Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist
  • Guitar Techniques
  • Total Guitar
  • Bass Player
More
  • How to make an AI cover song
  • 84000+ free music samples
  • Foo Fighters' new drummer
  • Ken Scott on recording The Beatles
  • First EVH Jump synth recording

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

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Guitarist

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

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

Limited-edition models include 'Painted Over' Les Paul

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
£3,299/$3,999

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'
£4,899/$5,999

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
£3,299/$3,999

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
£2,699/$2,999

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
£3,149/$3,799

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
£3,149/$3,799

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
£3,149/$3,799

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 is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

The magazine for serious players image
The magazine for serious players
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
More about guitars
Fender MIJ Hybrid II Limited Edition Stratocasters

Fender’s limited edition MIJ Hybrid II Stratocasters expands, offering specs and finishes previously only available in Japan

Eddie Van Halen, live onstage in 1984

New Van Halen documentary takes us back to the early ‘80s to tell the story of how Eddie built 5150 Studios as the band were coming apart

Latest
aphex twin

The unlikely story of Aphex Twin's weirdest gig, when he DJ'd with sandpaper and stuck a microphone in a blender

See more latest ►
Most Popular
The RX1200 plugin could be the closest you’ll get to having an E-MU SP-1200 sampler inside your DAW

By Ben Rogerson30 May 2023

Ibanez expands its Paul Gilbert signature series with the super classy, super shreddable PGM50 and PGM1000T

By Jonathan Horsley30 May 2023

Give the gift of great tone this Father's Day with these Positive Grid deals

By Matt McCracken29 May 2023

“Nebraska was cut on crap equipment…” How Bruce Springsteen made his most important album in his bedroom with just a Gibson J-200 and a TEAC 144

By Scott Rowley27 May 2023

Prince's While My Guitar Gently Weeps solo wasn't his only great performance at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony

By Ben Rogerson27 May 2023

TC Electronic unveils the Infinite Mini Sample Sustainer – a mini-sized version of the John Mayer pedalboard fave

By Jonathan Horsley26 May 2023

Funny Little Boxes has revealed its £99 follow-up to the 1991 overdrive pedal and QOTSA / Josh Homme fans are going to want one

By Rob Laing26 May 2023

Dave Grohl signature Epiphone DG-335 confirmed in new Foo Fighters promo shot

By Jonathan Horsley26 May 2023

People are going crazy for Nopia, the MIDI chord generator prototype that’s racked up 2.6m video views in 8 days

By Ben Rogerson26 May 2023

Bob Rock likens Metallica’s St Anger to The Stooges’ Raw Power, says Jimmy Page told him it was a “great album” – and Jack White loved it too

By Jonathan Horsley26 May 2023

Mick Hucknall on the 10 songs that changed his life: “The Beatles changed the way music sounded, but the Stones were the world’s greatest rock band”

By Danny Scott26 May 2023

  1. And you can watch Mr Gilbert introduce them in the maximum shred demo video
    1
    Ibanez expands its Paul Gilbert signature series with the super classy, super shreddable PGM50 and PGM1000T
  2. 2
    How to make an AI cover song with any artist's voice
  3. 3
    Mick Hucknall on the 10 songs that changed his life: “The Beatles changed the way music sounded, but the Stones were the world’s greatest rock band”
  4. 4
    People are going crazy for Nopia, the MIDI chord generator prototype that’s racked up 2.6m video views in 8 days
  5. 5
    Learn these four essential guitar chord inversions and unlock new ideas
  1. It looks like it’s from 1982, but you can also switch to a more modern interface
    1
    The Jura’s out: Air Music releases new plugin emulation of Roland’s Juno-60 synth
  2. 2
    Mixing engineer Bob Clearmountain: “I shouldn’t say this, probably, but I think in a couple of years Dolby Atmos is going to go away”
  3. 3
    Mick Hucknall on the 10 songs that changed his life: “The Beatles changed the way music sounded, but the Stones were the world’s greatest rock band”
  4. 4
    “Nebraska was cut on crap equipment…” How Bruce Springsteen made his most important album in his bedroom with just a Gibson J-200 and a TEAC 144
  5. 5
    Give the gift of great tone this Father's Day with these Positive Grid deals

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

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

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