I absolutely loathe the signature on the headstock and covered it up with stickers........the hologram is dumb and I just try my best to pretend it doesn't exist since I can't see it when I'm playing.

Overall I really like it as something different. I would never buy a higher end 15 and I still can't believe Gibson was dumb enough to make all those changes across the board but I think the guitars themselves are good guitars and I think they will find a following as the years go on because they're so different. Gibson should have just offered these features on a few guitars instead of making them on every LP.

the cases were ridiculous too though. I look at my chainsaw case or my classic looking black or brown Gibson cases and then I see that Spock's coffin looking lump of shit next to them and just scratch my head. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall at the meeting where they decided to go with those silly looking cases.

 

[4pie]

the 2015 Deluxe is an Outstanding guitar and I would gladly go over those changes to own a gold top or red wine one. that boost switch is so good you just never want it off.

 

[wmachine]

I'm extremely satisfied with mine.
No wide neck
No zero nut.
No G-Force
No Signature
No Hologram.
What is does have is biting '57 A3R/A3T pups and electronics I really like.
And a big price reduction thanks to the detractors (about $1375 when I got done)
Trad Pro 3T

 

[MarkJB]

Yes love mine - went to buy a 2016 50s trib but the one I tried was a mess - wrinkled and uneven paint on the neck and the sides of the board were shocking... So I bought a 2015 classic VS.

ive switched the brass nut for a Tusq one which keeps the adjustable function.

the GForce works perfectly but may get switched for regular pegs just because electronics don't have a endless lifespan IME. Like Engineer I've been a Bass player since 87 so that might be why the neck is the most comfortable I've ever played. Love the extra wiggle/bending room especially for double stop bends and BB King wobbles.

The build and finish quality of mine is faultless, though I hear that as with all years not all are. The 57s sound superb and as most of the time I plug straight into a Valve amp, the boost is a real bonus. I also like the option of taking the gaurd on and off, depending on my mood. The case is a case, it works, it protects the guitar, doesn't scuff like vinyl, has loads of room... Does its job!

like 99% of the people I don't really like the signature, but a bit of gold paint on the headstock isn't a deal breaker for me with everything else taken into account... Not least the 50% saving! So thanks very much to all those who snubbed the 2015 lesters, you've saved me £800!

 

[MarkJB]

Here's mine btw...

What doesn't show up well is that the top as well as having nice subtle and variegated flaming has really nice grain running up and down (parallel to the neck). The figuring on the inlays (inc headstock) is gorgeous and there is not a flaw in the finish (even the hologram is flat!). I've changed just the nut to the Tusq one and the TRC so far and apart from adding locks that will be it for the time being... Until I get round to changing the GForce just to keep in in 'new' condition. I'm 46 now so doubt I will ever sell her, she'll get handed down to my son eventually. So I have no interest in resale value whatsoever, though I note that in the UK second hand 2015 classics are selling for more that I paid new!

 

[Allenjason]

Here's mine btw...

What doesn't show up well is that the top as well as having nice subtle and variegated flaming has really nice grain running up and down (parallel to the neck). The figuring on the inlays (inc headstock) is gorgeous and there is not a flaw in the finish (even the hologram is flat!). I've changed just the nut to the Tusq one and the TRC so far and apart from adding locks that will be it for the time being... Until I get round to changing the GForce just to keep in in 'new' condition. I'm 46 now so doubt I will ever sell her, she'll get handed down to my son eventually. So I have no interest in resale value whatsoever, though I note that in the UK second hand 2015 classics are selling for more that I paid new!

I just can't get past the 15's only having 3 knobs. It just doesn't look right IMO.

 

[MarkJB]

I just can't get past the 15's only having 3 knobs. It just doesn't look right IMO.

Thats not a 2015 thing, the 2014 classic had it too and not all 15s have it - it's just those with the 15db boost

 

[jdt]

I just picked up a used 2015 Les Paul Less+ for a price I feel pretty good about. The guitar is virtually unplayed and in excellent condition. I'm really quite happy with it. The G-Force tuners were replaced with Grovers, but they included the G-Force in the case, so I imagine I will put them on and give them a try at some point.

Just like one of the previous posters, I find the fit and finish (Heritage Cherry Sunburst) to be top notch...just beautiful.

So far I'm liking the pickups. I have DiMarzio Virtual PAFs in my 2003 Studio, and I find the '57s to be very comparable. Not to say I won't try the DiMarzios in the Less+ at some point, but I'm in no rush to do so.

I do love the removable pickguard. My Studio has the Fireburst finish, so never had one, so I'm thinking I'll probably have it off for the most part...nice to be able to do that so easily without any screw holes!

Now the neck...I do have to admit it will take a bit of getting used to. It almost feels like playing a classical guitar, though it's not quite that wide. But even after just a few hours of playing I can tell I'm already getting used to it. I do agree it was a bit odd to make such a radical change to the entire lineup...I don't quite get that...doesn't seem like they did any market research!

I don't mind the logo...it's Les Paul's actual signature...kinda cool from that perspective, even if it's not elegant. And the hologram...it is perhaps a bit cheesy, but it's small and on the back. And I understand Gibson's concern about separating the true Gibsons from all the fakes out there, and thinking this would help. Whatever...not a deal breaker.

And personally I like the case. I do like the more traditional Les Paul cases, too, like I have with my Studio, but I have no problems with the gold rectangular ones. They actually have a lot more space inside, which comes in handy sometimes.

But yeah, I'm happy with my 2015, and glad I got such a good deal on it!

 

[Big Al]

I've been thinking about a single cut Jr for slide guitar. I like the wider neck I just wish the spacing at the nut was widened too. I would replace the excellent adjustable nut with a steel version and it should allow me to properly set up for slide playing. The mini eTune could prove very handy as I play in a variety of open and altered tunings for slide.

The hologram thing doesn't bother me at all, nor the logo signature, as it is what it is and for me it is not a problem.

 

[MarkJB]

I've been thinking about a single cut Jr for slide guitar. I like the wider neck I just wish the spacing at the nut was widened too. I would replace the excellent adjustable nut with a steel version and it should allow me to properly set up for slide playing. The mini eTune could prove very handy as I play in a variety of open and altered tunings for slide.

The hologram thing doesn't bother me at all, nor the logo signature, as it is what it is and for me it is not a problem.

you can get a free titianium replacement (zero fret) by sending a request to Gibson with proof of purchase and the guitars serial number. I have both the Ti one and a Tusq one - both drop in and out easily.

 

[transistor]

trad sr?

Hey everyone...I'm looking to buy a 2015 lp traditional (150082666) is there any way to know if it is the limited sprint run other than without the g force tuner? I'm fairly comfortable saying it's legit but any feedback anyone can give or if I can post pics I would be glad and appreciate it. Thanks guys and have a great day

 

[jdt]

you can get a free titianium replacement (zero fret) by sending a request to Gibson with proof of purchase and the guitars serial number. I have both the Ti one and a Tusq one - both drop in and out easily.

I just called Gibson Customer Service about this. They said they are currently on backorder, but expect more in about 3 weeks. They actually just took the serial number and my mailing address over the phone and said they would mail one out when they come in. I made it clear I was the second owner of the guitar, but that didn't seem to make any difference and they didn't ask for proof of purchase. Assuming it shows up in a few weeks, I'll be very happy with this service!

 

[MarkJB]

I just called Gibson Customer Service about this. They said they are currently on backorder, but expect more in about 3 weeks. They actually just took the serial number and my mailing address over the phone and said they would mail one out when they come in. I made it clear I was the second owner of the guitar, but that didn't seem to make any difference and they didn't ask for proof of purchase. Assuming it shows up in a few weeks, I'll be very happy with this service!

I got the same delivery estimate, it arrived in just under three weeks by courier in a huge box!

 

[eback]

Here are a couple of pics of my previously loved 2015, Les Paul Classic. It's my first flame top and I love the neck, the boost, and the pickups. The robo-tuners had already been swapped out. Plays much better for me than my 1993 Studio that I traded in.

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[MarkJB]

Here are a couple of pics of my previously loved 2015, Les Paul Classic. It's my first flame top and I love the neck, the boost, and the pickups. The robo-tuners had already been swapped out. Plays much better for me than my 1993 Studio that I traded in.

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That's a nice soft burst!

 

[Fish Fingers]

I'm very pleased with my 2015 Deluxe, however..............................
The bonkers electric tuning system is not particularly stable, even with well stretched strings.
It also is, I think, responsible for the brass zero fret getting a bad name for grooving up after a while.
I had a Zeroglide nut and a set of locking tuners fitted.
End of that problem.
The hologram is tacky and the signature on the headstock is not my thing either.
The standard of finish and the playablity are beyond reproach, awesome.
Annoyingly the pickups are really great; so no endless you tubing for a replacement set.
The neck is no problem as I like 'em chunky.
I expect this guitar to keep on putting a smile on my face for a long long time.

 

[Big Al]

That's a nice soft burst!

SOFT???? That is a new term for me. It do look mighty fine geetar but, USED to own??? Wha happened?

 

[MarkJB]

SOFT???? That is a new term for me. It do look mighty fine geetar but, USED to own??? Wha happened?

Lol, meaning the burst still has lots of colour but is a really soft transition (the opposite of a clownburst!) - I know I couldn't think of another word! :hee

He said 'pre loved' meaning He wasn't the first owner. I think he still has it?

 

[eback]

"Previously loved," meaning I bought it used, less than a year old I was told.

 

[Telechamp]

I really like my '15 LP Special DC. Got it on clearance, and wasn't sure if I would be able to bond with it or not, but I really dig it.