The Best Gibson Les Paul Special: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Electric Guitar

The Gibson Les Paul Special represents a distinctive branch of the iconic Les Paul family, offering players a versatile alternative to the more traditional Les Paul models. This article explores the key features, history, and playing characteristics of the Les Paul Special, helping you understand why it stands out in the world of solid-body electric guitars.

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Reviews

Gibson Les Paul Special

The solid mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard work together to give you a comfortable playing experience with plenty of speed. The dual P-90 pickups let you choose between clear single-coil tones and fat bridge humbucker sound, all controlled by straightforward volume and tone controls. The whole guitar feels premium thanks to the PLEK factory setup and upgraded hardware like the adjustable nut and hex wrench bridge.

Gibson Les Paul Special Deep Purple

This deep purple Les Paul Special TV Yellow brings together classic looks and authentic Gibson craftsmanship from the instrument's 60-year history. The slab mahogany body pairs with a 50s-style mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard to create a guitar that's comfortable to play while offering impressive sustain and clarity. The dual P-90 pickups give you the versatility to dial in everything from crisp cleans to fat, articulate overdrives, making it a standout choice in the world of Les Paul-inspired guitars.

Gibson ES-Les Paul Special Electric Guitar in Tea Burst

This versatile semi-hollow Gibson delivers impressive tone and playability, combining a classic Les Paul design with modern upgrades like dot inlays and a thermally engineered maple fingerboard. The 57 Classic humbuckers provide powerful yet articulate sound, while the lightweight maple construction keeps the guitar surprisingly comfortable for long practice sessions. The elegant iced tea sunburst finish adds a touch of class to this already impressive value proposition.

Gibson Les Paul Special

This gorgeous yellow Les Paul Special captures the classic creaminess of P90 pickups while offering versatility across different genres. The mahogany body and rosewood neck combine for a comfortable playability that matches its exceptional sound quality. Complete with original paperwork and charger, this guitar arrives in excellent condition, with minor blemishes that only add character to its rich heritage finish.

Gibson Les Paul Special

This USA-made Les Paul Special hits the sweet spot between affordability and authentic Gibson tone, packing those coveted 496R and 500T humbuckers into a lightweight mahogany body with a fast 60s neck. While the Richlite fingerboard and vintage-style tuners might polarize players, serious about the raw, uncut sound these pickups deliver. The included Gibson Deluxe gig bag just adds to the value of this already impressive package deal.

Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute DC

At first glance, you might mistake this Gibson for something more expensive - the attention to detail in the mahogany construction and the rich blue satin finish really showcase what Gibson's capable of when they put their heart into a design. The neck feels remarkable, with those 22 frets on the rosewood board practically singing under your fingers. While the P90 pickups might not be everyone's cup of tea, once you dial in a bright, twangy tone, you're going to want to play this thing all night.

Gibson Rick Beato Les Paul Special

This right-handed Les Paul Special sports a mahogany body with a set mahogany neck and Indian rosewood fingerboard. The sparkly new Sparkling Burgundy Satin finish adds visual interest, while the lightweight double-cutaway design makes it comfortable to play. The dual P-90 pickups deliver classic Les Paul Special tones with plenty of character.

Gibson Les Paul Special TV Yellow

From its set-neck mahogany construction to the vintage P-90 pickups, every detail of this American-made Les Paul Special has been designed to deliver exceptional tone and comfort. The TV Yellow finish is both visually striking and surprisingly practical, while the 22-fret rosewood fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets offer a perfect balance of playability and sustain. Whether you're crushing power chords or crafting intricate melodies, this guitar has the versatility to keep up with your wildest musical impulses.

Gibson Rick Beato Les Paul Special

The guitar's slightly thinner double cutaway body makes it surprisingly comfortable for its size, and the neck feels fantastic whether you're strumming chords or playing lead. With that classic Les Paul Special sound courtesy of the dual P-90 pickups, it delivers exactly what you'd expect from a quality Gibson, while the TV Blue Mist finish adds a touch of uniqueness to the mix.

1957 Gibson Les Paul Special Reissue

This reissue captures the essence of Gibson's classic Les Paul Special, from the accurate 1957specifications to the precise "TV Yellow" finish. The nitrocellulose coating and single cutaway body design pay homage to the instrument's legacy while providing comfortable playability. The cream fingerboard-binding adds a touch of vintage charm to what Gibson fans will recognize as a genuine piece of guitar history.

Gibson 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut

This 2018 Gibson Custom reproduction captures the essence of a classic 1960 Les Paul Special, with its classic double-cut design and vibrant TV yellow finish. The custom P90 pickups deliver that signature Gibson warmth, while the neck's slim taper makes it comfortable for both new and experienced players. The guitar comes with its original hardshell case and certificate of authenticity, making it a great addition to any collection.

Buyer's Guide

The Gibson Les Paul Special represents a classic design with modern updates, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced players. Understanding its features and requirements will help you select the right model for your playing style and budget.

Key Features to Consider

The Les Paul Special combines a solid mahogany body with a maple cap, offering excellent sustain and a distinctive tone. The three-ply 10-layer neck provides stability and comfort, while the 22-fret mahogany neck delivers responsive playability. The instrument typically features a humbucking pickup configuration, with a dual-volume/tone control system for versatile sound shaping.

Body and Construction

The solid mahogany construction forms the foundation of the Les Paul Special's tone, with the maple cap adding brightness and definition. The 10-layer maple neck offers a balanced blend of strength and flexibility, while the mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and resonance. The bolt-on neck joint ensures stable intonation and playability across the 24.75-inch scale length.

Tone and Controls

The humbucking pickups deliver warm, full-bodied tone with good clarity, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles. The dual-volume/tone control system allows precise shaping of each pickup's character, while the third individual volume control provides additional flexibility. The bridge is typically a stop-tail design with a single-plate tailpiece, offering adequate sustain and easy string changes.

Setup and Maintenance

When setting up a Les Paul Special, attention to neck relief, action height, and intonation is crucial for optimal playability. The bridge and tailpiece should be adjusted for proper string alignment and intonation. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the fretboard, checking the truss rod, and ensuring the tuners remain functional. The instrument benefits from regular string changes and periodic neck inspections to maintain its playing qualities.

FAQ

What is the Gibson Les Paul Special?

The Gibson Les Paul Special is a solid-body electric guitar that was introduced by Gibson in 1955. It's known for its distinctive single-cutaway body design with a chambered body, which helps reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.

The guitar features a mahogany body with a maple top, a 24.75" scale length, and a rosewood fingerboard with slotted mother-of-pearl block inlays. It's equipped with dual P-90 single-coil pickups, providing a versatile tone range from clear single-note lines to thick, creamy sustain.

How does it compare to other Les Paul models?

Compared to the solid-body Les Paul Standard, the Special offers a more aggressive, single-cutaway body shape and chambered construction for reduced weight. It also features the vintage P-90 pickups instead of the humbuckers found in the higher-end models.

In comparison to the Les Paul Junior, the Special has a larger body and higher output pickups, offering more volume and sustain while maintaining the vintage P-90 character.

What's the setup like for a Les Paul Special?

The Les Paul Special requires regular maintenance like other solid-body electric guitars, including periodic neck adjustments, intonation checks, and pickup height modifications. The neck profile typically ranges from slender "Modern" C to slightly thicker "Traditional" D shapes.

The bridge works similarly to other Les Paul models, with individual string height adjustments for each saddle. The P-90 pickups generally have easier height modifications compared to humbuckers, making the guitar more versatile for different playing styles.

What are the main differences between the original and modern versions?

Modern versions of the Les Paul Special often feature updated hardware, including chrome-plate hardware instead of the original nickel-plated components. The neck profile may have evolved to newer interpretations of traditional Les Paul shapes.

The main differences lie in the electronics department, with some modern versions offering selector switches for different pickup combinations or enhanced wiring configurations that weren't present in the original 1950s models.

What maintenance does a Les Paul Special need?

Basic maintenance includes regular cleaning of the fretboard and fingerboard, checking and adjusting string height, and servicing the bridge mechanism. The neck should be adjusted for proper truss rod action and intonation at least once a year.

Advanced maintenance might involve refreshing the neck finish, replacing pickups, or updating hardware components. Players who perform frequent maintenance typically report fewer issues and longer-lasting instruments.

Who should consider a Gibson Les Paul Special?

Players who appreciate classic Les Paul tones but prefer a lighter weight guitar might find the Les Paul Special ideal. It's particularly suitable for players who enjoy the P-90 sound profile and want a more modern interpretation of the classic Les Paul design.

The guitar works well for various playing styles, from rhythm work with its clear, articulate tones to lead playing with its generous sustain and vintage character. It's also a practical choice for players who prefer a single-cutaway body shape.

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