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.*

*(update 2012-05 – note: apparently Gibson and reinstated the production of some double-cut carve tops, so you can find some of the newer versions available at retailers today.)

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.

update May 2015

Gibson Special XPL
weirdgibson

Photo from guitarz.blogspot.com

Thanks to this Gibson Special XPL Facebook page I was just introduced to a model that I was totally unaware of. Apparently this guitar isn’t considered a “true” Les Paul, but rather one of Gibson’s attempts at producing a double cut solid body electric back circa 1985. It has a very similar body style to the Les Paul Double Cut, but has other variations, from the HSS pickup configuration and a Kahler tremolo bridge along with the “Explorer” style headstock – which apparently is what the “XPL” refers to. Apparently there are some other models that I saw on the internet with a HH pickup configuration.

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

another interesting Gibson Double Cut 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.

I’m still not clear if this is part of the Les Paul series or not, as I have seen information saying it is just a Custom Shop model, but then I have also seen some information stating it is a Tak Matsumoto Les Paul Double Cut.

updated: 2012-06-03
Here are some more pics of another one that was on eBay and noted by a reader who posted comment.

note: the photos are taken by the seller on eBay.

 

 

updated March 31, 2010
New picsof 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.

Les Paul DC Pro

95 Comments

  • Clintonio

    Have a 2001 DC Standard Special Edition (03131439) Honeyburst and I am trying to find out what these are going for retail? This is in excellent condition, all original, with case. Any help would be appreciated

  • Robert

    Hello all, my question is; does a 2007 DC Pro 22 fret have a long, medium or short to none on the tenon neck set?…Thank you!

  • Russell P

    I absolutely LOVE my LP DC. It is a 1998 AAA Les Paul Standard DC Pro 24 in transparent blue. The access is awesome, which was in my mind the thing that always made SG’s a bit more player friendly than single horn LP’s (unless you never hit the upper frets). I can’t say that now! If you see one of these guitars for sale, I suggest snatching it up ASAP. They are tone monsters! Nice site, I can send pics if the blog boss wants some. 🙂

  • Patrick

    Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer, maybe another player on this thread might be able to help out.

  • Patrick

    @ Clintonio

    I’m not a real authority on pricing of any guitar, and possibly someone on this comment thread might be able to provide some help.

    I have seen various Les Paul Double Cuts go from $1200-$2000+ retail. From what I have seen, DC’s tend to have a lower price than most other traditional Les Pauls (not considering Studio models) like the Traditional, Standard and Customs which are anywhere from $1400-$3000+. And it’s hard to say what a used 2001 DC might be going for these days, but Musician’s Friend has some LEs Paul DC’s going for about $1,500. It’s not a Standard Special Edition, but may guide you with a baseline price: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-les-paul-double-cutaway-electric-guitar/430808000035000?src=3WFRWXX&CAWELAID=649773940.

  • Andrew

    Hi,
    Recently purchased a 1998 Gibson USA Les Paul DC in Trans Amber Serrano AAA flame top and this site has been very helpful, many thanks.
    I just have a quick question, are there any other differences between the Standard and the Plus, other than the Gold Hardware?

    Cheers.

  • Patrick

    That’s a good question. I don’t have a solid answer, but perhaps someone else may chime in with that knowledge.

    Again, any information about Les Paul DC’s is more than welcome on this blog post, as it appears to be rare content and not easily accessible.

  • Patrick,
    Great info. I own an 06 LP DC Standard. It has 24 frets, chamberd body, it weigs 7lbs, it is wine red, bookmatched AAA maple top, Grover kidney tuners, gold hardware, one volume one tone.
    I found mine to be neck heavy. Meaning when I let go of the instrument the neck falls down. I own many SGs as well. An SG has the strap button in the middle of the neck and body joint. I took a chance and drilled a pilot hole exacly where the SGs was and added a strap button there. Now the balnce of the guitar is better. More like an SG or ES 335.
    I have also removed the frets and nibs and put on more rounded jumbos in Stainless steel. removeng the nibs not only gives you a few more milimeters of playability but it also allows for better playability because the nibs dont swallow the strings when doing hammer offs. I have big fingers. Anyone who wants the guitar to have better balance and just feel more like an SG or ES-335 should try this.
    The stainless frets are great because I play for 4-6 hours a day. They do make more resonance. I have also added a tonepros locking bridge and a wraparound Aluminum stop tail. The tonepros definatly helped sustain.
    I just wish it had an Ebomy fret board. Mine is great rosewood I just prefer the feel of ebony. I plan on having it pleked next. I love this guitar.
    Reagan

  • Patrick

    >Reagan Lee Jobe
    Thanks for visiting my site and sharing your LP DC story.
    Sounds like you have made some cool modifications. I think I could handle repositioning the strap button, but I’ve never dove into re-fretting a guitar.
    I haven’t had too many problems with my LP DC being neck heavy, but maybe I need to start playing 4-6 hours a day! (awesome that you have the opportunity to do that)
    Even though I have small-normal sized fingers (assumption), I still feel the frets could use some improvements too.
    Keep playing!

  • Reagan Lee Jobe

    I will send some pictures later and let you know how the Plek derssed frets perform compared to my luthiers job.
    Reagan

  • KOL

    i have a LP DC custom tangerineburst (with gold hardware) ,grover tuners. the serial number apparently indicates that my guitar was made in 1999.bought it for 800 bucks, think it’s worth quite more… large headstock with the custom plastic inlay and les paul model written on it. i tought it may be a Les Paul DC Standard Limited Edition (it looks the same) with the plastic inlay changed by the previous owner…just can’t guess

  • Patrick

    @KOL

    You can try to contact Gibson and see if they can provide details. They are very responsive and should be able to help.

  • Russell Shead

    Patrick,

    Thank you for the great information about the Les Paul DC’s! Last year, after playing ES335 and Strat for 30+ years, I acquired a Les Paul DC Pro (my first LP and I LOVE IT!). Could you enlighten me on the specific “Pro” designation, versus a Standard or Classic LP. Does the Pro have certain features that are better/more desirable?

    Thanks,
    Russell

  • Patrick

    I’m not 100% sure if the Pro has “better” features than the others. There are definitely hardware and component differences and sometimes that comes down to personal preference on what is better for you and your style of playing. The pick-ups and neck shapes are probably the largest aspects that would vary.

  • lionel

    Hi,
    I’am searching as the graal’s quest a Gibson Dc 24 frets (tune o matic or wraparound), Do you know if there is a 24 frets dc with three or four controls pots (four would be the best for me) ? I fell in love with this guitar and I hesitate with a studio ( i could modify because the price is cheaper) or a standard ( relatively easy to find in france but I won’t risk to modify this model because financial loss is too high, if I eventually need another guitar ).
    I found out this gibson which I didn’t know existed three or four monthes ago.
    And last night during my investigates I found your website. Thanks for your work.
    All the best.
    Yo http://www.kamizol.bandcamp.com

  • Patrick

    @lionel I have not seen a LP model that has 24 frets AND 3+ pots, unfortunately. There are several models that have 24 frets, like the Pro, but very few models have 3+ pots. I actually haven’t even seen one with 4 pots, only the 3.

    Gibson still does release some LP DC’s every now and then, and you might be able to find one, but for now I think the options are rather limited.

  • Rob

    The DC’s with 3 controls were guitar center exclusive and only came in 24 frets. The top on these also have visible bindings. If you want 3 controls you will have to settle for 22 frets. The GC exclusive in my opinion was all the way around a superior guitar. Made only in 06 and 07. By them up if you can find them as they are rare now. I have the trans blue and LOVE it!

  • Jan

    I have a DC Classic with P90s in Bullion Gold. All original, fabulous guitar! And it’s for sale, should anyone be interested.

  • Billy

    Notable about the DC Pro w/ wraparound and P90s is that it has a 25.5″ scale. (!!!) Easy to ID at a glance by its straight-pull headstock. Wish they’d built it with the correct scale – it’d have been perfect! 🙂

  • Hey pat, thanks for this site. I was about to give looking for info about my dc.
    Question: are the DC pros the only ones to get the ornate inlay on the headstock instead of the les paul logo?

  • Patrick

    @Kim,

    Sorry for the delayed reply. I wouldn’t claim to be a total expert on the Gibson LP DC model, but based on my research, yes. The DC Pro appears to be the only model that had the ornamental inlay on the headstock. And

  • Brad

    On the Double-Cutaway-Special XPL, I remember that Chris Hayes, the lead guitarist from Huey Lewis and the News, used one. I read that the originals were made from parts leftover when Gibson closed its Kalamazoo, Michigan, plant – may be wrong, but read it.

  • Frank

    I have late 80’s LP double cutaway with explorer head stock if interested in pics
    It has (I think) humbuckers and Ebony neck with dots but the action is so low and smooth better than any Les Paul neck I’ve tried

  • PJ

    Thanks for the site. I have an 11.5 lb Gibson Les Paul that I can’t play standing anymore (aging back) and my go to guitars have been an Epiphone LP Tribute with Gibson hardware (inc 57 Classics) and a Gibson Nighthawk. Anyway, I was in my local store last weekend (Andertons) and noticed tucked away at the back amongst the cheaper brands what turned out to be a second hand 1997 Studio DC in Wine Red with a price tag of £400. It’s now in my collection and I can’t put the thing down (sitting or standing it’s so light). I’ve changed out the 400/498 pickups for some Burstbuckers that I had (3 and 2). I’m now scouring the internet for another DC (hence why I ended up here).

  • Jon T.

    Patrick, thank you for providing this site it is a great resource. Over the last 5 years or so I have owned a few Gibson DC’s (LPS2) and DC Pro’s. My favorite is a faded black flame top that I play live in a cover band TRB. I started using a Bigsby B5 a few years ago with the vibramate and a schaller roller bridge, it stays in tune with heavy use. It weighs 7 3/4 lb with the Bigsby as well as 2 other earlier DC’s 1998/2003 that I own. I always set them up with Duncan Cust Cust and a P/P splitter in the bridge. Amazing guitars, especially the lighter ones. The earlier ones did come with the Gibson “Cali Girl” case, brown outside and pink interior with shroud. After about 2004 they had a black exterior I believe, more recently Gibson USA cases.There are 2 different DC Pro models the Custom shop snake head with ebony fretboard and the 22 fret with standard headstock and flower inlay with a rosewood fretboard. there are pickup differences also. Thanks again.

  • Charlie

    I just picked a studio model DC a couple weeks ago, had my custom shop standard SC in the shop for a set up and saw it hanging there, price was right so I snatched it up. Awesome guitar, 1997 model in the sunburst. My custom shop weighs like 16 pounds so this one is allot more comfy to say the least

  • Larry Ashurst

    I love DC guitars. I loved early Hamer’s and have a mint 78 Sunburst, but the DC Pro looks perfect to me. Wraparound, P90’s and the snake head headstock make it perfect. I wish I could find one now.

  • JS

    “Precision Guitar Kits” out of Canada makes some top notch Les Paul kits & have a DC double cut option. The folks over at the Les Paul forums continually give great reviews of the tonal quality & superb neck pocket fit of the kits. They also offer options to finish & build the whole guitar for you, along with neck thickness, fret sizing, wood type (African vs Honduran, Eastern vs Western maple top, old school ABR vs newer construction, etc). I choose not to buy the Gibson DC because Gibson didn’t offer a larger vintage sized neck or some of the other options that Precision offers.

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