Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $4,475
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Les Paul TV Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step back in time and into the future with the Gibson Les Paul TV Special, a guitar that effortlessly marries vintage charm with modern reliability. This solid body electric guitar isn't just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history reborn. Its iconic double-cut design provides unparalleled access to the higher frets, making it a dream for both lead and rhythm players. The Gibson Les Paul TV Special is more than just a nod to the past; it's a testament to the timeless quality of Gibson craftsmanship, updated for today's musician.
At the heart of the TV Special lies its Custom Soapbar P-90 pickups, a pair that delivers a sound as rich and vibrant as the guitar's history. Whether you're looking for glassy cleans or a thick, biting crunch, these pickups, combined with CTS pots and paper-in-oil caps, provide a tonal palette that's as versatile as it is unique. The mahogany body and neck, topped with a rosewood fingerboard, offer a warm, resonant tone that's become synonymous with the Gibson name.
The Gibson Les Paul TV Special isn't just about sound; its aesthetics speak volumes too. The thin VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) nitrocellulose finish and vintage appointments like Kluson tuners and Top Hat knobs complete the look, giving this guitar an authentic feel that's hard to find in modern instruments. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Gibson Les Paul TV Special stands out as a guitar that commands attention, both for its looks and its sound.
Key Features:
- Iconic double-cut design for easy access to higher frets
- Custom Soapbar P-90 pickups for versatile, rich tones
- Mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard for warm resonance
- 1960 Slim Taper neck profile for fast, comfortable playing
- Vintage Original Sheen finish for an authentic look and feel
- Equipped with CTS pots and paper-in-oil caps for superior sound quality
- Vintage appointments including Kluson tuners and Top Hat knobs
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 2020 Gibson Les Paul TV Special in TV Yellow | Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul TV Special.
Features and functionality
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P90 pickups are praised for their balance, offering a tone thicker than Strat/Tele single coils but thinner than humbuckers, ideal for genres like grunge and punk.
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The wrap-around tailpiece is noted for ease of play and bending, enhancing the overall playing experience for guitarists.
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Recent models of the TV Yellow finish have a more translucent appearance, revealing more wood grain and sometimes exhibiting a slight greenish tint.
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Build quality
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The Les Paul Special's slab mahogany body is favored for its comfort compared to the bulkier carved tops of Standard models.
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Post-2019 Les Paul Specials are noted for improved quality control, with better consistency in finish and overall craftsmanship compared to earlier years.
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The 2023 TV Yellow finish is compared to Custom Shop models for its high quality and appealing appearance.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the guitar's lighter weight and slimmer body, making it more comfortable for long sessions and gigs.
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The neck profile varies between production years, necessitating a review of specific year catalogs for those who prefer certain neck shapes or sizes.
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Owners often find the Les Paul Special's weight of around 8.1 pounds to be much more comfortable than heavier models over 9 pounds.
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After five months of ownership, one user still highly praises the guitar for its ease of play and impressive sustain.
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Use cases and applications
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The Les Paul Special is described as versatile, excelling in styles from 90s alternative to punk rock, with a sound reminiscent of a "meaner Telecaster."
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The Les Paul Special is described as excelling in rock genres with a sound that "snarls, growls, and bites," as demonstrated in tracks by Urge Overkill and The Jayhawks.
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Setup and maintenance
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P90s can hum, but users find ways to tame it effectively in various environments, ensuring a clean sound even with stage lighting and high volumes.
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Comparisons
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Compared to the Les Paul Standard, the Special offers a raw, stripped-down aesthetic, likened to James Bond in an action outfit rather than a tuxedo.
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The P-90 pickups have remained consistent for decades, praised for their performance, while P-100 pickups used in some earlier models are considered less desirable.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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In this post jim shows off his les paul junior tv model. He states that this isn’t a usual guitar he would be seen playing, but he got it mainly for recording. He wanted a guitar that could add variety when in the studio
In this picture, Lindsey Buckingham can be seen playing a 1959 Early 1960 Gibson Les Paul TV Special Guitar. this guitar could of been used for Frozen Love on the 1975-1976 Tour
Album Usage
The Gibson Les Paul TV Special 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 Les Paul TV Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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