Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

[jayK]

As a new guitar hobbyist, of course the first thing I stupidly did was to go out and buy a Les Paul knockoff that I could afford.

I'm not upset at the guitar itself, it is actually made quite well and sounds excellent, but it is to say the least a "battleax" in that it is heavy as a bastard and also not the easiest thing in the world to play for someone who is just learning.

The worst part about it for me is the "heel" down near the lower frets as this makes it very difficult to reach the frets beyond 18.

I'm sure for you pros you've got the skills to deal with this annoyance and put up with it because of the sound and the fury of the guitar.

Obviously, the double cut shape makes it a helluva lot easier to fret up there, why does this shape not appear to be as popular as the classic shape.

Is there that much difference in tone because of the extra cut, or is it just a tradition thing at this point, people just want the classic shape. I know for me when I bought the guitar, I just had to have that "look".

 

[big_black]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

As I've said before, Gibson is not known for it's innovation. The single cut design has the advantage of more body wood connecting with the neck, theoretically increasing sustain and stability...this also allows Gibson to skimp on the neck tenon. I think it really has to do with the tradition, people like the design more I think. If Gibson started selling more single cuts, I think they would make more single cuts.

 

[ATR]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

Im not a fan at all of the double cut, I think its ugly.

 

[jayK]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

It's amazing how much that extra "cut" takes away from the "cool factor" !

I don't know if I would say the doubles are ugly, but I know what you're saying. There's just something about them that is not as cool as the singles,
it's kind of inexplicable. The single cuts just look like they're ready to go into battle, they're just beasts!

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

the double cuts look like some sort of clumsy looking big bottom axe. It reminds me of the Ibanez GAX series guitars.

 

[ATR]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

I guess goofy describes it better than ugly.

 

[Stratfan]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

I prefer the double cut over the single cut. The double cut is chambered, making it lighter than the single cut which is a big plus IMO. Reaching the higher frets is much easier on the double cut, and playing while sitting is easier, too. If it weren't for the prices of Gibsons, I'd already have the double cut. In fact, if someone gave me a $2500 Les Paul I'd gladly swap it straight up for the $1500 LP Standard DC.

 

[tfb1990]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

i love the LP tone and looks, but i just cant play the things... ive tried.. and cried over it... but i just cant, but im happy with a double cut

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

Goofy looking my *ss! I don't know just how many people think Gibson double cuts don't look cool, but how can you not love the beautiful simplicity and retroness of this thing?:

I can access upper frets easier, but it still has that "Les Paul" feel and bite. The double cuts aren't going to be embraced by everyone because they're different. People only associate Gibson with single cut and it's sad because people just don't know what they're missing.

I don't see a lot of people complain about SGs and they're double cut. The second they added a double cut to a "Les Paul", people started acting like they're the freaks that should be hiding in the basement.

 

[big_black]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

Goofy looking my *ss! I don't know just how many people think Gibson double cuts don't look cool, but how can you not love the beautiful simplicity and retroness of this thing?:

I can access upper frets easier, but it still has that "Les Paul" feel and bite. The double cuts aren't going to be embraced by everyone because they're different. People only associate Gibson with single cut and it's sad because people just don't know what they're missing.

I don't see a lot of people complain about SGs and they're double cut. The second they added a double cut to a "Les Paul", people started acting like they're the freaks that should be hiding in the basement.

I'm a fan. That is a sweet axe...be proud of it!

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

Goofy looking my *ss! .

Right On!
Me and my Frankensteined 59:

Johnny Thunders with his DC Jr.

For that alone makes it the most rock n roll guitars ever.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

I'm a fan. That is a sweet axe...be proud of it!

Thank you I'm glad you enjoy and I'll definitely be rocking out with it :headbang:

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

Right On!
Me and my Frankensteined 59:

For that alone makes it the most rock n roll guitars ever.

Nice pic! Those guitars were made for rock and roll and P90s through a Marshall is pure magic :beerchug:

 

[Robbiedbee]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

The reason why people complain about Les Paul's being double-cut and not about SGs is becuase a Les Paul is a Les Paul. It's like changing a Strat and calling it a Strat. LPs and Strats are the absolute undisputed most played and most renowned guitars on the planet. You can't really change them.


Not that I'd complain though, I think double cut LPs are really nice to play, and as a previous poster said, still have all those LP features we all love.

 

[A Skater]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

I like the double cut, it seems pretty cool. I can also reach easily to the higher frets in a LP. It's not too suitable for people with small hands.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Classic Les Paul shape vs "double cut"

i learned how to play on a spanish acoustic with no cuts and the neck joint was at the 12th fret, so i guess it's all based on what you're used to. A les paul, to me, is one of the closest things to an acoustic when it comes to solid body electrics-its a simple single cut, but the body, of course, is obviously smaller.