Gibson Les Paul Special Satin Cherry 2005

Launched in 1955 as a step up from the Junior, the Les Paul Special kept the slab mahogany recipe and simple cosmetics while adding a second pickup and full control layout. In the mid-2000s, Gibson USA issued Satin Faded versions that brought the same workhorse idea into a modern, affordable package with a thin satin nitro finish, humbuckers, and TOM/stoptail hardware.

This 2005 example shows a fair bit of honest play wear that suits the thin finish. It’s a very nice spanky plank for a Les Paul, with a quick attack and strong output from the factory humbuckers. The slim taper neck plays great. Fretwork is perfect. No breaks. Electronics and hardware are tidy and original. Weight is 3200g.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Year/model: 2005 Les Paul Special Satin Cherry, Gibson USA
• Construction: Set-neck, single-cut solidbody, no binding
• Body: Mahogany slab, flat top
• Neck: Mahogany, 1960s Slim Taper profile
• Scale length: 24.75 in
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, dot inlays, ~12 in radius
• Frets: 22 medium; fretwork perfect
• Nut width: ~1.695 in; adjustable truss rod
• Finish: Satin Cherry, thin nitrocellulose lacquer
• Pickups: Gibson USA humbuckers, typically 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge)
• Controls: 3-way toggle; Volume x2, Tone x2; factory wiring harness
• Bridge/tailpiece: Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
• Hardware: Chrome; vintage-style 3-per-side tuners
• Pickguard: Black single-ply
• Electronics cavity: Factory shielding and braided leads
• Neck joint: Set, USA short-tenon style
• Strap buttons: Standard Gibson pattern
• Weight: 3200g