From the first year of the double cut body style, we have this remarkable 1959 Gibson Les Paul TV Special.

There are a few myths as to the origin of the moniker ‘TV Yellow’. Some say that it originates through the association with television cabinet finishes which were often done in limed mahogany (the finish listed in the Gibson Catalogue). Another idea most often quoted is that the finish looked better when broadcast (a suggestion put forward by Les Paul himself) as white caused issues with early television cameras.

A more controversial one is that the TV stands for ‘Telecaster Version’, a name given to the finish by Gibson executives who thought the combination of a blonde finish and black pick guard would confuse new customers into buying the Les Paul Juniors over their rival Fender’s Telecaster. Whatever the answer, its certain that this is one of Gibson’s most distinctive finishes, one which went through many changes over the years.

This guitar looks great. It has faded somewhat and there are a few very minor dents on the front with a little wear on the back, but overall this guitar has been well looked after. 

The neck is smooth and well worn in. It's faded more than the body and the fretboard is in great shape. The frets have plenty of life left in them. As you can see from the photos, this guitar has suffered the all too common heel break and the strap button has been relocated. The repair has been done exceptionally well and is totally stable.

The headstock is surprisingly free of too much wear. This guitar also has a 5 digit serial number (after the year digit) as Gibson ran out of 4 digit number in 1959.

The plastics are in great condition as is the nickel hardware. The electronics are all straight too with undisturbed solder joints. 

The guitar comes with a hardshell case.

The feel of Gibsons from this year is quite special (no pun intended), the hype surrounding the neck carve being (in my opinion) justified. This guitar feels very comfortable to play with a wonderful resonance and sustain. The pickups, as you’d expect, run the gamut from smooth to bitting. The neck pickup, arguably in the optimum position even if it does compromise the neck joint, has a full tone which really excentuates the sustain of the guitar without sounding woolly. The bridge pickup delivers that penetrating, attitude filled sound that we want from our slab of mahogany. You will not be disappointed!

The guitar is in stunning condition and delivers in so many ways, the neck profile alone should be enough. You will kick yourself for missing out….