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
  • Black Friday
  • 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
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul Custom: a the dual-pickup Custom was a lesser-spotted model in the Gibson catalogue in the '50s – they didn't make many of them. But Bonamassa presents us with one and this 'Black Beauty' is equipped with a Bigsby.
Artists Epiphone raids Joe Bonamassa’s Nerdville archive for another reproduction of a vintage unicorn
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Guitars Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
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.
Guitars The ultimate semi-hollow? PRS Guitars’ latest 40th Anniversary release is a jaw dropping electric with an “artist grade” top
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.
Guitars Gibson cooks up “holy grail” PAF mojo with the 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3 – the ultimate Les Paul tone hack?
The Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard enters the Gibson mainline range, sporting the same ebony finish and dual-P-90 configuration that made it the electric guitar of 2025.
Artists Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ Wonderwall by releasing the most talked-about electric guitar of 2025
Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett Raven: the Metallica lead guitarist's new signature acoustic is a Halloween-friendly take on the Hummingbird that's limited to 100 units worldwide.
Artists Enter, the Raven: Kirk Hammett’s Custom Shop Gibson acoustic dresses up the Hummingbird for Halloween
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.
Artists The unique SG built by Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian and played by Kirk Hammett at Back to the Beginning heads to auction
The Seymour Duncan Joe Bonamassa Bolin Burst Signature Pickup Set replicates the same humbuckers that are in the blues superstar's 1960 Les Paul Standard once owned by Tommy Bolin.
Artists Seymour Duncan expands Joe Bonamassa range with humbucker set based on pickups from his ‘Bolin Burst’ Les Paul
Gibson and Epiphone's new Back to the Future ES-345s are photographed against the DeLorean as used by Dr Emmett Brown in the movie
Guitars Gibson unveils Custom Shop Back To The Future ES-345 Collector’s Edition – and there’s a limited edition Epiphone too
Jackson Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas: these retro S-styles take the high-performance electric guitar brand back to the '80s, offering single and dual-humbucker platforms for shred with the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards – and what about that "Two-Face" black-and-white finish?
Guitars “These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
PRS Mark Lettieri Fiore HH, pictured here in its blue gloss and red satin versions against a pair of PRS tube amp stacks.
Artists “It’s been on stage with everyone from Deep Purple to Janet Jackson. It kind of blows me away that people ever responded in that way”: PRS reworks Mark Lettieri’s signature Fiore as super-versatile dual-humbucker model with serial/parallel switching
PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow Reclaimed: limited to 700 instruments worldwide, this versatile high-end semi is made from tone woods salvaged from a hurricane and old Brazilian farmhouses.
Guitars PRS uses wood felled in a Category 5 hurricane for the S2 Special Semi-Hollow Reclaimed
 (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.
Artists Cesar Gueikian on building the SG Kirk Hammett played to honour Black Sabbath and how his designs might shape future Gibson releases
Herman Li of DragonForce sits with his new PRS SE signature model, Chleo, in a purple-lit room filled with arcade machines.
Artists PRS refreshes SE range and takes a top-tier shredder to the masses with Herman Li's Chleo
Fender Vintera II Road Worn 60s Telecaster
Guitars Fender’s Vintera II Road Worn series has Golden Era vibe, tone and feel with era-correct pickups and aged nitro finishes
More
  • Black Friday plugin deals - LIVE
  • JoBo x Fuchs
  • "The most expensive bit of drumming in history”
  • 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 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
Deals not to miss
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul Custom: a the dual-pickup Custom was a lesser-spotted model in the Gibson catalogue in the '50s – they didn't make many of them. But Bonamassa presents us with one and this 'Black Beauty' is equipped with a Bigsby.
Epiphone raids Joe Bonamassa’s Nerdville archive for another reproduction of a vintage unicorn
 
 
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
 
 
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
 
 
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?
 
 
The Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard enters the Gibson mainline range, sporting the same ebony finish and dual-P-90 configuration that made it the electric guitar of 2025.
Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ Wonderwall by releasing the most talked-about electric guitar of 2025
 
 
Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett Raven: the Metallica lead guitarist's new signature acoustic is a Halloween-friendly take on the Hummingbird that's limited to 100 units worldwide.
Enter, the Raven: Kirk Hammett’s Custom Shop Gibson acoustic dresses up the Hummingbird for Halloween
 
 
Latest in Guitars
TC Electronic Plethora X1 pedal
Just £99 for 14 effects pedals in one? Surely this TC Electronic Plethora X1 compact multi-effects deal makes it the most value-packed stompbox this Black Friday
 
 
Squier Sonic Strat deal
This amazing-value Walmart Squier Sonic Strat deal proves beginner guitarists have never had it so good - get 25% off for Black Friday
 
 
A Strandberg Boden Essential headless guitar on a concrete floor
$300 off the 4.5-star rated Strandberg Boden Essential feels like the guitar deal of the year - save big on the most forward-thinking guitar around
 
 
Neural DSP Quad Cortex floating with smoke in the background
“A generational leap in modelling technology”: Neural DSP gives Quad Cortex and Nano Cortex an almighty power-up
 
 
Harley Benton Custom Line King-12CE NT: the cutaway jumbo 12-string features an all-maple build, gold hardware and Fishman electronics
Harley Benton unveils Custom Line jumbo 12-string with a $350 price tag that’s for the Byrds
 
 
Positive Grid Mini on a shelf
Positive Grid is knocking up to 30% off its range of top-rated smart amps and software this Black Friday weekend - including the Spark 2, Spark Mini & Bias X
 
 
Latest in News
Roland Aira TR-8S Cyber Weekend deals
In my opinion, x0x machines are the best way to make beats and Amazon has the craziest deal I’ve seen on the Roland TR8-S, and besides, I can’t afford a TR-1000
 
 
Apple gift card giveaway
If you’re planning on buying a new MacBook Air or iPad this Cyber Monday, you’ll kick yourself if you miss out on Apple’s great gift card giveaway
 
 
Roland TD716 Black Friday
Roland's TD716 electronic drum set is designed to be a VST killer. Now it's had a massive $1,800 wiped off the price at Sweetwater for Cyber Weekend – you’ll get a drum rug and throne worth nearly $500 for free, too!
 
 
Apple MacBook Air M4
If I was buying my first Apple MacBook for music-making, this is the bargain $749 Black Friday deal I’d go for
 
 
Toontrack Hitmaker SDX
I've waited for Toontrack's Hitmaker SDX Expansion to be discounted ever since it was released. Now it's nearly half-price for Black Friday and I'm about to ruin Christmas by spending way too much on Superior Drummer samples in Thomann's Cyber Week Sale
 
 
SYNTHDEALS
I've spent all day looking at Black Friday synth deals and these are the 5 I'd actually buy - grab them while you can!
 
 

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...