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
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Heart of Gold
  • Vince Clarke's favourite synth
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • The Beatles' medley masterpiece
  1. Guitars

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

News
By Michael Astley-Brown 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.

Read more
The Gibson 1950s and '60s ES-335 pictured on the factory floor in Nashville.
Guitars Gibson’s unveils ‘50s and ‘60s ES-335s, promising “decade-correct feel, look and tone”
 
 
Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian presents ZZ Top frontman Billy F. Gibbons with a custom Explorer that he designed and built himself.
Artists Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian has made a stunning custom Explorer – and Billy Gibbons is playing it onstage with ZZ Top
 
 
Gibson Les Paul Studio Double Trouble presents the "double-white" humbuckers for a more affordable take on the limited run Les Paul Standard of 2025.
Guitars One of our favourite Les Pauls just got more affordable as Gibson gives the Double Trouble the Studio treatment
 
 
PRS Limited Edition Mango Wood Guitars
Guitars PRS brings a mango top to six of its popular models with a 1200 unit limited edition run
 
 
Epiphone Futura Series
Guitars Epiphone’s Futura Series reimagines Gibson classics with Chromashift finishes, ProBucker Ignite 'buckers and stainless steel frets
 
 
Gibson T-Top Humbuckers
Guitars Gibson brings back the T-Top humbucker with “period-correct” 1968 spec
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Stranberg x Jam Stik MIDI
Electric Guitars “Sounds you'll never have heard from a guitar before”: Strandberg x Jamstik Chameleon review
 
 
Ed Sheeran has launched a new grassroots music campaign and a signature line of busking-friendly acoustic amps.
Artists “Playing music should always be fun”: Ed Sheeran and Orange launch the “ultimate busking amp”
 
 
Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush rock double-necks during a 2026 reunion show in LA.
Artists Rush’s Geddy Lee, Paul Gilbert and John Petrucci on the guitar genius of Alex Lifeson
 
 
Jaco Pastorius
Artists "When he died, I cried and I actually jumped into the ocean": Carlos Santana and more on bass legend Jaco Pastorius
 
 
Charvel's Neo-Classic Series offers the San Dimas Style 1 with and without a Floyd Rose, with finishes including Robin's Egg Blue, Ivory Blitz, Gloss Black, Velvet Midnight and Racing Red
Guitars Dweezil Zappa shredding in a skate park? That must be Charvel’s all-new American Neo-Classic Series
 
 
(L-R) Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at the LA28 Olympic Handover Celebration
Artists Red Hot Chili Peppers, Extreme and Weezer all confirmed for Stage Tour, the Guitar Hero successor game
 
 
Latest in News
Mike Stock
Artists Producer Mike Stock on the secret sauce in Rick Astley's biggest song and hating being called a 'hit factory'
 
 
Elvis Costello and Olivia Rodrigo composite image
Singers & Songwriters "Too silly to talk about”: Elvis Costello won’t be suing Olivia Rodrigo over supposed plagiarism
 
 
Anika Nilles of Rush performs during the opening night of their first American tour in 11 years at The Kia Forum on June 07, 2026 in Inglewood, California
Drummers “I thought, 'I have no idea how I'm learning that'”: How Anika Nilles prepared for the Rush tour
 
 
JJ Bull playing keyboard
Singles And Albums The Unofficial Scotland World Cup song is a tribute to LCD Soundsystem
 
 
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 03: Billy Ray Cyrus performs onstage at AMERICAN IDOLS - Live in Concert presented by 19 Recordings Takeover on June 03, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for 19 Recordings )
Artists Billy Ray Cyrus on the moment he was inspired to beat his vocal paralysis
 
 
Noel Gallagher of Oasis performs on stage during the opening night of their Live 25' Tour
Guitarists “They’re not really football people are they?” Noel Gallagher watch the World Cup final half-time show
 
 

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 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...