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Key Features
The Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Special Single Cut Reissue is built for players who value heritage, simplicity, and unmistakable tone. With its TV Yellow finish, roaring P-90 pickups, and solid mahogany construction, it captures the spirit of a late-1950s workhorse guitar, faithfully revived in every detail by Gibson’s master luthiers.
Its Slim 50s neck profile and vintage-spec appointments deliver the feel of a true original, while the Nitrocellulose VOS finish allows the guitar to age gracefully as it’s played. The result is an instrument that not only looks and feels like a piece of history but also produces the raw, articulate voice that made the Les Paul Special a favourite for rhythm and lead players alike.
Product Ref: 322761
The “TV Yellow” finish has become legendary, with origins often debated. Some say it was chosen to appear less reflective and more defined on black-and-white televisions of the 1950s, while others point to it being a limed mahogany treatment that simply looked great under studio lights. Whatever its roots, TV Yellow remains one of Gibson’s most recognisable finishes, tied closely to the rise of rock and roll.
On this 1957 reissue, the finish is nitrocellulose with Gibson’s VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment, creating a soft patina that echoes a well-loved vintage instrument. It looks authentic, feels broken-in, and will continue to develop character the more you play it.
Built from solid mahogany, the Les Paul Special Single Cut Reissue captures the punchy, resonant character of the late-50s originals. The slab body keeps things straightforward and durable while delivering strong sustain and a focused midrange that sits confidently in any mix.
There is no weight relief, staying faithful to period-correct heft and resonance. Each note benefits from the wood’s natural authority, giving you that unmistakable Special presence on stage and in the studio.
Dual P-90 pickups define the voice of the Special, offering a raw yet articulate tone that bridges the gap between single-coil chime and humbucker warmth. Introduced in the 1940s and heard on countless 1950s records, P-90s remain prized for their touch sensitivity and wide dynamic range.
Recreated to vintage spec in this reissue, the pickups deliver thick, meaty rhythm sounds and biting leads that clean up beautifully with the guitar’s controls. Roll back the volume for airy cleans or push your amp for snarling overdrive with real character.
A rounded 50s neck profile provides the substantial, comfortable grip associated with Gibson’s golden era. It supports confident rhythm work and remains agile for lead lines, encouraging relaxed, controlled playing over long sessions.
The bound rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets balances vintage authenticity with smooth playability. Chords ring true, bends feel secure, and intonation stays precise across the entire neck.
From the fingerboard binding to the wraparound tailpiece and simple two-volume, two-tone layout, the Les Paul Special keeps the essentials front and centre. Every detail is chosen to reflect the 1957 original while delivering reliable modern performance.
Finished in Nitro VOS, the guitar will age naturally as you play, developing a look that is uniquely yours. It is an instrument that honours history while inviting new songs, sessions, and stages.