Epiphone Les Paul Special Electric Guitar TV Yellow
A stripped-down, raw Les Paul with P90 pickups and that iconic TV Yellow finish. At $499, it offers aggressive tone and vintage vibes without the Gibson price or weight burden.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +P90 pickups deliver aggressive, articulate tone with natural sustain — superior to traditional humbuckers for raw character
- +Lightweight singlecut body is genuinely comfortable for extended playing, unlike heavier Standard models
- +TV Yellow finish is instantly recognizable and looks fantastic on stage
- +Simple controls strip away complexity, forcing you to focus on playing rather than tone-tweaking
Cons
- −P90 pickups are noisier than humbuckers in high-gain scenarios — single-coil hum is present
- −Budget construction means hardware and tuners may need upgrade if you plan long-term ownership
- −Stripped aesthetic appeals to traditionalists but lacks the visual punch of binding or fancy finishes
The Verdict
Epiphone’s Les Paul Special reclaims the authentic spirit of the original 1950s Les Paul — simple, lightweight, aggressive, and unapologetically raw. In a world of Les Paul Standards heavy enough to require neck support, the Special is refreshingly no-nonsense. It weighs what a guitar should weigh. It plays great out of the box. It sounds like a Les Paul without the boutique price.
The secret is the P90 configuration. Unlike traditional humbuckers, P90s offer articulate attack and natural sustain with genuine character. They’re noisier in high-gain contexts — that single-coil hum is real — but they reward good technique and clean playing. Push them into overdrive and you get grit and growl. Keep them clean and they sparkle. The tone controls are responsive and let you dial in everything from chimey Telecaster snap to fat, aggressive rock.
TV Yellow is iconic for a reason. This finish has serious visual presence on stage and in photos. The overall package feels authentic — no binding, no unnecessary appointments, just a guitar built to be played. If you want vintage Les Paul tone and playability without the vintage price or weight, the Special is the obvious choice. For players seeking maximum customization or modern appointments, look elsewhere.
