For Sale: reverb.com/item/23929891-video-1998-gibson-les-paul-standard-double-cutaway-trans-amber?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly Before making this video, I never realize that since the 60s, there was pretty much always a Double Cutaway Gibson available in some shape or form. Many people don't know about all the models I mentioned though! Keep in mind, this was not a complete comprehensive list of ALL of Gibson's DC models, but the ones that stand out most to me in the early origins. There was also another reissue in the 70s of the DC Special as well as another one in 1988 called the Gibson Les Paul Junior DC Pro. Feel free to add some more that I missed in the comments section!
The colors for the 1998/99 Les Paul Standard DC Plus were Amber Serrano, Black Pepper, Red Hot Tamale, Green Jalapeno, Blue Diamond. The colors for the 2001-2004 Les Paul Standard DC Plus were Trans Amber, Trans Black, Trans Red, Honeyburst, Emerald Burst. 2003 Les Paul Classic DC (humbuckers & P90) color was Bullion Gold. 2005 & 2006 Les Paul Standard DC Plus were Trans Amber, Trans Black, Trans Red, Honeyburst, Emerald Burst and also had Rootbeer. The 2006/2007 Les Paul Doublecut Pro (22 frets, chome hardware) colors were Trans Amber, Trans Black, Trans Red, Rootbeer.
For a protracted studio production I had the opportunity to use a Hamer Steve Stevens - WOW! But, I wasn't allowed to buy it at the end of the day... My DC wish however has always been an Epiphone Crestwood :)
A key element that adds to the PRS styling on this guitar: The simplified control layout. You've got a single volume knob, placed nearby the bridge pickup, then one tone knob, and a three-way switch.
Trogley, I met Pat Travers at Daytona Bike Week about 20 years ago after a show. He had a cherry sunburst double cutaway Les Paul Standard. Being a fellow guitar geek, I had to ask about it. He told me Gibson custom made it for him at request. No, it was not one of his Melody Makers. I did not get a real close up look, but it was beautiful. I first thought a luthier or a store made it for him. Thanks for another great video. This 54 year old learns something new every time. Guitars forever !
Richard Binder Hi ! Seeing those XPL s put me in mind of Pat Travers's Double Cut Les Paul ( then I saw your comment ) - ever since I saw this Great Guitar pictured / featured in Guitar for the Practising Musician years ago I've thought it was so good ! 🎸 I think Gibson made two of these Beauties - Wonder where the other one went / is now ! Cheers ! 😎 🎩
I don't think people dislike them. But at the time they were just as expensive as the normal Gibson Les Paul Standard and they weren't cheap. I guess most Gibson players wanted something they always dreamed of, to have a guitar that's been played by their heroes. This was new, it was thinner, it felt like a combination between an SG and a Les Paul and it had these strange holes underneath the top. People just didn't want to spend so much money on a guitar that was new and strange. The local music store had one and they already had it for 5 years. They couldn't sell it. They asked 1750 euro for it (that would now be 2300 I suppose). I said I'd take it for 1300 and I got it. Man, I love this guitar!
Doesn't have a "1998" LP Standard to compare, Glad I "tried out" one of these guitars. Surrounded by Les Paul's, just doesn't have a 1998 on hand, tries out guitars like normal people do socks! Trogly, the world you live in with so many guitars on-hand and with instruments coming and going, it must be a Dream Come True for sure. Pretty Awesome, guess that is why I always watch. You need to maybe borrow an old Fender Tweed amp to play some of those Gibson's through for the sound tests! Great Review, Thank You
If anyone has paid attention to any of my comments regarding single pickup vs double pickup guitars they know I much prefer the double and darn it they better have separate volume controls!! The only advantage I have found with the single pickup is the sustain. I have a Sully Erna model LP with a single 57 classic pickup. I have a couple of other LP's with the 57 in it and NONE of them have the sustain this beast has! I attribute the added sustainability to the solid wood between the bridge and the end of the neck, I will also say this guitar is 2 1/4 inches thick at the center with the sides being a full 2 inches thick so overall this guitar just has more wood than any of my other ones and that gives it the extra sustain. I only mention this here because Austin was talking about the long neck tenon giving the guitar more sustain and better tone, it's true! If you are a gigging musician and you want a guitar with killer sustain and you can get away with only having one neck pickup, go for it! I guess that's why Lesley West (Of Mountain) prefers the single pup models? Ya know Austin old man, these double cuts are starting to get to me, I may just have to get one one of these days. A couple of years ago I was at my fiance's aunts house for Christmas and her uncle had a red guitar sitting on a guitar stand. He is not the most talkative person so I did not talk with him about the guitar, plus there was like 50 people there lol. Anyway, As I was sitting on a chair watching the football game that was on the tube I noticed the guitar read Gibson on the head stock - it was a double cut and looked to be rather old, possibly like a 70's model? So what model could that have been? As best as my memory is the guitar appeared to look just like these double cuts you are showing us but I cannot honestly say if it was a flat top or not.
So True Also, Phil X swears by single pickup guitars for sustain, his theory is sustain is increased because there is less magnetic pull on the strings slowing them down (1 pickup magnetic field verses 2).
@@hkguitar1984 - That is true, I never thought about that. I think the extra wood also plays a huge factor in the added sustain. As I said before, I can play my 3 Les Pauls that have 57 classic in them and with the settings all the same my single pickup LP blows the doors off the double ones every time.
Dings and scratches from honest wear (but nothing genuinely broken) are a sign of a great guitar. It comes with a built-in review that somebody really enjoyed the thing. Those guitars that have been underneath the mythical bed for decades? Maybe somebody played the thing a few times, didn't like it, and then stuck it back under the bed!
I have an 01 honey burst actually it could be an 02 I haven’t had it long but already prefer it’s ergonomics to my traditional and es LPs It’s a sexy machine thats all neck I really love the standard dcs
I have one and it is the best Les Paul I've ever played. It's got 24 frets that I love. And I had my guitar guy shave down the cut away so it's really like a PRS and lets me actually get to the 24th fret. Plus... it's got the chambered body that makes it really light and resonate. Best Les Paul I've ever played. Gary Moore played one live so Suck It! The flame on mine is better than I've seen on guitars worth hundreds more. I got mine for $1499.- NEW. I just ordered the Bare Knuckles Gary Moore aged set. I'm so satisfied with this Gibson. 90's Gibson's can really suck. This one is a find.
I had an adolescent crush on Hamer DCs, but settled for a nice Washburn DC at a good price. I don’t understand why Hamer faded away or how PRS became a dominant force. Santana could have had a sweet Hamer endorsement and Mayer could be enjoying a fine G&L axe. A Trogly Show review of vintage Hamers, please Austin?
Paul specifically wanted to build a guitar for Santana. He went out of his way to do it. That has been a huge part of his career in the guitar business.
Great overview of this guitar! I just traded a 2011 Traditional for one of these because I just fell in love with it, without knowing much about it. So far I'm a fan!
The pickups in the Les Paul Standard Double Cut were a 57 Classic in the neck position and a 57 Classic Plus in the bridge position. They're Alnico 2 pickups that were designed in the 1980s as Gibson's first attempt at replicating the sound of the original PAFs from the 1950s, given that evolving pickup winding techniques had moved the Gibson humbuckers of the era too far away from the original PAF sound. However, by the time the Standard Double Cut came out, Gibson had already come up with the Burstbuckers, and the regular Gibson USA Les Paul Standards had the wax-potted Alnico 5 Burstbucker Pros in them. The two main differences between the 57 Classics and the Burstbucker 1, 2 and 3 is that the latter have mismatched bobbins ─ as do the Burstbucker Pros ─ whereas the 57 Classics have matched bobbins, and that the 57 Classics are wax-potted (like the Burstbucker Pros), whereas the Burstbuckers 1, 2 and 3 are not. ;)
I have a '98 DC I bought new for $1500 to save $1000 from a traditional LP. I've been planning to install stacked knobs to separate the volume and tone for each pick-up without drilling more holes. Glad to see it has held its value considering mine is still in mint condition, still has all the gold. Funny story, I got a deal on the Gibson case because I freaked out on the in your face pink interior at the store, doesn't look as bad under non-florescent lights.
Unpopular opinion: I like the DC Les Pauls a lot more than regular Les Pauls. In my opinion they just look a lot better. Also, 24 frets is a must for me and I hate Gibsons four knob Nonsense so the DC does it much better for me. I play an Ibanez though
I have one of these and I wouldn't trade for any 'normal' Les Paul. I use elevens and when you hit them, the whole guitar resonates like crazy. You forgot to mention that these guitars have an assymetric neck shape. Don't worry, I know they have it, but I never felt it or saw it, but according to the specs it's assymetrical. I fell in love with these guitars the minute they came out. Gerry Leonard (David Bowie) and Matt Bellamy (Muse) play(ed) them. I don't see why you think they look odd. It's an old and famous Gibson body shape that's been around since 1958. The only thing added is a beautiful curved top. Hamer made lots of these and I've always loved them. I won't sell mine. Not in a million years. 😁
I would love a DC Les Paul like this but with 2 vol and 2 tone configuration! I love playing with the volume settings with the different pickups. It's a must for me on 2 pickup guitars. I can only hope they do something like that
I love the LP DC...I own 5 of them. They are all '98 standards in mint condition sitting in my closet. One of them is the limited edition tangerine burst which is beautiful but hard to find. Of the 5 original colors offered, I don't have the 'black pepper' which is a translucent gray.
I have one, it is a really nice guitar that I don't play enough. It is super resonant. The whole guitar resonates. I love feeling that when I play it. It is different from a LP which makes it cool. For what they cost today, it is a pretty solid value IMO.
Nice! After watching this I wan't one!! I've been playing my LP for over 30 yrs. And this being a little bit slimmer and chambered... Nice! Thanks for the video bro! 🎸🎸👍
I'd go with the DC every time! ... but I would greatly prefer Chrome hardware over the Gold....and if I could have my choice I'd go with 22 frets verses the 24 fret. One of the reasons that I chose to go with a Hamer Custom Archtop over the Gibson DC.
I remember seeing LP double cutaways with 24-fret necks in the 90's and suddenly, I finally wanted a Les Paul as much as a Jackson or G&L. You have the exact model too! lol Honey/gold curly maple flamed figuring and similar to a PRS. *30 years later, I have an IYV which is a neck-thru PRS knock-off but I would still say more similar to the LP double cutaway.* The price to quality ratio is insane though and when you don't care about branding, every bit as good as something selling for 3 grand. In fact, mines nicer than a lot of PRS's I have played and for 10% of the cost with all of the glamour and high quality selections of woods and finish. As far as those heels go, I've had a habit of buying knock offs and using a *drum sander* to deepen the cutaway for the 24-fret access lol! It's worth it when I can hit arpeggios on those last 4 frets.
I have a 2001 Standard Gold top and a 98 Studio on black, absolutely love the feeling, sound and unique look. Set up the neck pick-up low and the bridge high, very close to the strings, add an old British tube amp and that's whats up! Thanks for your vids man. Keep them coming!
Owned one these for a short time..although I was originally attracted to one because of its beautiful maple top and impressed by its super lightweight. I tried upgrading the pickups, but soundwise it just fell flat, no matter what amp I tried. Compared to my Les Pauls and SGs something was missing..I have a friend with a Gibson Les Paul lite (also chambered) with exact same problem..Sad to see it go.
My Hamer double cut resonates great,....but when I play music with my band mates it sounds way thin compared to my Les Paul Customs. The verdict out for me is that chambered and/or lite guitars also sound small. My boat anchor Les Paul Customs ( all three of my early '70's Customs sound excellent...big and full especially in the bottom end/lower frequencies, when cranked through Marshall Superlead's during band practice. That is my experience too. Thanks
I was going to suggest you review an XPL Explorer or V! I have 2 of the Explorer hardtails and a V with the Kahler. Pretty awesome and hard to come by.
Hello Trogalites! Between the years 94 - 99 Gibson had a handmade series these limited runs are some of the most unusual models Gibson made...I have a Sam Ash limited run of 75 guitars it was a LP Sam Ash Slim line (Handmade) according to Gibson running the serial number it has no definitive neck profile which is right in between a 50's and 60's neck carve...This Sam Ash 1998 limited run Is a Thin body All BLACKOUT with all BLACK hardware and Seymour Duncan jazz neck and JB bridge picks with Seymour Duncans triple shot pick up rings with 50's wiring...These series of guitars are fully handmade guitar of just 100 units made for Sam Ash's Top sales associates...I was one them it is one of the most tone friendly guitars I've come across...🙂
A guy called Martyn Booth worked for Gibson in the UK and in 1984 proposed putting fancy tops and a trem on the Solid 335, something that probably would have sold well. Gibson higher-ups went with the Corvus or something, and at NAMM in 1985 no one really remembers what Gibson or Fender were doing because everyone just cared about this amazing new upstart. Paul Reed Smith, with a guitar that was inspired by the double cut LP (albeit with the horns changed) with a fancy top and trem. Basically what Booth had proposed to Gibson. Booth made his guitar, with a Floyd, for Yamaha in the early 90s before going it alone. Gibson eventually did the DC standard but it was too little too late, and they are prone to neck break which I believe is why they didn't last. However had they listened to Booth in 84 PRS would probably only be known as the guy who made a guitar for Santana and the bloke from Heart.
Trogly, I love your vids and info, you’ve got an amazing amount of knowledge when it comes to Gibson and have helped me immensely over the years..... but..., Could you please get a quality pre and or Digital Audio Workstation for your audio clips? The sound is detrimental to the beautiful instruments you are demonstrating at the moment. As an audio engineer and guitarist for 40 years, myself and others truly believe you need to upgrade to acquire the tones us gibson freaks know and love. Love your work still dude🤘🎸
Hey Troy, Fun Fact, The DC Spirit was first an Epiphone only Model, Gibson realized how good they were and rebranded them Gibson. In fact, On Early Gibson spirits, you can see the outline of the EPI logo under the Gibson logo
I've always heard the Epiphone variants didn't sell very well so they rebranded them Gibson to sell them. I've been on the looking out for a factory rebranded one to feature in a full review + demo. Kind of a fun part of Gibson history
I have the exact same model, from 1998 with gold hardware. I read somewhere a while back that they came with silver hardware as standard, but the gold hardware was limited edition? I’ve seen it described as a ‘Gibson USA Les Paul Standard Doublecut Plus’
I just bought one just like this. My first Gibson. It's nice, but no better than my Japanese LP's. Thanks for the review, I had been searching for one since before I bought mine!
Im kinda warming up to the gibson double-cut....but then again, i've been a prs fan....a CE 22 bolt-on was one of the BEST guitars i ever owned....ordered it from their Annapolis shop...here in Maryland, PRS guitars are a dime-a-dozen....wish i had it back!!!
I had a Studio in Cherry, witch I paid to change the color for gold top and put stainless steel frets. I also replaced the bridge for a Graphtech with more adjustment. That was the best Gibson overall I had. Great unpluged sound, very confortable... one of that regrets for selling.
I have a Studio-Lite DC my parents bought for my 18th birthday in 2000. I *think* it's a 1998 guitar though. It has the wrap-around bridge and black hardware (the bridge is chrome tho). its a weird guitar and doesn't feel like a Les Paul but I love it and will never part with it for sentimental reasons. THATS a line that never gets talked about!
Hamer Sunburst is the first arrival of this template. Here is the run down: Hamer Sunburst (1977) Epiphone Spirit II (1982/1983) PRS Santana* (1988) Gibson DC LP (1998) * Santana played a Custom 24 from 1982-1987 even though PRS didn’t start selling until 1985 one more thing. the Tak Matsumoto is not the same as the Hamer, Epiphone or PRS. It is much more like a Gene Baker. He sells his own under the “B3” mark, i’m guessing he’s worked with Gibson, some of the early American Fano guitars were made by Gene. Anyway 🤙
The Gibson Custom Shop has been offering high end double cuts for a few years now. You can get them with all sorts of tops, Firebird pickups, P-90s, Humbuckers, worn parts, new parts. Almost every permutation has been covered. They don't have a carved top though. reverb.com/item/15842108-gibson-custom-les-paul-special-dc-figured-mahogany-natural-vos-w-custom-buckers-serial-08982
I swear someone is selling this same guitar on my local Craig's list. Same finish as well. I dig the body style. Would go with a different finish. I like the finish on the Spirit you pictured.
Nice review as usual Trogly 😎 Does anywone know if a Les Paul Junior DC fits into a Les Paul hardshell case ? I've got a 2019 DC tribute, that comes with a gigbag, but I'm looking for a case, and can't find a lot a infos...
Personally, I think, instead of offering all the bewildering 'models' of the Les Paul platform, through the years, Gibson should have kept the original (humbucker) spec Les Paul and called it the 'Classic' or something. Then they should have offered this doublecut shape as a Les Paul, but call it the Les Paul 'Spirit'. They could then have made all the spec changes on the Spirit, but it would still have been a Les Paul. Just in a doublecut shape. I think this is a much better shape for a Les Paul than the the single cut. It would have allowed the Les Paul model space to grow and change, in a changing market if they had kept the doublecut under the Les Paul banner, whilst allowing the 'classic' to stay the same ad-infinitum. Just the price would change through the years, for the Classic, as timber and other materials change in price. That example is really nice. Just needs the binding really (I think).
First thing that came to mind for me was not PRS. To me it looks more like a Hamer. It's beautiful and wish I had deep pockets and and understanding woman.
Interesting video but what about the Double-cut studio models? They were release a year before the double-cut standards.. Seems like it would make more sense to compare the two double cut than with a normal LP. I have always thought of the double cut standard more as a studio plus model
The vast majority of DC standards are 22 fret but there is a fairly rare DC studio (97 to 99) with 24 frets on a rosewood board - no binding - and a plain carved maple top - love to see one reviewed.
I own one exactly like the one in the video . I paid $ 1700 for mine brand new Gibson Double cut plus Desert Burst with Gold hardware . 490 and 498 4****
The Trogly's Guitar Show ha no kidding. I was thinking. There’s no way he got that shipped and videoed in just two days. Same year as yours. I really like this guitar. Dings,dents and all. If only my bank account felt the same way
