Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $5,149
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the timeless allure of vintage rock with the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special Electric Guitar. Perfectly bridging the gap between beginner-friendly and professional-grade, this iconic instrument is a nod to guitar history, offering the unmistakable warmth and grit of its dual P-90 pickups. Designed as a slightly more upscale counterpart to the Les Paul Junior, the Les Paul Special embodies a classic yet approachable vibe, making it a versatile choice for musicians across genres.
The 1957 model remains a favorite among legendary players like Bob Marley and John Lennon, and it's easy to see why. With its distinct yellow finish and solid body construction, this guitar not only looks the part but also delivers the rich tonal depth and sustain that Les Pauls are celebrated for. Whether you're laying down soulful blues licks or driving rock riffs, the Les Paul Special offers a dynamic range of expression that's both powerful and nuanced.
Crafted with impeccable attention to detail, this guitar has been reissued to capture the essence of its original era, yet it remains a modern workhorse for today's musicians. Its robust build and aesthetic appeal make it not just an instrument, but a statement piece for your collection.
Key Features:
- Dual P-90 pickups for authentic vintage sound
- Solid body construction
- Classic 1957 yellow finish
- Favored by legendary musicians like Bob Marley and John Lennon
- Designed for a versatile range of musical styles
Product specs
| Available since | March 2021 |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Body | Mahogany |
| Top | None |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | 628 mm |
| Pickups | P90, P90 |
| Tremolo | None |
| Incl. Case | Yes |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
| Model | 1957 Les Paul V.O.S. |
| Shape | LP-Style |
| Pickup System | P90, P90 |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special have?
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The Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special is equipped with two P90 pickups, known for their bright, punchy sound and dynamic response, making them ideal for genres ranging from rock to blues.
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Is the neck of the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special suitable for players who prefer a chunky feel?
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Yes, the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special features a mahogany neck with a chunky profile, reminiscent of vintage models, offering a comfortable grip for players who prefer a thicker neck.
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Does the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special includes a case, providing protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
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What is the body material of the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special?
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The body of the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special is made from mahogany, contributing to its warm tone and sustain.
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How many frets does the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special have?
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The Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special features 22 frets, which is standard for many electric guitars, allowing for a full range of notes across the fretboard.
Videos
Vintage Guitar Oldenburg
Gibson Les Paul Special TV-yellow from 1957 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar.
Mods and upgrades
Setup and maintenance
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A Graph Tech nut and Grover tuners are favored replacements for the problematic original brass nut and robot tuners, improving tuning stability.
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Value and pricing
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2015 models were significantly discounted, with prices dropping as low as $400-$500, making them a potential future cult favorite due to unique features like wider necks.
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Custom shop models are considered a more affordable alternative to vintage originals, which can cost upwards of $15,000.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the simplicity and unique aesthetic of the TV Yellow finish, with some noting that finish checking from the Nitrocellulose lacquer adds character.
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One user reported playing multiple original 1950s models, finding one that significantly stood out in tone among three tested during the same session.
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Despite concerns, some players with smaller hands find the thicker neck comfortable and easy to play.
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Comparisons
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Vintage P90s are described as having a slightly superior tone to custom shop pickups, with a 5% tonal improvement noted by some players.
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Original Series guitars are noted to have hotter pickups compared to Custom Shop models, providing a different tonal character.
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A user compared the neck thickness to other Les Paul models and chose a studio model instead due to personal preference for a slimmer neck.
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Build quality
Use cases and applications
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The P90 pickups are praised for their unique sound, making them a sought-after choice for those expanding beyond standard humbuckers and single-coils.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistAcccording to Premier Guitar, Mike McCready owns a Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special Electric Guitar.
Bruce Springsteen is seen playing a Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special Electric Guitar in a user-uploaded photo.
At 38:26 in the Premier Guitar YouTube video "MIRADOR Rig Rundown with Jake Kiszka & Chris Turpin," Jake Kiszka showcases a Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar from his collection.
In this rig rundown video from Premier Guitar, Larry Carlton says at 4:57, "Yeah these are guitars that are just in my arsenal that over the years I've played. This is a ‘57 Les Paul Special and I haven't done anything to this guitar since I bought it. It's got the P90s obviously. It's just a great sounding guitar. I remember the early 90’s when I went on tour with Stanley Clarke and Billy Cobham and we did the Jazz Explosion I used this guitar for that tour just because and we recorded live at the Greek so that's the guitar you would hear on that record."
Album Usage
The Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar 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 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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