The Les Paul Special returns to the classic design that made it
relevant, played, and loved–shaping sound across generations and
genres of music. It pays tribute to Gibson's Golden Era of
Innovation and brings authenticity back to life. Originally
introduced in 1955 as a step up from the Les Paul™ Junior, it
quickly found favor among players who wanted the straightforward
approach of a Junior with added versatility. Decades on, the Les
Paul Special remains true to those vintage roots, with a slab
mahogany body and single-cutaway design that deliver its
unmistakable look and roaring midrange punch.
The solid mahogany neck has a comfortable 50s Vintage profile and
is topped with a bound rosewood fretboard, offering smooth
playability for everything from tasty blues runs to thunderous
rock riffs. The 22 medium-jumbo frets and 12” fretboard radius
strike the perfect balance between easy chording and hassle-free
string bending, with dot inlays that pay homage to the original
design. For those craving the distinctive high output of P-90
pickups, the Les Paul Special features a pair of these
single-coil wonders—one in the bridge for biting, lead-friendly
tones, and one in the neck for a warmer, rounder palette perfect
for playing rhythm. Together, they deliver a broad tonal range
that’s perfect for classic rock, blues, punk, or any style that
benefits from a bit of rawness and plenty of punchy midrange
clarity.
A Wraparound bridge anchors the strings for enhanced resonance
and sustain, while Vintage Deluxe tuners with white buttons offer
rock-solid stability as well as old-school aesthetic vibes.
Volume and tone controls for each pickup, plus a 3-way toggle
switch, let you seamlessly blend or isolate pickups to find your
sonic sweet spot. Whether you’re a die-hard collector drawn to
its storied past or a modern player seeking timeless tone, the
Les Paul Special remains the perfect intersection of heritage,
simplicity, and versatility—just as Gibson intended over six
decades ago.