I bought it at the shop I work at, a few days ago. It's a few years old but in literally mint condition. Great sound! It has the ebony finish and 490R and 498T pickups. Gibson only made them for a short period of time apparently. I finally have a Les Paul!
How come gibson can't keep their model designations consistant? The catalog specs for a Les Paul Special is for P-90s and a wraptail. You'd think they would just make up a new model name for a new variation. Don't even get me started about SG's (special, classic, etc)!
Regardless, Happy First Les Paul!
I would take one of those over a Studio or a Vintage Mahogany or pretty much any other LP. I love the flat-top look and the smaller inlays. Congrats -- now go play the hell out of it!
Why did Gibson call it a "Special" very confusing designation that has nothing of the origianal characteristics? I always considered a Special with dot inlays , P90s or 100's and a bound neck since I've had a 56 TV and have a 1990 RI Special.
I bought one in black when MF blew them out for about $400. Installed Grover tuners and a Seth Lover in the neck. Smoothed the fret ends and its a nice little guitar for sure.
Thread revival here...I'm looking to get one of these...are these one-piece mahogany body guitars? What about the other LP HB Specials...are they one-piece or multiply???