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Average Price: $7,750
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$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
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What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) have?
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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.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) affect playability?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What is the significance of the "TV Yellow" finish on the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958)?
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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.
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Does the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) have a set-neck construction?
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Yes, the Gibson Les Paul TV Special (1958) features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and stability compared to bolt-on neck designs.
Videos
frettedamericana
1958 Gibson Les Paul TV Special 00850
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
User experience
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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.
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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.
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Features and functionality
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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.
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The lightning bar tailpiece was replaced, indicating a change from the original setup.
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Some users dislike the Beato model's satin finish and open wood pores, which can feel unpleasant on the neck.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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A user shared that the Beato model may not appeal to those seeking a traditional DC Special due to its altered design elements.
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Mods and upgrades
Value and pricing
Setup and maintenance
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The stripped finish preserved the serial number, which is crucial for determining provenance.
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Critic Reviews
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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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.
"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!"
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.
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."
Ultima incorporacion para tocar en directo canciones del ultimo disco "Infrasoinuak".
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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