2023 Gibson Les Paul Special TV Yellow Electric Guitar, (Used)

The 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special in TV Yellow is a stripped-back, no-nonsense electric guitar built around classic Gibson tone, simple controls and the raw character of P-90 pickups. With its slab-style mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and dual P-90 pickup layout, the Les Paul Special delivers a direct, powerful and expressive sound that works beautifully for rock, blues, punk, indie, garage, alternative and roots-based playing.

This pre-owned 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special is listed in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear from previous use but remains fully functional and ready to play. It comes with a hardcase and weighs 10.3 lbs.

For players who want a USA-made Gibson with vintage-inspired character, strong midrange punch and a simple control layout, the Les Paul Special is a brilliant choice. It offers more bite and openness than a humbucker-loaded Les Paul, while retaining the sustain, feel and authority that players expect from a Gibson solid body electric guitar.

Condition Overview

Good Condition

This 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special is in Good condition. This means it shows noticeable cosmetic wear from previous use, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

Good condition is ideal for players who want a genuine Gibson Les Paul Special with visible signs of use and strong playing value.

What’s Included?

✔ 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special TV Yellow Electric Guitar
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar is listed in Good condition, so it shows visible signs of use such as marks, small dents, light scratches, surface wear or general handling wear.

The guitar weighs 10.3 lbs.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• P-90 pickups checked
• Pickup selector tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Tuners checked
• Bridge checked
• Neck relief assessed
• General playability assessed
• Weight noted at 10.3 lbs
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Gibson Les Paul Special has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special?

Classic Gibson P-90 Tone

The Les Paul Special is loved for its P-90 pickups. P-90s sit between single coils and humbuckers in character, offering more thickness and punch than a traditional Strat-style single coil, while keeping more bite and openness than a full humbucker.

That makes this guitar extremely versatile. It can deliver raw rock rhythm tones, gritty blues leads, bright indie chime, aggressive punk drive and warm clean sounds with plenty of personality.

Simple, Direct Les Paul Special Design

The Les Paul Special is built around simplicity. It does not rely on heavy ornamentation or complicated electronics. Instead, it focuses on a strong mahogany body, set neck construction, two pickups and straightforward controls.

This stripped-back approach is a major part of the guitar’s appeal. It feels immediate, responsive and honest, making it ideal for players who want a guitar that gets straight to the point.

Iconic TV Yellow Finish

The TV Yellow finish is one of the most recognisable Les Paul Special finishes. It has strong vintage Gibson character and gives the guitar a bold stage presence without looking overly modern or flashy.

TV Yellow is closely associated with classic Les Paul Junior and Les Paul Special models, making it a perfect match for this guitar’s simple, punchy and vintage-inspired identity.

USA-Made Gibson Build

This is a USA-made Gibson Les Paul Special, giving players the feel, construction and heritage associated with Gibson’s core electric guitar range. The set neck construction, mahogany body and classic pickup layout all contribute to the familiar Gibson response.

Great For Rhythm And Lead Playing

The Les Paul Special works equally well for rhythm and lead. The bridge P-90 gives bite, attack and midrange growl, while the neck pickup delivers warmth, depth and smooth sustain. The middle position blends both pickups for a balanced sound that works well for clean passages, rhythm playing and rootsy lead lines.

Hardcase Included

This guitar comes with a hardcase, giving it proper protection for storage, transport and gigging. For a USA-made Gibson, a hardcase is an important addition and helps keep the instrument safe between sessions, rehearsals and live use.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gibson Les Paul Special vs Gibson Les Paul Junior

The Les Paul Junior usually features a single bridge P-90 pickup, making it even more stripped back and direct. The Les Paul Special adds a neck pickup, giving players far more tonal flexibility while keeping the same raw Gibson attitude.

Choose the Les Paul Special if you want the Junior-style simplicity but need more tonal range.

Gibson Les Paul Special vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

The Les Paul Standard is more ornate and usually fitted with humbuckers, giving it a thicker and more polished sound. The Les Paul Special is simpler, more immediate and more open-sounding thanks to its P-90 pickups.

Choose the Special if you want raw character, bite and vintage-inspired simplicity. Choose the Standard if you want humbucker power, carved-top looks and a more traditional premium Les Paul feel.

Gibson Les Paul Special vs Gibson SG Special

The SG Special is lighter in feel, thinner-bodied and has a more upper-mid-focused attack. The Les Paul Special feels more solid and grounded, with a stronger slab-body Les Paul identity. Both work well with P-90s, but the Les Paul Special has a more direct, punchy feel.

Gibson Les Paul Special vs Fender Telecaster

A Telecaster gives a brighter, sharper single-coil sound with more twang and snap. The Les Paul Special offers more midrange, more body and a thicker P-90 voice. Choose the Gibson if you want single-coil bite with more weight and growl.

Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

This is a premium choice for a beginner, but it can suit a committed new player who wants a professional-quality guitar from the start. The simple layout makes it easy to understand, and the tones are inspiring straight away.

Intermediate Players

Intermediate players will get a lot from the Les Paul Special. It is a strong upgrade from entry-level guitars and gives players a more expressive, responsive instrument with a classic Gibson feel.

Professional Players

Professional players can use this guitar as a main stage instrument, studio guitar or reliable workhorse. The P-90 pickups, simple controls and set-neck construction make it suitable for players who need character, sustain and direct response.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special is well suited to:

• Rock
• Blues
• Punk
• Indie
• Alternative
• Garage rock
• Classic rock
• Country rock
• Americana
• Roots music
• Slide guitar
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Players wanting a simple USA-made Gibson
• Guitarists looking for P-90 tone

Why Choose A P-90 Les Paul?

A P-90 Les Paul gives players a different sound from the more familiar humbucker-equipped Les Paul. P-90 pickups are single coils, but they have a wider, more powerful voice than many traditional single-coil designs. They deliver bite, clarity, midrange punch and raw edge.

This makes the Les Paul Special especially useful for players who want a guitar that responds dynamically to picking strength and volume control changes. It can clean up well, snarl when pushed and cut through a band mix without sounding thin.

The combination of a mahogany body, set neck and P-90 pickups gives the Les Paul Special its unique appeal: simple construction, powerful tone and a strong vintage Gibson identity.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Gibson Les Paul, P-90 guitar or pre-owned electric guitar? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Gibson Les Paul Special

The Gibson Les Paul Special was originally introduced in the 1950s as a practical, stripped-back electric guitar with more tonal flexibility than the single-pickup Les Paul Junior. Its slab-style body, P-90 pickups and simple control layout made it a favourite among players who wanted Gibson quality without unnecessary decoration.

Over time, the Les Paul Special became associated with players who valued attitude, directness and character. It found a home in rock, punk, blues, alternative and roots music because it could deliver raw, expressive tones without getting in the way.

The 2023 Gibson Les Paul Special continues that tradition with classic styling, a TV Yellow finish and the straightforward P-90-powered sound that made the model famous.

Technical Specifications

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and is Birmingham’s largest independent music store. With over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, we have built our reputation on honest advice, strong product knowledge and reliable service for musicians across the UK.

When buying a pre-owned Gibson guitar from Fair Deal Music, you benefit from a team that checks instruments before they leave the shop. Our staff are musicians themselves and can offer advice by phone, online or in-store, whether you are choosing a Les Paul, comparing P-90 and humbucker tones, or looking for a reliable USA-made electric guitar.

We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a large Birmingham showroom where you can browse new, used and vintage electric guitars, acoustic guitars, amps, pedals, keyboards, drums, PA equipment and accessories. We also buy, sell and trade pre-owned gear, helping musicians upgrade, part-exchange or sell used instruments with confidence.

FAQ

What are P-90 pickups best for?

P-90 pickups are excellent for rock, blues, punk, indie, garage, country rock and roots music. They deliver single-coil clarity with extra midrange punch and grit.

How does a Les Paul Special differ from a Les Paul Standard?

A Les Paul Special is simpler, lighter in design and fitted with P-90 pickups, giving it a more raw and open sound. A Les Paul Standard is more ornate and usually fitted with humbuckers for a thicker tone.

Is the Les Paul Special good for rhythm guitar?

Yes. The strong midrange, clear attack and simple control layout make it excellent for rhythm playing, especially in rock, punk, blues and indie styles.

Can the Les Paul Special handle lead playing?

Yes. The set-neck construction and P-90 pickups give it sustain, bite and expression for lead playing.

Are P-90 pickups noisy?

P-90s are single-coil pickups, so they have more natural hum than humbuckers. Many players accept this as part of their raw, lively character.

Is this guitar suitable for recording?

Yes. The Les Paul Special records very well because it has a clear, characterful voice that sits easily in a mix without sounding overly thick.

Does the wraparound bridge help tuning stability?

Yes. A wraparound bridge is simple, solid and direct, giving strong tuning stability when set up correctly.

Is this suitable for players who use pedals?

Yes. The Les Paul Special works very well with overdrive, fuzz, boost, delay, reverb, tremolo and modulation pedals.

Is 10.3 lbs heavy for a Les Paul Special?

Yes. At 10.3 lbs, this is a heavier example, giving it a substantial feel on the strap and in the hands.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Gibson Les Paul models, P-90 guitars and pre-owned electric guitars.