WHY DID THIS FAIL??? Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute DC

[@15156495]

I own this guitar and my favorite part about it is it's lack of identity! Gibson DNA with Telecaster simplicity and a hint of PRS. It's unique and I just love it so much.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

For sure! It's a GREAT GUITAR! I've been trying to hunt down a Gibson Les Paul DC Standard for a while now. Cheers -Ryan

[@benallmark9671]

@@Crypticmaskguitardid you ever find one ?

[@jasentaylor4396]

I bought one on close out and love it. I have had to explain that it’s not a PRS ripoff on more than one occasion. Guitar rocks though. Perfect for me

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Haha yeah that’s pretty common for people to say! I love mine, but really wish they would release the Les Paul DC Standard again! And Les Paul DC Special in full gloss. They are such great guitars! Cheers -Ryan

[@strings31]

Got mine for 499 and it’s my favorite guitar.

[@TeacherPablo]

This an incredible guitar, sounds awesome and whoever says that P90s are jazz pickups don't know what either rock 'n roll or jazz are. Absolutely love this guitar

[@Srrrgp]

They can actually sound good for jazz. Some archbodies have p90s and are just great.

[@MinhTran-lz8nk]

The DC Tributes are already cult guitars - they have higher used value than original MSRP. They’re super resonant and easy to play - I reach for it more often than my 60s Standard, ES, and Flying V. A great casual strummer for Clash/Strokes/Stones vibes.

[@SuperBroncosguy]

Minh Tran--Agreed. Just bought one and have been looking around for another to compare it with and their very hard to find. When you do their always more than the original msrp!

[@MotorcityBart]

P-90s are awesome. I'm thinking about dropping a grand on one, I saw recently. I'm checking ✔️ reviews.

[@CarloSkrew]

For me at least, I didn’t like that they routed a big chunk out. And couldn’t change the pick guard to the normal form. And secondly I want a big fan of the colors

[@wjniemi]

I have a 2016 LP Special DC. I specifically wanted P90s and they are mojo rock n roll pickups. You just sneer at the P90s and they start to growl at you. It's just as cool as the 1960 one I bought in 1972 or so.

[@careyclark79]

These guitars are great,,slab of mahogany and killer p90s all u need,,,i own one of these and they rock,,..failed ??? Lol ok

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I love this guitar, too. Not at all saying it's a bad guitar. Wishing they had stuck around for than a year. Discontinued due to lack of sales... generally spells failure. But again... love this guitar! Cheers -Ryan

[@donsolis8241]

@@Crypticmaskguitar they where technically around for 2019 and 2020 model years

[@stratolestele7611]

Update - I still have your same DC Tribute, but also added a Les Paul Special. Different animals. I think of the Tribute DC as a kind of Tele type guitar. Now on the Special, there's much more mass from the body to the neck, the conventional 2x/vol, 2x/tone. Different animals, and they both rule. Same pickups on both. Love em!

[@stratolestele7611]

I've already hit the neck with green scotch-brite left some blue, some the maple peeks through. I love the sanded feel - though I won't that big beautiful fat 50s neck on my Special!

[@davidbassplanc]

Got one for $500 for my 30th from my wife. Love it. It’s red my favorite color.

[@jamesbarta5452]

nah..sounds great,plays great,i love it

[@chrisv2557]

A lot of the things u memtioned as disadvantages on the DC, I consider advantages. I owned a SC junior and the Tribute DC, ended up keeping the DC

[@odgeUK]

I recommended this guitar to someone looking for their first 'proper' electric, as the price for a Gibson seemed fantastic. However they found the guitar turned up badly setup, with the fretboard wood super dry, and not dressed well. They returned it. Was such a shame, as the price felt like Gibson were finally offering something reasonable.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

The White/Dry Rosewood boards always seem weird to me whenever I get a new Gibson. I’m sure it’s some sort of treatment they do to maintain it until someone has purchased it… but you have to oil it twice before it can get to normal. I can understand when companies don’t set up their guitars before shipping to stores as changes in climate can really do a number on guitars, but I really wish Most Stores would do a general setup. It doesn’t take long at all to do… and funny enough: Helps sell guitars hahaha These were great! Cheers -Ryan

[@rayrobinson4866]

Did the TonePro bridge fit straight in, or did you need to adjust anything? Do you happen to know what the post bushings dimensions are, please? (I can't find this information anywhere.) The reason I ask is that I tried to replace the bridge for one that was intonatable, but the post bushings were slightly too small for the body holes and hence the bridge tilted when strung and was hence unusable. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@rayrobinson4866]

The bridge I tried to fit was a Vanson wraparound, advertised for Les Paul Junior models, but it simply didn't work. Thanks.

[@markbaum9615]

Try a graphtech res0max wraparound It transformed my HB dc special.... Perfect fit....great right hand feel Good tonal response as well

[@sergioserramusic]

The thing I don't get is: why did they dicontinued the Standard model too? They have the Single Cut Special now, and the DC is just the VOS. So, will it be back or will it just be the VOS from now on? I really hope not, because even used they're so hard to find!

[@jacobbockover1628]

Honestly i love that model and would buy 1 over the newer model but currently the special tribute is cheeper new than im finding those

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Man that’s gotta be RECENT… I’m still seeing them pop up in Canada for $600-800. Not a bunch, but here and there. The new Special Tributes are still GREAT, though! Can’t go wrong with either. Cheers -Ryan

[@stevejenner6838]

I got one of those a couple of years back as it was ridiculously cheap when they were heavily discounted, and I was after a p90 style guitar. It’s not the best looking guitar in the world, but this thing has a fat tone to die for. It’s my number 1 go to guitar for gigging. I leave my fancy Gibson les Paul’s standards and customs at home. I love it because of it’s light weight and easy high fret access. It’s just a great guitar regardless of its price. The only thing that niggles me is the slight neck dive, but I can live with that as it’s less pronounced than my sg.

[@tcjensen1]

I played one today … as well as standards, regular tributes … etc… this one was better than them all. I owned a proper Les Paul special in Tv yellow and sold it because of the weight and the shine / stick. This seems to have all the good with none of the bad.

[@Joe_whatuknow]

What happened to the tribute special? I don't think either of them are in the line up anymore. I'm just looking for a p90 guitar around that price.

[@Philip_Taylor]

To me it is very Gibson, just not modern Gibson. There were a lot of them similar to this in the 70s.

[@olecranonrebellion9976]

Biggest problem is a pickguard mounted pickup not a dog ear body mounted p 90, or a Beato signature body mounted soap bar p90.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

100% agree! Body Mounted P90s with 2 Volume and 2 Tone would have been perfect! Cheers -Ryan

[@glaucosouza1971]

Very nice video! Very informative. And the search for the P90 guitar goes on...with one less contender.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Still an AWESOME Guitar! I'd highly recommend looking into the Les Paul Classic P90 run they did in 2018. No Weight-Relief, Slim Taper Neck, ABR-1 Bridge... AWESOME GUITAR! It's my favourite P90 Guitar that I own! Cheers -Ryan

[@glaucosouza1971]

@@Crypticmaskguitar actually the classic is in the first place now. I feel that they are really great guitars. Thanks Ryan!

[@avisaiko5354]

@@Crypticmaskguitar any suggestions for what year is your SG special's favorite ?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I don't own an SG Special at the moment. If one pops up in my area I would go with a new one in Heritage Cherry. Otherwise the 2018 models had the compensated wraparound bridge, instead of the Lightning bar. The lightning bar is good, but as a lead payer the compensated wraparound is a little better. Cheers -Ryan

[@avisaiko5354]

@@Crypticmaskguitar thanks Ryan

[@Tom_Platz]

Thanks for the info about the guitar and its differences with the current offerings from Gibson, but also had to say your playing was very tasty! Subscribed!

[@marcomancini1044]

I think you are too much pessimistic over this guitar i have got the same one which i kept all original and i wonder why gibson put it out of production , whereas i found the other one totally out of tune , heavier , and above all useless if you have a gibson les paul standard , in any case congrats to you video it has been wonderful to watch 👍 thanks

[@cajunqueen5125]

I agree with points you made. [1] It does seem weird to call a doublecut an LP, and [2] The pickguard is butt-ugly (although, it can grow on you, I think). ha, despite all that, I'm trying to find a used one to buy. :)

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

It used to be extremely easy to find these. And cheap! But I believe the pandemic changed that for a lot of guitars! I regret not buying a second one at the prices they were going for! I’d really like to get a Special Figured and the ‘60 Special! Cheers -Ryan

[@anthonyring123]

GC had these on sale for 650 at one point in my area and i really really regret not getting one in blue

[@Lamartian]

I returned mine because it literally looked like a butcher block. The body had 5 pieces and each strip of wood took the finish a little differently. Cool right? Turns out... no. For the same $1000 I got a 2011 LP Special with a proper grain filled gloss lacquer finish, bound fretboard, 2 vol/2tone, Gibson kluson-style tuners, etc... just an all around higher level guitar for the same money. I wanted the DC look, but I wasn't willing to give up so much to get it.

[@belfastgypsy1]

It didn’t fail. It’s a double cut away les Paul - a classic

[@Clearview68]

I was glad when they discontinued the blue stain because I had already wanted one, and the dropping of that color got me one at $599 brand new, rather than the original $999 price. I noticed you referenced that they disappeared in 2019 however, mine is a 2020.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

My 2012 Gibson Les Paul Studio was made in 2013, 2021 Fender American Professional II Telecaster was made in 2022. It’s common for production to overrun years. $599 new was a great deal! Cheers -Ryan

[@philjones2760]

I love the look of a DC, but hate that big pickguard!

[@williamgainford9332]

most of us twin cut junior fans were overjoyed at the release of a budget model - the custom shop twin cut juniors are ridiculous money - i always wanted one - i cant find or justify 3500 lol - then when i seen it was a melody maker junior hybrid - i just left it there - most felt the same way - it looked awful - il stick to my 2010 sg melody maker / 2015 single cut - much cooler

[@petarkosovic6455]

I generally think that Gibson's main issue is that they have built the entire marketing around guitar heroes. 95% of guitar heroes are deceased or completelly inactive now. They have been overpricing their guitars on that fact alone, and now they are in trouble. On the other hand, newer generation of players aren't traditionalists but geeks, that's why majority of them flocked to brands like Ibanez, PRS (technical, precise instruments, but less pronounced voicing). Gibson needs to go back to traditional, working class, open road loving audience (something like when fender released highway one). They're completelly missing the point. They are trying to compete with others, instead of competing only with themselves.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

For sure. Their main selling point is Tradition, though. It really works for them. I don’t think they are in trouble at this point under the new management. The previous management wanted Gibson to be thought of in the same line as “Rolex”. Not a good idea. But the new management has really turned things around. They will never be a company that makes modern guitars. There’s no real reason for it. Just focus on making great guitars and they’ll be fine. No matter what the most popular selling guitars will always be Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, and whatever is cheapest. Just always works that way. Cheers -Ryan

[@petarkosovic6455]

I'll just quote Michael from Norman's Rare Guitars: "everytime we get one of these DC's, they immediatelly fly through the door". That being said, I feel that all of the "complaints" you mentioned come from the people that are bedroom guitar players, and have too much spare time so they change gear every few weeks. DC is a workhorse. It sounds great. Period.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Undeniably a fantastic guitar! The complaints, however, would be from the general public. They showed that by not buying them when they were manufactured. They sat mostly unsold for a good 2 years. It’s great that they are finally selling in a lot of places! Wish I would have picked up a second one to pop some humbuckers in. Cheers -Ryan

[@petarkosovic6455]

@@Crypticmaskguitar Absolutelly. I agree. Though, they've been losing connection with audience.

[@OrtsSTEAM]

I have got a black júnior version and I am in love with her

[@glencooper1091]

They need to bring them back.

[@rickfrier1647]

I have the exact same one your holding ,the more I play it the more I like ve it

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

It’s a fantastic guitar! It really is a shame that they discontinued it! Cheers -Ryan

[@gobeco]

Absolute disagree with you. This is an extraordinary Gibson guitar for the price. Stock pickups are R&R. Nothing PSR on this, this is a rock solid and aged extraordinary well the faded finish.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Not once did I say this wasn’t an extraordinary guitar. You read the title… I love this guitar. But it was marketed poorly and replace after a year. It did not sell at the time. Reason for the video is not to say that it’s a bad guitar, to the contrary it’s a fantastic guitar! But it was not a good seller… until 2 years after it was discontinued. It’s a shame. Cheers -Ryan

[@Anjohl]

Who said it failed?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

From a sales standpoint and from staying power in the lineup. Otherwise it’s a fantastic guitar, as stated in the video! Tons of mojo. Cheers -Ryan

[@maraviyoso8473]

Why these failed? How does he know if they failed or not? Does he have info about the sales? Does he have info about feedback from buyers or he's just pulling words out of his ass?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Negative reviews/reception, poor sales figures, tons of overstock, replaced after a year on the market… and whatever other words that could flow out of my ass, of course. I love mine and really wish they would have kept them in the line up. Pretty sure you read the title of the video and didn’t actually watch it, though. Cheers -Ryan

[@maraviyoso8473]

@@Crypticmaskguitar I watched it, but still there is no verifiable data. I'm pretty sure you loved it because of the way you played it. Besides, Gibson does that all the time: they make models just for a year or two and then discontinue them. There have been many releases for Les Paul Specials (and many other models) and they all have something different. And they'll discontinue them (or changed a thing or two, including the name) regardless of the sales. And let's say, for the sake of the argument, that yes, they had poor sales. Basically EVERY guitar company and model experienced the same thing, thanks to Mr. Covid, except for the more established models.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

It certainly does play great! But my information is from Long and McQuade Instruments, Gibson themselves, and of course experiences through speaking with others over the past 3 years since it was released. When they released the newer version it was a “We listened” kind of release. Cheers -Ryan

[@maraviyoso8473]

@@Crypticmaskguitar newer version?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

They replaced the Special Tribute DC with the Special Tribute… lots of interviews out there as well where they said “We listened to what players wanted” when they released the Special Tribute. Cheers -Ryan

[@stevealexander7772]

This didn't age well. These guitars are now selling above the original MSRP.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

There’s an Eb and Flow to it. I’ve seen them listed at $2k and I have seen them sit for $500. What they actually sell for and what they list for can vary. I still maintain it’s an amazing guitar! Cheers -Ryan

[@kravitz1999]

Failed? They went for $550 brand new, now you can't get one for under $1000 used!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

If you watch the video... I'm saying Failed to penetrate and carry on in the current line up. Sales-wise it wasn't a great seller, which is why they were constantly in a state of discount.The pandemic created sacristy with a lot of guitars... which increased the prices of many guitars on the used market. New Gibsons and Fenders have basically increased by $200-400 as well. I love this guitar and really wish that Gibson would do a proper release for the Les Paul DC. Cheers -Ryan

[@kravitz1999]

@@Crypticmaskguitar I envy you man! I want one but am kicking myself for not getting one back then

[@amslu]

Same story with 2015 double cut special. Bought on blow out for 600, now it goes for 1000-1200 used. Inflation and demand. Plus those guitars were great when they were lunched, but didn’t get great reception at the time, as they were labeled as ‘not-traditional’ by the Gibson purists…

[@PaulSter]

Man! When we talked about it a few weeks ago, I didn't know you were getting (already had!) the EXACT same guitar as I just bought used. To recap, I was mentioning that my new '61 RI SG was toneful, yet problematic (neck), but I have since gotten it back from my tech (took two tries), and now it's perfect - just has it should have come from the factory, and I'm holding it and playing it while watching this video - while also looking at my DC Special on the stand and want to grab it! Mine's a used 2020 (barely played apparently and apparently had to have been a leftover '19 bought in '20) in blue as well, and also has an upgraded bridge - Graphtech. Man, I LOVE it that guitar. Reminds me of my old Jeep - simple and rugged. Plus, any ding, dent, scratch or whatever, wouldn't matter to me (not true with my Jeep though!) Anyway, my DC, I find it so toneful for my ears. I smile every time I plug it in, and even just look at it. Cheap? Man, I wish! In the US, I couldn't find a deal a few weeks ago, and paid a good bit 'o change for mine. As soon as they discontinued them, and I guess when the secret got out (nice guitar, on the cheap), the prices have been on the rise. The irony! I hear you on the controls, but given all the 4-knob guitars I have (mostly LPs and SGs), I don't miss them on my DC, mainly because I can't find a bad setting on it. Pure love, BUT, also probably a lot to do with our different styles. I'm the typical classic-rock type, always going for that 60's-70's, hashed to death, crunch tone. As I do on my Teles (and the rear pot on Strats), I dedicate the tone knob to the bridge pickup only. Rolling back the volume while on the neck pickup, gives me all the highs roll-off I need. I'm not sure how much love was given to my DC beyond the new bridge (because the neck is so perfect), but it just makes me feel like I play better with it. Mine will go to my grave with me. 🎸

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I’ve had mine for a little over a year now. It was brand new when I bought it and I basically bought it to do the upgrades. In Canada they were going for $600-800 used on the regular. BUT of course with the way that things have been going with the pandemic prices will be going up on everything! Cheers -Ryan

[@PaulSter]

@TriCrow Studios man, I just read my post! I can see that I was still working when I typed it. I went back and fixed the many goofs. Yep, and I do remember now that you already had your DC! Thanks for the great vid - again!

[@jprosentreter]

My dude, you've been on QUITE the Gibson run haha! I'm looking at new Gibsons and wondering which you liked best with your Rockerverb MKIII. That's the same amp I play and play hard rock/punk rock (think Bouncing Souls, etc)....cheers!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Sort of hard to answer because weight and feel should factor in… SG Standard or Standard ‘61 for lighter feel… Les Paul Standard 60s or Explorer for a heavier feel… in between I’d say Les Paul Classic… I can’t even think how many Gibsons I’ve bought this year… it’s between 10-13 I think! Cheers -Ryan

[@jprosentreter]

@@Crypticmaskguitar excellent...you suggest any of these over the more affordable tributes, or p90 loaded? Cheers bud!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

There’s nothing wrong with the Tributes at all! I don’t prefer them as much as the others BUT that’s mainly because of the finish and the weights. My Les Paul Tribute in Iced Tea is AWESOME and a VERY well rounded guitar! P90s are great, BUT, you can get a lot of buzzing/hum with them so you really have to be careful with your signal chain. Either way I’d say play them all in store and see which one you bond with most! Cheers -Ryan

[@thebadterrorists5323]

Maple neck? I thought they looked cool. They were cheapish. I didn't realise they died after only a year.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Very comfortable Maple Neck, yes haha! I believe all of the tribute series have Maple Necks. Yeah I thought they were around for 2-3 years but I guess that was mostly the Juniors. Cheers -Ryan

[@gamingwithmrgvil3511]

Tried one of those in yellow back in 2004. I took it off the hanger at the store put it on my lap and before I played a note I got immediate neck dive . Put it right back on the hook without strumming a note. No regrets.

[@jfnarmour]

It failed because it was poorly spec’ed and looked cheap.

[@pantheonrockstar]

These guitars are going for $1700 on reverb now lol wowza

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Most guitars have increased their prices over the last year. Reverb isn’t usually the best place for deals, either. But it’s hard to get good deals these days. Cheers -Ryan

[@efx245precor3]

I assume that’s the beato model. So that’s a dc tribute wow. Still looks nice. It’s a little overpriced but I would have bought one this week but it was discontinued. There are no other affordable dc options right now. So I got a les paul special instead.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Are you under the impression that THIS guitar is the Beato model? They are VERY different. The Beato model is much closer to what a proper DC Special would look like. As stated in the video this is a production model that lasted one year before being discontinued. Cheers -Ryan

[@scottraffath15]

Should have had a SINGLE dog ear pickup

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

A dog ear P90 would have been a much better choice! Smaller pickguard. Single P90 for the Junior Model and Dual P90 for the Special. Cheers -Ryan

[@marcos_c_m]

Find it a bery cool guitar. Especially p90 pickups.

[@mofost1]

Fail, it’s my #1 playing axe, never fails

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Marketing and sales wise… I love mine as stated in the video. Cheers -Ryan

[@cheallen1626]

I hate satin finishes. I would have one of these right now if they came in gloss.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

They don't make these anymore, however, they did have a few models in the past that were full gloss. That would be the best way to go Gibson Les Paul DC Standard. Cheers -Ryan

[@unclecrusty9]

A special needs 4 knobs. I wouldn't buy that.