Dad3: I just last week got one of the blue Special DC's from Zzounds for $528. Listed as 'Blemished', it still had the film on the pickguard and looked unplayed. Freakin' awesome geetar!
My first decent electric guitar was a DC 1959 TV Yellow Les Paul Special. I sold it about 40 years ago. I am buying one of these to finally replace it 😊
I have one made in July 2019 and I couldn't be happier. Lightweight and sounds amazing with a fantastic neck. Gave me everything I want and the blue is beautiful. Good job Gibson
Did you receive the large oversized gig bag like he showed us here? I've seen others reviewed and they didn't all seem to have the same oversized gig bag.
The PRS Santana SE is a great guitar for the money, $430 new old stock 2017. But these DCs are my favorite body shape and there’s nothing like the raw look of a slab body with a satin stain.
Tuve una Santana SE y no hay punto de comparación. La Gibson es una gran guitarra que la supera en todo. Porque simplemente las SE no son PRS. La diferencia es abismal.
Bought one of these today during the guitar center sale after watching your review. Wanted to say thank you for a remarkably accurate review. The one disagreement I have (a matter of perspective, not accuracy) is that the fret dressing isn't just different: it's bad. Nothing I can't clean up while I'm conditioning the fretboard, but you know what I've never had to do to a PRS--even an SE? Have decided it's a great IDEA for a guitar (your Marauder comparison is apt, and this looks a hell of a lot cooler). Between the cool factor and the sound, I feel OK at the price I paid. But given the lack of attention to detail, if I'd paid anywhere close to full retail, I'd be PISSED.
@Daniel Watkins. I jus got one of these myself. My first American made guitar. I love it but I had the same fret sprout. Nothing that could not be cleaned up. But man the p90s sing...
Nice job Trogly. I recognize that 1998 trans amber DC. Looking forward to putting on the headphones and taking in your video after finishing TV with the wife.
I would agree - and what US made version of a Telecaster with P90's can you get for $599 right now like you can this one from Guitar Center??? Go with the Gibson:-)
Cool guitar. But what I like the most is the way you explain any of your vlogs most specially when you introduced a company like Gibson or ESP. Great demo by the way.
A cleaner mod would be to move your 3 way switch (maybe just below your neck pickup), use the old 3 way hole to put a volume or tone pot, and cutting a new hole for a new volume pot below the bridge pickup, a la Strat, and you'd have a pot that you could use for volume swells.
When I bought mine, the gigbag wasn't that long. What impressed me about this is that, compared to my SG Special, it sounds VERY thick. I think the P90s on my Les Paul Special DC are hotter than the ones on my SG Special.
I bought the Jr. DC with a January 18th date, and was kind of choked when they changed to the bottom jack later, but after seeing the rout for a second pickup cutting off the tenon, I'm kind of happy I have an early one. Definitely want the bass version now as well.
ooo ooooo oooooooooooooooo I want one. I told gibson I'd buy one but I bought something else first. Also, I like the pick guard better! Next guitar maybe...
So I got one of these and it had the same kind of problems a lot of people have talked about here. It had the most severe case of fret sprout I've seen on a guitar in years whereas my most recent fender Squier's from China have had none of that. Also the nut needs to be filed pretty badly and the fretboard was covered with some kind of dust/goo! The Gibson QC problems have not gone away. Also, I got a blue one of these and it looks black other than the back of the neck. After I spend about $100 on a luthier to fix these problems maybe I'll have a playable guitar finally. Way to go Gibson!
Don't let it get you down Jack! Go watch the DARRELL BRAUN video on making a Squier better where he shows you how to use a 220 grit sanding sponge from Home Depot to smooth those fret ends in about 10 minutes. I did it myself and it worked great! My luthier was even impressed at my work and I suck at guitar repairs but it was very easy - try it!
Nice intro buddy ... And another awesome review . Great entry level Gibson . And the sound test was cool . We really appreciate your honesty with theses reviews . If it inspires you . It's a good instrument
@@fredfritsch1013 I think about the only difference is the neck pickup on mine ,which I believe you can add to yours,they have route, and mine has a side jack while yours is on the front. Congrats !
@@toddflowers8052 Mine has both bridge and neck P90s, but I don't know if they will be noise cancelling in the middle position, as there was no mention of reverse windings like the new Gibson USA Specials. I think mine has a mahogany neck/ rosewood fingerboard. GC was clearing them out in honey burst for $799, plus I had an $80 coupon. It wasn't me - it made me buy it!
@@fredfritsch1013 Oh I see, I thought you were talking about the equivalent of what I got which only were juniors last year @$799. which is a different animal I believe or are they a GC exclusive ? Because these weren't offered in Honey Burst. Either way congrats on a great buy ! :-)
@@toddflowers8052 This is how it's listed...still on sale, 2 volume, 2 tone pots: Gibson Les Paul Special P-90 Limited Edition Electric Guitar Regular Honey Burst
I’ve really been tempted by these. I’ve played LP Deluxe or p90 for a while now and the regular LPs get a little heavy over a few hours standing at a gig. These would be a comfortable option.
About ten years ago I bought one of the twin P-90 Les Paul juniors (TV Yellow) from a guitar center for something like $425. So I can't really justify the price for one of these either.
@@R3volutionblu3s thats a damn good deal. I have a couole of Axl Bel Air husks that im building. Got them for 50 each. Going with a hardtail install instead of bigsby for obvious reasons lol.
@@IrisGalaxis yeah there are aftermarket ones. The one on the Yamaha Revstars are really nice. Yamaha always makes their own, nice hardware. Ive never had much of a problem intonating on wraptails, but im sure the intonation isnt perfect. One of those sacrifices to be "trve gibson" i guess. They should do a high performance lpj.
Great review! You mentioned changing the configuration to 2 Vol's 2 Tone's. I have actually done this, on one , and did more than just add the 2 controls. I actually changed the configuration to the Les Paul Special double cut. This involves completely filling the front cavities, and routing the pickup cavities, and routing the control cavity in the back. There were a lot of other things had to be done that were not mentioned. I mounted the pickups to the body, and even painted it TV yellow. I took my time with the conversion, to the point that it is impossible to tell that this guitar started out as The Les Paul tribute. This was a lot of work, and if I was doing it for a customer, would have to charge at least $400 labor. My reason for doing it? The Les Paul Tribute is $899, but the Les Paul Special double cut models with this body design are not made anymore, and the used ones are way more expensive now!
The way to solve the strap button on the horn issue is to countersink the button like Hamer USA used to do. But of course that’s more time consuming and as you conclude it’s functional not unreasonable the way Gibson have done this at this guitar’s price point.
Curious was the gig bag oversized like in this video? Also, how were your frets and setup out of the box? I noticed the Gibson pickups are $135 per pickup alone so there's $270 worth of value just in the pickups alone!
Nazmo King Yes, the bag was oversized. I can almost fit my Fender Jazz Bass in it. Set up is great. No sharp fret ends. No High frets. I can’t complain about any of it. The P-90’s are 🔥🔥🔥.
@@bwall615 Thanks for your weigh in on the guitar - I appreciate it! I decided to spend more on this than the equivalent Epi's because people were complaining about their frets, so good to hear your frets are nice (worth the upgrade I would say).
it can't specifically be off of a dc junior copy. there was one of these in late 1957 or some time 1958 according to my grandfather who once owned it from 1964 - 2008. he had a Kalamazoo employee's personal DC junior with 2 p90s, 2 knobs and a selector switch. I'm unsure if there's any photo of either the gibson employee with it or my grandfather with it, but all we have now is the memory of that old beauty. I remember just starting out and my grandfather said he'd leave it to me roughly a year before it was unfortunately traded away. For context. it was a cherry red type color and as far as I've been aware, it was a 1 off guitar. Then this came out in 2018, 10 years after my grandfather gave the guitar to his brother in law and he traded it for a vintage fender tweed amp. I've been searching for that guitar and now I know why I wasn't able to. it got into gibson's hands and is now more than likely, permanently in the vault. considering it was my grandfather's guitar for the longest time and he enjoyed it for the 40 years he had it (until the fretboard started to peel off) I'd like to see it back in his hands. I genuinely don't care what I have to sacrifice. I just want to see my grandfather reunited with his old guitar. it was originally given to my great uncle to repair it, but he had other plans. if my theory about it being in gibson's hands is true. I will have to make a few calls and see what I can do to get it back. the guitar
I just last week scooped up the blue Special DC at Zzounds for $528. It was listed as 'Blemished' but still had the film on the pickguard and looked unplayed. The inspection tag read "June 5, 2019". I don't know where this guitar has been for the last 13 months and I DON'T CARE. This is an incredible axe! Previously I've owned five Gibsons and have sold or returned five Gibsons. This one is definitely staying with me. My 5th Gibson was a 2020 Special in cherry that had a giant gouge in the neck binding like someone sneezed while scraping the binding. Also the pickups and/or covers were loose and the guitar howled like mad with the gain cranked. I sent it back and got this for one third of the price and it's actually a better specimen. (I also prefer the slim taper neck - I don't have big monkey hands like Jimmy Page.)
I got a Jr. DC Tribute in Worn Brown about a month ago from CME. Then stumbled on a Cherry 2003 Melody Maker couple of days later that I couldn’t pass up. I stuttered for a bit on having two Jr. types, but I couldn’t let that MM go. Boy was it a revelation to find out there’s DC Special hiding under my Tribute’s pickguard!! I’ll definitely look into converting it. Kudos, Trogly!! 🏆 Finally, I’d love the scoop on who makes the strap buttons on these Tribute models... I’d love to fit them on my 2003 MM since it came with those teeny ones that love to jump outta straps when they please! 🤦🏻♂️
Yep I just picked up a 2004 black LP DC with p90s . 2 tone knobs 2 volume knobs .My first Gibson ! The tone knob on the neck pickup cuts out at about 1 also .
I think over time that strap button on the upper horn is going to bend. All of the weight is resting on the screw. Nice review. I find I am looking forward to your vids and even subscribed to you channel recently.
Thanks for this old, old video! I'm planning on buying a 2019 single pickup to add a Charlie Christian on the neck, but wanted to know if I had room where the body meets the tenon. I bet Austin back then didn't even imagine this video would be so helpful for a guy in Mexico City 4 years into the future.
Great review on a great guitar, thank you. Love the figuring on this instrument, great choice for sure. If there is enough room under the pick guard you could use stacked dual pots and have a separate volume/tone for each pickup. You would need to go with metal knobs, but that isn't a big deal. A triple pickup version with a gloss finish would be pretty awesome, very awesome actually, stacked tone/volume controls and maybe a 5-Way Strat style switch.
I've got one exactly the same. It's a '19 or '20. I've think it was about 8-10,months earlier, I got a new 'burst Standard. They're so closely related from tuners to bridge. And I also LOVE mine. I definitely love my Standard, but it's very close. Could be down to the wood choice, the uncovered Burstbuckers?, the chambering? - the pcb? Who knows, but it's livelier. Mine had a 'blem') too and can't remember what I paid for it (maybe just under $2k?). There was some slight, light scratching around the area of the poker chip. Phew - no problemo! Too some mothers metal polish (my go-to) to it. It's not an abrasive thing so it effectiveness is whatever magic they can give you from its mystery ingredients. Lightly rubbed it, let it dry, then spray on some car or car wax, over it and it forms like a paste. I grabbed another microfiber cloth and buffed to reveal a perfect finish. Love! That Les Paul! It's a classic and I call it RUSH - because of the feeling I got the first time I played it for any length. It's also reminds of certain certain of Pagey LPs. So I debated calling it "Led" or "Zep". But, I saw my man N Alex playing one, so "Rush" became it's name. It's got a joy, almost raunchy feeling where I don't mind dinging it, though I pummel the crap out of it.. And in a way I can't bring myself to do with my sweet Standard with definitely an AA top that you could argue is a AAA. I baby that one well kind of. That's starting to fade away where it gets pummeled too. Same with my 2020 Les Paul Special. Just played it an hour ago. All three are phenomenal. Oh, and sheepishly, I also bought those three Les Pauls, then added a simple little Les Paul Special DC Tribute that's been upgraded with a beautiful wraparound bridge that adds adjustable saddles and is a beautifully crafted piece of kit. Looks substantial and upscale on it.😊 Talk about a thrashing a guitar with raunchy punk or some "Mississippi Queen". It's light and basic and it sounds phomenal. I get a kick of it every single time. Same pickups as my regular beautiful LP Special and it just sounds different. They're not sophisticated. They are BAD ASS! WHUPPS IT UP like a proper p90 should. One vol, one tone, and a three-way. Trog - these are new guitars. All of my new ones get deep conditioning and I let it soak in deeply (overnight sometimes) before wiping down the excess leftover oil, restring it. Eventually it levels off and the rw stays nice and dark. As an experiment, I gave mine the "Mother's treatment" and it kind of shined it. Some of the white material went down into the open pores and grain. Maybe I'll take a soft toothbrush to it for fun, but man, it's player. It's a guitar any pro could immediately gig with. I polish all my frets to a mirror look. So with the deeply conditioned fretboard and those shiny silver frets, that part looks kinda elegant. However turn it over and take in the back of the neck that's been Scotchbrite treated. I was extra agreesive and went right threw down to the bare maple. Love it! Then I was hooked and started on the edges where my forearm hits, then went another step aggressive with a file and got rid of some more wood. Looks decently relic'd in ways that primarily suit my playing style and comfort. Great guitars at great prices, but I've been seeing them appreciate. Heard some of you got them for something like $600-700 blowing them out at GC a few years ago.
I was seriously considering this until it occurred to me that for $1600AUD I could get the dual P90 DC....but for $2,350AUD I could get the SG Special with p90's. For $850AUD more, the SG Special is better in every way! It has body sculpting (with the bevels)...it has a silky nitro finish, the faded Pelham Blue a giant leap forward from the blue stain of the DC...The Spesh has a really sleek & daper neck binding...And it comes in the brown chainsaw case with gold clasps and lush royal red plush inside. That was enough for me - that case alone! You should see my Pelham Blue SG in the royal red plush, with the brown chainsaw outer case...worth the cost of admission alone!
I think you shoulda kept it. I really liked those riffs, too, especially when you "moved over to distorted tones". Put me in the mind of some really rough 60's garage rock. Hopefully, you're keeping something like it around.
My 2 cents always get a 2 pickup version vs a single pickup version. More tonal flexibility and much better potential to sell to a larger universe of buyers as many more players prefer the 2 pickup versions.
Absolutely love mine I play it all the time just a light easy play fun guitar just wish I would have bought a 19 with side input I will mod mine I also have a 1970s s1
I'm really hoping to see a Special in TV Yellow in this double cut shape just like the late 50s with the binding, inlay headstock, and control layout like the late 50s. Good thing they dont have one now as I have to buy a car now :(
Your reviews are definitely getting better and by better I mean more thorough. I actually was wondering if you had come up with that intro lol, I liked it that's why I was wondering. I am trying Austin, I am trying...bare with me lol. When I think of a Gibson guitar it's either a ES335, Les Paul and/or Hummingbird. Yes I know they have other models but those are the three that I see in my head, so when I see "Les Paul" on the head it had better look like a Les Paul!! I am growing more used to seeing the name on other models, thanks to your channel. I keep trying to be objective with this model but I just can't get over a few things. 1) the double cut. that straight line between the two horns annoys me. 2) the flat top (slab body). 3) The pup selection and pot availability. 1) It just looks so "red neck" to me. I know why they did it and it's actually why I would like to play one of these someday. If maybe they did a little of that chiseled look of the SG it would help it to not look so plain. 2) I just do not like flat top Les Paul's lol. I have other guitars that are flat top and that's OK, they are not a Les Paul! That carved top is what sets the Les Paul apart from the rest, PRS copied that for a reason ya know! One of the reasons PRS can get away with charging as much as they do is because that carved top makes the guitar look more like a piece of art. It gives it style. 3) I HATE two pickup guitars that only offer one master volume control!! I can get along with only one tone, but it is just stupid to have 2 pups and one volume, try playing a song like More than a feeling with only one volume control!! Yes, you can have it where you step on a pedal and switch in between the two different guitars but that is just more money on more equipment and if your'e playing live you have to be standing at your pedals. Now, what's YOUR thoughts about that neck heel joint? I was wondering if down the road years from now we will see an SG type of an issue? Oh, I was told by someone a few days ago that Gibson does not treat the fretboards mainly because of the extra time and expense of it being done but also because some people have their "special" liquid they like to use on their fret boards and if Gibson was to use something else it might irritate that particular person. They said that some people might not EVER want to use lemon oil and if Gibson uses lemon oil that could be a factor as to why the buyer passes on purchasing a new Gibson. That makes sense to me, not necessarily that a person is THAT picky but more that it's why Gibson doesn't treat them.
Thanks - you seem to be the only one that picked this up. I just ordered one so now I will know how to adjust the bridge intonation so I appreciate this.
As of this writing, Guitar Center is blowing these out for $599.....I had to grab one for this price (Cherry). I checked Reverb and I couldn't even find a used one for this price.
It seems to me that Gibson should have done stacked pots on this guitar and two on/offs to replace the 3 way tog and maybe a reverse Firebird headstock and blue stain fading to black stain on the sides.
I think the "J" written inside the pickup rout is for "Junior", and that there is both an "S" and a "J" because the body could be used for either. The body could be marked before that decision is made.
I have played mine so much paint is missing from the upper horn from hard upstrokes. I wish the forearm area would start fading. I love the natural relic that has started
Looking at this guitar, I imagine this brings forth the same feelings that Executives at Ford feel when they think about the Edsel, the Pinto or the Festiva.
Just got one for 599 at Guitar Center clearing them out. Great guitar for $599!!!
Maaaaaan :0
Who would buy an Epiphone made in the Orient when you can get a USA Gibson for that sort of money.
How has it held up?
Dad3: I just last week got one of the blue Special DC's from Zzounds for $528.
Listed as 'Blemished', it still had the film on the pickguard and looked unplayed.
Freakin' awesome geetar!
I also ordered one for 599 at gc I got the cherry finish
You have a very calming and conversational voice, it's great.
And funny too
Your videos always make me happy at the end of the day, I had a pretty bad day. Watching your reviews is always a joy
My first decent electric guitar was a DC 1959 TV Yellow Les Paul Special. I sold it about 40 years ago. I am buying one of these to finally replace it 😊
A steal on the used market. I got mine for 900$ it’s a great guitar. Plays great! Sounds great! Rock and Roll approved!
My favorite and most attainable of the 2019 line. Nice vid as always. This is where you come to get close and personal with Gibson's.
So the pickups aren’t Quick connects? I was hoping it did so I could easily swap. Please tell me.
My favorite thing about this channel other than daily guitar info is the ability to see how much better trog’s gotten over the past 6 years or more
I laughed out loud when i saw the size of that gig bag. It was the way you did it. Brilliant.
Hell Yeah! The return of greenscreen awesomeness!
Sense of humor appreciated
I have one made in July 2019 and I couldn't be happier. Lightweight and sounds amazing with a fantastic neck. Gave me everything I want and the blue is beautiful. Good job Gibson
Did you receive the large oversized gig bag like he showed us here? I've seen others reviewed and they didn't all seem to have the same oversized gig bag.
@@nazmoking3171 yes it's abog ugly bag but fits the guitar perfectly
Steven Giordano cool - thanks!
The PRS Santana SE is a great guitar for the money, $430 new old stock 2017. But these DCs are my favorite body shape and there’s nothing like the raw look of a slab body with a satin stain.
Jacob G I have the SE SANTANA model in black / it’s a few years old now but it sounds great 👍
Tuve una Santana SE y no hay punto de comparación. La Gibson es una gran guitarra que la supera en todo. Porque simplemente las SE no son PRS. La diferencia es abismal.
Most epic intro of all time! Bring back the finger snap cuts for comparisons. That was nicely done.
What a great presentation, very thourough. I play an LP 50s tribute, studio with P90s, and love it. Someday ill spring for one of these, love it.
Bought one of these today during the guitar center sale after watching your review. Wanted to say thank you for a remarkably accurate review. The one disagreement I have (a matter of perspective, not accuracy) is that the fret dressing isn't just different: it's bad. Nothing I can't clean up while I'm conditioning the fretboard, but you know what I've never had to do to a PRS--even an SE? Have decided it's a great IDEA for a guitar (your Marauder comparison is apt, and this looks a hell of a lot cooler). Between the cool factor and the sound, I feel OK at the price I paid. But given the lack of attention to detail, if I'd paid anywhere close to full retail, I'd be PISSED.
@Daniel Watkins. I jus got one of these myself. My first American made guitar. I love it but I had the same fret sprout. Nothing that could not be cleaned up. But man the p90s sing...
I bought one a few weeks ago and yep - exactly the same, frets sharp to painful. Changed strings and filed the edges off. Much better now.
Nice job Trogly. I recognize that 1998 trans amber DC. Looking forward to putting on the headphones and taking in your video after finishing TV with the wife.
That intro was absolutely amazing
That color is just beatiful
Thanks so much for all the details! Exactly what I wanted to know about the routing cavity for a humbucker
It's essentially a Les Paul version of a Telecaster. I love it!
I would agree - and what US made version of a Telecaster with P90's can you get for $599 right now like you can this one from Guitar Center??? Go with the Gibson:-)
Love this!! Might be my first Gibson.
Cool guitar. But what I like the most is the way you explain any of your vlogs most specially when you introduced a company like Gibson or ESP. Great demo by the way.
3 P90s is an amazing thing. I just found a '05 R6 custom shop goldtop with triple P90s. Unbelievable guitar.
I second the 3 P90 version. I would buy one the day they came out. I love 3 P90 guitars...Gary Clark Jr. knows what he's doing.
*TheVoxOfReason* agreed. That 3 pup green one 😍
A cleaner mod would be to move your 3 way switch (maybe just below your neck pickup), use the old 3 way hole to put a volume or tone pot, and cutting a new hole for a new volume pot below the bridge pickup, a la Strat, and you'd have a pot that you could use for volume swells.
Very nice that’s the one I would buy nice tones, awesome review mate thanks for pulling the guitar apart I really enjoyed that very much!!
Johnny Thunders R.I.P. You cant put your arms 'round a memory
holy moly, what nice figuring, thanks for showing this example trogly
I don't think I have ever been this early to one of your videos
Around 1970 I had both
Melody makers at the same time.... Oh well... I like your reviews. Im subscribed. Great job!
@Blues Howler ummmmm this isn’t the comments section 😂
When I bought mine, the gigbag wasn't that long. What impressed me about this is that, compared to my SG Special, it sounds VERY thick. I think the P90s on my Les Paul Special DC are hotter than the ones on my SG Special.
I bought the Jr. DC with a January 18th date, and was kind of choked when they changed to the bottom jack later, but after seeing the rout for a second pickup cutting off the tenon, I'm kind of happy I have an early one. Definitely want the bass version now as well.
The placement of the upper strap button might LOOK odd - but it will FUNCTION the best, out of any other place they could've put it on the guitar.
Couldn't agree more, it is what it is. If Gibson put it on the back everyone would complain, sometimes they can't win.
ooo ooooo oooooooooooooooo I want one. I told gibson I'd buy one but I bought something else first. Also, I like the pick guard better!
Next guitar maybe...
So I got one of these and it had the same kind of problems a lot of people have talked about here. It had the most severe case of fret sprout I've seen on a guitar in years whereas my most recent fender Squier's from China have had none of that. Also the nut needs to be filed pretty badly and the fretboard was covered with some kind of dust/goo! The Gibson QC problems have not gone away. Also, I got a blue one of these and it looks black other than the back of the neck. After I spend about $100 on a luthier to fix these problems maybe I'll have a playable guitar finally. Way to go Gibson!
Hey I bought one recently and it also has the worst fret sprout I've ever experienced! Really takes away from what's otherwise a good guitar.
Don't let it get you down Jack! Go watch the DARRELL BRAUN video on making a Squier better where he shows you how to use a 220 grit sanding sponge from Home Depot to smooth those fret ends in about 10 minutes. I did it myself and it worked great! My luthier was even impressed at my work and I suck at guitar repairs but it was very easy - try it!
Thank you! Going to give that a try!
Here's the video link Jack. You're going to love this. I've done it to several of my guitars now. ua-cam.com/video/ZoWp4Ax9zAA/v-deo.html
I would swap the volume controle and the three-way selector switch around
Like a an epiphone lp special ii?
Control*
You already KNOW I’m boutta buy one and throw a third pickup in there. Wish it was a swimming pool route so Gibson could make it easier for me!
Great idea
get it in RED
Nice intro buddy ... And another awesome review . Great entry level Gibson . And the sound test was cool . We really appreciate your honesty with theses reviews . If it inspires you . It's a good instrument
Nice demo man ! I have a Worn Cherry one coming tomorrow and can't wait ! Keep up the good work !
I'm wondering how different my 2018 one will be (once it arrives) from yours. Congrats on your new baby!
@@fredfritsch1013 I think about the only difference is the neck pickup on mine ,which I believe you can add to yours,they have route, and mine has a side jack while yours is on the front. Congrats !
@@toddflowers8052 Mine has both bridge and neck P90s, but I don't know if they will be noise cancelling in the middle position, as there was no mention of reverse windings like the new Gibson USA Specials. I think mine has a mahogany neck/ rosewood fingerboard. GC was clearing them out in honey burst for $799, plus I had an $80 coupon. It wasn't me - it made me buy it!
@@fredfritsch1013 Oh I see, I thought you were talking about the equivalent of what I got which only were juniors last year @$799. which is a different animal I believe or are they a GC exclusive ? Because these weren't offered in Honey Burst. Either way congrats on a great buy ! :-)
@@toddflowers8052 This is how it's listed...still on sale, 2 volume, 2 tone pots: Gibson Les Paul Special P-90 Limited Edition Electric Guitar Regular Honey Burst
one of the few Gibson's i would buy, Steve Marriott played one of these. love the P90's
So beautiful in blue!! And I love P-90s! Man that's a real good workhorse!
I’ve really been tempted by these. I’ve played LP Deluxe or p90 for a while now and the regular LPs get a little heavy over a few hours standing at a gig. These would be a comfortable option.
I love the idea of a bare bones workhorse....but i can't justify the price for one of these unfortunately. A TV yellow one would be cool.
About ten years ago I bought one of the twin P-90 Les Paul juniors (TV Yellow) from a guitar center for something like $425. So I can't really justify the price for one of these either.
@@R3volutionblu3s thats a damn good deal. I have a couole of Axl Bel Air husks that im building. Got them for 50 each. Going with a hardtail install instead of bigsby for obvious reasons lol.
@@IrisGalaxis wraptails work fine, not sure about gibson wraptails?
@@IrisGalaxis yeah there are aftermarket ones. The one on the Yamaha Revstars are really nice. Yamaha always makes their own, nice hardware. Ive never had much of a problem intonating on wraptails, but im sure the intonation isnt perfect. One of those sacrifices to be "trve gibson" i guess. They should do a high performance lpj.
On sale at GC for $600 currently.Single picku version is $550.A good deal imho.
I loved it so much, so a ran and bought one for me! Just lovely!
Killer riffs!! Awesome review! Thanks
Great review! You mentioned changing the configuration to 2 Vol's 2 Tone's. I have actually done this, on one , and did more than just add the 2 controls. I actually changed the configuration to the Les Paul Special double cut. This involves completely filling the front cavities, and routing the pickup cavities, and routing the control cavity in the back. There were a lot of other things had to be done that were not mentioned. I mounted the pickups to the body, and even painted it TV yellow. I took my time with the conversion, to the point that it is impossible to tell that this guitar started out as The Les Paul tribute. This was a lot of work, and if I was doing it for a customer, would have to charge at least $400 labor. My reason for doing it? The Les Paul Tribute is $899, but the Les Paul Special double cut models with this body design are not made anymore, and the used ones are way more expensive now!
The way to solve the strap button on the horn issue is to countersink the button like Hamer USA used to do. But of course that’s more time consuming and as you conclude it’s functional not unreasonable the way Gibson have done this at this guitar’s price point.
That is a really good idea, counter sink it and problem solved.
You love the figuring...... what an artistic purveyor you are.
An actual kill switch would be easy to install with that pickguard and would be easier on your 3 way switch.
I think the best modern double cuts are the ones like Rick Beato’s. Great guitars.
Just rec’d mine today and I really like it. It sounds soooo good!
Curious was the gig bag oversized like in this video? Also, how were your frets and setup out of the box? I noticed the Gibson pickups are $135 per pickup alone so there's $270 worth of value just in the pickups alone!
Nazmo King Yes, the bag was oversized. I can almost fit my Fender Jazz Bass in it. Set up is great. No sharp fret ends. No High frets. I can’t complain about any of it. The P-90’s are 🔥🔥🔥.
@@bwall615 Thanks for your weigh in on the guitar - I appreciate it! I decided to spend more on this than the equivalent Epi's because people were complaining about their frets, so good to hear your frets are nice (worth the upgrade I would say).
Nazmo King I would think so.
it can't specifically be off of a dc junior copy.
there was one of these in late 1957 or some time 1958 according to my grandfather who once owned it from 1964 - 2008.
he had a Kalamazoo employee's personal DC junior with 2 p90s, 2 knobs and a selector switch. I'm unsure if there's any photo of either the gibson employee with it or my grandfather with it, but all we have now is the memory of that old beauty. I remember just starting out and my grandfather said he'd leave it to me roughly a year before it was unfortunately traded away. For context.
it was a cherry red type color and as far as I've been aware, it was a 1 off guitar. Then this came out in 2018, 10 years after my grandfather gave the guitar to his brother in law and he traded it for a vintage fender tweed amp.
I've been searching for that guitar and now I know why I wasn't able to.
it got into gibson's hands and is now more than likely, permanently in the vault.
considering it was my grandfather's guitar for the longest time and he enjoyed it for the 40 years he had it (until the fretboard started to peel off)
I'd like to see it back in his hands. I genuinely don't care what I have to sacrifice. I just want to see my grandfather reunited with his old guitar.
it was originally given to my great uncle to repair it, but he had other plans. if my theory about it being in gibson's hands is true. I will have to make a few calls and see what I can do to get it back.
the guitar
Yee haw Gibson is back baby! 😄🤘🎸
I just last week scooped up the blue Special DC at Zzounds for $528. It was listed as 'Blemished' but still had the film on the pickguard and looked unplayed. The inspection tag read "June 5, 2019". I don't know where this guitar has been for the last 13 months and I DON'T CARE. This is an incredible axe! Previously I've owned five Gibsons and have sold or returned five Gibsons. This one is definitely staying with me. My 5th Gibson was a 2020 Special in cherry that had a giant gouge in the neck binding like someone sneezed while scraping the binding. Also the pickups and/or covers were loose and the guitar howled like mad with the gain cranked. I sent it back and got this for one third of the price and it's actually a better specimen. (I also prefer the slim taper neck - I don't have big monkey hands like Jimmy Page.)
Postscript: Right after I bought the Special DC I bought the Marshall Origin 20 head.
It pairs really well with the DC.
For the prices, this and the single PUP DC are extremely tempting especially for no-frills rock n roll machines to have fun with.
Exactly! I just wanna play swing rythyms on that thing
También se pueden hacer perfectamente rock n roll con lujos.
I got a Jr. DC Tribute in Worn Brown about a month ago from CME. Then stumbled on a Cherry 2003 Melody Maker couple of days later that I couldn’t pass up. I stuttered for a bit on having two Jr. types, but I couldn’t let that MM go. Boy was it a revelation to find out there’s DC Special hiding under my Tribute’s pickguard!! I’ll definitely look into converting it. Kudos, Trogly!! 🏆
Finally, I’d love the scoop on who makes the strap buttons on these Tribute models...
I’d love to fit them on my 2003 MM since it came with those teeny ones that love to jump outta straps when they please! 🤦🏻♂️
Yep I just picked up a 2004 black LP DC with p90s . 2 tone knobs 2 volume knobs .My first Gibson ! The tone knob on the neck pickup cuts out at about 1 also .
Your Photoshop skills are getting better, that 3 pickup model looked nice
Truls Olsen I agree!
You should do a video of your personal guitar collection the ones you actually keep
Man this channel is so great! I just discovered it and it's a pleasure.
Thanks for watching!
I think over time that strap button on the upper horn is going to bend. All of the weight is resting on the screw. Nice review. I find I am looking forward to your vids and even subscribed to you channel recently.
Thanks for this old, old video!
I'm planning on buying a 2019 single pickup to add a Charlie Christian on the neck, but wanted to know if I had room where the body meets the tenon.
I bet Austin back then didn't even imagine this video would be so helpful for a guy in Mexico City 4 years into the future.
Love it!
Great review on a great guitar, thank you. Love the figuring on this instrument, great choice for sure.
If there is enough room under the pick guard you could use stacked dual pots and have a separate volume/tone for each pickup. You would need to go with metal knobs, but that isn't a big deal.
A triple pickup version with a gloss finish would be pretty awesome, very awesome actually, stacked tone/volume controls and maybe a 5-Way Strat style switch.
I've got one exactly the same. It's a '19 or '20. I've think it was about 8-10,months earlier, I got a new 'burst Standard.
They're so closely related from tuners to bridge. And I also LOVE mine. I definitely love my Standard, but it's very close. Could be down to the wood choice, the uncovered Burstbuckers?, the chambering? - the pcb? Who knows, but it's livelier. Mine had a 'blem') too and can't remember what I paid for it (maybe just under $2k?). There was some slight, light scratching around the area of the poker chip. Phew - no problemo! Too some mothers metal polish (my go-to) to it. It's not an abrasive thing so it effectiveness is whatever magic they can give you from its mystery ingredients. Lightly rubbed it, let it dry, then spray on some car or car wax, over it and it forms like a paste. I grabbed another microfiber cloth and buffed to reveal a perfect finish. Love! That Les Paul! It's a classic and I call it RUSH - because of the feeling I got the first time I played it for any length. It's also reminds of certain certain of Pagey LPs. So I debated calling it "Led" or "Zep". But, I saw my man N Alex playing one, so "Rush" became it's name. It's got a joy, almost raunchy feeling where I don't mind dinging it, though I pummel the crap out of it.. And in a way I can't bring myself to do with my sweet Standard with definitely an AA top that you could argue is a AAA. I baby that one well kind of. That's starting to fade away where it gets pummeled too. Same with my 2020 Les Paul Special. Just played it an hour ago. All three are phenomenal. Oh, and sheepishly, I also bought those three Les Pauls, then added a simple little Les Paul Special DC Tribute that's been upgraded with a beautiful wraparound bridge that adds adjustable saddles and is a beautifully crafted piece of kit. Looks substantial and upscale on it.😊
Talk about a thrashing a guitar with raunchy punk or some "Mississippi Queen". It's light and basic and it sounds phomenal. I get a kick of it every single time. Same pickups as my regular beautiful LP Special and it just sounds different. They're not sophisticated. They are BAD ASS! WHUPPS IT UP like a proper p90 should. One vol, one tone, and a three-way.
Trog - these are new guitars. All of my new ones get deep conditioning and I let it soak in deeply (overnight sometimes) before wiping down the excess leftover oil, restring it. Eventually it levels off and the rw stays nice and dark.
As an experiment, I gave mine the "Mother's treatment" and it kind of shined it. Some of the white material went down into the open pores and grain. Maybe I'll take a soft toothbrush to it for fun, but man, it's player. It's a guitar any pro could immediately gig with. I polish all my frets to a mirror look. So with the deeply conditioned fretboard and those shiny silver frets, that part looks kinda elegant. However turn it over and take in the back of the neck that's been Scotchbrite treated. I was extra agreesive and went right threw down to the bare maple. Love it! Then I was hooked and started on the edges where my forearm hits, then went another step aggressive with a file and got rid of some more wood. Looks decently relic'd in ways that primarily suit my playing style and comfort. Great guitars at great prices, but I've been seeing them appreciate. Heard some of you got them for something like $600-700 blowing them out at GC a few years ago.
I was seriously considering this until it occurred to me that for $1600AUD I could get the dual P90 DC....but for $2,350AUD I could get the SG Special with p90's.
For $850AUD more, the SG Special is better in every way! It has body sculpting (with the bevels)...it has a silky nitro finish, the faded Pelham Blue a giant leap forward from the blue stain of the DC...The Spesh has a really sleek & daper neck binding...And it comes in the brown chainsaw case with gold clasps and lush royal red plush inside.
That was enough for me - that case alone! You should see my Pelham Blue SG in the royal red plush, with the brown chainsaw outer case...worth the cost of admission alone!
Any chance of a review of the single cut Special in TV Yellow?
he made a review of the single cut special but not in tv yellow
Best guitar review on the Net.
I think you shoulda kept it. I really liked those riffs, too, especially when you "moved over to distorted tones". Put me in the mind of some really rough 60's garage rock. Hopefully, you're keeping something like it around.
Paul Reed Smith took inspiration from this shape
You could use concentric pots for 2x vol/tone...
That’s a great piece of mahogany!!
I think you just changed my mind to get the 2 pickup model!
My 2 cents always get a 2 pickup version vs a single pickup version. More tonal flexibility and much better potential to sell to a larger universe of buyers as many more players prefer the 2 pickup versions.
I got a DC special tribute just like this one. In Black ebony. Rosewood board. Love it take
Care comrades take care Gibson 🎉🎉🎉😂😢😮😅😊
Absolutely love mine I play it all the time just a light easy play fun guitar just wish I would have bought a 19 with side input I will mod mine I also have a 1970s s1
I'm really hoping to see a Special in TV Yellow in this double cut shape just like the late 50s with the binding, inlay headstock, and control layout like the late 50s. Good thing they dont have one now as I have to buy a car now :(
I watch all your videos!!!love em,THANK YOU
Your reviews are definitely getting better and by better I mean more thorough. I actually was wondering if you had come up with that intro lol, I liked it that's why I was wondering.
I am trying Austin, I am trying...bare with me lol. When I think of a Gibson guitar it's either a ES335, Les Paul and/or Hummingbird. Yes I know they have other models but those are the three that I see in my head, so when I see "Les Paul" on the head it had better look like a Les Paul!! I am growing more used to seeing the name on other models, thanks to your channel. I keep trying to be objective with this model but I just can't get over a few things. 1) the double cut. that straight line between the two horns annoys me. 2) the flat top (slab body). 3) The pup selection and pot availability.
1) It just looks so "red neck" to me. I know why they did it and it's actually why I would like to play one of these someday. If maybe they did a little of that chiseled look of the SG it would help it to not look so plain.
2) I just do not like flat top Les Paul's lol. I have other guitars that are flat top and that's OK, they are not a Les Paul! That carved top is what sets the Les Paul apart from the rest, PRS copied that for a reason ya know! One of the reasons PRS can get away with charging as much as they do is because that carved top makes the guitar look more like a piece of art. It gives it style.
3) I HATE two pickup guitars that only offer one master volume control!! I can get along with only one tone, but it is just stupid to have 2 pups and one volume, try playing a song like More than a feeling with only one volume control!! Yes, you can have it where you step on a pedal and switch in between the two different guitars but that is just more money on more equipment and if your'e playing live you have to be standing at your pedals.
Now, what's YOUR thoughts about that neck heel joint? I was wondering if down the road years from now we will see an SG type of an issue? Oh, I was told by someone a few days ago that Gibson does not treat the fretboards mainly because of the extra time and expense of it being done but also because some people have their "special" liquid they like to use on their fret boards and if Gibson was to use something else it might irritate that particular person. They said that some people might not EVER want to use lemon oil and if Gibson uses lemon oil that could be a factor as to why the buyer passes on purchasing a new Gibson. That makes sense to me, not necessarily that a person is THAT picky but more that it's why Gibson doesn't treat them.
The allen wrench is for the intonation adjustment.
Thanks - you seem to be the only one that picked this up. I just ordered one so now I will know how to adjust the bridge intonation so I appreciate this.
@@nazmoking3171 You're welcome. Enjoy the guitar! I've played mine every day since picking it up!
As of this writing, Guitar Center is blowing these out for $599.....I had to grab one for this price (Cherry). I checked Reverb and I couldn't even find a used one for this price.
I picked up the bass at that price this week in black and love it. Tempted to grab the blue guitar too.
Hopefully grabbing a blue one tomorrow!
Grabbing 3 while they're on sale! Most likely won't keep all but couldn't pass it up....
I decided to wait and just save up for a PRS SE. Played, sounded, and looked waaaay better imo.
They raised the prices in store but they’ll match the website price which is still low. I bought a blue one today.
Mmmm p-90s. That green Trogly model would look sick with cream pups in it ;)
Wait for the GearFest special pricing!
I really like that blue stain.
I played one today , awesome guitar
I like the flat on the back of a neck. I call it a D profile. I'm glad there is big for a humbucker
*If this came in gloss finish with bindings on the neck and MOP logo this would be a buy for me.*
Jimmy your description reminds me of the G&L Ascari GT90. Mine's a lovely wee beast, great quality, tone, comfort.
I'd want to Nitro coat it shiny, but its sure nice to look at. I bet you could swap volume knob & 3 way switch locations without any hassle.
My guy! Ever thought about looking at the Paul Landers Gibson Les Paul? Quite a rare one and I love the aesthetic of it 👍
I think if I had one, I'd move the switch to the third hole in the guard and move the volume and tone to the first and second holes
Yay for dark shirt!
I don’t like that color blue on the guitar but all your videos are awesome thank for taking the time and giving us tons of Information!
It seems to me that Gibson should have done stacked pots on this guitar and two on/offs to replace the 3 way tog and maybe a reverse Firebird headstock and blue stain fading to black stain on the sides.
I know everyone likes to dump on the 15 Gibsons but the 15 LP Double Cut is a heck of a nice sounding guitar. Very similar to this.
I think the "J" written inside the pickup rout is for "Junior", and that there is both an "S" and a "J" because the body could be used for either. The body could be marked before that decision is made.
Seems like the only corners that Gibson doesn't cut are the ones off the sharp fret edges.
Lol
wish they would use the 1960 style pickguard config, looks so much better
I would like one of those if it had a better intonatable bridge. They need to make one with a traditional stop tailpiece and bridge.
You could get the "baby grand" bridge or similar intonatable wrap tailpiece as an aftermarket upgrade
5:15 I use an older Gibson gigbag for my Jazzmaster. Fits perfectly.
Cool
@@bipbipletucha Yo uso un hard case de Les Paul tradicional. Le va perfecto.
I have played mine so much paint is missing from the upper horn from hard upstrokes. I wish the forearm area would start fading. I love the natural relic that has started
@Bru Rred yours probably looks exactly how I want mine to look! I have the same color. I’ll never get rid of that thing. Keep rocking bro
Looking at this guitar, I imagine this brings forth the same feelings that Executives at Ford feel when they think about the Edsel, the Pinto or the Festiva.
I always thought those guitars reminded me a lot of Brian May's Red Special,i thought that i was the only one
Also,you should review one of those signature Red Specials, I'm looking forward to it
They NEED to make TV yellow one!
Hazel Storer say word
Pardon my OCD, but the spacing is off between the E and A strings.
It's driving me bonkers.
Other than that - great video as always!
As I read that, I saw it. Oh yeah, buuuugs me too! Wonder if just needs loosening and a shove over, but if that throws off edges then same thing.