Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$4,699.00
Guitar Center
$4,699.00
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$7,750.00 20 available Used
Musician's Friend
$4,699.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$3,990.00 $3,899.00 $91.00 · All time low

Average Price: $5,149

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

What type of pickups does the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special have?

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.

Is the neck of the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special suitable for players who prefer a chunky feel?

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.

Does the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special includes a case, providing protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

What is the body material of the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special?

The body of the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special is made from mahogany, contributing to its warm tone and sustain.

How many frets does the Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special have?

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.

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Special TV-yellow from 1957 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Special TV-yellow from 1957 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg  & Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Special TV-yellow from 1957 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special and 1961 Epiphone EA-12RVT Futura by Emerald City Guitars

1957 Gibson Les Paul Special and 1961 Epiphone EA-12RVT Futura

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special - TV Yellow / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1957 Gibson Les Paul Special - TV Yellow / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special "TV Yellow" by Rumble Seat Music Nashville

1957 Gibson Les Paul Special "TV Yellow"

Rumble Seat Music Nashville

Rumble Seat Music Nashville

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special - TV Yellow / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1957 Gibson Les Paul Special - TV Yellow / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

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

  • Owners recommend replacing the factory bridge pickup with a DiMarzio Super Distortion Soap Bar Humbucker for a hotter, more versatile sound.

    Source
  • Switching the stock capacitor to an Orange Drop 0.015µF is suggested to enhance the snarl of P90s.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A Graph Tech nut and Grover tuners are favored replacements for the problematic original brass nut and robot tuners, improving tuning stability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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.

    Source
  • Custom shop models are considered a more affordable alternative to vintage originals, which can cost upwards of $15,000.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the simplicity and unique aesthetic of the TV Yellow finish, with some noting that finish checking from the Nitrocellulose lacquer adds character.

    Source
  • One user reported playing multiple original 1950s models, finding one that significantly stood out in tone among three tested during the same session.

    Source
  • Despite concerns, some players with smaller hands find the thicker neck comfortable and easy to play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Vintage P90s are described as having a slightly superior tone to custom shop pickups, with a 5% tonal improvement noted by some players.

    Source
  • Original Series guitars are noted to have hotter pickups compared to Custom Shop models, providing a different tonal character.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Build quality

  • The mother of pearl logo on the headstock enhances the premium feel compared to gold-painted alternatives.

    Source
  • The guitar features a fully bound neck and a solid mahogany body, contributing to its high-quality construction and feel.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The P90 pickups are praised for their unique sound, making them a sought-after choice for those expanding beyond standard humbuckers and single-coils.

    Source

Other

  • The TV Yellow finish can appear more mellow in certain lighting, affecting the guitar's visual appeal in different settings.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike McCready uses Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar

Mike McCready

Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Acccording to Premier Guitar, Mike McCready owns a Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special Electric Guitar.

See how Bruce Springsteen uses Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar

Bruce Springsteen

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Bruce Springsteen is seen playing a Gibson 1957 Yellow Les Paul Special Electric Guitar in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Jake Kiszka uses Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 1957

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.

See how Larry Carlton uses Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar

Larry Carlton

Guitarist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Brian Baker uses Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via Photo

In this post brian shows off his gibson les paul special. His guitar is in pristine condition. It is fitted with two p90 pickups

Album Usage

The Gibson 1957 Les Paul Special Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

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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