1955 Gibson Les Paul Special Limed Mahogany (TV Yellow) — Original P-90s, Case & Gibson GA-5 Amp

1955 Gibson Les Paul Special in Limed Mahogany, the original Gibson finish now widely known as TV Yellow, with original P-90 pickups, original components, period-correct Gibson chipboard case, and a Gibson GA-5 amplifier that was originally purchased with the guitar. Currently fitted with a DeTemple titanium bridge, reproduction tuners, and strap-lock buttons; all original removed components are included in the case. Exceptionally clean example.

LA Vintage Gear is proud to offer this remarkable 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special in Limed Mahogany, the finish now widely known as TV Yellow. Gibson’s period terminology is particularly important with an instrument like this: Limed Mahogany is the historically appropriate description for the finish, while “TV Yellow” is the term most commonly used by collectors, players, and the modern vintage-guitar market.

This exceptionally clean 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special is accompanied by its period-correct Gibson chipboard case and a Gibson GA-5 amplifier that was originally purchased with the guitar. The inclusion of the original-period GA-5 adds an exceptional element of provenance to an already outstanding vintage Gibson package.

Introduced in 1955, the Gibson Les Paul Special was Gibson’s two-pickup alternative to the Les Paul Junior, combining a straightforward mahogany construction with two powerful Gibson P-90 pickups. The original single-cutaway design, Limed Mahogany finish, twin P-90s, and wraparound bridge have made the early Les Paul Special one of the most recognizable and collectible Gibson solidbody guitars of the 1950s.

This example retains an impressive amount of original material. The guitar includes its original P-90 pickups, original electronics, original hardware, original wraparound bridge, original tuners, original strap buttons, original pickguard, and period-correct Gibson chipboard case. Several components are currently replaced for practical playing purposes, with all of the original removed components included in the case.

Original Gibson GA-5 Amplifier

Adding considerably to the significance of this offering is the included Gibson GA-5 amplifier, which was originally purchased with this Les Paul Special.

The GA-5 provides an important piece of the guitar’s history and provenance. This is not simply a vintage Gibson guitar being offered with a period amplifier—the guitar and amplifier have a documented connection as an originally purchased-together 1955 Gibson setup.

For collectors, finding a vintage Gibson guitar accompanied by the amplifier that was originally purchased with it is an unusually compelling piece of provenance. It also provides the opportunity to experience the Les Paul Special through a period Gibson amplifier from the same era.

Current Setup & Original Parts Included

The guitar is currently configured with several player-friendly replacement components:

• DeTemple titanium bridge currently installed
• Reproduction tuners currently installed
• Strap-lock strap buttons currently installed
• All original removed components included in the period-correct Gibson chipboard case
• Original wraparound bridge included
• Original tuners included; original tuner buttons have disintegrated with age
• Original strap buttons included

The original tuner buttons have disintegrated with age, while the original tuner assemblies remain with the guitar. The reproduction tuners currently installed provide a practical solution while allowing the original tuners to remain preserved with the instrument.

The original bridge is also included in the case, with the guitar currently fitted with a DeTemple titanium bridge.

This setup gives the next owner the flexibility to enjoy the guitar as it is currently configured while retaining the ability to return it to its original configuration.

1955 Gibson Les Paul Special Specifications

• Year: 1955
• Manufacturer: Gibson
• Model: Les Paul Special
• Weight: 7.9 lbs
• Body Style: Single-cutaway
• Finish: Limed Mahogany — widely known today as TV Yellow
• Body: Solid mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Nut Width: 1.890″
• 1st Fret: 1.108″
• 12th Fret: 1.198″
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Dot; one of the 12th-fret dots shows noticeable wear
• Pickups: 2 original Gibson P-90 soapbar pickups
• Pickup Readings: Bridge — 7.87K; Neck — 8.42K
• Bridge: DeTemple titanium bridge currently installed
• Original Bridge: Included in case
• Tuners: Reproduction tuners currently installed
• Original Tuners: Included in case; original buttons have disintegrated
• Strap Buttons: Strap-lock buttons currently installed
• Original Strap Buttons: Included in case
• Electronics: Original
• Hardware: Original components included
• Pickguard: Original
• Original Case: Period-correct Gibson chipboard case
• Amplifier: Gibson GA-5, originally purchased with the guitar

Condition

This is an exceptionally clean 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special, with only a handful of small cosmetic imperfections consistent with its age.

There is a small ding on the back of the headstock, a small ding on the back of the neck, and another small ding on the back of the neck near the 12th fret. There are also some small black marks near the lower strap pin, which are largely concealed when the guitar is worn with a strap.

There is also a small divot on the back near the control plate.

One of the 12th-fret dot inlays shows some wear and is not as cosmetically clean or crisp as the other dot inlays.

The original plastic tuner buttons have disintegrated with age; the original tuner assemblies are included in the case, with reproduction tuners currently installed.

Overall, these are minor imperfections, and the guitar presents exceptionally well for a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special.

Original Tuners & Reproduction Tuners

The guitar’s original tuner assemblies are included in the case, but the original plastic tuner buttons have disintegrated with age. Reproduction tuners are currently installed on the guitar.

This allows the original tuners to remain safely preserved with the instrument while providing fully functional tuners for regular playing.

Original Bridge & DeTemple Titanium Bridge

The guitar is currently fitted with a DeTemple titanium bridge, providing a modern, precision-made bridge for players who want to use the guitar regularly.

The original 1955 Gibson wraparound bridge is included in the case, allowing the guitar to be returned to its original configuration if desired.

Original P-90 Pickups

The two original Gibson P-90 pickups remain with the guitar and are a major part of what makes this example so desirable.

The measured pickup resistance is:

• Bridge: 7.87K
• Neck: 8.42K

These original P-90s provide the distinctive combination of powerful output, aggressive midrange, clarity, and touch sensitivity associated with vintage Gibson electric guitars of this period.

Limed Mahogany — The Finish Widely Known as TV Yellow

The finish on this guitar is Limed Mahogany, the historically appropriate Gibson terminology for what is now widely known as TV Yellow.

The early Gibson Les Paul Special’s Limed Mahogany finish is one of its most recognizable characteristics. The translucent appearance allows the underlying mahogany to contribute to the visual character of the instrument, with individual examples naturally varying in color and appearance over time.

Today, TV Yellow is by far the most common term used by collectors and players when referring to this iconic vintage Gibson finish. For that reason, both Limed Mahogany and TV Yellow are included throughout this listing to accurately describe the guitar while making it easy for collectors searching for either terminology to find.

The combination of Limed Mahogany, slab-style mahogany construction, and twin P-90 pickups has made the early Les Paul Special an enduring favorite among vintage Gibson collectors and players.

Period-Correct Gibson Chipboard Case

The guitar is accompanied by its period-correct Gibson chipboard case, which also contains the original components that have been removed from the guitar.

Included in the case are the hang tag, original bridge, original tuners, original strap buttons, and other original components.

A modern Les Paul case is also included for additional protection during storage or transportation.

Having the original parts preserved with the guitar is particularly important for collectors and provides the next owner with the option of returning the instrument to its original configuration.

Why This 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special Is Special

The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special represents the beginning of an important Gibson model line. Introduced in 1955, the Special offered players two Gibson P-90 pickups in a straightforward mahogany solidbody design, occupying a unique position in Gibson’s 1950s electric guitar lineup.

This example combines the characteristics collectors look for in an early Les Paul Special:

1955 production • Single-cutaway body • Original Limed Mahogany finish / TV Yellow • Original P-90 pickups • Original electronics • Original hardware • Original bridge included • Original tuners included • Original strap buttons included • Period-correct Gibson chipboard case • Original GA-5 amplifier purchased with the guitar • Exceptionally clean condition

At the same time, the current DeTemple titanium bridge, reproduction tuners, and strap-lock buttons make the guitar more practical for regular playing, while all of the original components remain safely included with the instrument.

For the vintage Gibson collector, this is an unusually clean and highly original 1955 Les Paul Special with its original components preserved, accompanied by an exceptionally interesting piece of provenance in the form of its original-purchase Gibson GA-5 amplifier.

For the player, it offers the unmistakable sound and feel of a genuine 1950s Gibson with original P-90 pickups and the flexibility of a modernized setup.

A genuinely exceptional example of an early vintage Gibson Les Paul Special.

To set up an appointment to view this guitar, please call 747.388.2929. Additional photos available on our website.