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Average Price: $7,750

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the charm and raw power of the 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special, a guitar that's more than just an instrument—it's a piece of music history. Designed at the dawn of rock 'n' roll, this guitar combines simplicity with versatility, making it a beloved choice for musicians across genres. Its understated elegance and P-90 pickups offer a sonic palette that's as broad as your creativity, providing the perfect blend of clarity and warmth. Whether you're a collector or a performer, the Les Paul TV Special is a testament to Gibson's legacy of crafting guitars with unmatched quality and sound.

Key Features:

  • Dual P-90 pickups for a versatile range of tones
  • Solid mahogany body and neck for sustain and resonance
  • Unique TV Yellow finish, a nod to its era
  • Rosewood fretboard with 22 frets for smooth playability
  • Iconic single-cutaway design for easy access to upper frets

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Special
Finish TV Yellow
Year 1955 - 1958
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
Color Family Yellow
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Special
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) have?

The Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) is equipped with two P-90 single-coil pickups, known for their bright and punchy sound, making them suitable for various music styles including rock, blues, and jazz.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) affect playability?

The Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) features a chunky neck profile typical of late '50s models, providing a substantial feel that many players find comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) offers a classic sound and high build quality, its vintage design and features may be more appealing to experienced players and collectors rather than beginners.

What is the significance of the "TV Yellow" finish on the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)?

The "TV Yellow" finish was originally designed to look good on black-and-white television broadcasts, providing a distinctive aesthetic that has become iconic among vintage guitar enthusiasts.

Does the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) have a set-neck construction?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and stability compared to bolt-on neck designs.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special 00850

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special 00850 by frettedamericana

1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special 00850

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958).

Build quality

  • The 2023 TV Yellow finish closely resembles the Custom Shop models in recent years, noted for its appealing aesthetics.

    Source
  • Grover tuners from 1959-1960s were added early for tuning stability, indicating modifications done over time.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the lighter weight at 8.1 pounds, which is significantly less than other Les Paul models over 9 pounds, offering better playability and comfort.

    Source
  • One owner reported their 2010 gloss TV Yellow DC Special with an ebony fretboard has no dead spots, particularly around the 12th fret on the G string.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The wrap-around bridge is favored for its ease of playing and contribution to the guitar's sustain and tonal characteristics, leading some to seek similar features in other models like the SG Special.

    Source
  • The lightning bar tailpiece was replaced, indicating a change from the original setup.

    Source
  • Some users dislike the Beato model's satin finish and open wood pores, which can feel unpleasant on the neck.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is praised for its versatility in rock music, known for its ability to snarl, growl, and bite, making it suitable for tracks like "Erica Kane" by Urge Overkill.

    Source
  • A user shared that the Beato model may not appeal to those seeking a traditional DC Special due to its altered design elements.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The guitar had a non-original Vibrola unit installed, leaving extra holes in the body.

    Source
  • Some owners recommend polishing the thin satin finish on the Beato to prevent uneven wear and improve aesthetics over time.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite modifications, it's valued between $4K-$8K, depending on originality of electronics.

    Source
  • The Beato model is criticized for its price point, deemed too high for what is essentially a tribute model with less material and a simpler finish.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The stripped finish preserved the serial number, which is crucial for determining provenance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest Eastman guitars as a good value alternative to Gibson DC models, offering excellent build quality without the Gibson name.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: Les Paul Special shootout

guitar.com

The 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special is praised for its vintage charm and superior studio potential, offering a warm, mellow tone with standout sustain. This single-cutaway model shines with its smooth, creamy sound, making it an inspiring choice for classic Gibson enthusiasts. Although it may lack the aggressive punch of the 1959 double-cutaway version, it compensates with a more musical and balanced frequency response, ideal for nuanced studio work. However, if cutting through a live mix is your priority, the brighter and more powerful 1959 model might edge it out. Overall, the 1958 Les Paul TV Special is a dream guitar for those seeking vintage aesthetics and a rich, comforting sound.

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Artist usage

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See how Jimi Hendrix uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Jimi Hendrix

Guitarist

The Isley Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

Jimi Hendrix was photographed playing a 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special backstage at Madison Square Garden while with the Rolling Stones. This guitar likely belonged to Keith Richards.

See how Keith Richards uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Keef can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul TV Special

See how Joe Satriani uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Vintageguitar

"That is such a great player. I walked into Chris Cobb’s shop, Real Guitars, in San Francisco, one day, not thinking of buying anything. But there were two ’60s Strats – a ’64 and a ’61 – on consignment. I couldn’t believe it, I’d been looking for something like them for 10 years. So then and there, I bought them. Then Chris said, “If you’re in the mood for buying stuff, I’ve got my Special here.” He brought this thing out, and I could not believe it. I’d owned some nice ones, but they always fought me, as a player. This one, though, is amazing. Talk about mojo! I couldn’t believe how great it sounded and how easy it was to play. He had bought it from an old rock-and-roll player who told him he was the only owner. My neurosis kicked in, and I had to have it. So that was an expensive afternoon, as I walked out with three cases!"

See how Vince Gill uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Vince Gill

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via YouTube

If you watch the video here, 10 seconds in you can see him using this guitar on "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away". He has been using this guitar for this song exclusively on the 2015 tour.

See how Jason Falkner uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Jason Falkner

Singer, Guitarist

Travis

...
Verified

Mentioned in the October 1996 Guitar Player interview "Top Cat: Jason Falkner" by Mike Mettler.

"I had all of my guitars out, including my '36 Vega, an early-'60s Silvertone, an early-'60s Epiphone, a '63 Gibson short-scale acoustic, a '73 Mustang, a Harmony Airline, a Kustom and a '69 Guild 12-string acoustic. My friend looks them over and says to me, 'These aren't exactly the usual suspects!'"

Despite his pan-guitarism, Falkner harbors a deep aversion to Stratocasters. "The reason I hate them is the same reason I hate standard Les Pauls: I just don't like guitars that everybody else has. I've always liked guitars that are quirky and weird, because they make you play differently. That Strat tone is so identifiable. One of the guys in the Grays had a Strat, and I always gave him a hard time about it." Falkner's lead workhorse is the same '73 Mustang he's had since he was 12, and his lone Les Paul concession is a '58 TV Special. Falkner played all of the instruments on Presents, including an early '60s Mustang bass – "a yellow model with red racing stripes."

See how Gorka Urbizu uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Gorka Urbizu

Berri Txarrak

...
Verified via Photo

Ultima incorporacion para tocar en directo canciones del ultimo disco "Infrasoinuak".

See how Dave Amato uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Dave Amato

Singer, Guitarist

REO Speedwagon

...
Verified via Daveamato

As listed on his official website, Dave Amato owns and uses this instrument for home playing, live or recording work.

See how Gary Burger uses Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)

Gary Burger

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Gary Burger is seen using a 1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special.

Album Usage

The Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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