Gibson Custom Shop 1960 Les Paul Special reissue + OHSC
Superb 2010 Custom Shop reissue of the 1960 double cutaway Les Paul Special in hard to find TV White + OHSC
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Originally introduced in 1955 to fit between the Les Paul Junior and Les Paul Standard in Gibson’s line-up, the Les Paul Special has proved to be an enduring classic favoured by players and collectors for it’s no nonsense style and enormous tonal versatility.
In 1958 the body style of the Les Paul Special (along with the Les Paul Junior) changed from the original single cutaway to a double cutaway which enabled greater higher fretboard access. In 1960 the neck pick up position was moved back slightly to strengthen the neck tenon joint, which also added some extra brightness to the neck pick up. Also in 1960 a slim taper neck profile was implemented across the entire Les Paul range making them faster and easier to play.
This reissue is a totally accurate recreation of the classic 1960 double cutaway Les Paul Special, including mahogany body, mahogany neck with slim taper 1960 profile, bound rosewood board with dot inlays, nitro finish, lightweight aluminium wraparound bridge/tailpiece, 3 in a line Kluson tuners with white buttons, two custom p-90 pick ups, 500k CTS pots and bumblebee caps. This example is all original but has had the strap button moved to the upper horn, which is a popular tweak that can be easily restored to factory spec.
Visually the rare TV White finish really makes this guitar stand out. However, it is the tonal excellence and fast playing neck that really sets these 1960 DC Specials apart.
A pair of powerful P-90 pick ups deliver everything you’d expect from a vintage Les Paul Special. When played clean you can get a fat Tele like twang from the bridge pick up, a full bodied chime from the middle position and warm soul and blues tones from the neck pick up. Crank it up and it turns into a raw power tone monster, growly and with plenty of bite, but always retaining clarity and definition.
Nice and light at 7lbs 3oz, comes with the original case, Certificate Of Authenticity and all the case candy.
Les Paul Specials really are superb guitars capable of delivering killer tone in any genre, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
