What finish is used on the Double Trouble model?

The guitar features a hand-sprayed Vintage Bourbon Burst Gloss finish. This finish is designed to give a lightly aged character that mirrors the natural fading seen on original 1950s Les Pauls.

What type of pickups are installed in this guitar?

It is equipped with uncovered Burstbucker 1 (neck) and Burstbucker 2 (bridge) pickups. These feature Double Classic White bobbins and Alnico 2 magnets for a vintage tone.

Does this model have weight relief?

No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is intended to provide the depth, sustain, and punch found in original 1950s specifications.

What is the neck profile of the Double Trouble Les Paul?

The guitar features a rounded 50s Vintage-profile mahogany neck. This provides a bold and confident feel compared to the slimmer 60s profiles.

What kind of wood is used for the top?

The top is made from AA figured maple. Each top is unique due to the natural grain of the wood and the hand-sprayed burst application.

How many frets does the guitar have?

The guitar has 22 medium jumbo frets. These are set into a rosewood fretboard for a traditional playing experience.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for this specific Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble model is approximately £2,499.

Who are some notable artists associated with Gibson Les Pauls?

Famous Les Paul players include Duane Allman, Paul McCartney, and the instrument's namesake, Les Paul. Other notable users of the brand's guitars include Dave Grohl and Brian May.

What makes the 'Double Trouble' finish unique?

The finish is unique because it is hand-sprayed to create a subtly faded look. This ensures that no two guitars have the exact same burst pattern.

How does this compare to a Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster?

The Les Paul is a heavier, mahogany-bodied guitar with humbuckers, offering more sustain and warmth. The Clapton Stratocaster is a lighter, alder-bodied guitar with single-coil pickups, offering a brighter and more percussive sound.

What is the significance of Alnico 2 magnets in the pickups?

Alnico 2 magnets are known for their sweet, vintage-voiced response. They tend to provide warmer mids and smoother highs compared to higher-output Alnico 5 magnets.

Is the rosewood fretboard standard for this model?

Yes, the rounded 50s mahogany neck is paired with a rosewood fretboard. This is a classic wood combination that contributes to the guitar's overall warmth and feel.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is a high-end electric guitar that combines traditional 1950s specifications with a hand-sprayed Vintage Bourbon Burst finish. It features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body and uncovered Burstbucker pickups with Double Classic White bobbins to deliver a vintage-voiced response.

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Background and Design

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is part of Gibson's commitment to recreating the aesthetic and tonal characteristics of the late 1950s. This specific model, identified by the Vintage Bourbon Burst Gloss finish, is designed to emulate the natural fading found on well-preserved original instruments from the 'Golden Era' of Gibson production. Each unit features a hand-sprayed AA figured maple top, ensuring that every guitar possesses a unique burst pattern.

Unlike modern variations that prioritise weight reduction, this model utilises a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This design choice maintains the structural density required to produce the sustain and resonance traditionally associated with the 1950s Les Paul archetype.

Technical Specifications

The guitar is built around a solid mahogany back paired with a carved maple top. The neck is constructed from mahogany with a rounded 50s Vintage profile, providing a substantial, 'bold' grip for the player. This is topped with a rosewood fretboard featuring 22 medium jumbo frets for modern playability.

The electronics suite consists of two uncovered humbucking pickups: a Burstbucker 1 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge. These pickups are distinguished by their Double Classic White bobbins and Alnico 2 magnets, which are voiced to provide a sweet, vintage output.

Sonic Character

The combination of Alnico 2 magnets and a non-weight-relieved body results in a sound defined by warm mid-frequencies and smooth high-end response. The Burstbucker pickups are designed to capture the nuance of early PAF humbuckers, offering a punchy, articulate tone that sustains naturally due to the guitar's mass. The 'Double Trouble' designation refers to the distinct aesthetic of the uncovered white bobbins, which complements the vintage-voiced electronics.

Market Comparison

Within the current market, the Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble sits as a premium alternative to standard production models. While players might consider the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster for a lighter, single-coil experience, the Gibson offers a significantly different physical feel and tonal weight. Compared to the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 Tobacco Burst, this model provides the hum-cancelling benefits and higher output characteristic of humbuckers, whereas the P90 version offers a brighter, snappier bite.

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Frequently asked questions

What finish is used on the Double Trouble model?: The guitar features a hand-sprayed Vintage Bourbon Burst Gloss finish. This finish is designed to give a lightly aged character that mirrors the natural fading seen on original 1950s Les Pauls.
What type of pickups are installed in this guitar?: It is equipped with uncovered Burstbucker 1 (neck) and Burstbucker 2 (bridge) pickups. These feature Double Classic White bobbins and Alnico 2 magnets for a vintage tone.
Does this model have weight relief?: No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is intended to provide the depth, sustain, and punch found in original 1950s specifications.
What is the neck profile of the Double Trouble Les Paul?: The guitar features a rounded 50s Vintage-profile mahogany neck. This provides a bold and confident feel compared to the slimmer 60s profiles.
What kind of wood is used for the top?: The top is made from AA figured maple. Each top is unique due to the natural grain of the wood and the hand-sprayed burst application.
How many frets does the guitar have?: The guitar has 22 medium jumbo frets. These are set into a rosewood fretboard for a traditional playing experience.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for this specific Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble model is approximately £2,499.
Who are some notable artists associated with Gibson Les Pauls?: Famous Les Paul players include Duane Allman, Paul McCartney, and the instrument's namesake, Les Paul. Other notable users of the brand's guitars include Dave Grohl and Brian May.
What makes the 'Double Trouble' finish unique?: The finish is unique because it is hand-sprayed to create a subtly faded look. This ensures that no two guitars have the exact same burst pattern.
How does this compare to a Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster?: The Les Paul is a heavier, mahogany-bodied guitar with humbuckers, offering more sustain and warmth. The Clapton Stratocaster is a lighter, alder-bodied guitar with single-coil pickups, offering a brighter and more percussive sound.
What is the significance of Alnico 2 magnets in the pickups?: Alnico 2 magnets are known for their sweet, vintage-voiced response. They tend to provide warmer mids and smoother highs compared to higher-output Alnico 5 magnets.
Is the rosewood fretboard standard for this model?: Yes, the rounded 50s mahogany neck is paired with a rosewood fretboard. This is a classic wood combination that contributes to the guitar's overall warmth and feel.