[1] It is designed to be an intermediate level instrument, at a price point and trim level between the low-cost Les Paul Junior and the standard Les Paul.

Like most of Gibson's other budget models,[clarification needed] the Les Paul Special was produced in a TV Yellow finish,[7] which was made by Gibson as a finish that would look good on black and white television.

In 1961, the Les Paul received a drastic change when it was redesigned into what would become known as the Gibson SG.

Les Paul's contract had expired by 1963, bringing a change to the submodels.

[6][verification needed] Media related to Gibson Les Paul Special at Wikimedia Commons