Gibson Les Paul Double Cuts
I love the Les Paul DC’s (carved tops)! The only thing is they have discontinued them. They still make the juniors and the the specials, but the carved tops are done.
The new double cut model that Gibson has introduced is the Longhorn, which by the name, obviously has longer horns and they kind of curve inward, especially the rhythm(top) horn.
I have been doing quite a bit of research on these guitars lately, and have some interesting findings. Gibson has removed most info about these guitars from their site, so I’m posting it here.
The carved top dc’s came in a few series (based on my findings):
Les Paul DC Plain Top (ebony)
This was an exclusive for Guitar Center and manufactured in 2006 – 2007. Very similar to the AA, it features a solid mahogany body, neck-thru-body construction, 22 frets, rosewood fretboard, pearloid trapazoid inlays (yellowish), Burstbucker pickups, two volume knobs and one tone knob, 3-way toggle switch, no pick guard, grover locking tuners (3/side), pearl logo inlay on headstock, tune-o-matic bridge/stop tailpiece.
Available in ebony with cream binding, nickel plated hardware.
Les Paul DC AA
Simlar to the Plain Top, but with a AA maple top.
Available in Vintage sunburst, Black Cherry (transparent), and Transparent Blue.
Les Paul DC Standard/Plus
(LPS2) – offset double cutaway mahogany back, AAA flamed maple top, set-in mahogany neck, 24.75″ scale, 24 fret bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid trapezoid inlay, tune-o-matic bridge/stop tailpiece, 3 per side tuners, black peghead, chrome hardware (Plus has gold hardware), 2 covered (490R/498T) humbuckers, one volume/ one tone control knob, 3-way toggle switch.
Available in Amber Serrano (AS), Blue Diamond (BD), Black Pepper (BP), Green Jalapeno (GJ), and Red Hot Tamale (RT) lacquer translucent finishes. Mfr. early 1998 to date. Les Paul DC Standard Sunburst
Les Paul DC Standard Limited Edition
(LPS2) – similar to the Les Paul DC Standard.
Available in Tangerineburst (with gold hardware) and Lemonburst (with chrome hardware) lacquer translucent finishes. Mfr. 1998 to date.
Sorry, could not find image
Les Paul DC Standard Lite
Similar to the Standard, but with chambered body for lighter weight. I have seen images of Lites featuring the traditional 2 piece tune-o-matic bridge/stop tailpiece, and a single wrap around bridge.
Les Paul DC Classic
Similar to the standard, but available in a Gold top.
Les Paul DC Pro
(CSDC4TH[ ]NH) – offset double cutaway mahogany back, bound AAA flamed maple top (figured), set-in mahogany neck, 24.75″ scale, The ones I found have 22 frets and trapazoid inlays (other resources state: 24 fret ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlay) , tune-o-matic bridge/stop tailpiece, 3 per side Schaller mini-tuners, black slimmed peghead with pearl logo inlay, nickel hardware, 2 covered humbuckers (’57 Classic/’97 Classic), one master volume/one master tone controls, 3-way toggle.
Available in Butterscotch (BS), Faded Cherry (FC), Translucent Black (TB), and Translucent Indigo (TI) finishes. Mfr. 1997 to date.
* (update: 03-13-09)
There was a comment noting that the Les Paul DC Pro actually has an ebony fretboard and 24 frets. I am still attempting to get a photo of that, and I am still seeing 22 fret DC Pro’ on the web. As we all know, the internet isn’t always true. I am still researching this to get the legit info.
Sorry, could not find photo
Les Paul DC Pro With WrapAround Bridge
(CSDC4WH[ ]NH) – similar to the Les Paul DC Pro, except features a single wraparound bridge.
Available in Butterscotch (BS), Faded Cherry (FC), Translucent Black (TB ), and Translucent Indigo (TI) finishes. Mfr. 1997 to date.
Sorry, could not find photo
Les Paul DC Pro With WrapAround Bridge/P-90s
(CSDC4WP[ ]NH) – similar to the Les Paul DC Pro, except features a wraparound bridge, 2 P-90 single coil pickups.
Available in Butterscotch (BS), Faded Cherry (FC), Translucent Black (TB ), and Translucent Indigo (TI) finishes. Mfr. 1997 to date.
Les Paul DC Studio
(LPDS) – offset double cutaway mahogany back, carved maple top ( I have seen some flat tops as well ), set-in mahogany neck, 24 fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlay,wrap-around stop tailpiece, 3 per side tuners, chrome hardware, 2 covered humbuckers, one volume/one tone control knob, 3-way toggle switch.
Available in Ebony (EB ), Heritage Cherry Sunburst (HS), Emerald Green, Ruby, and Wine Red (WR) finishes. Mfr. 1997-99.
If I am incorrect on any of this info, please let me know.
Sources:
http://www.krampe-family.de/html/lespaulcharact.html
http://www.guitarcenter.com
http://ww.gibson.com
interesting Guitar:
Gibson Signature Custom Shop guitar for Japanese guitarist Tak Matsumoto. It is very similar and has the 3-way switch near the rhythm horn (top) like traditional Les Paul, but it is not part of the Les Paul series.
updated March 31, 2010
New pics of some other Les Paul Double Cuts from visitor Terry. Thanks!
Les Paul DC Pro with “snake head” style headstock. Looks like a couple variations, one with covered nickel-plated humbuckers and stop-bar tail-piece or another with soap bar style (P90) humbuckers with wrap around tail-piece.
February 15th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I have a Les Paul DC Standard Limited Edition, Tangrineburst. I just love this guitar. 10 years later it has really kept its value.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
The Les Paul DC Pro was made only by the custom shop. It has ebony fretboard and 24 frets. You have the incorrect photograph. If interested in the actual pic let me know… as I own a Les Paul DC Pro…
March 13th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Thanks for the correction, I’ll note that in my post.
I would appreciate a photo of the correct Les Paul DC Pro if you do have one.
I still am coming across a lot of images and sites that show the 22 fret as a Les Paul DC Pro. Do you think there may have been two versions, one form the Custom shop and standard version?
How’s that DC Pro treating you by the way? I’m still loving my DC Ebony!
March 18th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I have a Les Paul DC Standard/Plus in translucent red. Beautiful guitar and plays like a dream. I had Sperzel locking tuners added and the Feiten tuning system nut. Only problem is the tendency to bend the high E string over the side of the binding. I have to pay careful attention to my technique, but never seem to have a problem with this when I am playing standing. Go figure!
I only wish I had a separate volume control for the neck pickup. Of course, the bridge pickup has more gain than the bridge, but I would like to more control without resorting to moving the knob or going to my volume pedal.
I find that the volume and tone knobs are very stiff. Any ideas on how to make them turn more easily?
April 4th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I thought you’d like a pic of what I found is a rarish green burst DC. The one on my site is probably not for sale anymore as my Son is REALLY bugging me for it
Anyway, have you seen this variant?
Gary
May 6th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Hey man, cool site! I own a Les Paul DC Plain Top (ebony). This has become my main guitar. I usually play through a Blues Jr [old US Made] and this setup is serious “Holy Grail” tone to no end!
May 10th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
ed is completely wrong. i own the black 2007 dc pro thats pictured first.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/30U-15055.htm
I have this guitar, mine is from 2006, same color, same flowerpot inlay, 22 frets, but mine was made earlier in the year. Mine is also chambered inside. The guy who auctioned it off on ebay called it a
“2006 Gibson Les Paul Standard DC Amber 10 Flametop” but I don’t think that’s right, it’s a Pro, but chambered.
June 12th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
There are 2 DC Pro models. The first was made by the Gibson Custom Shop from 1997-2001. This is the one that has the 24-fret ebony fretboard and has a body shape based on the Les Paul Special Doublecut. It came in Butterscotch, Faded Cherry, etc.
The second DC Pro was made by Gibson USA from 2006-2008 and had a rosewood fretboard. This is the model pictured on your site.
July 26th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I just bought a used 2004 DC Plus Honey Burst. I own 2 Strats, a PRS, and now this Les Paul. I cant believe the superpb quality that I got with this instrument for just 1100. Single piece Neck, Single piece body, Bookmatched Maple Top, Rosewood Fretboard, Gold hardware. On the back it has stamped “Made in USA”. Seeing this makes me feel great unlike Fenders where you dont really know what you are buying (Mexico or Japan). PRS now makes their guitars in Korea.
THe Sound of this instrument is rich with truly vintage sounding appeal. A singing blues tone very remniscent of the first original PAFs. Everyone who has heard it loves the way it sounds. Im playing through a Mesa MKIII and a Mesa Tremoverb so I think that helps as well.
I am completely blown away by the neck. Its the best Ive ever played. The action on my guitar is so micro-low, its true precision work. The guy who did the fretwork did an amazing job. Which brings me to another thing I noticed. The Rosewood fretboard on my guitar is very dark and rich unlike other Les Pauls and SGs. And When I used a little bit of Scotts Liquid Gold on the Fretboard, the Fretboard now looks like an Ebony Neck. The guy who sold it to me thinks that the neck might be Brazillian Rosewood. It has me wondering.
Now I am finding out that this model is discontinued. If thats the case I think its the best investment I have ever made.
January 5th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
I own a 1997 Custom Shop Les Paul DC Pro with the 24-fret ebony fingerboard and pearl dot inlay. It has a natural (blonde) flame maple top, white binding, and a wrap-around bridge. This guitar also has a straight headstock that is narrower at the top compared with the standard Les Paul headstock (which is wider at the top).
I understand that the Gibson Custom Shop made these guitars to compete with the maple top Paul Reed Smith guitars that came out in the mid-1990s, which also had the straight headstock. I heard that most old school Gibson players disliked the modification to the headstock so they stopped making it. I think it makes the guitar look unique and it always stays in tune.
I changed-out the ceramic Gibson pick-ups that came with the guitar with a Gibson Classic 57 at the neck position and a Classic 57 Plus at the bridge. The 57 Plus has higher output and equalizes the volume from the bridge pick-up when switch in the middle. This compensates for the lack of having separate volume controls. I love the guitar for its sound and everyone that sees it is stumped because it’s a little unusual looking. You also can’t beat that it’s at least two to three pounds lighter than the regular body Les Pauls.
January 15th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I just got the DC AA Top – the 2nd one pictured on here, in sunburst. It is basically a Les Paul Standard with an extra cutaway – every other dimension is the same – thickness, angle where treble cutaway meets neck, etc. I believe it’s the same as the DC Pro (06-08 version) but it also has neck binding an an extra volume knob. The DC Standard isn’t really that similar to the single cutS Standard. Anyway, it’s a great guitar and very light, too.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
i BOUGHT A CSDC4THBSNH DC Pro, Butterscotch, back in 1998 (mfg in 96). It has hardly been touched, and I wonder what these are worth today?
Still have the tags and original receipt…
February 12th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I have a DC Pro natural finish, maple burl. 22 frets, rosewood board, Burstbuckers. The DC Plus is 24 frets, no binding, 490 pups. There is no such thing as a 24 fret DC Pro.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I have the DC 1998 Black Pepper. I put it on Florida-Spacecoast-craigslist for trade.
March 24th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Hey Patrick…..I enjoyed the pics of the different DC Les Pauls……I have a 2007 LP DC AA top that I love. I have wanted one since the late 70s, when I saw one of the members of April Wine playing one. I traded a faded LP special DC and a Highway 1Tele plus about $300 for it. Well worth it, but I did love both of those guitars too. Two things……..My guitar is in Cherry Sunburst with a beautiful subtle “Jimmy Page” figured maple top….love it much more than the AAAs (just personal preferance), you didn’t have that finish listed, or is Cherry (transparent) the same as the Cherry Sunburst?……and…..Didn’t Gibson start production on this guitar in 1958? I thought I knew this…….and don’t forget……Burstbucker Pros on this model………It rocks dude…and very responsive thru my vintage ’71 100watt Super Lead…….How can I get a pic of it to you to verify the finish or I guess you could look on my lind to myspace….Thx for the blog….Peace…..Bill
March 24th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Bill,
Thanks for your comment and info.
To be honest with you, I’m not sure the year they first started making double cuts – I think around 1958-1960. They have made several styles of double cuts from Les Paul Jr.’s, flat tops, to the current models I have displayed here.
I created this post when I was doing some research on LP double cuts during my last guitar purchase and I posted the info I found online to share with others.
I checked out your Myspace page and saw your guitars. The LP DC you have does not appear to be a cherry sunburst, more the transparent cherry. The burst would have that gradient fade on the edges. Yours is definitely like the SG cherry red. As for your model, that is one of the LP Double Cuts models, but it appears to be flat-top, not carved (contoured top) like a traditional Les Paul. I’m not sure which model you have exactly, but looks around those styles near 1960 when they first introduced the Double Cutaway LP. I think the Jr. was introduced in 1958, and that is a flat top style too. I like those styles, they have have a smooth simple appearance, but still solid as any LP.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Kirk,
You’re wrong and Brian was right. There are 2 generations of DC Pro. The 1st was from 1997 to 2001 and are rare. They were all built in the Custom Shop and have the logo on the back of the headstock. The all came with a 24 fret ebony fingerboard and the narrow “snake head” Gibson headstock. The fingerboard has dot inlay, which between that and the headstock makes it a dead giveaway on first glance as to what it is. It would be a good idea for everyone to do some research before you comment. Here’s one for sale in the UK:
http://74.125.93.132/search?gl=us&source=android-browser-key&hl=en&q=cache%3AVcgjOSLidjkJ%3Acornfordamps.com%2Fforum%2Fviewtopic.php%3Ff%3D22%26t%3D149%26start%3D0
March 29th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
This was another comment from Terry – it was posted on my old blog system, so I’m moving it here.
Terry says:
March 29, 2010 at 2:30pm
More Pictures! Also, you could get the 24 fret DC Pro with either Humbuckers and tune o matic, or P90′s with a wrap around tailpiece. Since it was Custom Shop, you could also spec a 25.5 scale length. Here are some additional images:
http://www.soohyunlee.com/gibson71_20080819/guitars/image/LPDCPro.jpg
http://www.jvguitars.com/images/GHDC…FF%20314.jpg
http://www.mae-music.com/vintage/212-LP%20DC%20PRO.jpg
Thanks for the comment and info Terry! Sorry about the confusion on my site systems. I removed the old system and the correct site is patrickhansen.com.
June 10th, 2010 at 9:34 am
I have a 2006 Pro also and it sure is great, I went looking for an SG because the normal Pauls are too heavy and ran into the DC Pro, its almost like getting both and a little bit like an ES 335. It has 22 frets and the yellowed looking pot inlay with the root beer flaming maple top…its a fun guitar for sure and I have a different sound than anyone else around here in Boston.
August 11th, 2010 at 9:08 am
I purchased a 1998 DC Pro about 5 years ago. This is a humbucker model with a wrap bridge in Cherry Red. I have Gibson info pieces regarding the DC Pro (one dated ’04 and one dated ’05). Both clearly state the humbuckers are a 496R /500T. However any recent references to the pickups indicate a ´57 Classic/´97 Classic. in the information.
I still have hard copies of this reference material.
Are these actually pups one in the same with a name change or is there a discrepancy as to what pups were actually used?
August 11th, 2010 at 9:15 am
That’s a good question and unfortunately, I don’t have a good answer.
I don’t know much more about these DC’s than what I posted on this blog. I primarily posted this info as I was researching for my personal purchase. The info and specs I noted were pulled from my online research, and we all know that online content isn’t always true.
Gibson is REALLY GOOD about communication and customer service. I wouldn’t be surprised if you contacted Gibson and provided your model info that someone would be able to answer your questions.
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Support/ContactUs/
August 11th, 2010 at 10:02 am
I spoke with a gentleman at Gibson regarding the 1997-2001 Les Paul DC Pro
pickups. They confirmed that the humbuckers used in these guitars were in fact the 496R/500T.
I love this website and will be forwarding a picture of my ’98 DC Pro with a wrap bridge and humbuckers.
Thank You, George
August 11th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Awesome! That was a quick response too.
Glad to see that’s all cleared up.
Thanks for visiting my site!
October 6th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Hey, wondering if anyone could help me here.
I came across this site while doing some research on one of my instruments. I have a Double Cutaway which I’ve had for a few years but have no idea of the model. I’ve looked through the instruments on here and the thing that is different (aside form the mods, I’ll come to that) is the positioning of the pick up switch, and tone and volume pots.
Now for the mods, it seems the previous owner may have changed the bridge as it has some huge Washburn bridge on it, they also added a string lock at the head. Don’t get me wrong, it plays great and never loses it’s tuning, but it’s a shame not to have the origional parts as it seems a bit bastardised to me.
It also has a coil tap in the tone pot, the pick ups are Select by EMG, it’s a through neck with an ebony fret board and chevron fret markers. This is as much info as I have, and can’t find a serial number on it anywhere. There’s a link to some photos here…
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhotos&albumID=3185453
Any help would be much appreciated, and my apologies if I’m coming to the wrong place, I’m currently trying all avenues.
Thanks
Rich
October 6th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
I’m not an expert on Gibson’s, I just created this post because I was interested in Double-Cuts and I posted all of the info I could find. There isn’t a lot out there.
The link you provided returns and “invalid album id,” so I can’t see the image.
Gibson’s customer service department is really helpful and should be able to help you identify the guitar by its serial#.
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Support/ContactUs/
October 7th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for your input. I got a response, turns out it’s an Epiphone Spotlight. Here’s a wee bit of info as it ties in with Gibson in quite an interesting way.
http://www.myrareguitars.com/1988-epiphone-spotlight-electric-guitar
Hope you find this interesting and many thanks for your help.
Rich
October 7th, 2010 at 8:46 am
That’s awesome! That guitar definitely is a beauty with a great back-story. Sounds like you a nice 6 string treasure.
It does resemble a PRS as mentioned, with the longer horns than today’s DC Les Paul’s.
Glad you were able to find out what you have.
Keep playing!
February 26th, 2011 at 1:58 am
Les Paul DC’s play really well, but theres just something about it that looks weird after seeing a standard single cut Les Paul so much.
February 28th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Yeah – it definitely does vary from the traditional look that is practically one of the icons of the electric guitar.
I do think it was well done and still is aesthetically balanced and maintains the integrity of the classic Les Paul styling.
June 23rd, 2011 at 4:57 pm
My dream guitar is the LP DC Plus. The 24 fret version is amazing. I have played one (trans green) once, and the ONLY reason I did not buy it, was that I want the trans black. That is the dream, a trans black LP DC Plus. I own a PRS CE24, and its an amazing guitar, and might even be more versatile than the LP would be, but I still want the LP DC. I saw a guy playing one at a show YEARS ago, and offered him anything he wanted for it, and he laughed. I talked him after the show and told him I was serious, and he still laughed. I never saw his band, or that guitar ever again. Since then I have dreamed of owning that guitar. He had the EMG 81/85 combo in it, YEARS before Zakk Wylde got popular with that setup.
June 29th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Thanks for sharing your Les Paul story. Always good to hear from another guitarist and Les Paul fan.
The DC Plus is a very nice guitar, wish I had more money to get one myself.
July 10th, 2011 at 1:38 am
After such reviews in search for DC’s like PRS Mira/Santana SE, Lag, Ibanez AR, Hamer, Yamaha, etc., Finally I just got one, Gibson LP Std. DC plus 2006-24frets, Trans Red. I grab it from ebay for the price of USD1269 in pristine condition, No dings, No tarnish on gold hardwares, perfect as “NEW”. Playability & access is great, grover stays in tune, gear weight is balance, so NO regrets here. Just upgrade the old .22 cap into 0.47 orange drop & schaller strap lock and Im sold. Based on my hearing sense, no other brand can surpass Gibson Std. DC-24F in terms of clean, jazz, classic & blues rock stuff TONE. The sound is great as long as it is correctly set up/intonated enable to sustain well, sound is fine and balanced, not too dark/muddy and not to bright/trebly. As for the metal, we all know that this isn’t 100% designed for that kind of music since this aint solid. But for some, this will do fine, though some tried to add effects nor changing the p/ups combining amp dials etc.. Goodthing I’ve got Orville LPC intended for metal. All I can say concerning the factors such as : price, TONEWISE, looks, playability, wood quality and construction, you never get wrong with this. Other famous & other cheap brands as mentioned above truly looks great but concerning the price & tonewise, NAAAAHHH!!!! Im happy about my Gibson DC Plus 24, Im very confident to keep it for life….
August 26th, 2011 at 7:31 am
Hi Patrick. I purchased a Les Paul DC guitar from a pawnshop. The guy wasn’t to sure about its history. Like to send a picture of it, tell me what you think?
August 29th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Feel free to post an image online with a service like Twitpic, yfrog, Facebook, Flickr, Picassa, Photobucket, etc. and provide a link to it, I would like to check it out.
If you want detailed information, Gibson provides great customer service and if you provide them with the serial#, they can give you details on the guitar.
October 20th, 2011 at 11:40 am
I have a 2007 Gibson Les Paul DC Pro identical to the one in your photo. They were not CS models – that is a different guitar. Rosewood fretboard, chambered body, medium-jumbo fretwire, and deluxe tuners.
Once I had jumbo fretwire and a set of sealed Grover Rotomatic tuners installed, the neck dove to the ground like a boat anchor.
I would like to know which of these are the heavier swiss-cheese bodies, instead of the lighter chambered models… or if there is one with zero weight-relief.
Cheers
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:00 am
I’m not sure which one is heavier. It is challenging trying to find detailed specs of these guitars, but Gibson’s customer service dept. is really great and they may be able to provide additional information to help you.
Thanks for sharing.
January 27th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Just purchased today
what I think is a 2001 LP standard (DC) amber serrano.
It plays great. I tried it next to Am st tele, am. st. strat. Gibson firebird v.
They all had great playability. And great feeling necks.
This one I got, sat for only 1 week at Sam Ash and I scooped it up
for 1099 this morning. It’s got a lot of road rash
but plays amazing. So really excited about it.
serial no. 02011586
I lean toward the LP’s.