Why is the finish called 'TV Yellow'?

It was designed in the 1950s to appear white or off-white on black-and-white television screens without the glare caused by a true white finish. It allows the mahogany wood grain to show through, giving it a unique translucent look.

What type of pickups are used in this model?

It features dual P-90 single-coil pickups. These are known for being more powerful and mid-forward than Fender-style single-coils, providing a 'gritty' character suitable for rock and blues.

How does the neck profile feel?

This model features a 50s-style neck profile. It is generally thicker and more rounded than modern 'slim taper' necks, providing a substantial feel that many vintage enthusiasts prefer.

What is the benefit of the Double Cut body style?

The double cutaway allows for much easier access to the upper frets compared to the traditional single-cutaway Les Paul. This makes it a popular choice for lead guitarists who play high up the neck.

What electronics are found inside the guitar?

The guitar features hand-wired electronics equipped with Orange Drop capacitors. These components are selected to ensure the tone remains clear and warm without losing high-end detail when rolling back the volume.

What kind of bridge does this guitar have?

It uses a classic wraparound bridge. This design is prized for its simplicity and the way it transfers string vibration directly into the mahogany body for increased resonance.

Is this guitar suitable for punk rock?

Yes, the raw and aggressive nature of the P-90 pickups makes the Les Paul Special a staple in punk rock. Its simplicity and 'no-nonsense' design appeal to players who want a direct, punchy sound.

How does it differ from a Les Paul Standard?

Unlike the Standard, the Special has a flat 'slab' mahogany body without a carved maple top. This results in a lighter weight and a more 'open' and midrange-focused sound compared to the Standard's thicker tone.

Who are some famous users of Les Paul guitars?

Notable artists associated with the Les Paul platform include Les Paul himself, Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, Brian May, Paul McCartney, and Eddie Vedder. Its versatility spans from the blues of John Lee Hooker to the rock of Mick Jagger.

What material is the body made of?

The body is constructed from a solid slab of mahogany. Mahogany is a tonewood known for its sustain, warmth, and strong lower-midrange response.

What tuners are installed on this model?

The guitar is equipped with Vintage Deluxe tuners. These are designed to replicate the look and feel of 1950s hardware while providing reliable tuning stability for modern players.

What is the typical price range for this Gibson model?

The typical price for a new Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut in TV Yellow is approximately £1,499. This positions it as a high-quality, professional-grade instrument.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut TV Yellow

The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut is a solid-body electric guitar featuring a mahogany slab body, dual P-90 pickups, and a distinctive double-cutaway design. Originally introduced as a mid-tier model in the late 1950s, it has become a staple in rock, punk, and blues due to its simplistic construction and raw, responsive tone.

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Overview and History

The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cutaway (DC) was originally designed to bridge the gap between the budget-friendly Les Paul Junior and the premium Les Paul Standard. By adding a second P-90 pickup and a neck cutaway, Gibson provided players with greater tonal versatility and improved access to the upper frets. The model is famously associated with the 'Golden Era' of Gibson manufacturing in the late 1950s.

The 'TV Yellow' finish is one of the most iconic aesthetic choices for this model. Historically, it was developed to stand out on black-and-white television broadcasts, which often made white guitars look overly bright or 'blown out'. The finish allows the wood grain of the mahogany slab to remain visible, offering a vintage, worn-in appearance.

Design and Key Features

The guitar is built around a solid mahogany slab body, which provides a heavy, resonant foundation. It features a 50s-style neck profile that offers a substantial feel in the hand, catering to players who prefer a more traditional grip.

Hardware and electronics include: * Wraparound Bridge: A simple, high-resonance bridge system that enhances sustain. * Vintage Deluxe Tuners: Traditional-style tuning machines that ensure stable pitch. * Orange Drop Capacitors: Hand-wired electronics that provide clarity and warmth in the signal path. * Dual P-90 Pickups: These single-coil pickups are known for their high output and 'growl' compared to standard single-coils, yet they retain more bite than a humbucker.

Sound and Character

The sound of the Les Paul Special Double Cut is often described as honest and raw. The combination of mahogany and P-90 pickups produces an open, midrange-focused tone that responds dynamically to the player's touch. When played clean, the Orange Drop capacitors help the notes 'breathe' with warmth; when overdriven, the P-90s provide the aggressive, gritty texture that has defined genres from classic rock to punk. The lack of a carved maple top (found on the Les Paul Standard) results in a more immediate, woody resonance.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the Gibson catalogue, this model serves as a middle ground between the single-pickup Les Paul Junior and the more complex Les Paul Standard 50s P90. While the Standard offers a more polished, thick tone due to its maple cap, the Special Double Cut is lighter and more ergonomically friendly for high-fret work.

For players seeking different characteristics, alternatives include the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster for a brighter, triple-single-coil sound, or the Fender Jim Root Telecaster for high-gain contemporary styles. Those on a stricter budget might consider the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster or Stagg SES-30BK, though these do not offer the specific P-90 growl associated with the Gibson Special.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is the finish called 'TV Yellow'?: It was designed in the 1950s to appear white or off-white on black-and-white television screens without the glare caused by a true white finish. It allows the mahogany wood grain to show through, giving it a unique translucent look.
What type of pickups are used in this model?: It features dual P-90 single-coil pickups. These are known for being more powerful and mid-forward than Fender-style single-coils, providing a 'gritty' character suitable for rock and blues.
How does the neck profile feel?: This model features a 50s-style neck profile. It is generally thicker and more rounded than modern 'slim taper' necks, providing a substantial feel that many vintage enthusiasts prefer.
What is the benefit of the Double Cut body style?: The double cutaway allows for much easier access to the upper frets compared to the traditional single-cutaway Les Paul. This makes it a popular choice for lead guitarists who play high up the neck.
What electronics are found inside the guitar?: The guitar features hand-wired electronics equipped with Orange Drop capacitors. These components are selected to ensure the tone remains clear and warm without losing high-end detail when rolling back the volume.
What kind of bridge does this guitar have?: It uses a classic wraparound bridge. This design is prized for its simplicity and the way it transfers string vibration directly into the mahogany body for increased resonance.
Is this guitar suitable for punk rock?: Yes, the raw and aggressive nature of the P-90 pickups makes the Les Paul Special a staple in punk rock. Its simplicity and 'no-nonsense' design appeal to players who want a direct, punchy sound.
How does it differ from a Les Paul Standard?: Unlike the Standard, the Special has a flat 'slab' mahogany body without a carved maple top. This results in a lighter weight and a more 'open' and midrange-focused sound compared to the Standard's thicker tone.
Who are some famous users of Les Paul guitars?: Notable artists associated with the Les Paul platform include Les Paul himself, Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, Brian May, Paul McCartney, and Eddie Vedder. Its versatility spans from the blues of John Lee Hooker to the rock of Mick Jagger.
What material is the body made of?: The body is constructed from a solid slab of mahogany. Mahogany is a tonewood known for its sustain, warmth, and strong lower-midrange response.
What tuners are installed on this model?: The guitar is equipped with Vintage Deluxe tuners. These are designed to replicate the look and feel of 1950s hardware while providing reliable tuning stability for modern players.
What is the typical price range for this Gibson model?: The typical price for a new Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut in TV Yellow is approximately £1,499. This positions it as a high-quality, professional-grade instrument.