Gibson 57 LP Special SC TV Yellow ULA

Gibson 57 LP Special SC TV Yellow ULA review

The Gibson 57 LP Special SC TV Yellow ULA takes its cues from a 1957 Les Paul Special, with a mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and two Custom P-90 pickups. It is a Murphy Lab model finished in TV Yellow with an Ultra Light Aged treatment and visible lacquer cracks. The result keeps the look of a worn-in instrument restrained rather than heavily distressed.

Its layout is straightforward. There is no separate top, no tremolo, and no conventional two-piece bridge arrangement. A 1950s-style wraparound bridge handles the strings, while the pair of P-90s provides the core of the guitar's sound. Gibson includes a Custom Shop case. The model is made in the USA and has been available since March 2021.

Construction and finish

The mahogany body and neck give the instrument a traditional, solid feel. The neck joint is hot glued, and the rounded C neck profile offers a familiar shape without an unusually slim or pronounced contour. The 628 mm scale is shorter than a standard 25.5-inch guitar scale, a detail that can make string bends feel less resistant, depending on string gauge and setup.

The rosewood fingerboard carries 22 authentic medium jumbo frets. That fret count and the simple control layout suit the guitar's compact, direct design. Black top-hat knobs provide a clear contrast against the yellow finish. Kluson Deluxe three-on-a-plate tuners complete the vintage-style hardware arrangement.

The Ultra Light Aged finish includes lacquer cracks, adding age cues without suggesting extensive wear. Buyers should expect the appearance to be part of the instrument's character, rather than a pristine, unaged surface. The provided details do not specify a particular setup, string gauge, or fretboard radius, so those points are best checked with the seller before purchase.

P-90 pickups and controls

Two Custom P-90 pickups are the defining choice here. They give the guitar a different pickup format from a Les Paul fitted with humbuckers. Player feedback supplied for this review specifically favors the P-90 arrangement, describing the instrument as sounding authoritative and praising its pickups and electronics. That is a useful real-world impression, though pickup response will also depend on the amplifier, settings, and playing style.

CTS 500K potentiometers are fitted for the controls. The specifications do not list a switching system or describe the exact control functions, so it is sensible not to assume additional options beyond the stated P-90 setup. The straightforward hardware and electronics keep attention on the two pickups and the player's adjustments.

Playing feel and owner feedback

One owner describes the guitar as comfortable, easy to play, and convincing in sound. The same feedback compares a reported weight of 3.35 kg with a 4.0 kg reference instrument. Those figures are a player's comparison, not a published weight specification for every example of this model, so individual instruments may differ.

The wraparound bridge is another point noted by that owner, who preferred its simpler arrangement to a separate bridge and tailpiece. That preference is subjective, but it captures the appeal of the design: fewer parts, a clean vintage look, and a direct connection between the strings and the bridge. Players who prefer independent bridge and tailpiece adjustment should take that difference into account.

A separate owner report praises the build, pickups, and electronics, while noting that one strap button screw needed to be refitted. The issue was described as minor. It is not evidence of a recurring fault, but it is a practical reminder to check strap buttons and other hardware when the guitar arrives.

Verdict

The Gibson 57 LP Special SC TV Yellow ULA is a focused take on a classic Les Paul Special formula. Its strongest documented points are the mahogany construction, rounded C neck, rosewood fingerboard, pair of Custom P-90 pickups, and distinctive aged TV Yellow finish. The 1950s-style wraparound bridge keeps the hardware simple, while the included Custom Shop case adds useful protection for storage and transport.

At a listed price of 3869, this is a considered purchase, particularly for players seeking this specific vintage-inspired configuration and Murphy Lab finish. It may be less suitable for someone who wants humbuckers, a tremolo, or a separate bridge and tailpiece. For players drawn to P-90s and a lightweight-feeling, direct-playing Les Paul Special, owner impressions point to a satisfying instrument. Check the setup and hardware on the individual guitar before completing the purchase.