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Average Price: $7,750

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 is a testament to timeless design and profound musicality. Born in an era of rock 'n' roll revolution, this iconic electric guitar strikes a harmonious balance between vintage charm and modern playability. At its core are the legendary P-90 pickups, offering a raw and vibrant tone that has captivated musicians for decades. These pickups deliver a punchy, articulate sound that is both rich and expressive, making it ideal for everything from blues to rock.

Designed with simplicity and utility in mind, the Les Paul Special features a solid mahogany body and neck, providing a warm resonance and excellent sustain. The rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability, while the wraparound bridge offers impeccable intonation and tone transfer. This model's understated elegance and robust build have made it a favorite among iconic artists like Bob Marley and John Lennon.

Whether you're a seasoned player or an emerging artist, the Les Paul Special 1956 invites you to explore its dynamic range and responsive touch. It's not just a guitar; it's a piece of music history that continues to inspire and elevate performances across genres.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and neck for enhanced sustain
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Legendary P-90 pickups for a rich, versatile sound
  • Wraparound bridge for precise intonation
  • Classic design favored by iconic musicians

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

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Special 1956?

The Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 features a chunky '50s neck profile, providing a substantial feel that vintage guitar enthusiasts often appreciate for its comfort and playability.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Les Paul Special 1956?

The Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 is equipped with P-90 single-coil pickups, known for their bright, punchy tone and excellent midrange response, making them ideal for rock, blues, and punk genres.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 offers excellent playability and tone, its vintage appeal and specific neck profile may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with classic guitar styles.

What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul Special 1956?

The Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 is made from solid mahogany, providing a warm, resonant tone with a rich sustain characteristic of classic Les Paul guitars.

How does the Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 differ from a Les Paul Standard?

The Gibson Les Paul Special 1956 features a slab mahogany body without a carved top, making it lighter and more straightforward in design compared to the Les Paul Standard, which has a maple cap and more ornate features.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

(my personal) 1956 Gibson Les Paul "Special"

Video thumbnail for (my personal) 1956 Gibson Les Paul "Special" by GregsGuitars

(my personal) 1956 Gibson Les Paul "Special"

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special played by Graham Whitford by Carter Vintage Guitars

1956 Gibson Les Paul Special played by Graham Whitford

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Why you can't beat a Gibson guitar & a Fender amp! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special & 1966 Fender Deluxe by Walt Grace Vintage

Why you can't beat a Gibson guitar & a Fender amp! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special & 1966 Fender Deluxe

Walt Grace Vintage

Walt Grace Vintage

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul in Special TV Yellow! by Emerald City Guitars

1956 Gibson Les Paul in Special TV Yellow!

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special vs. 2015 Custom Shop Reissue by Ten Guitars TV

1956 Gibson Les Paul Special vs. 2015 Custom Shop Reissue

Ten Guitars TV

Ten Guitars TV

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special - TV Yellow / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1956 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 Les Paul Special 1956.

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's P90 pickups are noted for their ability to produce a distinctive, "nasty" tone, providing a unique auditory experience.

    Source

Build quality

  • The finish shows significant wear and checking, which contributes to its unique aesthetic and likely impacts tonal qualities.

    Source
  • The P90 covers maintain a brighter appearance than other plastics, even with age, often showing crackling but remaining visually striking.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users caution against using clip-on tuners and certain guitar stands with nitrocellulose finishes due to potential damage.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express a mix of pride and nerves when gigging with this vintage model, highlighting its value and the responsibility of maintaining it.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the guitar maintains tuning stability excellently, even when played regularly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners find this 1956 model uniquely special compared to other Goldtops from 1954-1956, emphasizing its distinct character.

    Source
  • Owners note that older Gibson models, like this one, often surpass newer models in playability and feel, despite modern advancements in production technology.

    Source

Other

  • The guitar weighs 9.43 lbs, which is lighter than some might expect for a vintage model, making it more comfortable for extended play.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A popular choice for blues guitarists, the guitar is praised for its sound when played through a Fender Quad Reverb.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1956 Gibson Les Paul Special - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kazumi Watanabe uses Gibson Les Paul Special 1956

Kazumi Watanabe

Guitarist

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Digimart

In this interview, he says that he has Gibson Les Paul Special 1956. His guitar is mounted with two P-90s, the pegs have been replaced with rotomatic tuners, and the bridge has been replaced with a Wilkinson. He got this guitar in New York back in 1980.

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 Special 1956, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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