Dual P-90 Powerhouses: Gibson Unveils the Les Paul Special Double Cut and the Raw Les Paul Junior Double Cut

Gibson USA has launched two distinct, all-mahogany electric guitars that celebrate the brand’s stripped-down heritage while offering unparalleled tonal options: the versatile Les Paul Special Double Cut and the minimalist Les Paul Junior Double Cut Vintage. Both models deliver the legendary Gibson mid-range punch and are proudly crafted in the USA. While they share the comfortable double-cutaway shape and premium wood construction, close inspection reveals crucial differences in their electronics and features, tailoring each guitar for a specific type of player.  

 

Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut: The Twin-P90 Workhorse

The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut is designed to be the ultimate no-nonsense professional tool, filling the space between the simple Junior and the multi-humbucker Standard. Its feature set maximizes tonal flexibility without sacrificing the raw feel of an all-mahogany slab guitar.

Key Differentiating Features (Special Double Cut):

• Dual Soapbar P-90 Pickups: The defining feature is the pair of Soapbar P-90 single-coil pickups—one in the neck and one in the bridge—offering access to warmer neck tones, biting bridge sounds, and combined versatility.
• Four-Knob Control Layout: The Special provides comprehensive control with 2 Volume and 2 Tone controls (one set for each pickup), along with a 3-way selector switch, allowing players to fully explore the complete tonal spectrum available from the dual P-90 configuration.
• Bound Neck: A subtle but classy aesthetic touch, the Mahogany neck features single-ply fretboard binding, elevating its look compared to the unbound Junior.
• Body Construction: Features a solid slab Mahogany body with no weight relief, ensuring maximum resonance and sustain.

This double-cut P-90 guitar is built around a comfortable SlimTaper neck profile and finished with nitrocellulose lacquer, optimizing vibration transfer. It comes partnered with a Gibson Hardshell Case.

 

Feature	Les Paul Special Double Cut (2 P-90s)
Pickups	2 Soapbar P-90s (Neck & Bridge)
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone (Independent for each pickup)
Fretboard Binding	Single-ply Bound Fretboard
Purpose	Versatile Professional Workhorse

Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut Vintage: The Single-Pickup Powerhouse

The Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut Vintage embodies the philosophy of simplicity and raw power. Loved by players across genres for its expressive and responsive nature, it proves that “less is more” can yield huge results.

Originally a student model, the Junior’s simplicity makes it a favorite for those who shape their sound primarily through their hands and amplifier settings.

Key Differentiating Features (Junior Double Cut Vintage):

• Single Dogear P-90 Pickup: This model features one powerful Dogear P-90 pickup in the bridge position. This single pickup delivers incredible punch, bite, and clarity, making it an ideal choice for gritty blues, punk, and rock.
• Two-Knob Control Layout: Streamlined controls include only 1 Volume and 1 Tone knob (hand-wired with an Orange Drop Capacitor), forcing the player to master the subtle nuances of the P-90 to dial in a wide range of sounds.
• Unbound Neck & Tortoiseshell Pickguard: It maintains the classic, stripped-down aesthetic of the original student model with an unbound neck and a vintage-style Tortoiseshell pickguard.
• Neck Profile: Features the fast-playing SlimTaper neck profile, ensuring excellent speed and comfort up the Rosewood fingerboard.

This single-pickup double-cut is a tonal chameleon, famous for its dynamic response to player touch and volume manipulation. It also includes an official Gibson Hardshell Case.

Feature	Les Paul Junior Double Cut Vintage (1 P-90)
Pickups	1 Dogear P-90 (Bridge Only)
Controls	1 Volume, 1 Tone
Fretboard Binding	Unbound Fretboard
Purpose	Raw, Expressive, Single-Focus Rock Machine

Price & Availability

Both models are available in Vintage Cherry, TV Yellow, and Ebony nitrocellulose finishes.