What makes the 'Double Trouble' edition unique?

It features uncovered Burstbucker pickups with 'Double Classic White' bobbins and is limited to 500 pieces per finish.

Is the body of this guitar weight-relieved?

No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body to maintain traditional mass and sustain.

What is the neck profile on the 50s Double Trouble?

It features a 'Rounded 50s Vintage' neck profile, which is thicker and more substantial than 60s style necks.

What type of wood is used for the top?

The guitar uses an AA figured maple top, providing both a distinct aesthetic grain and tonal brightness.

How many of these guitars were produced?

This specific limited-run model is restricted to 500 pieces per finish.

What finish is applied to this specific model?

This model features a Vintage Bourbon Burst Gloss finish.

What pickups are installed in this Les Paul?

It is equipped with Gibson Burstbucker humbuckers featuring Double Classic White bobbins.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price for this limited edition model is approximately £2,499.

How does the sound differ from a Les Paul with P90s?

The Burstbucker humbuckers in this model provide a thicker, hum-cancelling tone compared to the brighter, single-coil bite of P90s.

Does the lack of pickup covers affect the tone?

Uncovered pickups are often perceived to have a slightly brighter top-end and more 'open' sound compared to those with metal covers.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

It is ideal for collectors and players who prefer a traditional, heavy Les Paul feel with a vintage 50s neck profile.

Is this a standard production model?

No, it is a limited-run model, making it more collectible than the standard Les Paul Standard 50s.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble Vintage Bourbon Burst Gloss

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is a limited-run electric guitar featuring an AA figured maple top and a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. Distinguished by its 'Double Classic White' uncovered Burstbucker pickups, this model is limited to 500 units per finish and adheres to classic 1950s specifications.

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Overview and History

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is a contemporary tribute to the golden era of Gibson manufacturing. Part of a limited production run restricted to 500 pieces per finish, this specific iteration in Vintage Bourbon Burst Gloss (Serial #211550333) emphasizes historical accuracy combined with modern reliability. The 'Double Trouble' moniker refers to the unique aesthetic choice of utilizing 'Double Classic White' bobbins on the uncovered humbucking pickups, a visual nod to rare vintage examples where players removed pickup covers to reveal white bobbins underneath.

Construction and Design

Built to traditional 1950s standards, the guitar features a solid mahogany body without weight relief, providing the substantial mass associated with vintage sustain. The body is capped with an AA figured maple top, finished in a high-gloss Vintage Bourbon Burst. The neck is crafted from mahogany with a 'Rounded 50s Vintage' profile, offering a thicker, more ergonomic grip compared to the slimmer profiles of the 1960s. The craftsmanship focuses on maintaining the resonance and warmth that established the Les Paul as a foundational instrument in rock and blues history.

Electronics and Sound

The 'Double Trouble' is equipped with Gibson Burstbucker pickups. These are left uncovered to expose the white bobbins, which can subtly influence the high-end response compared to covered versions. The combination of a non-weight-relieved body and these specific humbuckers results in a sound characterized by significant warmth, rich mid-range harmonizing, and extended sustain. It is designed to deliver the classic 'PAF' style tone that is versatile enough for genres ranging from jazz to heavy rock.

Market Context and Alternatives

Positioned at a premium price point of approximately £2,499, this model competes with other high-end single-cut and double-cut electric guitars. Within the Gibson catalogue, it serves as a more exclusive alternative to the standard production Les Paul 50s P90 models. When compared to Fender's premium offerings, such as the American Professional II Stratocaster or the Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic, the Les Paul offers a distinctively heavier feel and a thicker tonal profile. For players seeking different aesthetics or lighter weights, alternatives like the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster provide vastly different neck profiles and electronic configurations.

Artist Association

The Les Paul design has been a staple for iconic musicians across multiple generations. Notable users of the Les Paul platform include the legendary Les Paul himself, Paul McCartney, and Duane Allman. The instrument's versatility has seen it utilised by diverse artists such as Dave Grohl, Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, and Brian May. Even in more contemporary or alternative settings, the Les Paul remains a preferred choice for performers like Eddie Vedder and Andrew Taylor.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the 'Double Trouble' edition unique?: It features uncovered Burstbucker pickups with 'Double Classic White' bobbins and is limited to 500 pieces per finish.
Is the body of this guitar weight-relieved?: No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body to maintain traditional mass and sustain.
What is the neck profile on the 50s Double Trouble?: It features a 'Rounded 50s Vintage' neck profile, which is thicker and more substantial than 60s style necks.
What type of wood is used for the top?: The guitar uses an AA figured maple top, providing both a distinct aesthetic grain and tonal brightness.
How many of these guitars were produced?: This specific limited-run model is restricted to 500 pieces per finish.
What finish is applied to this specific model?: This model features a Vintage Bourbon Burst Gloss finish.
What pickups are installed in this Les Paul?: It is equipped with Gibson Burstbucker humbuckers featuring Double Classic White bobbins.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price for this limited edition model is approximately £2,499.
How does the sound differ from a Les Paul with P90s?: The Burstbucker humbuckers in this model provide a thicker, hum-cancelling tone compared to the brighter, single-coil bite of P90s.
Does the lack of pickup covers affect the tone?: Uncovered pickups are often perceived to have a slightly brighter top-end and more 'open' sound compared to those with metal covers.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: It is ideal for collectors and players who prefer a traditional, heavy Les Paul feel with a vintage 50s neck profile.
Is this a standard production model?: No, it is a limited-run model, making it more collectible than the standard Les Paul Standard 50s.