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1977 Gibson Les Paul Special "55-77" Limited Edition + Chainsaw Case

1977 Gibson Les Paul Special "55-77" Limited Edition + Chainsaw Case

Regular price $1,900.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,900.00 USD
Sale Sold out
1977 Gibson Les Paul Special "55-77"
Late 70's Gibson "Norlin-Era"
Tobacco Burst Finish
Gibson Gold Digit Serial
Made in Kalamazoo, USA)

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Up for sale is a very unique late 70's Norlin-era Gibson LP Special "55-77" LTD model.

This 77' LP Special has clearly been loved and appreciated by its previous owner. Has a good amount of play wear such as surface dings, marks, scratches. Some discoloration on metal hardware (tuners, bridge/saddle area). A minor surface indent near toggle switch area. Some dings and marks on the top/side of the headstock. 1 missing screw on pickguard. Some natural play wear on the wood behind the neck profile. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK.

Despite all the surface wear, this Gibson is still rock sturdy and very well built. 

This Gibson has some professional upgrades done to the guitar. Both pickups upgraded to Lollar "50's Wind" P-90's for a much cleaner and snappier punch while decreasing a good amount of classic P-90 hum. Great pickups for hard rock with heavy gain. You can also play it completely clean on any quality Fender Tube Amp and slightly lower the tone to maybe (7-8) with volume (8-9). This will give you a very nice clean sounding tone great for clean blues and jazz. Overall the Lollar 50's P-90's were an excellent pickup choice that pairs nicely with this 77' Gibson. 

A lot of the original plastic were worn out so modern replacements were made... Modern white nut for better intonation. Modern black toggle switch instead of original white. Modern orange knobs instead of original black. Output jack plastic upgraded to modern plastic (missing 1 screw). Vintage style metal tuners. Original 77' LP Special black pickguard still kept.

Has some very nice genuine natural checking throughout the guitar body/neck. A true honest vintage look with none of that fake home relic BS. 

The highlight of this guitar is this very comfortable 70's style Gibson neck... very unique neck profile that I haven't exactly felt before. Feels slightly slimmer than a Modern C in terms of width... but slightly taller in terms of height.
Good example for comparison is a 1957 Gibson Les Paul Jr. neck profile but slightly more carved in. It's a great feeling neck for playing power chords or standard chords. Frets are lower vintage style with a wider base. Great frets for playing clean jazz/blues with your hands.

Comes with a non-original but period correct 70's Gibson LP Chainsaw case (2nd generation w/ red interior). The case has definitely seem some better days but still functions perfectly as any case should. The rubber on the handle wore out so I ripped it off completely... Underneath I found a solid piece of metal for the handle.. this handle will never break no matter how hard you abuse it. These 70's-80's Gibson chainsaw cases (regardless of generation) are some of the most durable guitar cases ever built. Truly built like a tank.

Overall, this is a legit 1977 Gibson with alot of honest play and wear while upgraded to some modern specs to increase the longevity of this 50+ year old guitar. 

It's not a guitar that has been babied and stored away in a closet. It has been played and I can clearly tell why... it's just a very well made guitar overall. P-90's are just so unique compared to standard hum-buckers or single coils.
 
Comes with:
- 1977 Gibson Les Paul Special "55-77"
- 70's Gibson LP Chainsaw case (period-correct red interior)

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

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Gibson Les Paul Special: A Classic Rock and Roll Icon

The Gibson Les Paul Special is a simplified and more affordable version of the iconic Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. Known for its raw, punchy sound and straightforward design, the Les Paul Special has become a favorite among rock, punk, and alternative players. While it may not have the same complex features as its higher-end siblings (like the Les Paul Standard), the Les Paul Special offers a distinctive, powerful tone with its unique setup and tonal flexibility.


Key Features

1. Body and Design

  • Body Shape:

    • The Les Paul Special has the same iconic Les Paul single-cutaway body shape that is both ergonomic and visually striking. This shape provides excellent comfort for both sitting and standing players.
    • The body is made of solid mahogany, known for its warmth, sustain, and resonant tone.
    • The flat top design is simpler than some of the carved tops on more expensive Les Paul models, but still contributes to the guitar's overall classic look and sound.
  • Finish:

    • Typically offered in vintage-style finishes such as TV Yellow, Black, and occasionally Sunburst.
    • The finish on the Les Paul Special is usually a satin or glossy lacquer, maintaining a classic look and feel.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

  • Neck:

    • The neck is made from mahogany, providing a smooth, comfortable feel and contributing to the guitar's warm tonal qualities.
    • The neck is attached using a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and overall resonance.
  • Fingerboard:

    • The fingerboard is typically made of rosewood, a popular material for its smooth feel and durability. Some models may feature maple fingerboards.
    • The Les Paul Special generally has a 22-fret fingerboard, with dot inlays for easy note identification.
  • Scale Length:

    • The Les Paul Special features the classic 24.75-inch scale length, which contributes to a warmer, more rounded tone compared to guitars with longer scale lengths.

3. Electronics

  • Pickups:

    • The Les Paul Special is most commonly equipped with two P-90 single-coil pickups, which give the guitar a bright, punchy tone with a characteristic bite and growl. The P-90s offer a unique middle ground between traditional single-coil clarity and humbucker warmth, making them perfect for a variety of musical styles, from classic rock to punk and blues.
    • The pickups deliver a raw, gritty sound with plenty of character, making the Les Paul Special a standout choice for musicians who prefer a more aggressive and dynamic tone.
  • Controls:

    • The standard control layout on the Les Paul Special includes two volume and two tone knobs (one for each pickup), as well as a three-way toggle switch for selecting the bridge, neck, or both pickups.
    • This simple control setup makes it easy to dial in a wide range of sounds, from bright and biting to warm and mellow.

4. Hardware

  • Bridge:
    • The Les Paul Special typically uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, similar to the one found on higher-end Les Paul models. This hardware combination offers excellent intonation, sustain, and tuning stability.
  • Tuners:
    • Vintage-style tuners are typically used on the Les Paul Special, providing precise tuning adjustments.

Tone and Playability

The Les Paul Special is known for its raw, punchy sound, with plenty of attack and bite, thanks to the P-90 pickups. While not as refined as the humbucking-equipped Les Paul Standard, the Les Paul Special shines in its simplicity and directness, making it ideal for rock, blues, punk, and garage rock styles.

  • Bright and Punchy: The P-90 pickups give the Les Paul Special a bright, biting tone with excellent clarity and midrange presence, making it an ideal choice for players who want a more aggressive, in-your-face sound.
  • Warm and Rich: The mahogany body and set neck construction provide warmth and sustain, especially on the lower strings, which is characteristic of the Les Paul family.
  • Versatile: The combination of the P-90s and the simple control layout allows the guitar to cover a wide range of musical styles, from clean, jangly tones to heavily overdriven, crunchy riffs.

History and Legacy

  • Introduction: The Les Paul Special was introduced in the 1950s as a more affordable alternative to the more expensive Les Paul models like the Les Paul Standard. While the Special was designed to be a simpler, no-frills version, it has gained its own reputation as a workhorse guitar, particularly favored for its raw tone and rock-and-roll attitude.
  • Evolution: Over the years, the Les Paul Special has undergone several revisions, but its core design has remained largely unchanged. The introduction of the P-90 pickups and simple controls set it apart from the more ornate Les Paul models.
  • Endorsement: The Les Paul Special has been used by many legendary musicians across various genres. Its straightforward design and punchy tone have made it particularly popular among punk, rock, and blues players.

Notable Players

Many famous guitarists have used the Les Paul Special, particularly in rock, punk, and alternative music:

  • Johnny Thunders (New York Dolls): Thunders was known for using a Les Paul Special during the 1970s punk scene, contributing to the raw, gritty tone that defined his sound.
  • J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.): Mascis is known for using a Gibson Les Paul Special, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, helping to shape the sound of alternative rock and grunge.
  • Lenny Kravitz: Kravitz has often used the Les Paul Special in his live shows, contributing to his signature funky rock sound.

Why Choose a Gibson Les Paul Special?

  1. Classic Tone: The P-90 pickups offer a unique, punchy tone that is perfect for a range of musical styles, from rock to blues to punk.
  2. Simple Design: The Les Paul Special is a straightforward, no-frills guitar that focuses on the essentials, making it ideal for players who want simplicity without sacrificing sound quality.
  3. Affordable: Compared to the more expensive Les Paul models, the Les Paul Special offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on the classic Gibson sound.
  4. Playability and Comfort: The set neck and comfortable body shape make the Les Paul Special an easy guitar to play, with great sustain and a smooth feel.

Why Consider the Gibson Les Paul Special?

  • If you're looking for a rock-and-roll machine with a punchy, aggressive tone and a classic design, the Les Paul Special is an excellent choice. Its versatility, simple controls, and powerful sound make it perfect for everything from punk to classic rock to blues.
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