Gibson Les Paul Traditional T 2016 - Light Honey Burst

This is a 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional T in Honey Burst, and this is a really good example of why these mid-2010s Traditionals have stayed popular. Gibson kept these pretty straightforward: a figured maple top over mahogany, traditional weight relief, a substantial ’50s-style neck, rosewood fretboard, and none of the extra switching or modern features that can make some Les Pauls feel busier than they need to be.

The Honey Burst top is easily the highlight on this one. It has a great worn-in look to it, with figuring that comes and goes across the top instead of looking overly uniform. There are some normal marks and scratches from use, but visually it still presents extremely well and has that slightly aged look that works perfectly on this finish. At 8.83 lbs on my scale, it also lands in a really nice spot for a Traditional without feeling excessively heavy.

The stock ’57 Classic neck and ’57 Classic Plus bridge pickups sound excellent. The neck has that full, warm Les Paul sound without getting muddy, while the hotter bridge pickup has plenty of bite and attack when you lean into it. It is a simple two-volume, two-tone setup with a three-way switch, and everything passed electronics inspection with no issues.

I went through the playing side of this one as well. The fretboard was cleaned and oiled, the frets were polished, and it has a fresh set of Ernie Ball Slinky 10s. The frets still have plenty of life and feel really smooth under the fingers. Action is comfortable and moderate, the neck is straight, intonation is spot on, and the current setup passed inspection. It has that solid, substantial Traditional feel without being difficult to play.

Condition-wise, I’m listing this conservatively as Good, although most of the guitar is closer to Very Good. The top and neck both present nicely and the fretboard is excellent. The main thing bringing the overall rating down is the substantial scrape/chipping along the lower rear edge near the output jack, which I photographed clearly. There are also normal scratches and play wear on the back. Nothing here affects how the guitar plays, but the edge wear is significant enough that I would rather grade it down than oversell the condition.

It includes the original brown Gibson hardshell case along with the Gibson inspection sheet and warranty booklet.

What stood out to me

• Great-looking 2016 Honey Burst top
• One of the more straightforward, traditional-spec Les Paul years
• Stock ’57 Classic / ’57 Classic Plus pickups
• Excellent classic Les Paul tones
• Comfortable 8.83 lbs on my scale
• Fresh Ernie Ball Slinky 10s
• Fretboard cleaned and oiled
• Frets freshly polished and feeling buttery
• Straight neck and spot-on intonation
• Comfortable current setup
• Very good presentation across most of the guitar
• Conservatively graded Good because of the lower rear edge scrape
• Original Gibson hardshell case
• Gibson inspection sheet and warranty booklet included

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!