1956 Gibson Les Paul Special: The Refined Workhorse of the Mid-50s Era

Why the 1956 Les Paul Special Matters

The 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special represents a pivotal moment in Gibson's evolution of their student-line solidbody guitars. Introduced in 1955 as a step up from the Les Paul Junior, the Special was still considered a "student model" but offered the versatility of two P-90 pickups in the distinctive "TV Yellow" limed mahogany finish. What makes 1956 particularly significant is that the bridge post bushing design was improved in 1956, making these guitars more stable and better-playing instruments than their 1955 predecessors.

What makes 1956 special:

• Improved bridge post bushing design for better tuning stability

• Single cutaway body style (changed to double cutaway in 1958)

• Premium P-90 pickups offering punchy, versatile tone

• Slab mahogany body construction with limed mahogany "TV Yellow" finish

• Part of the pre-humbucker era when Gibson's P-90s were at their peak

• Built during Gibson's golden era of American craftsmanship

Historical Context: Gibson's Mid-50s Innovation

1956 was a crucial year for Gibson's Les Paul line. The company had been refining the Les Paul models since the line's introduction in 1952, and by 1956, they had addressed many of the early design issues. The Les Paul Special, level 3 of 5 in initial price, was introduced in 1955, positioning it between the single-pickup Junior and the premium Standard models.

During this period, Gibson was experiencing tremendous growth in solidbody guitar production. The company was still several years away from introducing humbucking pickups (1957), making 1956 Les Paul Specials some of the finest examples of P-90-equipped guitars ever produced. The model quickly found favor with players who valued its punchy tone, stripped-down aesthetics, and rock-solid reliability.

The TV Yellow finish was particularly significant as it was designed to photograph well under the hot television studio lights of the era, hence the "TV" designation. This forward-thinking approach to media compatibility showed Gibson's understanding of the changing entertainment landscape of the 1950s.

Detailed Identification Guide for 1956 Les Paul Specials

Serial Numbers

Gibson was using block font ink stamp under the finish during the 1950s that's found on the back of the headstock. The first digit indicates the last digit of the year followed by four or five additional digits intended to be sequential. For 1956 models, look for serial numbers beginning with "6" followed by 4-5 additional digits (typically ranging from 60000-69999).

Important Note: Gibson serial numbers are not an easy way to date Les Paul guitars because they are style specific, not necessarily sequential, and were repeated multiple times throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Always cross-reference with other dating features.

Neck Dating

The most reliable dating method is examining the neck for pencil markings, typically found on the neck heel or in the neck pocket. These may appear as month/year notations like "3-56" or "11-56."

Potentiometer Codes

The potentiometer codes on Les Paul guitars in the 1950s are usually found on the side of the potentiometer and can be difficult to read. They will tell us what manufacturer made it, the year, and the week of the year it was made. Look for codes like:

• 134 5612: CTS potentiometer, 56th week of 1952 (these pots could be used into 1956)

• 137 561X: CTS potentiometer, 56th week of 1951 (also could be used in 1956)

Visual Identifiers

1. Single Cutaway Body: The Gibson Les Paul Special was made with a single cutaway body style from 1955 until 1958 when it transitioned to a double cutaway body style

2. TV Yellow Finish: Distinctive limed mahogany finish with slight greenish undertone

3. Slab Mahogany Construction: No carved maple cap like the Standard models

4. Dot Inlays: Simple pearl dot position markers on rosewood fingerboard

5. Two P-90 Pickups: Dog-ear style P-90 single-coil pickups

6. Four-Knob Control Layout: Two volume, two tone controls with three-way selector switch

7. Kluson Tuners: Single line Klusons with plastic buttons (often deteriorated on original examples)

Hardware Specifications

• Bridge: Long bridge post bushings (improved design from 1955)

• Tailpiece: Wraparound stopbar tailpiece

• Capacitors: Bumble bee capacitors (yellow and black striped)

• Wiring: Cloth-covered internal wiring

• Switch: Three-way pickup selector toggle switch

Detailed Physical Specifications

Weight and Dimensions

7.8 lbs (3.5 kg) overall weight is typical for 1956 Les Paul Specials, making them notably lighter than their Standard counterparts due to the slab mahogany construction without a maple cap.

Neck Profile

Neck profile at the first fret = 0.93" (24mm), 12th fret = 1.04" (26.2mm) represents the substantial "baseball bat" neck profile that Gibson used throughout the mid-1950s. This is as fat of a neck as Gibson made in the 1950s, providing incredible sustain and a distinctive playing feel.

Construction Details

• Body Wood: Solid mahogany slab construction

• Neck Wood: One-piece mahogany neck

• Fingerboard: Rosewood with pearl dot inlays

• Scale Length: 24.75" (Gibson standard)

• Nut Width: Approximately 1-11/16"

• Fret Wire: Original small frets (much smaller than modern fretwire)

• Binding: Cream-colored binding on fingerboard edges

Electronics Specifications

• Pickups: Two P-90 "dog-ear" single-coil pickups

• Pickup Resistance: 7.7k - 8.2k ohms for authentic examples

• Controls: Master volume and tone for each pickup

• Switch: Three-position toggle switch (neck, both, bridge)

• Output Jack: Side-mounted 1/4" jack on lower bout

Tonal Characteristics

The 1956 Les Paul Special offers a distinctive sonic signature that has made it a favorite among players seeking aggressive, cutting tones. The combination of these features produces a sound that is as bold as it is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Sound Profile:

• P-90 Growl: The single-coil P-90 pickups provide a midrange-focused attack with natural compression

• Slab Mahogany Resonance: Without a maple cap, the all-mahogany body emphasizes warmth and sustain

• Neck Pickup: Warm, woody tones perfect for rhythm playing and jazz-influenced lines

• Bridge Pickup: Cutting, aggressive sound ideal for lead work and rock rhythms

• Both Pickups: Balanced, full-range tone with enhanced midrange presence

Why Players Love the Sound: The thick mahogany neck and slab body construction create exceptional sustain, while the P-90 pickups deliver the perfect balance of clarity and natural overdrive when pushed. Unlike humbuckers, P-90s maintain note definition even in heavily distorted applications, making these guitars excellent for both clean and overdriven tones.

Common Issues & Modifications

When evaluating a 1956 Les Paul Special, be aware of these common issues:

Typical Problems

1. Tuner Button Deterioration: Since the plastic tuner buttons always deteriorate, changed tuner buttons are generally expected

2. Bridge Post Wear: The original wraparound bridge posts can wear, affecting intonation

3. Electrical Issues: Old capacitors and potentiometers may need replacement

4. Fret Wear: The original small frets may show significant wear after 70+ years

5. Finish Checking: Natural aging of the nitrocellulose finish creates checking patterns

Value-Affecting Modifications

• Pickup Replacements: Since pickups and potentiometers don't deteriorate over time, any changes there will drastically decrease my interest as a buyer

• Refinishing: Original TV Yellow finish is crucial for maximum value

• Hardware Swaps: Non-original bridge, tailpiece, or electronics reduce collectibility

• Neck Modifications: Refrets with modern wire change the original playing feel

• Routing Changes: Any body modifications for different electronics configurations

What's Acceptable

• Tuner Button Replacement: Expected due to plastic deterioration

• Professional Setup Work: Proper maintenance enhances playability

• Capacitor Replacement: Often necessary for proper function

• Case Replacement: Not all guitars retained original cases

Why Players and Collectors Value the 1956 Les Paul Special

Playing Characteristics

I consider the late 1956 to 1958 single cutaway style Les Paul Special to be my favorite of the bunch. The combination of the improved bridge design, substantial neck profile, and premium P-90 pickups creates an instrument that excels in multiple musical contexts.

Player Appeal:

• Aggressive Rock Tones: P-90s cut through mix better than many humbuckers

• Recording Versatility: Works well in both direct and miked amp applications

• Sustain: The thick neck and solid mahogany body provide exceptional sustain

• Comfortable Weight: Lighter than Standard models due to slab construction

Collector Significance

• Historical Importance: Represents Gibson's refinement of the student-line concept

• Transitional Model: One of the last years before major design changes in 1958

• P-90 Excellence: Peak era for Gibson's single-coil pickup development

• Affordable Entry: More accessible than Standard or Custom models for vintage Gibson collecting

Investment Potential

The value of Les Paul guitars increases from the first year of the line's introduction in 1952 up until what we consider the peak of quality for Gibson Les Pauls in 1958, 1959, and 1960. The 1956 Special sits in the sweet spot of this appreciation curve, offering significant value growth potential.

Selling Your 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special

If you own a 1956 Les Paul Special, you have a valuable piece of guitar history. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in purchasing vintage Gibson instruments and understand the true value of these remarkable guitars.

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars?

Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the nuanced value factors of vintage instruments like your 1956 Special.

Expert Authentication: Our team can verify the authenticity and originality of your instrument, ensuring you receive full market value for genuine examples.

Immediate Cash Payment: No waiting periods or consignment fees – we provide immediate payment for qualified instruments.

Hassle-Free Process: We handle all logistics and can provide in-person evaluation for high-value instruments throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia.

Specialized Knowledge: Unlike general music stores, we understand the specific value factors that make 1956 Les Paul Specials desirable, including the improved bridge design and premium P-90 specifications.

Get Your Free Valuation

Ready to sell your vintage Gibson? Contact Edgewater Guitars today:

• Phone: (440) 219-3607

• Online Quote: [Submit photos and details through our website]

• Email Consultation: Available for preliminary discussions

Related Resources for Les Paul Special Owners

Authentication Tools

• [Gibson Serial Number Lookup Guide] - Comprehensive database for dating vintage Gibsons

• [P-90 Pickup Resistance Chart] - Verify authenticity of original pickups

• [1950s Gibson Features Guide] - Visual identification of period-correct specifications

• [Les Paul Potentiometer Dating] - Decode pot codes for accurate dating

Additional Reading

• [1955 Gibson Les Paul Special Guide] - Compare with the previous year's specifications

• [1957 Gibson Les Paul Special] - See how the model evolved

• [Gibson P-90 Pickup History] - Understanding the evolution of Gibson's single-coils

• [Vintage Gibson Case Guide] - Identifying original Lifton cases

Selling Resources

• [Main Guitar Selling Guide] - General information about selling vintage instruments

• [Gibson Valuation Calculator] - Estimate your guitar's current market value

• [Vintage Guitar Market Trends] - Stay informed about collector market developments

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 1956 Les Paul Special

The 1956 Gibson Les Paul Special represents a unique moment in electric guitar history – a refined student model that delivers professional-level tone and build quality. The bridge post bushing design was improved in 1956, making these guitars more stable and better-playing than their predecessors, while the pre-humbucker P-90 pickups offer a distinctive voice that has influenced countless recordings.

For owners considering selling their 1956 Les Paul Special, the current market offers excellent opportunities. These guitars have shown consistent appreciation as collectors recognize their historical significance and exceptional playing qualities. At Edgewater Guitars, we're committed to providing fair, expert valuations that reflect the true market value of these remarkable instruments.

Whether you're curious about your guitar's value, looking to sell, or simply want to learn more about your vintage Gibson, we're here to help. Our expertise in vintage Gibson guitars, combined with our commitment to fair dealing, makes us the ideal partner for Les Paul Special owners throughout the Midwest.

Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation valuation:

• Phone: (440) 219-3607

• Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia

• Specialty: Vintage Gibson and Fender guitar acquisitions

Gavin, Lead Guitar Specialist at Edgewater Guitars, has over 10 years of experience in vintage guitar authentication and valuation. He has personally evaluated and purchased hundreds of vintage Gibson Les Pauls, with particular expertise in 1950s models and their distinctive characteristics.