1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue Sunburst Vintage USA Electric Guitar, (Used)

The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue in Sunburst is a rare and highly characterful Norlin-era Gibson, built as a reissue of the mid-1950s single-cut Les Paul Special. With its slab mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, dual P-90 pickup layout and wraparound bridge, it delivers the raw, direct and expressive sound that makes vintage Les Paul Specials so loved by players.

This example is listed in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional and ready to play. The supplied pot code 1377421 is also a useful dating detail, decoding as a CTS potentiometer made in the 21st week of 1974.

Supplied with a hardcase, this is a superb player-grade vintage Gibson for rock, blues, punk, indie, garage, slide, classic rock and recording.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue
Year	1974
Era	Norlin Era
Finish	Sunburst
Country of Manufacture	USA
Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Body Style	Single-Cut Les Paul Special
Body	Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Pickup Configuration	SS
Pickups	Dual P-90 Pickups
Bridge	Wraparound Bridge
Pot Code Supplied	1377421
Pot Code Reading	CTS, 21st week of 1974
Condition	Pre-Owned, Good Condition
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Rare 1974 Gibson ’55-style Les Paul Special reissue with vintage P-90 tone
Best For	Rock, blues, punk, indie, garage, slide, classic rock, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate to professional, collectors and vintage Gibson enthusiasts

Condition Overview

Good Condition

This 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue is in Good condition. This means it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional.

Good condition is ideal for players who want a vintage Gibson with real age, use and character rather than a case-kept collector-grade example. Cosmetic wear should be expected on an instrument of this age.

What’s Included?

✔ 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue Sunburst Electric Guitar
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows noticeable signs of previous use, which may include visible marks, scratches, small dings, finish wear, lacquer checking or age-related cosmetic wear consistent with Good condition.

The supplied pot code is 1377421, which decodes as a CTS potentiometer manufactured in the 21st week of 1974. Pot codes can help support dating, but they only date the potentiometer itself and should be considered alongside the full instrument specification, serial number, construction details and inspection.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• P-90 pickups checked
• 3-way pickup selector tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Pot code visually noted
• Frets inspected
• Rosewood fingerboard checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Tuners checked
• Wraparound bridge checked
• Hardware inspected
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Pickup output checked
• Hardware checked
• Wraparound bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue?

Rare Norlin-Era Gibson Reissue

This model is an especially interesting part of Gibson history. The 1974 Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue is widely recognised as a Norlin-era reissue inspired by the original 1955 single-cut Les Paul Special format.

Classic Slab Mahogany Construction

The Les Paul Special formula is wonderfully direct: a solid mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and simple electronics. It gives the guitar a lively, resonant and immediate feel.

Dual P-90 Pickup Voice

P-90 pickups are one of Gibson’s most expressive pickup designs. They offer more bite and openness than many humbuckers, while delivering more midrange body than a typical Fender-style single coil. This makes the guitar excellent for blues, rock, punk, indie and raw vintage tones.

Wraparound Bridge Simplicity

The wraparound bridge is part of the Les Paul Special’s charm. It keeps the design simple, direct and resonant, giving the guitar a strong connection between the strings and body.

Sunburst Finish

The Sunburst finish gives this Les Paul Special a classic vintage look. On a single-cut Special, it pairs beautifully with the stripped-back design and gives the guitar strong visual character.

Pot Code Dating Detail

The supplied 1377421 pot code is a useful vintage detail. In standard EIA pot-code format, 137 identifies CTS as the manufacturer, while 7421 points to 1974, week 21. This supports the 1974 dating, while still being treated correctly as a component date rather than a full instrument authentication on its own.

Player-Grade Vintage Appeal

Because this example is in Good condition, it is best viewed as a playable vintage Gibson rather than a pristine collector piece. That makes it especially appealing for guitarists who want genuine vintage tone and feel that can still be used regularly.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue vs Original 1950s Les Paul Special

An original 1950s Les Paul Special carries major vintage collector value and a much higher price point. The 1974 ’55 Reissue gives players a genuine vintage Gibson alternative with strong 1950s-inspired design character and more accessible player appeal.

Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue vs Gibson Les Paul Junior

A Les Paul Junior usually has one P-90 pickup and an even simpler layout. The Les Paul Special adds a neck pickup and extra controls, making it more versatile while keeping the raw slab-body Gibson feel.

Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

A Les Paul Standard typically uses humbuckers, a carved maple top and a heavier, more polished specification. The Les Paul Special is more direct, raw and open-sounding, with a stronger P-90 identity.

Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue vs Modern Les Paul Special

A modern Les Paul Special offers current Gibson build consistency and modern availability. This 1974 example offers genuine vintage age, Norlin-era interest and a more collectible historical position.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Gibson Enthusiasts

This guitar is ideal for players and collectors interested in 1970s Gibson reissues, Norlin-era instruments and less common Les Paul models.

P-90 Players

The dual P-90 layout makes this a brilliant choice for guitarists who love bite, clarity, grit and dynamic response.

Rock And Blues Guitarists

The Les Paul Special format is perfect for blues-rock, classic rock, roots rock and raw overdriven tones.

Punk, Indie And Garage Players

P-90s and slab-body Gibson Specials have long been loved by players who want an immediate, punchy and slightly raw guitar voice.

Studio Musicians

The combination of mahogany, P-90s and wraparound bridge gives this guitar a distinctive sound that records beautifully.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue is well suited to:

• Rock
• Blues
• Blues-rock
• Classic rock
• Punk
• Indie
• Garage rock
• Alternative
• Slide guitar
• Soul
• Americana
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rehearsals
• Raw rhythm guitar
• Expressive lead guitar
• Vintage Gibson collecting
• Players wanting a characterful P-90 electric guitar

Educational Section: Why Choose A Vintage Les Paul Special?

A Les Paul Special is one of the most direct and expressive Gibson designs. Unlike a carved-top Les Paul Standard, the Special uses a simpler slab-body construction and P-90 pickups, giving it a more immediate and open sound.

The dual P-90 layout is especially versatile. The bridge pickup can be biting and aggressive, the neck pickup can be warm and vocal, and the middle position gives a balanced tone that works well for rhythm playing, recording and clean-to-driven amp sounds.

A vintage 1970s reissue adds another layer of appeal. It offers genuine age, period character and a link to Gibson’s early attempts at recreating important 1950s designs. For players who want a Gibson with personality, history and practical stage/studio use, this 1974 Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue is a standout option.

Looking for advice on choosing the right vintage Gibson, Les Paul Special or P-90 guitar? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue

The original Les Paul Special arrived in the mid-1950s as a practical, stripped-back Gibson electric aimed at players who wanted more than a Junior but less ornamentation than a Standard. Its slab mahogany body, dual P-90s and wraparound bridge made it a working musician’s guitar with huge tonal personality.

In 1974, Gibson revisited that single-cut Special concept with the Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue. These instruments are now sought after because they represent an early vintage-style Gibson reissue from the Norlin period, before reissue guitars became a major part of Gibson’s later catalogue identity.

This Sunburst example, with a supplied 1974 CTS pot code and hardcase, is a characterful player-grade vintage Gibson with strong historical and musical appeal.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue
Year	1974
Era	Norlin Era
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Sunburst
Body Shape	Single-Cut Les Paul Special
Body Type	Solid Body
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	SS
Pickups	Dual P-90 Pickups
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Pickup Selector
Bridge / Tailpiece	Wraparound Bridge
Pot Code Supplied	1377421
Pot Code Interpretation	CTS, 1974, 21st Week
String Configuration	6-String
Condition	Pre-Owned, Good Condition

Specification Note

The supplied pot code supports the 1974 dating but does not, by itself, prove full component originality. Pot codes date the potentiometer, and the guitar should always be assessed alongside serial number, construction details, solder joints, pickup markings, hardware and overall inspection.

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★☆ 4/5

The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue Sunburst is a rare and exciting vintage Gibson with superb player appeal. Its slab mahogany construction, set neck, dual P-90 pickups and wraparound bridge deliver the raw, resonant and expressive voice that makes Les Paul Specials so loved.

This Good condition example is ideal for players who want a genuine vintage Gibson to use and enjoy, rather than a spotless collector-only instrument. The hardcase and supplied 1974 CTS pot code add further practical and historical appeal.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

What condition is this 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue in?

This guitar is listed in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes. This 1974 Gibson Les Paul Special ’55 Reissue comes with a hardcase.

What does the pot code 1377421 mean?

The code 1377421 decodes as a CTS potentiometer made in the 21st week of 1974.

Does the pot code prove the full guitar is original?

No. A pot code dates the potentiometer itself. It is useful supporting evidence, but full originality should be assessed through serial number, construction details, solder joints, pickups, hardware and overall inspection.

What pickups does this model use?

This model is associated with a dual P-90 pickup layout.

What is the bridge type?

This model uses a wraparound bridge.

What styles does this guitar suit?

It suits rock, blues, punk, indie, garage rock, classic rock, alternative, slide guitar, recording and live performance.

Is this a collector’s guitar or a player’s guitar?

Because it is listed in Good condition, it is best suited as a player-grade vintage Gibson, while still holding strong collector interest due to its rarity and 1974 reissue status.

Does it require a battery?

No. This is a passive electric guitar and does not require a battery.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on vintage Gibson guitars, Les Paul Specials and P-90 electric guitars.