What finish is used on the 1960 Les Paul Special Reissue?

The guitar features a thin VOS (Vintage Original Spec) nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This allows the mahogany to resonate freely while providing a historically accurate look.

How does the neck profile differ from a 1950s reissue?

The 1960 reissue features a slimmer neck profile compared to the chunkier '50s designs. This was a specific refinement made by Gibson in 1960 to improve player comfort.

What are the primary tonewoods used in this model?

This model is constructed from a solid slab of mahogany for the body and neck. This combination provides a rich sustain and a prominent woody midrange.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Gibson Custom 1960 Special?

It is equipped with two P-90 pickups. These single-coil pickups are famous for their articulate clean tones and raw, gritty sound when overdriven.

Why is the bridge pickup position significant on this model?

By 1960, Gibson repositioned the bridge pickup to improve tonal balance and structural integrity. This reissue accurately recreates that specific placement for period-correct sound.

What does 'VOS' stand for in the product name?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a finish process that gives the guitar a slightly aged appearance, mimicking a well-cared-for vintage instrument.

Is this guitar a single-cut or double-cut design?

This is a double-cutaway model. This design was intended to provide musicians with easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.

How does the sound differ from a Les Paul Standard?

Because it lacks a maple top and uses P-90s instead of humbuckers, it has a rawer, more mid-focused sound. It is often described as punchier and less compressed than a Standard.

What is the typical price for this Custom Shop reissue?

In the UK market, this specific model is typically priced at approximately £3,399. This reflects its status as a premium Gibson Custom Shop instrument.

Is the mahogany body one piece or multi-piece?

The Gibson Custom Shop version typically uses a solid slab of mahogany. This construction method is preferred for its resonance and sustain characteristics.

What genres is the 1960 Les Paul Special best suited for?

Its versatile P-90 pickups make it suitable for a wide range of genres including blues, classic rock, and punk. It is often regarded as a versatile 'workhorse' guitar.

How does this model compare to a Fender Custom Shop Telecaster?

While both are high-end professional tools, the Gibson 1960 Special offers a thicker midrange due to its mahogany construction. The P-90s provide a meatier sound compared to the thinner twang of a Telecaster single-coil.

Gear article

Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue VOS Faded Cherry

The Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue VOS is a high-end electric guitar that meticulously recreates the refined specifications of the 1960-era Special. It features a solid mahogany construction, a slim neck profile, and dual P-90 pickups, designed to offer the punch and clarity associated with this pivotal year in Gibson's history.

See live prices

Background and History

The 1960 Les Paul Special represents the final refinement of the model's original run before the introduction of the SG shape. By 1960, Gibson had transitioned the Special from a single-cutaway design to a double-cutaway format, allowing for improved upper-fret access. This specific reissue from the Gibson Custom Shop focuses on the internal and external changes made during that year, including a slimmer neck profile and a repositioned bridge pickup, which addressed stability and tonal balance issues found in earlier 1958 and 1959 double-cut versions.

Construction and Design

Built from a solid slab of mahogany, the instrument eschews the maple cap found on standard Les Pauls, resulting in a distinctive midrange-focused resonance. The body is finished in a thin nitrocellulose lacquer with a VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment, which gives the 'Faded Cherry' aesthetic a period-correct, slightly aged look. The double-cutaway design provides a lightweight feel compared to traditional single-cut models while maintaining significant sustain through its set-neck construction.

Electronics and Sound

The heart of the 1960 Reissue's sound lies in its pair of P-90 pickups. These pickups are known for their versatility, offering a clear and 'chimey' response when played through a clean amplifier. When pushed into overdrive, the mahogany body and P-90s produce a raw, gritty texture with a woody midrange presence. The 1960-specific repositioning of the bridge pickup ensures a more balanced output and improved tonal clarity compared to earlier iterations of the Les Paul Special.

Target Audience and Comparison

This guitar is positioned as a 'no-nonsense workhorse' suitable for professional players and collectors who require historical accuracy. While it lacks the decorative binding and flame maple tops of a Les Paul Standard, its utility and specific frequency response make it a staple for blues, rock, and punk. Compared to alternatives like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, the 1960 Special offers a slimmer neck and lighter weight. It sits in a higher tier of craftsmanship than standard production models or entry-level options like the Squier Mini Stratocaster, competing directly with other premium builds such as the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What finish is used on the 1960 Les Paul Special Reissue?: The guitar features a thin VOS (Vintage Original Spec) nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This allows the mahogany to resonate freely while providing a historically accurate look.
How does the neck profile differ from a 1950s reissue?: The 1960 reissue features a slimmer neck profile compared to the chunkier '50s designs. This was a specific refinement made by Gibson in 1960 to improve player comfort.
What are the primary tonewoods used in this model?: This model is constructed from a solid slab of mahogany for the body and neck. This combination provides a rich sustain and a prominent woody midrange.
What kind of pickups are installed in the Gibson Custom 1960 Special?: It is equipped with two P-90 pickups. These single-coil pickups are famous for their articulate clean tones and raw, gritty sound when overdriven.
Why is the bridge pickup position significant on this model?: By 1960, Gibson repositioned the bridge pickup to improve tonal balance and structural integrity. This reissue accurately recreates that specific placement for period-correct sound.
What does 'VOS' stand for in the product name?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a finish process that gives the guitar a slightly aged appearance, mimicking a well-cared-for vintage instrument.
Is this guitar a single-cut or double-cut design?: This is a double-cutaway model. This design was intended to provide musicians with easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.
How does the sound differ from a Les Paul Standard?: Because it lacks a maple top and uses P-90s instead of humbuckers, it has a rawer, more mid-focused sound. It is often described as punchier and less compressed than a Standard.
What is the typical price for this Custom Shop reissue?: In the UK market, this specific model is typically priced at approximately £3,399. This reflects its status as a premium Gibson Custom Shop instrument.
Is the mahogany body one piece or multi-piece?: The Gibson Custom Shop version typically uses a solid slab of mahogany. This construction method is preferred for its resonance and sustain characteristics.
What genres is the 1960 Les Paul Special best suited for?: Its versatile P-90 pickups make it suitable for a wide range of genres including blues, classic rock, and punk. It is often regarded as a versatile 'workhorse' guitar.
How does this model compare to a Fender Custom Shop Telecaster?: While both are high-end professional tools, the Gibson 1960 Special offers a thicker midrange due to its mahogany construction. The P-90s provide a meatier sound compared to the thinner twang of a Telecaster single-coil.