What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut?

The guitar features a solid slab mahogany body, which provides a warm and resonant foundation for its tone.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with dual P-90 pickups, known for their raw, open sound and versatile single-coil character.

What is the significance of the Double Cut body style?

The double-cutaway design allows for easier access to the higher frets on the neck compared to the traditional single-cut Les Paul shape.

Which capacitors are used in the electronics?

The guitar features hand-wired electronics utilizing Orange Drop capacitors to ensure tonal warmth and clarity.

What kind of neck profile does this guitar have?

The instrument features a 50s-style neck profile, providing a classic, substantial feel in the hand.

What bridge system is used on the Special Double Cut?

It uses a wraparound bridge, which is valued for its simplicity, resonance, and solid tuning stability.

How does the Vintage Cherry finish look?

The Vintage Cherry finish is translucent, showing off the mahogany wood grain and providing an old-school, golden-era aesthetic.

Is this guitar suitable for punk rock?

Yes, the raw sound of the P-90s and the mahogany construction have made it a popular choice for punk, as well as classic rock and blues.

What tuners are found on this model?

The guitar is fitted with Vintage Deluxe tuners, which maintain a period-correct look while providing reliable performance.

How does it compare to a Les Paul Standard?

Unlike the Standard, the Special features a flat mahogany slab body without a carved maple top, resulting in a more direct and mid-range focused sound.

Who are some famous artists associated with Gibson Les Paul guitars?

Notable players include the namesake Les Paul, Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Duane Allman, and Brian May, among many others.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut in Vintage Cherry typically retails for approximately GBP 1490.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Vintage Cherry

The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut is a solid-body electric guitar featuring a slab mahogany body, dual P-90 pickups, and a vintage-inspired aesthetic. Designed for simplicity and raw tonal response, it is a staple instrument in genres ranging from classic rock and punk to blues.

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Overview

The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut in Vintage Cherry is a professional-grade electric guitar that emphasises functional simplicity and traditional Gibson craftsmanship. Built around a slab mahogany body, the instrument eschews the carved maple tops of the Standard line in favour of a more direct, resonant construction. The Double Cut (DC) body shape provides enhanced access to the upper frets compared to traditional single-cutaway models, making it a versatile choice for lead guitarists.

The aesthetic is defined by its Vintage Cherry finish, which is designed to highlight the natural mahogany wood grain. This gives the guitar a 'worn-in' appearance reminiscent of Gibson’s production during the 1950s and 1960s.

Key Features and Hardware

The guitar is equipped with a 50s-style neck profile, offering a substantial feel that appeals to players who prefer a more traditional grip. Tuning stability is managed by Vintage Deluxe tuners, while a classic wraparound bridge ensures maximum string-to-body vibration transfer for sustained resonance.

Internally, the guitar features premium electronics. The dual P-90 pickups are supported by a hand-wired control circuit that includes Orange Drop capacitors. These components are selected to maintain tonal clarity and warmth, ensuring the signal remains articulate even when the volume is rolled back.

Tonal Character

The sound of the Les Paul Special Double Cut is defined by its P-90 pickups. These single-coil units provide a 'raw' and 'open' sound that sits between the brightness of a traditional Fender single-coil and the thickness of a Gibson humbucker.

Low End: Warm and punchy due to the mahogany body.
Midrange: Focused and aggressive, ideal for cutting through a band mix.
High End: Crisp and clear, benefitting from the Orange Drop capacitors.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 (Tobacco Burst), the Special Double Cut offers a more utilitarian 'slab' body design without the maple cap, resulting in a slightly faster note decay and a more mid-forward bark.

In relation to Fender alternatives like the American Professional II Stratocaster or the Kurt Cobain Jaguar, the Les Paul Special provides a shorter scale length and a thicker neck profile. While the Fender models often focus on tremolo systems and high-end sparkle, the Gibson Special Double Cut focuses on fixed-bridge stability and a simpler, two-pickup layout.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut?: The guitar features a solid slab mahogany body, which provides a warm and resonant foundation for its tone.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with dual P-90 pickups, known for their raw, open sound and versatile single-coil character.
What is the significance of the Double Cut body style?: The double-cutaway design allows for easier access to the higher frets on the neck compared to the traditional single-cut Les Paul shape.
Which capacitors are used in the electronics?: The guitar features hand-wired electronics utilizing Orange Drop capacitors to ensure tonal warmth and clarity.
What kind of neck profile does this guitar have?: The instrument features a 50s-style neck profile, providing a classic, substantial feel in the hand.
What bridge system is used on the Special Double Cut?: It uses a wraparound bridge, which is valued for its simplicity, resonance, and solid tuning stability.
How does the Vintage Cherry finish look?: The Vintage Cherry finish is translucent, showing off the mahogany wood grain and providing an old-school, golden-era aesthetic.
Is this guitar suitable for punk rock?: Yes, the raw sound of the P-90s and the mahogany construction have made it a popular choice for punk, as well as classic rock and blues.
What tuners are found on this model?: The guitar is fitted with Vintage Deluxe tuners, which maintain a period-correct look while providing reliable performance.
How does it compare to a Les Paul Standard?: Unlike the Standard, the Special features a flat mahogany slab body without a carved maple top, resulting in a more direct and mid-range focused sound.
Who are some famous artists associated with Gibson Les Paul guitars?: Notable players include the namesake Les Paul, Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Duane Allman, and Brian May, among many others.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut in Vintage Cherry typically retails for approximately GBP 1490.