Up for sale, a 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with a vintage hardshell case. 100% original save for new switch wiring and tuner buttons, this Gibson retains its original TV Yellow nitro lacquer finish with a quintessential mid '50s neck profile carve.

As befits its reputation, this is an extremely acoustically lively instrument, with the smooth, muscly growl and fundamental warmth of Hondurdan mahogany. The Les Paul Special has a dynamic, touch-sensitive quality, with equal parts glassy treble clarity and wooly P-90 bark. Wound a bit more conservatively than late '50s examples, the P-90s in this Special are particularly detailed in their response, allowing the player to control the amount of grit and overdrive simply by riding the Volume knob. Each position on the three-way pickup selector has a distinct, vital quality, with a lively chime attributable to the lightweight wraparound tailpiece. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar and lightweight at 7lbs 2oz, this Les Paul Special plays exceedingly well with low action and fresh 10-46 strings.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Honduran mahogany
-Shape: Chunky C, moderate shoulders, measuring .890” 1st fret, 1.010” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender "banjo" frets, good meat given their size, faint wear beneath the B and High E strings on frets 1-2
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, nylon
-Tuners: Kluson Deluxe single line strip, new buttons
-Serialization: Inked, 6-prefix

Body Specs:

-Wood: Honduran Mahogany
-Pickups: P-90 x2, 7.6k Bridge, 7.55k Neck
-Harness: CentraLab pots date to 49th week of '56
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
-Hardware: Wraparound tailpiece
-Plastics: Four-ply pickguard, black bonnet knobs, amber switch tip, switch surround, jack plate, P-90 covers, black control cavity covers

Both original P-90 pickups are present with original winds, clean bobbins and original covers. New insulated Gibson-style wiring has been run to the three-way switch, and the majority of the solder joints are original on the harness. The hardware includes the original lightweight aluminum wraparound bridge and stoptail posts, and all of the original plastic parts are intact too, including the dished top black bonnet knobs, pickguard, jack plate, back plates, amber switch tip, and switch surround.

The nitro lacquer TV Yellow gloss is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, and the guitar exhibits none of the headstock or heel repairs often seen on this model. There is "shattered glass" lacquer checking across the body, some small dings on the body perimeter and a few finish scratches on the back, yet shy of “buckle rash." Wear is very restrained on top, with a small area of scuffing through the lacquer on the top edge just north of the rear strap button. The neck profile retains its smooth gloss, free of palm wear

A circa 1970s Gibson hardshell case with purple plush interior is included.

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Listeda month ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Les Paul Special
Finish
  • TV Yellow
Categories
Year
  • 1956
Model Sub-Family
Fretboard Material
  • Rosewood
Pickup Configuration
  • SS
Body Material
  • Mahogany
Neck Construction
  • Set-Neck
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Body Shape
  • Single Cutaway
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Model Family
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Wrap-Around
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Scale Length
  • 24.75"
Color Family
  • Yellow
Number of Frets
  • 22

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar

Seattle, WA, United States
Sales:8,086
Joined Reverb:2013

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