Gibson Les Paul Modern 2023 - Faded Pelham Blue Top

This is a 2023 Gibson Les Paul Modern Plain Top in Faded Pelham Blue, combining the familiar look and construction of a Les Paul with a long list of genuinely useful modern upgrades. It features a mahogany body with a maple top, Ultra-Modern weight relief, a mahogany neck with an asymmetrical SlimTaper profile, a compound-radius ebony fretboard, a contoured neck heel, locking tuners, and Gibson’s most versatile push-pull electronics package.

The Faded Pelham Blue finish is outstanding in person. It has a subtle metallic character that shifts between teal, blue, and slightly green tones depending on the light. The opaque top is framed by cream binding and paired with a natural mahogany back and sides, giving it a clean, modern appearance without losing the traditional Les Paul character. The black five-ply pickguard, chrome hardware, and clear top-hat knobs complete the look.

It is powered by a Burstbucker Pro Rhythm pickup in the neck and a hotter Burstbucker Pro Plus Lead in the bridge. The neck pickup is full and smooth while retaining excellent definition, and the bridge has the added output, clarity, and bite needed for heavier rhythm work and lead playing. Both pickups are original and function exactly as they should.

All four controls are push-pull pots. The volume controls provide coil tapping, while the tone controls activate phase switching and a pure-bypass mode that sends the bridge pickup directly to the output. That gives you everything from full humbucker tones and brighter tapped sounds to hollow out-of-phase textures and a direct, wide-open bridge sound without needing extra switches or complicated controls.

The asymmetrical SlimTaper neck feels fast and exceptionally comfortable, while the Modern Contoured Heel makes the upper frets far easier to reach than on a traditional Les Paul. The genuine ebony fretboard has a compound radius, mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays, and 22 medium-jumbo frets. The current setup is excellent, with a straight neck, comfortable action, spot-on intonation, and excellent fret condition. It plays like butter and weighs only 7.82 pounds on my scale, making it unusually light and comfortable for a full-size USA Les Paul.

This guitar is in excellent, nearly like-new cosmetic condition overall. The top, back, neck, fretboard, frets, electronics, and hardware all present extremely well. The only notable issue is at the lower strap-button area. It appears the original strap button or screw may have broken off, and a replacement button was installed directly beside the original location. The original hole remains visible, as pictured. It is not especially noticeable during normal use and does not affect playability, but it is being clearly disclosed and is the reason I am listing the guitar in Very Good condition rather than Excellent.

It includes the original Gibson hardshell case, inspection card, paperwork, and complete original case candy.

What stood out to me

• 2023 Gibson Les Paul Modern Plain Top
• Metallic Faded Pelham Blue finish
• Ultra-Modern weight-relieved mahogany body
• Only 7.82 pounds on my scale
• Asymmetrical SlimTaper mahogany neck
• Modern Contoured Heel for excellent upper-fret access
• Compound-radius ebony fretboard
• Mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays
• Original Burstbucker Pro Rhythm and Pro Plus Lead pickups
• Coil tapping, phase switching, and pure bypass
• Grover locking tuners
• Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic and Stop Bar
• Excellent current setup and fret condition
• Nearly like-new cosmetic presentation apart from the disclosed strap-button relocation
• Original hardshell case and complete case candy

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!