For decades, it was the ultimate underground classic—the stripped-down rock 'n' roll weapon that launched a thousand anthems. Now, the iconic Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut makes its triumphant return, available exclusively at Guitar Center in the U.S. First introduced in 1955 as a step up from the student-focused Les Paul Junior, the Special quickly found favor among pros who prized its no-nonsense attitude and raw P-90-powered punch. This modern reissue honors that legacy with a resonant solid mahogany body, SlimTaper mahogany neck and a smooth rosewood fingerboard that feels instantly familiar. Loaded with dual P-90 soapbar pickups, it offers the articulate bite and vintage warmth that defined the sound of early rock. With timeless finishes, including TV Yellow, Vintage Cherry and ebony, the Les Paul Special Double-Cut electric bridges past and present in classic Gibson style.
Double-Cutaway Mahogany Body for Iconic Looks and Classic Tone
True to its roots, the Les Paul Special Double Cut features a solid mahogany body that delivers the depth, warmth and midrange growl Les Pauls are known for. The double-cutaway shape provides exceptional upper-fret access and balanced ergonomics whether standing or seated, making it a favorite for both rhythm and lead players. The body’s wraparound bridge anchors directly into the mahogany for increased sustain and resonance, ensuring every note rings out with authority. Finished in Gibson’s signature nitrocellulose lacquer, it not only looks and feels like a true vintage instrument but will also age gracefully, developing character over time as it’s played and loved.
SlimTaper Mahogany Neck and Bound Rosewood Fingerboard
The Les Paul Special Double Cut’s sleek mahogany neck is carved to Gibson’s time-tested SlimTaper profile—a shape that encourages fast runs, fluid bends and smooth rhythm work alike. The bound rosewood fingerboard adds warmth with a touch of elegance, offering a silky surface under the fingers. Twenty-two medium-jumbo frets and timeless acrylic dot inlays keep the aesthetic classic while ensuring a familiar, precise feel. Combined with the double-cutaway body design, the neck provides exceptional reach and effortless playability across the entire 24.75" scale length, whether you’re comping chords or pushing your leads past the 15th fret.
Dual P-90 Soapbars Deliver Vintage Growl and Dynamic Response
The Les Paul Special Double Cut is powered by two of Gibson’s legendary P-90 soapbar pickups—renowned for their blend of single-coil clarity and muscular midrange punch. From glassy cleans to snarling overdrive, these pickups capture every nuance of your attack and respond dynamically to your volume and tone adjustments. Each pickup has its own dedicated volume and tone control, allowing for an impressive range of tones that span everything from early blues and rockabilly to punk and modern alt-rock. Handwired circuitry with Orange Drop capacitors ensures a smooth, musical taper and vintage-accurate tone response throughout the entire range of your controls.
Gig-Ready Hardware and Classic Gibson Style
Every detail of the Les Paul Special Double Cut reflects Gibson’s commitment to heritage craftsmanship and modern reliability. A simple wraparound bridge ensures efficient string vibration transfer while maintaining rock-solid intonation with dual adjustment screws. Gibson Vintage Deluxe tuners with white buttons pair perfectly with a Graph Tech nut to deliver stable tuning and smooth performance, gig after gig. The bound fingerboard and mother-of-pearl Gibson headstock logo add a touch of elegance to the model’s otherwise stripped-back aesthetic. Finished with nickel hardware and your choice of three classic finishes, it’s a guitar that looks as timeless as it sounds.
A Timeless Classic, Reborn for a New Generation
The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut delivers one of Gibson’s most iconic designs into the hands of a new generation of players. Lightweight, balanced and loaded with vintage-inspired tone, it captures everything that made the original Special a favorite among pros and purists alike. Whether you’re chasing classic crunch, dynamic cleans or that unmistakable P-90 growl, this exclusive model offers it all in a single, no-nonsense package. Available only at Guitar Center, the Les Paul Special Double Cut is a pure rock ’n’ roll time machine—ready to inspire your next anthem.