The Trogly's Guitar Show

https://reverb.com/item/20681884-2011-gibson-les-paul-double-cut-p-90-gold-top-hard-to-find-model-mint-w-ohsc_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly

The Gibson Les Paul Double Cut does not get a lot of love because its design didn’t come out until 1998. You could argue that the Gibson Spirit from the 80s was a predecessor, but regardless, it wasn’t a vintage classic, but rather a new design for Gibson likely intended to cut into PRS’ market share. It was loosely based on the beloved 1958 Les Paul DC Junior except it featured higher-end appointments to attract more buyers. However, what many people love about the originals is the simplicity of them so these were definitely sculpted for a niche market. For the first year introduction, you now had binding on the 24 fret neck with trapezoid inlays, Gibson mother of pearl logo, a carved flame maple top with exposed maple edges, a tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece, dual humbuckers and a few cool finish options ranging from ambered natural to translucent black. There was also a studio version made with stripped down appointments.

When compared side by side, it is a little bit difficult to see that these are based on the same idea. Personally, I believe the additional two frets and lack of pickguard throw off the beauty of the original look and contributes to these not being as popular as their single cut brethren.

However, the original run is not the main topic for today’s WYRON segment, but rather a take off this late 90s design with improvements. What is different about this run from 2011? Mainly the pickups, additional finish options and appointments.

Take a look at this guitar and now take a look at the original 1998 version. If you’re like me, there is something strangely more attractive about this modern one, but you can’t quite place your finger on it. Yes, this one has p90 pickups instead of humbuckers which might be part of the reasoning this instrument’s layout doesn’t seem as crowded, but that’s not it. This 2011 version has 22 frets which ultimately changes the location of the pickups and in my opinion – for the better. However, if you wanted a 24 fret Gibson, you’re now out of luck so its a double edged sword to be aware of. Even more important than that, the new one is more like a proper Les Paul’s cutaway in the fact that it is rounded off the fretboard instead of meeting straight on like the original run. This rounded cutaway really transforms the look.

This run featured a maple top with a chambered mahogany body and mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fretboard. Another feature that makes this more “Les Paul” than the original run is the lack of a comfort carve on the back of the body and binding along the top.

Electronic wise, they are very similar with a master volume and tone control with a 3-way selector switch by the bridge.

These were offered in Goldtop, Black and White finishes with dark backs. I personally really like the dark back feature as that is a color you don’t see too often from Gibson USA. It is normally reserved for special Custom Shop guitars. It appears black from far away, but get it in the light just right and it’s more like a dark molasses, reddish-amber hue. This idea originated from the 50s when some Gold Top LPs featured a Dark Back.

Whether the DC design is your favorite or not, they are usually a pretty good value on the used market, especially when compared to a single cut standard. Most sell in the $1500 range +/- $300. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these, this particular episode was sponsored by the owner of this gold top DC and it is listed on Reverb for $1500 + shipping which is honestly a pretty good deal that I’m surprised has lasted this long – just look at that watch count! 54 in 6 days – that’s better than most of my listings!

But now the big question – How do one of these sound? Let’s take a brief look at this playing demo from Greg’s Guitars

The only question left – Would You Rock a Double Cutaway Les Paul with P90s or not? Leave your answer in the comments section below and don’t forget to vote at the official pole on troglysguitarshow.com.