Gibson Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Les Paul Special Custom Select '57 Reissue 2024 - Walnut

An exceptional and highly uncommon example from the Gibson Custom Shop, this 1957 Les Paul Special Reissue has been elevated through the Custom Select programme into something far more exclusive than a standard Historic reissue. Custom Select instruments are produced in limited numbers, with specifications curated by Gibson’s most experienced builders.

Finished in a striking Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Walnut, this piece stands apart from the traditional TV Yellow examples. The finish evokes the character of a vintage instrument that may have been stripped and refinished during the 1970s, an era when walnut finishes rose in popularity, resulting in a look that feels both historically plausible and visually unique. The Murphy Lab ageing is executed to the highest standard, with convincing lacquer checking, natural wear patterns, and beautifully rolled fingerboard edges that enhance both aesthetics and playability.

Equally notable is the unconventional pickup pairing, a feature seldom encountered on Les Paul Specials. The combination of a Dogear P-90 in the neck position and Custombucker in the bridge offers a broader tonal palette than a traditional Special, without compromising its raw, direct character.

For the discerning collector, this represents an opportunity to acquire a distinct and highly individual Custom Shop piece—one that blends vintage correctness with rare specification, and stands apart both sonically and visually within any serious Gibson collection.

Supplied with original Gibson Custom Shop hard case and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications:

• Body: Solid Mahogany

• Finish: Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Walnut)

• Binding: Single-ply Cream (Fretboard)

• Neck: Solid Mahogany

• Neck Profile: 50s Rounded Medium C

• Scale Length: 24.75" (628.65mm)

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Radius: 12" (304.8mm)

• Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo

• Inlays: Pearloid Dot

• Nut: Nylon, 1.69" (42.85mm)

• Bridge: Wraparound

• Neck Pickup: Dogear P-90

• Bridge Pickup: Custombucker

• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone (Hand-wired with 500k CTS pots)

• Switch: 3-way Switchcraft

• Output Jack: Switchcraft 1/4"

• Tuners: Nickel-plated

• Hardware Finish: Nickel

• Pickguard: Black Multi-Ply

• Knobs: Black Top Hat

• Switch Tip: Amber

• Truss Rod: Authentic 1950s No-Tube

• Truss Rod Cover: Authentic Stepped 2-Ply