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Gibson

collapse expand iconDescription

The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite electric guitar incorporates the quintessential form of a classic LP with a lighter, thinner, streamlined all-mahogany body. One of its standout features is a belly contour on the back of the guitar for an ergonomic playing experience, in addition to a SlimTaper neck for deft movement anywhere on the fingerboard. For the first time ever on a Core Les Paul model, the Modern Lite also includes a matching headstock to cap off the impressive solid-color satin finishes. Sonically, the LP Modern Lite traverses a broad swath of ground, containing a PAF-style 490R humbucker in the neck position and a sizzling-hot 498T in the bridge. The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is a no-nonsense rock machine, built for guitarists who prioritize speed and agility to bring their musical ideas to life.

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Body

Slim, Carved Body

The Les Paul Modern Lite takes advantage of a thin, lightweight solid mahogany body, ditching a maple top in favor of maintaining a svelte outline. Illustrative of the Modern Lite Les Paul is its rear belly carve, serving the dual purpose of lightening the guitar and making it significantly more comfortable to play, whether seated or standing. This uncharacteristic element of a Les Paul is what separates the Modern Lite from other models, placing it firmly in a realm of its own. Players who have gotten along with Superstrat-style electric guitars in the past will enjoy the familiar ergonomic playability of the Les Paul Modern Lite.  

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Pickups

490R and 498T Pickups

Gibson USA pickups are at the crux of the Modern Lite’s tonal veracity. The 490R/498T set offers a range of classic and contemporary Les Paul sounds, from original PAF thickness to biting, snarling leads and rhythms. In the neck position is the 490R, serving up timeless PAF tones with a slightly greater emphasis on upper midrange frequencies. At the bridge is the 498T—a wholly modern, high-output humbucker with incredible crunch and sustain. The 498T is phenomenal for hard rock and metal, easily tipping amps into overdrive for a meaty, sizzling tone that makes the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite sound powerful and defined. Wax potting in both humbuckers eliminates noise and microphonic feedback, especially for genres requiring higher amounts of gain.      

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Neck

SlimTaper Neck

The perfect complement to a highly ergonomic, contoured body is an aerodynamic neck. Utilizing a SlimTaper profile, the Les Paul Modern Modern Lite lets players soar around the Indian rosewood fingerboard with precision. Acrylic dot inlays pave the way for ambitious shredders and technical riffers to defy reason with their stupefying abilities. Tonally, the mahogany and rosewood neck is rich and balanced, edging on a smooth, round sound that keeps harsh upper frequencies under control.

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Headstock

Matching Headstock

The LP Modern Lite receives a matching headstock for the first time ever on a Core Les Paul model. It’s a seemingly small inclusion that has a tremendous effect on the guitar’s visual impact, immediately designating itself as a one-of-a-kind Les Paul. The solid satin finishes are stylish on the body alone, but extending to the headstock completes a look that’s sure to become a modern classic. Anyone with knowledge of the series can identify a Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite by this eye-catching feature alone.

A refreshing take on a legendary guitar, the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite sits squarely between timeless and contemporary. The Lite LP emphasizes comfort and playability with a thin, carved body and ultrafast SlimTaper neck. Its pickups are suitable for a variety of genres, capable of producing thick, wooly sounds in the neck and articulate, assertive tones in the bridge. Visually, the Les Paul Modern Lite exhibits a matching headstock—a Gibson first and a distinguishing detail that gives the guitar its own defining flair. Hybrid modern-classic looks and full-speed playability make the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite a standout addition to the lineup—stop by your local Guitar Center and see what makes this electric guitar an invigorating playing experience.  

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Mahogany body with maple top
  • Ebony fingerboard with 22 frets
  • Gibson 490R and 498T humbucking pickups
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge with stop tailpiece

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body shape: Double cutaway
  • Body type: Solidbody
  • Body material: Solid wood
  • Body wood: Mahogany
  • Body finish: Gloss
  • Weight relief: Ultra-Modern
Neck
  • Neck shape: SlimTaper
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Joint: Set-in
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Truss rod: Standard
  • Neck finish: Gloss
Fingerboard
  • Material: Ebony
  • Radius: 12"
  • Fret size: Medium-jumbo
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Inlays: Acrylic Trapezoid
  • Nut width/material: 1.695" (43 mm) Graph Tech
Electronics
  • Configuration: HH
  • Neck: 490R Humbucker
  • Bridge: 498T Humbucker
  • Brand: Gibson
  • Control layout: Individual volume, individual tone
  • Pickup switch: 3-way
  • Special Electronics: Coil-tap
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Fixed
  • Bridge design: Nashville Tune-O-Matic
  • Tailpiece: Stopbar
  • Tuning machines: Vintage-style
  • Color: Chrome
Other
  • Number of strings: 6-string
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Case: Gig bag
  • Country of origin: United States

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.76

17 Reviews

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Great Les Paul
Yes!
Nice guitar, 4 star because of electronics
Nice guitar, 4 star because of electronics
Nice guitar, 4 star because of electronics
Nice guitar, 4 star because of electronics
Nice guitar, 4 star because of electronics
Nice guitar, 4 star because of electronics
Les Paul went to Jenny Craig
Les Paul went to Jenny Craig
Les Paul went to Jenny Craig
Les Paul went to Jenny Craig
Les Paul went to Jenny Craig
This guitar is amazing 🕺🏿🎸👻

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Nice guitar, 4 star because of electronics

Ok I actually bought one so an honest review. I got an open box item from a different company. I had pick marks on the pickguard and no other marks or blemishes. Somehow mine came in a hard case, for a thicker body guitar, so that's an extra I like. Had complete case candy but no baby picture. Fit and finish is great. The frets have no sharp ends and feel very smooth. The dot inlays give the neck an acoustic look to it, unfortunately. The sound is very nice, I usually don't like these 490 and 498 pu's, but for some reason sound really nice in this guitar, I had to check my amp twice to make sure it was on the clean channel. Just great sounding pickups for this guitar. I don't like the matching colored headstock but what can you do. All in all another great gibson product IMA. I would never pay full price for this but for what I got at a 200 discount and a hard case makes it a good deal for me. Now the electronics need to get upgraded but sound good for what they are and is why i gave a 4 star rating. Thanks for reading.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Updated review

I received this guitar, as comfortable as this guitar is to have around your back and as comfortable as the neck is, I'm a fan of thinner necks. It's unfortunately a terrible finish. The neck is way too sticky. I would probably look for another option but if you're stuck on getting a Gibson go for it!

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing11
  2. Jamming10
  3. Recording8
  4. Rock Concerts8
  5. Small Venues8
Cons
  1. Cheap, unattractive finish1
  2. Craftsmanship1
  3. Sticky Finish1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced8
  2. Professional Musician6
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Fun To Play16
  2. Good Tone15
  3. Good Feel14
  4. Good Pick Up14
  5. Solid Electronics11

Reviewed by 17 customers

  • Love this lightweight Les Paul

    5

    submitted3 months ago

    byTom

    fromFlorida

    It's got everything you want in a Paul but much lighter and I think brighter. Sharp teeth on the highs. It's got a simple humble look in the wheat kind of like an antique gold. You feel the wood texture on the neck with the thin finish which I like. Goes well with Paisley.

  • I would buy this guitar over and over again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 months ago

    byJason

    fromToccoa, Ga

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Overall an excellent guitar. Lighter weight. Fast playing

  • Sounds amazing

    5

    submitted3 months ago

    byGarrett

    fromOxnard, CA

    Overall a very nice guitar. No complaints at all. Sound is awesome and is super light.

  • A great guitar — except the finish

    4

    submitted8 months ago

    byEric

    fromAlexandria VA

    I bought a green one used in almost new condition. I generally love this guitar. Sounds fantastic (I play mostly rock and blues), solidly put together, and is incredibly comfortable to play. But I really dislike the finish. Looks and feels cheap and is already chipping on the headstock. But for what I paid for it I still am really happy with it.

  • Great Les Paul

    5

    submitted10 months ago

    byZippo

    fromKent Ohio

    I'm no stranger to Les Pauls, or to Gibson guitars in general, and this is a great Les Paul. When you first pick it up, you're stick by how light weight it is, but then you strum your first chords and there it is. That big, fat Les Paul sound. It's all here, the 490R/498T pickups are among my favorites. Especially for heavier music. The neck here feels fantastic, it's staying in tune for days, the intonation is spot on. Just a great guitar. And an American-built Gibson Les Paul for under $1500. Not bad.

  • Great guitar

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byChuck

    fromPhoenix

    This is the third Les Paul that I have owned. I got the TV wheat color which I think looks the best. The neck is really nice, it's an easy transition for my evh guitars. I like the sound of this guitar as well, it's got more bite than I expected. The best part is with the lighter body, the guitar feels more like an SG than a Les paul. And I love SG's. If you're looking for quality gibson, this is one of the better options out there, but I got mine at a tremendous price which I will not disclose. So that plays a part in my decision on this guitar.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byRoyce

    fromChattanooga, TN

    What is the country of manufacture?

    What is the country of manufacture?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Nashville

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byJulio

    fromFullerton, CA

    What is the difference between this lite version and the regular Les Paul modern?

    What is the difference between this lite version and the regular Les Paul modern?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Thank you for your question. I will have a product specialist contact you.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byFast eddy

    fromFlorida

    Country of origin?

    Country of origin?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is made in Nashville.