Gibson Les Paul Less Plus 2015 - Desert Burst

This is a 2015 Gibson Les Paul Less Plus in Desert Burst, one of the more interesting and unconventional Les Pauls Gibson produced during the 2015 model year. The Less Plus was designed to deliver the look, feel and tone of a carved-top Les Paul in a noticeably thinner and lighter package, using a slimmed-down mahogany body with traditional weight relief, a carved figured maple top, mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard. At just 7.6 lbs on my scale, this one is dramatically easier on the shoulder than a traditional full-thickness Les Paul.

The Desert Burst top is easily the highlight here. This particular guitar has a surprisingly strong amount of flame across the maple, with broad figuring running throughout the center and becoming especially prominent around the bridge and lower bout. The amber center transitions through reddish brown into a nearly black outer edge, and the figure moves quite a bit depending on the angle. For a model that was built around reducing bulk and weight, Gibson definitely did not skimp on the visual side of this one.

The electronics are also more versatile than the three-knob layout initially suggests. Gibson paired a ’57 Classic in the neck with a hotter ’57 Classic Plus in the bridge, giving it a very familiar vintage-inspired Les Paul voice with a little additional push and bite from the bridge position. The small mini-toggle beside the controls handles coil splitting, opening up brighter and leaner sounds in addition to the full humbucker tones. The pickups are original and the electronics have been fully tested and are working properly.

One of the defining characteristics of the 2015 Less Plus is its neck. Gibson used a wider fingerboard and playing surface than a conventional Les Paul while keeping the neck relatively shallow front-to-back. I actually own three of these, and this particular one feels like the widest of the group while still being very thin. It is an unusual combination, but once your hand adjusts it makes bends and vibrato feel extremely comfortable and gives the outer strings a lot of room. This one is currently set up with low action, intonation is spot on, and it plays effortlessly.

The factory G-Force automatic tuning system has been removed and replaced with a set of Gibson Deluxe vintage-style tuners. In my opinion, it is a much cleaner and more traditional-looking setup on the guitar, and the Gibson-branded tuners fit the aesthetic perfectly. The rest of the guitar remains original, including the pickups.

Condition is very good overall. The top and neck present extremely well, and visually this is still a really sharp guitar. There are some scratches and light play rash on the black backside, along with a small chip near the lower rear edge, but nothing I would consider structurally concerning. The frets remain in very good condition, it has a fresh set of strings, and the guitar has recently been set up and inspected.

It also retains some of the unmistakable 2015-specific details, including the Les Paul centennial-era appointments and Les Paul hologram on the back of the headstock. It includes the original gold Gibson molded hardshell case and factory inspection paperwork.

What stood out to me

• 2015 Gibson Les Paul Less Plus in Desert Burst
• Model code LPLP15DBNH1
• Beautifully figured maple top with a lot of visible flame
• Thin, contoured Les Paul body design
• Traditional weight relief
• Extremely comfortable 7.6 lbs on my scale
• Wider 2015-style fingerboard and neck dimensions
• Very thin-feeling neck front-to-back
• ’57 Classic neck pickup
• ’57 Classic Plus bridge pickup
• Mini-toggle coil splitting
• Original pickups and functioning electronics
• Factory G-Force system replaced with Gibson Deluxe vintage-style tuners
• Low action and effortless playability
• Spot-on intonation
• Very good fret condition
• 2015 Les Paul centennial-era appointments
• Les Paul hologram on the rear of the headstock
• Original gold Gibson molded hardshell case
• Factory inspection paperwork included
• Very good overall condition with honest play wear primarily on the back

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!