Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,255

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson 2003 Les Paul Special Double Cut Faded is a distinguished choice for guitarists who appreciate the blend of classic aesthetics and modern playability. Rooted in tradition yet bold in design, this guitar offers the timeless appeal of the Les Paul lineage with a double cutaway body that enhances access to the upper frets. Its dual P-90 pickups deliver a rich, punchy tone that has been a staple in rock, blues, and punk music, giving players a versatile sonic palette to experiment with.

The faded finish not only adds a vintage look and feel but also contributes to the resonance and sustain that Gibson guitars are renowned for. Built with a mahogany body and neck, the Les Paul Special Double Cut provides a warm tonal foundation, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability. With straightforward controls including two volume and two tone knobs, along with a three-way toggle switch, adjusting your sound on the fly is intuitive and precise.

Whether you're recording in the studio or rocking the stage, the Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut offers both reliability and character, making it an ideal companion for musicians who demand quality and performance.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck for warm, resonant tones
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Dual P-90 pickups for versatile sound options
  • Faded finish for a vintage look and feel
  • Two volume and two tone controls with a three-way toggle switch
  • Double cutaway design for enhanced fret access

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Faded Double Cutaway
Finish Satin Ebony, Worn Cherry, Worn White, Worn Yellow
Year 2003 - 2008
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Red, White, Yellow
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Faded
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of music genres is the 2003 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Faded best suited for?

The Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Faded is versatile, excelling in rock, blues, and punk due to its mahogany body and dual P-90 pickups, which provide a punchy and warm tone.

How does the double cutaway design of the 2003 Gibson Les Paul Special affect playability?

The double cutaway design offers easier access to higher frets, making it ideal for lead guitarists who require smooth playability across the entire fretboard.

What is the neck profile like on the 2003 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Faded?

This model typically features a slim taper neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for fast playing and smooth transitions between chords and solos.

Are the P-90 pickups on the 2003 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Faded noisy?

P-90 pickups can produce some hum due to their single-coil design, but they deliver a distinctive, gritty tone that many players find appealing for various genres.

Is the 2003 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Faded suitable for beginners?

While it offers great playability and tone, its features and price point may be more suited to intermediate or advanced players who can fully appreciate its capabilities.

Reviews

PROS

  • Sweet-sounding P-90 pickups offer tonal versatility from clean to growl

  • Lightweight design makes it more pleasant to play than heavier models

  • Slim, fast neck ideal for players with smaller hands

  • Comfortable double-cutaway body allows easy access up the neck

  • Nitro finish on the neck provides a smooth, non-sticky feel

  • Stable tuners maintain tuning reliability

  • Classic TV-yellow aesthetic with a throwback vibe

  • Popular among famous players, increasing its desirability and value

  • Rich, full sound complements both vintage and modern amplifiers

CONS

  • Tune-o-matic bridges may affect pitch accuracy

  • Neck may develop issues due to humidity changes

  • Tuning stability can be compromised by nut angle on strings 2-5

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 2003 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut.

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is noted for its slim taper C neck, offering a more comfortable grip compared to bulkier necks like those on some Epiphone models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the guitar's resonant quality, attributing it to the thinner finish that enhances vibration and acoustic playability.

    Source
  • Many enthusiasts express regret after selling this model, emphasizing its lasting appeal and desire to repurchase.

    Source
  • A rare white variant exists, distributed exclusively through Japanese Gibson dealers, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find the neck profile similar to that of a Gibson SG, both having a slim taper neck, making it suitable for players who prefer thinner necks.

    Source
  • Owners describe the sound as reminiscent of a "Telecaster on steroids," highlighting its enhanced presence and power.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is praised for its versatility, with separate volume and tone controls per pickup allowing for varied tonal shaping.

    Source
  • The guitar is noted for its ability to fill a room with sound, making it suitable for live performance settings.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some models feature a wrap tailpiece without a Tune-o-matic bridge, contributing to a seamless vibration as if the guitar were a single piece of wood.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides