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1970s Gibson Les Paul Special

$1,549.00 to $3,000.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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4.5 (29)

$1,799.00

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4.5 (17)

$1,799.00

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5.0 (6)

$3,000.00 3 available Used

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4.0 (15)

$1,799.00

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4.5 (13)

$1,799.00

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4.8 (12)

$1,555.00 $1,549.00 $6.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $2,070

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "1970s Gibson Les Paul Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Step back in time with the 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special, a guitar that effortlessly bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern functionality. This iconic instrument, renowned for its robust character and distinctive style, offers a playing experience cherished by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Crafted with a lightweight mahogany body, it promises comfort during long jam sessions, while the '50s-style mahogany neck provides an authentic grip that feels as good as it sounds.

At the heart of the Les Paul Special's unique sound are its P-90 pickups, revered for their ability to deliver a spectrum of tones—from crisp highs to a gritty midrange growl. Whether you’re driving a tube amp to its limits or seeking subtle tonal nuances, these pickups offer unparalleled versatility. The guitar's nitrocellulose finish not only pays homage to its illustrious past but also allows the wood to breathe and age gracefully, enhancing its resonance over time.

This Les Paul Special isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a testament to Gibson’s enduring legacy and commitment to quality. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar ensures you make a statement with every note.

Key Features:

Slim, classic Les Paul body shape for comfortable play
Mahogany body and neck for a warm, harmonically-rich tone
'50s-style mahogany neck for an authentic vintage feel
Rosewood fingerboard with medium-jumbo frets
2 P-90 pickups for a versatile tonal palette
Handwired controls with Orange Drop capacitors
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish that ages beautifully over time

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Special Double Cutaway
Finish	Ebony, Limed Mahogany, Tobacco Sunburst, Wine Red
Year	1976 - 1979
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
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"
Series	Gibson Norlin Era

FAQs

What kind of pickups are used in the 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special?: The 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special features two single-coil pickups, which provide a bright and punchy tone, ideal for rock and blues genres.
How does the double cutaway design of the 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special affect playability?: The double cutaway design allows for easier access to the higher frets, making it more comfortable for lead playing and solos.
Is the 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special suitable for beginners?: While it's a classic model favored by many experienced players, its straightforward design and comfortable neck make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning guitar.
What is the neck profile of the 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special like?: The neck of the 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special is typically a medium C-shape, providing a comfortable grip for most hand sizes.
What are the tonal characteristics of the 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special?: The Les Paul Special from the 1970s is known for its bright, clear tone with a strong midrange, making it versatile for various music styles from rock to blues.

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional pairing with Fender amps for a rich sound experience
Original P90 pickups provide authentic vintage tone
Thinnest neck profile among Gibson guitars enhances playability
Lightweight body ensures comfortable playing
One-piece body and neck for superior construction
Limited Edition status adds collector's value
Maintains quality despite the era's reputation
Nostalgic appeal for those seeking a 1970s Gibson vibe

CONS

Historically finicky neck requiring occasional adjustments
Difficult to find due to its rarity and demand

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special.

Features and functionality

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The Les Paul Special's P90 pickups offer a unique tone, thicker than single coils but thinner than humbuckers, ideal for genres like 90s alternative and punk rock.
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Build quality

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The slab mahogany body with a wrap-around tailpiece provides a lighter and more comfortable feel compared to carved top models.
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User experience

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Some owners prefer the Les Paul Special's flat top over the Standard's carved top for comfort, particularly those who also favor Telecasters.
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Some buyers report satisfaction with Tributes purchased sight unseen, but stress the importance of physical inspection to ensure personal compatibility and condition.
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Use cases and applications

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Popular for its versatility, the Les Paul Special can clean up nicely and also produce a growl, making it suitable for both mellow and spanky tones.
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Other

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The TV White finish with transparent nitro allows the wood grain to pop, offering both aesthetic appeal and uniqueness in appearance.
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Value and pricing

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A used 2012 70s Tribute Les Paul Special typically fetches $800-$900, with some buyers hesitant to exceed $700 without firsthand inspection.
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For similar expenditure, a new Tribute with a warranty and return policy could be acquired for around $1145, especially with trade-in discounts.
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Comparisons

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As prices approach $1200, buyers often consider alternatives like used Les Paul Traditionals or Classics, which are perceived as offering more value.
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Bob Marley

Singer, Guitarist

Bob Marley & The Wailers

Verified via Photo

Bob Marley owned just a couple of guitars; some say five, some say seven He’s mostly known for playing his brown colored Les Paul Special. This is reported to be Bob’s favorite electric guitar, used extensively throughout his career. There’s even a rumor that Marley was buried with this exact guitar by his side, but the truth is that the guitar is safe and sound at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica. Unfortunately very little is known about the guitar’s history. Bob probably acquired it around 1972/73 in London. At that time the guitar already had few mods done to it; the ABR-1 Tune-o-matic Bridge was installed, and a white binding was added to the headstock.

The guitar remained in this state until 1979 when it was sent to Roger Mayer. Bob requested something unique done to it which will not influence the sound itself. Roger decided to install a custom made brushed hardened aluminium pickguard and replace the switch plate with the one that was shaped like a football. He also replaced the tuners with Schallers, and re-wired the guitar completely. The original P-90 pickups were not touched.

Aston Barrett

Bassist

Bob Marley & The Wailers

Verified via Photo

Aston Barrett is documented playing a 1970s Gibson Les Paul Special, specifically Bob Marley's guitar, during a recording or rehearsal session, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.