I thought we'd re-review the Gibson Les Paul Special after the fact. Let me know what you think. 😎🤘 🛒 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/75jXgV 🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/36tw7Vc 🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/bit2EQi 🛒 Guitar Center - guitar-center.pxf.io/m5W4dy (Affiliate links)
My Special is very special. I’ll never let this one go. 2021 tv yellow model. I have modified it with a new Gibson underwound A3 neck pickup. The neck pickup now sounds perfect.
I have this guitar and it's the best Gibson Ive ever owned...and ironically the least expensive. I love the tone, the wrap-around bridge, stays in tune, light weight, TONS of mojo! I find both pickups sound incredible, no EQ/bass issues on my rig. Thanks for the review and the fantastic playing and tone!
lowering a neck P-90 works wonders. Mine was pretty boomy, lowering gave back a lot of clarity and then adjust the bridge pickup to match. Also in recent models from the USA line it most likely (almost 100% sure) it has modern wiring, which also makes a bit of a difference in clarity especially when playing around with the controls. 50's wiring does the job a lot better.
Love the Les Paul special, love the P90’s. I have a 2020 right handed version and I find myself going back to it all the time. Combine it with a Blues Junior and the tone is amazing
There are wrap around tail pieces with adjustable intonation now widely available if the intonation is a problem for you. Then you get the best of both worlds. You can also lower the neck pickup and tilt it so the bass side is further from the strings than the treble side until you're happy. That being said, in the end as usual, it just comes down to personal preference so if it's not for you fair enough.
I have an sg special like this and I kinda like the extra boom it gives in the neck. Dirty it sounds a bit off but clean having that big boom in the bass is awesome. Different strokes I guess.
I've got a 2007 BFG Les Paul and I found that by lowering the neck P-90 (as others have suggested) it really improved the sound overall. Just my two cent's worth.
Great video; thanks! This sounds and looks like a great guitar. If tuning/intonation are an issue, Gibson sells the Lightning Bar Wraparound Compensating Bridge. I have an SG Special with this bridge. P90s are so versatile when using the volume and tone controls.
Nice demo of these P90s in your Special! Was lucky to get the Gibson Tribute Special P90 version of this on sale while they were offered and it's awesome. Has the more useable lightning bar tailpiece. Perfect model for P90s, no maple cap needed. I like the neck P90, given its height is adjusted to suit. But can always swap a mini-humbucker or even a firebird pup in the neck.
I have the dbl cut version, and the intonation was still a bit iffy, even with the lighting bar tailpiece. I bought a replacement bridge that has adjustable saddles, and it has made a world of difference.
Graphtech resomax NW2 wraparound bridge works well as a replacement for the stock bridge. May take a little work to get it set correctly (adjusting the side screws). A good upgrade which allows one to intonate properly. The pickups can be fixed by adjusting the pickup height and pole piece heights…usually best when done by ear.
Nice Demo and Review Shane!! I have the Gibson SG Special and I had to crank the Bridge P-90 down all the way because it just was SO LOUD!! I couldn't find a compromise in Pickup Volumes between the Neck and Bridge. LOVE the Guitar though!!! Please keep up the Good Work and Cheers from Salem, Oh. US.
Howdy Shane ! Great Demo and review !! FYI Music City makes a tailpiece called "The Savvy" that perfectly intonates these LP Specials....Tom Bukovac "Uncle Larry" on RUclips highly recommends them . Thanks mate !
Try to find a special from the mid 00’s, they have tunamatic bridges, but no neck binding. Would be interesting to hear your views on those as they deal with at least one of your criticisms. You certainly know how to wring their necks! Beautiful sound to my ears!
The wooliness of the neck pick up, can be relieved by lowering it a bit and raising the pole screws a bit, it will make it a bit brighter! I always liked the Spec DC model!
The Les Paul Special is a monster guitar. I agree the bridge is awesome. The neck has a lot of low end. The intonation, with a compensated bridge would work much better. And Maybe putting a lollar pickup in the neck, something with less output i think would work better in that guitar and would make it perfect. I did like as someone said, middle position with neck pickup like 85% - 90% of the volume of the bridge.
I own one of these and I absolutely love it, particularly because of it's beefy neck. My only qualm with it is the hum I get, I've been thinking about shielding all of the cavities to try and make it quieter, we'll see.
The tailpiece doesn't look like it's adjusted properly. They usually slant toward the headstock on the treble side when adjusted properly. As others have said, one can change it out for one w/adjustable saddles, or if one wants to keep the original look, Music City makes alternatives that work.
It’s got the grub screws at each side of the bridge , you can see them in the close ups. They won’t get the intonation perfect, but close enough for rock’n’roll 😅
Yeah the Vintage style wrap over bridge is a problem - I had the Tribute version single cut LP Special with the "lightning bolt" wrap over bridge and the intonation was spot on! Pay extra for looks and a bridge that doesn't do the job properly.
I recently picked up the Olive Drab version of this guitar and I am loving it. I do have other Gibson's with P90s, like an SG and Standard, but this guitar is fun and easy to play. I wonder if the wrap around tail piece makes bends and vibratos easier than other LPs but this thing is hard to put down.
sweet guitar mate! i have the epiphone version with 1 vol 1 tone...has the lightningbar tailbridge and some kind of magical p90 set...all stock... love that thing to bits! aged TV yellow...her name is "grey poupon".......
Hi Shane,.. I’ve been looking at an identical one, as a fellow lefty I found the frets were a bit low and not really medium jumbo as they state. How did yours feel?
I had one of these and stupidly sold it. I have a juniors now, amd that is staying. I also have a chris shifflet tele that i have modded to fralin noisless p90's so i am covered for p90's. I deffo dont need another one of these.....🤔
The knobs on my Les Paul Studio turned backwards. I've had it since 2016. Finally put a reverse taper wiring harness in it last weekend. Only took 8 years 🤣 Also, I really really want one of these.
Hello from Japan, thanks for the great video! It sounds this one has much longer sustain than my les paul special, did you use compressor or any special setting for that?
Probably a Staple pickup in the neck position would retain more clarity and you would like it more. Out of curiosity, do you still have your Gretsch Corvette?
When I look at that guitar, I see potential wasted. Some medium sized nickel/chrome kidneybean tuners and black speed knobs. With a modern wraptail that has individual adjustable saddles. THEN! You'd be rocking!
@@ahoneyman Never said I want Gibson to do anything different. Those are easy mods that can be done by anyone. Tuners, knobs, and a wraptail with adjustable saddles. That's maybe $150 worth of upgrades even a novice could handle.
I'm over Gibsons since getting a used 1st gen Japanese Yamaha revstar RSP20CR. Great pickups, with the dry switch, which gives a P90ish sound, but no hum. Adjustable wrap around bridge and great tuning stability. Gibson need to offer modern versions of these guitars with modern specs.
Thanks, Shane. Even given those potential issues there's something about the LP Special in TV yellow. I have the Epi version in TV "mustard" :-) It has a similarly darkish sounding neck P-90. It does have a lightning bar wrap-around bridge which helps with intonation.
I bought the lefty Epiphone LP Special last October, it has the correct reverse wound pots like a lefty guitar should. I turn 70 this October so I bought myself an early birthday present, a lefty Gibson LP Junior in a lovely Tobacco Sunburst. It didn't come with lefty pots so I called up Gibson and asked why my 500 dollar Epi Special has the correct pots and my 1600 dollar Gibson Junior didn't? They sent me a set of reverse wound pots and told me to take it to Guitar Center and they would replace them under warranty. Why can't Gibson get it right at the factory? Also I think the Epi is 90% as good as the Gibson for a third of the price.
so there's the Les Paul, then there's the Les Paul Custom which is black and gold, then there's the Les Paul Jr which is a completely different shape, and then there's the Les Paul Special which is a Les Paul Jr with 2 pickups. Did I get that right?
It depends on the model...not the greatest bang for buck.. Heritage, etc. make better value for money options...with the same or better quality at a given price point.
@@algorithm007ify I have had many gibson LP's, SG's, 335"s and have sold them all. Unless it's a customshop or Murph Lab there is no consistency in quality. Their USA mass produced models are hit or miss, and when you pay several thousands of dollars you should not have to take them to a Luthier for fine tuning. I have found that my guitars MIJ are well made and very satisfying.
I thought we'd re-review the Gibson Les Paul Special after the fact. Let me know what you think. 😎🤘
🛒 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/75jXgV
🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/36tw7Vc
🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/bit2EQi
🛒 Guitar Center - guitar-center.pxf.io/m5W4dy
(Affiliate links)
Why not just buy the Gibson compensated bridge (lightning bridge) so the intonation is far closer? Makes it Almost spot on then
I think that sounds fantastic. Middle position, with the bridge pick-up cranked and the neck pick-up at 75% is my go to Gibson tone.
Lowering the neck PU will help with the boomy low end. A Faber compensated bridge is also a must for this model.
My Special is very special. I’ll never let this one go. 2021 tv yellow model. I have modified it with a new Gibson underwound A3 neck pickup. The neck pickup now sounds perfect.
I have this guitar and it's the best Gibson Ive ever owned...and ironically the least expensive. I love the tone, the wrap-around bridge, stays in tune, light weight, TONS of mojo! I find both pickups sound incredible, no EQ/bass issues on my rig. Thanks for the review and the fantastic playing and tone!
lowering a neck P-90 works wonders. Mine was pretty boomy, lowering gave back a lot of clarity and then adjust the bridge pickup to match. Also in recent models from the USA line it most likely (almost 100% sure) it has modern wiring, which also makes a bit of a difference in clarity especially when playing around with the controls. 50's wiring does the job a lot better.
Great tip, thanks!
100% AGREE!
Love the Les Paul special, love the P90’s. I have a 2020 right handed version and I find myself going back to it all the time. Combine it with a Blues Junior and the tone is amazing
There are wrap around tail pieces with adjustable intonation now widely available if the intonation is a problem for you. Then you get the best of both worlds. You can also lower the neck pickup and tilt it so the bass side is further from the strings than the treble side until you're happy. That being said, in the end as usual, it just comes down to personal preference so if it's not for you fair enough.
I have an sg special like this and I kinda like the extra boom it gives in the neck. Dirty it sounds a bit off but clean having that big boom in the bass is awesome. Different strokes I guess.
I've got a 2007 BFG Les Paul and I found that by lowering the neck P-90 (as others have suggested) it really improved the sound overall. Just my two cent's worth.
I have the lefty version too. I like mine just fine, it really reminds me of the real deal 50’s version.
Great video; thanks! This sounds and looks like a great guitar. If tuning/intonation are an issue, Gibson sells the Lightning Bar Wraparound Compensating Bridge. I have an SG Special with this bridge. P90s are so versatile when using the volume and tone controls.
Nice demo of these P90s in your Special! Was lucky to get the Gibson Tribute Special P90 version of this on sale while they were offered and it's awesome. Has the more useable lightning bar tailpiece. Perfect model for P90s, no maple cap needed. I like the neck P90, given its height is adjusted to suit. But can always swap a mini-humbucker or even a firebird pup in the neck.
I have the dbl cut version, and the intonation was still a bit iffy, even with the lighting bar tailpiece. I bought a replacement bridge that has adjustable saddles, and it has made a world of difference.
Graphtech resomax NW2 wraparound bridge works well as a replacement for the stock bridge. May take a little work to get it set correctly (adjusting the side screws). A good upgrade which allows one to intonate properly.
The pickups can be fixed by adjusting the pickup height and pole piece heights…usually best when done by ear.
I have a Special Double Cut that is absolutely one of my favorite guitars. I have a Junior single cut that I also love.
I have the DC Special as well, one of my favorites
I think those are classics and are great.
Nice Demo and Review Shane!! I have the Gibson SG Special and I had to crank the Bridge P-90 down all the way because it just was SO LOUD!! I couldn't find a compromise in Pickup Volumes between the Neck and Bridge. LOVE the Guitar though!!! Please keep up the Good Work and Cheers from Salem, Oh. US.
Howdy Shane ! Great Demo and review !! FYI Music City makes a tailpiece called "The Savvy" that perfectly intonates these LP Specials....Tom Bukovac "Uncle Larry" on RUclips highly recommends them .
Thanks mate !
I recently put The Savvy on one of my guitars, and it's a fabulous upgrade.
I thought you liked your Les Paul special? I remember when you got it, you spoke pretty highly of it.
It’s on my want list
Its a solid guitar, but I was more partial to my humbucker guitars at the time I flipped it.
Haha, you can’t have it. I own Shane’s old Special now and it’s not for sale 😊
Try to find a special from the mid 00’s, they have tunamatic bridges, but no neck binding. Would be interesting to hear your views on those as they deal with at least one of your criticisms. You certainly know how to wring their necks! Beautiful sound to my ears!
Was that jam "Can't You See" by the Marshall Tucker Band?
It's basically the same chord progression. :)
I still have mine!!! The only knock I have against it is the wrap-around bridge. It’s a great rock beast!!!! 🎸🔥🎸🔥🎸
The wooliness of the neck pick up, can be relieved by lowering it a bit and raising the pole screws a bit, it will make it a bit brighter!
I always liked the Spec DC model!
Thanks Shane
I have the sg version of this guitar. It’s a really nice guitar
True lefty here! I really wish I could afford one of these lol great sound! Thanks for the awesome review man 👍🤘
its a keeper
The Les Paul Special is a monster guitar. I agree the bridge is awesome. The neck has a lot of low end.
The intonation, with a compensated bridge would work much better.
And Maybe putting a lollar pickup in the neck, something with less output i think would work better in that guitar and would make it perfect.
I did like as someone said, middle position with neck pickup like 85% - 90% of the volume of the bridge.
I own one of these and I absolutely love it, particularly because of it's beefy neck. My only qualm with it is the hum I get, I've been thinking about shielding all of the cavities to try and make it quieter, we'll see.
The tailpiece doesn't look like it's adjusted properly. They usually slant toward the headstock on the treble side when adjusted properly. As others have said, one can change it out for one w/adjustable saddles, or if one wants to keep the original look, Music City makes alternatives that work.
It’s got the grub screws at each side of the bridge , you can see them in the close ups. They won’t get the intonation perfect, but close enough for rock’n’roll 😅
Sorry if I dont understood correctly, but have you noticed he is using a leftie guitar?
@@Mr.Solomons obviously, he always uses a lefty, what does that have to do with intonation on the bridge?
I've never been a fan of TV Yellow... Sounds great though
Yeah the Vintage style wrap over bridge is a problem - I had the Tribute version single cut LP Special with the "lightning bolt" wrap over bridge and the intonation was spot on! Pay extra for looks and a bridge that doesn't do the job properly.
I recently picked up the Olive Drab version of this guitar and I am loving it. I do have other Gibson's with P90s, like an SG and Standard, but this guitar is fun and easy to play. I wonder if the wrap around tail piece makes bends and vibratos easier than other LPs but this thing is hard to put down.
I own the actual Special that Shane sold. Great guitar
sweet guitar mate!
i have the epiphone version with 1 vol 1 tone...has the lightningbar tailbridge and some kind of magical p90 set...all stock...
love that thing to bits! aged TV yellow...her name is "grey poupon".......
Hi Shane,.. I’ve been looking at an identical one, as a fellow lefty I found the frets were a bit low and not really medium jumbo as they state. How did yours feel?
p 90 mate..P90 is magic
For less than $20 you can replace the bridge with a pigtail style one. It gives you more tuning ability and the bonus of even more sustain!
I had one of these and stupidly sold it. I have a juniors now, amd that is staying. I also have a chris shifflet tele that i have modded to fralin noisless p90's so i am covered for p90's. I deffo dont need another one of these.....🤔
The knobs on my Les Paul Studio turned backwards. I've had it since 2016. Finally put a reverse taper wiring harness in it last weekend. Only took 8 years 🤣
Also, I really really want one of these.
Threw a Gotoh (510-UB I think, couldn't find the box) on my Special. Love it as a solid option to replace the non-intonatable standard bridge.
You can buy aftermarket bridges that have individual intonation for each string.
Hello from Japan, thanks for the great video! It sounds this one has much longer sustain than my les paul special, did you use compressor or any special setting for that?
Try a set of JJ's pickups in your neighborhood; Australian Brand.
See Brett Kingmans demos the brand.
Peace
Mr. Fabulous does a great set of P90s & A3 H90s as well!
Recommended!
Replace the neck pickup with a mini humbucker or a Firebird pickup. And you can get an intonatable wraparound bridge.
Lowering that neck pickup right down would sort the issues no end
Probably a Staple pickup in the neck position would retain more clarity and you would like it more. Out of curiosity, do you still have your Gretsch Corvette?
Whew. Thought it sounded fantastic. I bet you'll get another one day lol. Maybe after some updates to your preference.
Cost for that guitar?
I believe I paid $1650 new through Sweetwater here in the USA. Just purchased in July 2024.
I own the Epiphone version. The price difference between the two is quite substantial.
I didn't like the p90s in mine....kinda harsh sound
The Johnny thunders model!
Try a lightning bolt wrap around tailpiece.
Oh yea, changed the Bridge to a Graftech wrap around with individual Saddles!! Big Help!
When I look at that guitar, I see potential wasted. Some medium sized nickel/chrome kidneybean tuners and black speed knobs. With a modern wraptail that has individual adjustable saddles. THEN! You'd be rocking!
Gibson has tried to update the LP Special at various times. People don't buy them. If it wasn't on there in 1959 people don't want it.
@@ahoneyman Never said I want Gibson to do anything different. Those are easy mods that can be done by anyone. Tuners, knobs, and a wraptail with adjustable saddles. That's maybe $150 worth of upgrades even a novice could handle.
I'm over Gibsons since getting a used 1st gen Japanese Yamaha revstar RSP20CR. Great pickups, with the dry switch, which gives a P90ish sound, but no hum. Adjustable wrap around bridge and great tuning stability. Gibson need to offer modern versions of these guitars with modern specs.
Thanks, Shane. Even given those potential issues there's something about the LP Special in TV yellow. I have the Epi version in TV "mustard" :-) It has a similarly darkish sounding neck P-90. It does have a lightning bar wrap-around bridge which helps with intonation.
I bought the lefty Epiphone LP Special last October, it has the correct reverse wound pots like a lefty guitar should. I turn 70 this October so I bought myself an early birthday present, a lefty Gibson LP Junior in a lovely Tobacco Sunburst. It didn't come with lefty pots so I called up Gibson and asked why my 500 dollar Epi Special has the correct pots and my 1600 dollar Gibson Junior didn't? They sent me a set of reverse wound pots and told me to take it to Guitar Center and they would replace them under warranty. Why can't Gibson get it right at the factory? Also I think the Epi is 90% as good as the Gibson for a third of the price.
Yeah, I could hear that the intonation was out but it is still a killer sounding guitar.
I own one, but prefer the Tokai version.
Nice! I would love to try the Tokai version. I've never seen a lefty in this model before. :)
I think you're adding an extra strum to "rockin in the free world"
Too dear, intonation is out and I've heard much nicer sounding p90s. You have some great guitars Shane, I don't think you need this one
so there's the Les Paul, then there's the Les Paul Custom which is black and gold, then there's the Les Paul Jr which is a completely different shape, and then there's the Les Paul Special which is a Les Paul Jr with 2 pickups. Did I get that right?
Yes, the Jr has a single pickup. It may come in various colors.
Mine sounds great but has a lot of pick up noise when the gain is up. More than most les paul specials. Anyone else have the same issue?
Yes. Its the pickups. I have the same model, 2021. Noise gate
That D chord sounded a bit out of tune @1:00 :) Great tone, though!
Yeah, the intonation is a bit weird with this bridge, I mentioned that at the end. I kept checking my tuning.
The non-compensated wrap bridge imparts the fattest beefiest sound. The tune o matic and even compensated wrap bridges don’t sound as full.
You can sometimes get Specials and Juniors at good deals, but for what you get, might as well save a bit more money and get a Les Paul Standard.
Texas Flood - Ray Beadle
ruclips.net/video/-gogjMzzKcE/видео.html
Kind of Fantastic - Really - Plays it and Jams it - Wow
It's NOT 'special', it's 'THPETHIAL'! ;o)
Might want to check the tuning
martin. Rules
Martin the person or the acoustic brand? 🤣
It's special like the special olympics.
Gibson's suck!
You haven't inhaled enough nitro on mahogany, try again.
🤣
It depends on the model...not the greatest bang for buck.. Heritage, etc. make better value for money options...with the same or better quality at a given price point.
@@algorithm007ify I have had many gibson LP's, SG's, 335"s and have sold them all. Unless it's a customshop or Murph Lab there is no consistency in quality. Their USA mass produced models are hit or miss, and when you pay several thousands of dollars you should not have to take them to a Luthier for fine tuning. I have found that my guitars MIJ are well made and very satisfying.
Is this is ? I don't know .... was it was ???