Gibson Les Paul Special, black on black, 2000. This is a profusely cool guitar, it really is awesome. The Les Paul Special is a variant of the LP Junior, but with two P90s and a body carve for extra comfort. Gibson sent a fair few cool P90 equipped LPs like this to Japan, but in the rest of the world, they're very scarce indeed. The lightly worn black finish looks great; it's got just enough 'miles on the clock' to add character without being too rough. Gibson changed a whole stack of specs and techniques for their 2001 range with mixed results, whereas the guitars they were making 1995-2000 are generally regarded to be brilliantly made and very sensibly appointed, and as such, this 2000 model really has the feel of a well-made guitar. It's also wearing some nice upgrades: a Tonepros bridge and Grover machine heads increase the tuning stability, and some fresh pots and input jack increase the robustness and clarity of tone. Speaking of tone, this has a lot to offer: the P90s crank out a rich, responsive and snappy tone with a huge amount of clarity and charm. It's a perfect guitar for punk, among other things... it really oozes attitude!

Model: Gibson Les Paul Special SL
Made: USA, 2000 (serial 029100515)
Finish: black, 4-ply black guard
Body: mahogany, unchambered, slim profile with body contour
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board
Mods: bridge replaced with Tonepros model, tuners replaced with Grover deluxe models, jackplate replaced, Switchcraft jack installed, knobs replaced, pots replaced with new genuine Gibson pots
Pickups: original Gibson P-90s
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's a couple of marks on the edge of the headstock and some wear around the 'made in USA' text. Te neck is pretty clean with only very minor dimples. The back has a little bit of buckle rash and a couple of little marks, most notably near the body carve and near the electronics cover. There's a few scuffs and marks around the sides, notably near the jack plate and up from the rear strap pin. The front is pretty clean, it just has some normal light play scratches and a couple of minor marks around the edge up from the bridge and up from the neck pickup. 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 just had a full fret-dress, so they're perfectly even with heaps of life, 9/10. No headstock breaks. Wearing fresh 11/49s.