Teach me about my 1960 RI Les Paul Special

[mvenuti1980]

Why is it that a single cut LP Special with a big ‘ol neck is labeled a 1960 RI? I thought by 1960 Specials were double cut with a thinner neck?

Also, are the P90s in it potted? I had read that Gibson USA and the Custom Shop use the same P90s, but they wouldn’t have been potted in 1960.

Thanks!

 

[THDNUT]

Why is it that a single cut LP Special with a big ‘ol neck is labeled a 1960 RI? I thought by 1960 Specials were double cut with a thinner neck?

As Bruce Hornsby would say, "that's just the way it is".

pssst, it's really a reproduction of a '58 Special, which suits me just fine. I don't like the double cut Specials or Juniors.

 

[mvenuti1980]

It’s exactly what I was looking for. I just don’t get why it’s not a 55-57. Oh well. It’s a great guitar regardless of the number on the back of the headstock!

 

[THDNUT]

Here's a real one. I paid 1/10 this price for my re-issue.

Gibson Les Paul Special 1958 TV Yellow | Reverb

100% Original 1958 Gibson Les Paul Special. Plays great with little to no fret wear. The P90 pickups sound absolutely amazing. The finish checking is beautiful and certainly better than any custom shop job. Comes with a non original hard case. Truthfully, if I didn't already own two others of the...

reverb.com

Edit: I just went to the Gibson website and it turns out that they are still making the Custom Shop Special. They now call it the '57 Special and it lists for $3999.

 

[mvenuti1980]

Man, I’d love that ‘58. It’s the most “reasonable” way to get in the vintage Gibson game, but I don’t have that kind of cash laying around. I looked at the current 58 RI, and that’s essentially what mine is, except mine is from 2010.