Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Jimmy Page
Artists “I had such a connection with it”: On his 26th birthday, Jimmy Page played his beloved Les Paul Black Beauty in a legendary Led Zeppelin show
Epiphone Blues King Studio
Acoustic Guitars "Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker": Epiphone Blues King Studio review
Mark Tremonti throws the horns and points to something during a live performance with Creed. His signature PRS singlecut is strapped on his shoulder.
Artists “I had no idea that he was that good”: Mark Tremonti on Alter Bridge’s “secret weapon” and his soloing strategies
Taylor Next Generation Grand Auditorium: the two refreshed cutaway electro-acoustic guitars are photographed in front of a green sofa and a vintage hi-fi unit.
Guitars Taylor refreshes flagship acoustic with a trio of game-changing features – meet the Next Generation Grand Auditorium
Slash wears a top hat and plays a Gibson SG live with Guns N' Roses, with pink and blue lights in the background.
Artists “The SG that I had at the Ozzy gig, that guitar needed a louder pickup but I still wanted that true-to-life guitar sound that I like”: Slash and Seymour Duncan dial up the raunch with the Guns N’ Roses legend’s signature 3.0 humbuckers
Keith Richards tries out the meticulous Custom Shop replica of his original 1960 Gibson ES-355, with many more replicas in the background.
Artists Gibson surprise launches $19,999 Keith Richards Collector’s Edition 1960 ES-355, signed by the man himself
Gretsch Limited Edition Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic
Electric Guitars "It isn’t just a collection of cool features; it’s a tool designed to make your recorded guitar sound better, right out of the box": Gretsch Limited Edition Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic review
Ibanez Alpha Series: 7 and 8-string guitars with an all-new shape, metallic finishes, and photographed here in profile against a dark gradient background.
Guitars Stylistically radical, Ibanez’s multi-scale Alpha series might just be the 21st-century prog-metal player’s favourite new guitar – but do you get the 7-string or the 8?
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Guitars Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
Jared James Nichols turns up the heat during his 2025 UK tour as he plays fingerstyle blues on his split-V headstock Gibson Explorer
Artists Jared James Nichols on why he took his Klon off his pedalboard – and what players get wrong about drive pedals
Tim Tournier of Myles Kennedy shows off his prototype EVH Gear bass, a prototype four-string that was given to him by Wolfgang Van Halen.
Artists “There’s only two of these on the planet”: Myles Kennedy bassist Tim Tournier on the EVH bass Wolfgang Van Halen gave him
Elton John and Davey Johnstone perform at the piano during their 2012 tour, with Johnstone playing the Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' that John originally bought for himself, but gave it to Johnstone after the band had all their gear stolen.
Artists Davey Johnstone on guitar shopping with Elton John – and how he ended up with his iconic Les Paul Custom
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
The new MKX lunchbox head is Victory Amps' flagship design, a compact 50-watt powerhouse with three channels
Guitars Victory Amps reimagines the $5k+ MK Overdrive as a 50W lunchbox head – and it's a fraction of the price
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Guitar Pedals "Makes the case that you might never need anything else": Neural DSP Quad Cortex review
More
  • "The most expensive bit of drumming in history”
  • JoBo x Fuchs
  • Radiohead Daydreaming
  • Vanilla Fudge
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars

Gibson's Modern Double Cut finally surfaces, along with six new black-and-gold Custom guitars

News
By Michael Astley-Brown ( Guitarist, Total Guitar ) published 26 May 2017

Limited-edition models include 'Painted Over' Les Paul

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

It's been a long time since we heard anything about Gibson's mysterious new solidbody guitar shape -  which debuted at CES yet was conspicuously absent from NAMM - but finally, it's here in the form of the Modern Double Cut, along with six new black-and-gold Custom models.

Besides the PRS-esque Double Cut, the new limited-edition offerings include a 'Painted Over' Les Paul, which is sure to divide opinion, as well as five more conventional, classy takes on the LP, SG, Explorer, Flying V and Firebird.

Head on through the gallery for a closer look at the new models, and visit Gibson for more info.

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Gibson Custom Modern Double Cut Standard

Gibson Custom Modern Double Cut Standard

PRESS RELEASE: The Modern Double Cut Standard from Gibson Custom combines new thinking and proven design in one beautifully crafted guitar.

Features include a first-of-its-kind swept neck heel that allows easy access to all 24 frets, an extra-long neck tenon to maximize sustain, a sleek new Apex headstock carve for strength and durability and a perfectly-balanced, contoured double-cutaway profile.

All of this adds up to a bold new Gibson Custom instrument destined to become a player favorite.

Specs

Body Style: Double Cut Standard
Body: Mahogany
Top: 2-piece Maple
Weight relief: None
Body Binding: Cream
Neck: Mahogany
Neck profile: Medium C-Shape
Nut width: 1.687”
Fingerboard: Solid Rosewood
Scale length: 24.75”
Number of frets: 24
Nut: Corian
Inlay: Cellulose Trapezoid
Neck Binding: Cream
Binding Style: Rolled binding over the frets
Bridge: ABR-1
Tailpiece: Stop Bar
Knobs: Black Top Hats
Tuners: Grover Kidney
Plating: Nickel
Neck pickup: 57 Classic
Bridge pickup: 57 Classic Plus
Controls:
-2 500K CTS Volume Pots
-2 500K CTS Tone Pots
-Hand-Wired Harness
-Switchcraft Toggle Switch
Case: Black Hard Shell Custom Shop
Quantity available: 150 worldwide

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Gibson Custom Les Paul Standard 'Painted-Over'

Gibson Custom Les Paul Standard 'Painted-Over'

PRESS RELEASE: The 2017 Les Paul Standard "Painted-Over" Series blends the minute details, iconic look, and seminal feel of Gibson's most inspiring solid body guitar with a refreshingly defiant, roughed-up and weathered aesthetic that's been hand-crafted to make each guitar its own one-of-a-kind work of art.

Specs

Body Style: Les Paul Standard

Body: Mahogany

Top: 2-piece Maple

Weight relief: None

Body Binding: Cream

Neck: Mahogany

Neck profile: Medium Chunky, .9” depth at nut, 1.0” at 12th fret

Nut width: 1.687”

Fingerboard: Solid Rosewood

Scale length: 24.75”

Number of frets: 22 Historic Medium-Jumbo

Nut: Nylon

Inlay: Cellulose Trapezoid

Neck Binding: Cream

Binding Style: Rolled binding over the frets

Bridge: ABR-1

Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminum

Knobs: Replica Butyrate Gold Top Hats

Tuners: Single Band Kluson Deluxe Reissue

Plating: VOS Nickel

Neck pickup: Custom Bucker (Alnico III)

Bridge pickup: Custom Bucker (Alnico III)

Controls:

-2 500K CTS Volume Pots

-2 500K CTS Tone Pots

-Hand-Wired Harness w/Bumble Bee Capacitors

-Switchcraft Toggle Switch

Case: Brown/Pink Aged Hard Shell Custom Shop

Quantity available: 50 worldwide

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Gibson Les Paul Custom

Gibson Les Paul Custom

PRESS RELEASE: The 2017 Les Paul Custom effortlessly lives up to the high standards set by its 1950s archetype while evolving to a level of tone and performance more suited to today's musical demands.

Beneath the layers of its "tuxedo" appointments lies the crisp, edgy voice of a matched 490/498 humbucker set, a long neck tenon for maximum sustain and a two-piece maple top over a solid mahogany body that adds the perfect amount of bite to everything from jazz to hard rock.

Specs

Body Style: Les Paul Custom

Body: Mahogany

Top: 2-piece Maple

Weight relief: None

Body Binding: Multi-ply White and Black

Neck: Mahogany

Neck profile: Medium C-Shape

Nut width: 1.687”

Fingerboard: Richlite

Scale length: 24.75”

Number of frets: 22 Medium-Jumbo

Nut: Corian

Inlay: Custom Block Pearl

Binding: White

Binding Style: Rolled binding over the frets

Bridge: Tune-O-Matic

Tailpiece: Stop Bar

Knobs: Black Speed Knobs

Tuners: Grover Kidney

Plating: Gold Finish

Neck pickup: 490R

Bridge pickup: 498T

Controls:

-2 500K CTS Volume Pots

-2 500K CTS Tone Pots

-Hand-Wired Harness

-Switchcraft Toggle Switch

Case: Black Hard Shell Custom Shop

Quantity available: 300 worldwide

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Gibson SG Custom

Gibson SG Custom

PRESS RELEASE: The 2017 SG Custom retains all the fast-playing, devilish charm of an SG refreshed with iconic Custom aesthetics.

Its two powerful humbuckers are a first, while its slick, ebony nitrocellulose finish and multi-ply appointments combine pure rock and roll with pure class.

Specs

Body Style: SG Custom

Body: Mahogany

Weight relief: None

Body Binding: Multi-ply White and Black

Neck: Mahogany

Neck profile: Slim C-Shape

Nut width: 1.687”

Fingerboard: Richlite

Scale length: 24.75”

Number of frets: 22 Medium-Jumbo

Nut: Corian

Inlay: Custom Block Pearl

Binding: White

Binding Style: Rolled binding over the frets

Bridge: Tune-O-Matic

Tailpiece: Stop Bar

Knobs: Black Top Hats

Tuners: Grover Kidney

Plating: Gold Finish

Neck pickup: 490R

Bridge pickup: 498T

Controls:

-2 500K CTS Volume Pots

-2 500K CTS Tone Pots

-Hand-Wired Harness

-Switchcraft Toggle Switch

Case: Black Hard Shell Custom Shop

Quantity available: 300 worldwide

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Gibson Explorer Custom

Gibson Explorer Custom

PRESS RELEASE: For this very limited run, Gibson Custom takes the bold profile of the Explorer into new aesthetic and sonic territory compliments of a Custom-inspired set of appointments.

It's an upscale look on an electrifying shape which brings with it Gibson's signature playability, instantly-recognizable voice and Gibson Custom's unwavering commitment to craft.

Specs

Body Style: Explorer Custom

Body: Mahogany

Weight relief: None

Body Binding: Multi-ply White and Black

Neck: Mahogany

Neck profile: Medium C-Shape

Nut width: 1.687”

Fingerboard: Richlite

Scale length: 24.75”

Number of frets: 22 Medium-Jumbo

Nut: Corian

Inlay: Custom Block Pearl

Binding: White

Binding Style: Rolled binding over the frets

Bridge: Tune-O-Matic

Tailpiece: Stop Bar

Knobs: Black Speed Knobs

Tuners: Mini Grovers

Plating: Gold Finish

Neck pickup: 490R

Bridge pickup: 498T

Controls:

-2 500K CTS Volume Pots

-2 500K CTS Tone Pots

-Hand-Wired Harness

-Switchcraft Toggle Switch

Case: Black Hard Shell Custom Shop

Quantity available: 200 worldwide

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Gibson Flying V Custom

Gibson Flying V Custom

PRESS RELEASE: The Flying V Custom adds the classic, refined and upscale Custom looks to one of Gibson's most legendary designs.

The pointed, unorthodox lines of the "V" have always been magnetizing to the more daring guitar players among us - a visual statement with uncompromised Gibson tone.

This rare edition adds a new layer of boldness to an already outspoken guitar.

Specs

Body Style: Flying V Custom

Body: Mahogany

Weight relief: None

Body Binding: Multi-ply White and Black

Neck: Mahogany

Neck profile: Medium C-Shape

Nut width: 1.687”

Fingerboard: Richlite

Scale length: 24.75”

Number of frets: 22 Medium-Jumbo

Nut: Corian

Inlay: Custom Block Pearl

Binding: White

Binding Style: Rolled binding over the frets

Bridge: Tune-O-Matic

Tailpiece: Chevron

Knobs: Black Speed Knobs

Tuners: Grover Kidney

Plating: Gold Finish

Neck pickup: 490R

Bridge pickup: 498T

Controls:

-2 500K CTS Volume Pots

-2 500K CTS Tone Pots

-Hand-Wired Harness

-Switchcraft Toggle Switch

Case: Black Hard Shell Custom Shop

Quantity available: 200 worldwide

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Gibson Firebird Custom

Gibson Firebird Custom

PRESS RELEASE: The 2017 Firebird Custom retains the signature streamlined shape that makes it one of Gibson's most visually enticing guitars while adding modern features for more tonal "umph."

Its matched 490/498 pickup set and solid mahogany body deliver a punchy, clarity of voice that easily turns aggressive based on the player's level of attack. It all adds up to a very expressive guitar adorned in Gibson's elegant Custom appointments and available in limited quantity.

Specs

Body Style: Firebird Custom

Body: Mahogany

Weight relief: None

Body Binding: Multi-ply White and Black

Neck: Mahogany

Neck profile: Medium C-Shape

Nut width: 1.687”

Fingerboard: Richlite

Scale length: 24.75”

Number of frets: 22 Medium-Jumbo

Nut: Corian

Inlay: Custom Block Pearl

Binding: White

Binding Style: Rolled binding over the frets

Bridge: Tune-O-Matic

Tailpiece: Stop Bar

Knobs: Black Speed Knobs

Tuners: Mini Grovers

Plating: Gold Finish

Neck pickup: 490R

Bridge pickup: 498T

Controls:

-2 500K CTS Volume Pots

-2 500K CTS Tone Pots

-Hand-Wired Harness

-Switchcraft Toggle Switch

Case: Black Hard Shell Custom Shop

Quantity available: 200 worldwide

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

The magazine for serious players image
The magazine for serious players
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
 (L-R): Fher Olvera (Mana), Cesar Gueikian (Gibson CEO) playing the Gibson Flying V Custom CEO#8, and Sergio Vallin (Mana), performing onstage with Mana at Bridgestone Arena.
Cesar Gueikian on building the SG Kirk Hammett played to honour Black Sabbath and how his designs might shape future Gibson releases
 
 
Gibson Les Paul Special DC
“Virtually every sound I conjure recalls a classic player or style”: Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut review
 
 
Gibson 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3: these Murphy Lab aged PAF replicas are limited to just 1000 units worldwide and ship in a brown pink fur-lined Lifton case just like the guitars.
Gibson cooks up “holy grail” PAF mojo with the 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3 – the ultimate Les Paul tone hack?
 
 
Kirk Hammett plays CEO 4 at Black Sabbath's farewell show, Back to the Beginning. CEO 4 is an SG built by Gibson CEO and president Cesar Gueikian, and it is being auction for Gibson Gives.
The unique SG built by Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian and played by Kirk Hammett at Back to the Beginning heads to auction
 
 
PRS 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition: featuring a black limba neck and body and artist grade figured maple top, these are restricted to just 280 pieces worldwide.
The ultimate semi-hollow? PRS Guitars’ latest 40th Anniversary release is a jaw dropping electric with an “artist grade” top
 
 
Keith Richards tries out the meticulous Custom Shop replica of his original 1960 Gibson ES-355, with many more replicas in the background.
Gibson surprise launches $19,999 Keith Richards Collector’s Edition 1960 ES-355, signed by the man himself
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Tim Tournier of Myles Kennedy shows off his prototype EVH Gear bass, a prototype four-string that was given to him by Wolfgang Van Halen.
“There’s only two of these on the planet”: Myles Kennedy bassist Tim Tournier on the EVH bass Wolfgang Van Halen gave him
 
 
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
 
 
Jared James Nichols turns up the heat during his 2025 UK tour as he plays fingerstyle blues on his split-V headstock Gibson Explorer
Jared James Nichols on why he took his Klon off his pedalboard – and what players get wrong about drive pedals
 
 
Strymon Fairfax review
"Like a good valve amp, it responds to your pick attack and guitar volume with proper character": Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive pedal review
 
 
Slash wears a top hat and plays a Gibson SG live with Guns N' Roses, with pink and blue lights in the background.
“The SG that I had at the Ozzy gig, that guitar needed a louder pickup but I still wanted that true-to-life guitar sound that I like”: Slash and Seymour Duncan dial up the raunch with the Guns N’ Roses legend’s signature 3.0 humbuckers
 
 
Electro-Harmonix Effects Interface
EHX’s new Effects Interface is a stompbox-shaped device that lets you integrate your pedalboard with your DAW
 
 
Latest in News
AlphaTheta RMX-Ignite effector
AlphaTheta’s RMX-Ignite is a multi-band effects processor and sampler designed to bring DJ sets to life
 
 
The Police - Stewart Copeland, Sting And Andy Summers, black and white photo 1983
Police royalties case – Sting has paid $800,000 to Summers and Copeland
 
 
Robbie Williams performs during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw
“I want that more than anything in my career”: Robbie Williams is gunning to break the Beatles' UK albums record
 
 
akg c series
“Our goal was simple: let’s design a mic that creators would reach for every day”: AKG unveils new C-Series condenser mics inspired by studio classics
 
 
Young boy listening to headphones
The kids are alright?: Over half of under-44-year-olds spend 2 to 3 hours a week consuming AI music
 
 
Popumusic PartyStudio
Hands-on with the Popumusic PartyStudio: we tried “the world’s first wireless MIDI synthesizer speaker”
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...