The 1959 Les Paul Special double-cutaway was part of Gibson’s evolution from the traditional Les Paul single-cut design toward what would soon become the SG. The double-cutaway body not only gave the guitar a sleek, modern look but also greatly improved access to higher frets — a feature players immediately appreciated.
 
Key features include:
Solid mahogany body and neck: The lightweight yet resonant mahogany construction delivers warm, rich tones with excellent sustain.
Cherry red finish: Introduced on Specials around 1958–59, the vibrant cherry stain became iconic, later defining the SG.
Double cutaway design: Enhanced upper-fret access and sleeker styling compared to the earlier single-cut models.
Dual P-90 pickups: These legendary single-coils produce a versatile range of tones — from fat, clean warmth to snarling, aggressive bite perfect for rock, blues, and punk.
Wraparound tailpiece: A simple, solid bridge that maximizes sustain and provides excellent string feel.
'59 neck profile: This guitar sports the coveted, rounded 1959 neck carve — known for its comfortable, substantial feel.
Selector switch between volume and tone knobs: On these double-cut Specials, the switch is conveniently positioned on the lower bout between the controls for easy access.
 
This particular example retains all original hardware, including 1959-dated potentiometers, original Bumble Bee capacitors, and vintage tuners. While one tone knob was replaced at some point, the original (with a broken axle bracket) is included — a thoughtful touch for the vintage purist.
 
Structural Notes
On this guitar, evidence suggests that a professional neck reset was performed at some point to preserve playability and structural integrity. As part of this work, a small block of wood was carefully fitted into the neck pickup cavity to further reinforce the joint and prevent cracking — a subtle but smart improvement that respects the guitar’s original construction while enhancing durability. The guitar otherwise shows no cracks or repaired breaks, apart from a minor, superficial split at the edge of the neck heel.
 
Model History
The Les Paul Special was launched in 1955 as a step up from the Junior, adding a second P-90 pickup and more versatile controls. By mid-1958, Gibson transitioned the Special to a double-cutaway body — a move driven by player demand for better high-fret access and Gibson’s push toward modern, ergonomic designs.
The double-cut Special became the immediate predecessor to the SG-style guitars that would officially debut in 1961. Its simple, no-frills construction, coupled with powerful pickups and iconic cherry finish, made it popular among players who wanted Gibson tone without the flash (or price tag) of a Standard or Custom.
 
Legacy
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in a collection, a well-preserved 1959 double-cutaway Les Paul Special tells the story of Gibson’s bold transition into the 1960s — and of rock’s formative years.
 
Specs
Model : Les Paul Special double cutaway
Year : 1959
Serial : 910
Weight : 3.52kgs
Pickups : original P90
Pots : original Centralab pots dated 1959 (134908 : Centralab dated week 08 of 1959)
Tuners : original single line Kluson
Case : original Gibson case from the 70s (purple interior)