Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (76)
$499.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (25)
$499.00
Amazon
4.2 (30)
Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (14)
$399.00
Thomann
4.5 (59)
$429.00
Gear4Music
£389.00

Average Price: $465

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Epiphone Special Model Gibson". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Steeped in history and radiating with iconic charm, the Epiphone Special Model Gibson is a masterclass in vintage-inspired craftsmanship. Part of Epiphone's "Inspired by Gibson" collection, this electric guitar channels the essence of the classic 1950s era with modern refinements. Crafted with a solid mahogany body and neck, it offers a resonant and warm tone that has been a hallmark of the Les Paul lineage for decades. The dual Pro P-90 soapbar pickups are the heart of this guitar, delivering a rich, snappy tone with a thick midrange that responds dynamically to your playing style. Whether you're strumming gently or going all out with aggressive riffs, these pickups capture every nuance with precision.

The Indian Laurel fretboard and vintage '50s neck profile ensure comfortable playability, making it a joy to traverse the frets. The updated headstock design pays homage to the classic Gibson aesthetic, adding a touch of nostalgia without crossing into imitation. The inclusion of a Graph Tech nut enhances tuning stability, ensuring your sound remains consistent and true throughout your performance.

For musicians seeking a guitar that honors its vintage roots while embracing contemporary improvements, the Epiphone Special Model Gibson is a compelling choice. It offers timeless appeal with modern reliability, making it a worthy addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck with a vintage '50s profile
  • Indian Laurel fretboard with a 12-inch radius
  • Dual Pro P-90 soapbar single-coil pickups
  • Graph Tech nut for superior tuning stability
  • Lightning Bar wraparound bridge
  • Individual volume and tone controls for each pickup

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Les Paul Special
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Vintage 50s
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.693"
Nut Material GraphTech
Bridge/Tailpiece Lightning Bar Wrap Around
Tuners Vintage Style Deluxe tuners with Ivory buttons
Neck Pickup P-90 PRO Soap Bar Single-coil
Bridge Pickup P-90 PRO Soap Bar Single-coil
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow have?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow is equipped with P-90 PRO Soap Bar single-coil pickups, known for their bright and punchy sound, ideal for various music styles from rock to blues.

Is the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to play and suitable for learning different music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow?

The neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow is a Vintage 50s shape, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players who prefer a thicker neck.

Does the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately.

What is the body material of the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow?

The body of the Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm tone and sustain.

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Unboxing Epiphone's CHEAPEST Les Paul! - How Good Is It?

Video thumbnail for Unboxing Epiphone's CHEAPEST Les Paul! - How Good Is It? by Darrell Braun Guitar

Unboxing Epiphone's CHEAPEST Les Paul! - How Good Is It?

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for Can a cheap guitar be inspiring? Epiphone Gibson Special Model by Hamid Shibata Bennett

Can a cheap guitar be inspiring? Epiphone Gibson Special Model

Hamid Shibata Bennett

Hamid Shibata Bennett

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable price for a guitar with high-end features

  • P90 pickups offer excellent range and bite

  • Stunning TV Yellow finish looks fantastic

  • Highly praised for blues and Brit rock genres

  • Great resonance and tone, even unplugged

  • Often compared favorably to more expensive Gibson models

  • Setup generally well-received with minimal adjustments needed

  • Neck feels comfortable and promotes expressive play

  • Lightweight and easy to handle for extended sessions

  • Solid build quality with reliable hardware

CONS

  • Some reports of uneven fretwork, causing buzzing

  • Occasional issues with neck alignment and string placement

  • Sharp fret ends reported by a few users

  • Neck/fretboard may feel wide for players with smaller hands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Special Model Gibson.

Build quality

  • Poly finish can appear smooth but reflects light oddly, with some owners noting a less appealing aesthetic.

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  • It's noted that the polyurethane finish can crack like glass upon impact, contrasting with nitro finishes that dent instead.

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  • The tuners are undersized and replacements may require hole widening.

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Use cases and applications

  • Epiphone LPs are praised for achieving classic tones with modern digital amps, making them versatile for various musical styles.

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User experience

  • One user found the Epiphone LP to play as well as a $5k Gibson after fret work and tuner upgrades.

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  • An owner with 55 years of playing found the Special II to be a standout among budget guitars, appreciating its resilience over decades.

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  • After 15 years, one owner still favors their Epiphone LP for practice.

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Comparisons

  • An Epiphone with upgraded pickups is said to rival a Gibson in sound quality, though Gibsons are noted for better fit and finish.

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  • Compared to a Squier Telecaster, the small body and 24.5 scale of the Special II make it more comfortable for low power-chords.

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  • A used MIJ Jackson with EMG pickups is considered a superior option if available.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest swapping stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Alnico 2s for improved tone clarity and warmth.

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  • Owners experiment with different bridges and pickups, using the Special II as a modding platform.

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  • Replacing the bridge and electronics can improve tonal quality.

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Features and functionality

  • Pickups are microphonic, which can lead to unintended feedback but provide a distinctive noise characteristic.

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  • Tuners feel cheap, suggesting potential tuning stability issues.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Bolt-on neck affects sustain, making it less resonant than set neck models, but still acoustically loud.

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  • High E string may slip off the fretboard, possibly requiring a neck reset.

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Value and pricing

  • Electronics hold up tonally against LP-styled guitars in the $200-$500 range.

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