Gibson LP Special, limited edition sapphire blue, made in USA 1996. Friends, meet my new favourite guitar in the shop: this. In the 90s, Yamano, Gibson's distributor in Japan, would order limited runs of guitars in loud, unusual finishes and sell them exclusively on the Japan domestic market. I've never seen an LP Special in blue before; this sapphire blue is gorgeous and pops perfectly against the white pearl guard and streaky rosewood bound board. The neck is a slim 60s style profile; it's got enough play on the clock to be super smooth in the hands and feels superb. The mid 90s was a bit of a 'golden age' for Gibson; plus these Yamano runs were subject to an extra stringent quality control process upon landing in Japan, so the build quality on this is absolutely top notch. You won't get anything like this kind of mojo from a recent Gibson, regardless of the dollars. Now, what makes this my favourite? It's the neck pickup tone; oh boy, it's just pure luxury. Heaps of attack and sparkle, definition for days, warm and thick but with a Strat-like chime and crispness... Glory. The bridge pickup is great too, plenty of grind and growl and enough low end to get your amp cooking. Plus, it has one of those cool 90s brown cases for good measure. I'm pretty sure this is the only example of this model in this finish currently available on the internet, so hey, don't let it pass if you like it!

Model: Gibson Les Paul Special 
Made: USA, 1996 (serial 92676338)
Finish: sapphire blue, gloss nitro
Body: mahogany, 2-piece
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.945kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Gibson P-90 single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end, some checking on the back and front and a little shrinkage around the logo. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some checking on the back only. The back has widespread light dimples and scuffs, no major marks. The sides are pretty clean, just some checking on the top horn and some scuffs near the jack. The front is also nice and tidy, just a few light scuffs near the knobs, behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only;  8/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.