What makes the 'Double Trouble' model different from a standard 50s Les Paul?

The primary difference is the use of uncovered Burstbucker pickups with Double Classic White bobbins, providing a unique visual 'twist' on the traditional 1950s aesthetic.

Does this guitar have weight relief?

No, this model features a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany body, which is intended to maximise resonance and sustain in the tradition of original 1950s guitars.

What type of finish is used on the Vintage Cherry Sunburst?

The guitar is finished in a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, which is designed to allow the wood to breathe and age naturally over time.

What are the specific pickup models included?

It is equipped with a Burstbucker 1 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge position, both featuring Double Classic White bobbins.

What is the neck profile of this Les Paul?

It features a 50s Vintage-style mahogany neck, which is generally thicker and more rounded than the 60s SlimTaper profiles.

What bridge system does the guitar use?

The guitar uses an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, which is the classic Gibson design for precise intonation and solid tuning stability.

What is the typical price range for this model?

In the UK market, this specific model typically retails for approximately GBP 2499.

What kind of maple is used for the top?

The guitar features an AA figured maple top, which provides a distinctive 'flame' grain pattern beneath the sunburst finish.

How does the sound compare to a P90 Les Paul?

Unlike the Les Paul Standard 50s P90 Tobacco Burst, which uses single-coil pickups for a raw, punchy sound, this model uses humbuckers for a warmer, quieter, and thicker vintage tone.

Who are some famous artists associated with the Les Paul design?

Notable players include Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Taylor Swift, all of whom have used different variations of the Les Paul model.

Are the tuners modern or vintage style?

The guitar is equipped with Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons, maintaining the historical accuracy of the 1950s design.

What fretboard material is used?

The guitar features a traditional rosewood fretboard, which contributes to the warmth and smoothness of the instrument's tonal character.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble Vintage Cherry Sunburst Gloss

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is a premium electric guitar that combines traditional 1950s specifications with unique aesthetic appointments, such as Double Classic White pickup bobbins. It features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body and AA figured maple top, finished in a gloss nitrocellulose Vintage Cherry Sunburst.

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Background and Design

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is a specialized iteration of the core Les Paul Standard line. It is designed to evoke the construction techniques of the late 1950s, specifically avoiding the modern 'weight relief' chambers found in contemporary models to prioritise sustain and resonance. The specific model (Serial #224050269) represents the craftsmanship of Gibson's US production, utilising a solid mahogany chassis paired with a visually striking AA figured maple cap. The 'Double Trouble' designation refers to the distinctive look of the uncovered pickups, which break from the traditional nickel-covered appearance of the standard 50s model.

Technical Specifications

This guitar is built around a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, carved to a substantial 50s Vintage profile. This profile provides a thicker grip compared to the slimmer 60s counterparts. For hardware, it utilizes the classic ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and a stop bar tailpiece, paired with Keystone-style Vintage Deluxe tuners. The electronics consist of two uncovered Burstbucker humbuckers. The Burstbucker 1 (neck) and Burstbucker 2 (bridge) are designed to replicate the slightly mismatched coil windings of original PAF pickups, providing a classic, slightly asymmetrical output.

Tonal Character

The combination of a non-weight-relieved mahogany body and Burstbucker pickups results in a warm, vintage-voiced output with significant clarity. The Burstbucker 1 offers a mellow, flute-like tone in the neck position, while the Burstbucker 2 provides a slightly hotter output for the bridge, suitable for overdriven blues and rock. The absence of pickup covers on the 'Double Trouble' variant typically allows for a marginally brighter top-end response compared to covered humbuckers, as there is less metal interference between the strings and the magnetic poles.

Artist Association and Context

The Les Paul platform is one of the most significant instruments in music history. While this specific 'Double Trouble' variant is a modern release, it belongs to the lineage of instruments used by legendary players such as Duane Allman, Paul McCartney, and Dave Grohl. Its classic Vintage Cherry Sunburst finish aligns with the aesthetic preferences of 1950s purists, while the white bobbins offer a custom-shop aesthetic similar to the 'Zebra' or 'Cream' bobbins favoured by various rock guitarists throughout the 1970s.

Market Comparison

Positioned at a typical retail price of approximately GBP 2499, this model competes with other high-end professional instruments. Within the Gibson range, it sits alongside the Les Paul Standard 50s P90, though it offers humbucking rather than single-coil tones. Compared to Fender alternatives like the American Professional II Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster, the Les Paul offers a shorter 24.75-inch scale length and a fixed bridge design, resulting in a different tactile response and increased natural sustain.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the 'Double Trouble' model different from a standard 50s Les Paul?: The primary difference is the use of uncovered Burstbucker pickups with Double Classic White bobbins, providing a unique visual 'twist' on the traditional 1950s aesthetic.
Does this guitar have weight relief?: No, this model features a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany body, which is intended to maximise resonance and sustain in the tradition of original 1950s guitars.
What type of finish is used on the Vintage Cherry Sunburst?: The guitar is finished in a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, which is designed to allow the wood to breathe and age naturally over time.
What are the specific pickup models included?: It is equipped with a Burstbucker 1 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge position, both featuring Double Classic White bobbins.
What is the neck profile of this Les Paul?: It features a 50s Vintage-style mahogany neck, which is generally thicker and more rounded than the 60s SlimTaper profiles.
What bridge system does the guitar use?: The guitar uses an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, which is the classic Gibson design for precise intonation and solid tuning stability.
What is the typical price range for this model?: In the UK market, this specific model typically retails for approximately GBP 2499.
What kind of maple is used for the top?: The guitar features an AA figured maple top, which provides a distinctive 'flame' grain pattern beneath the sunburst finish.
How does the sound compare to a P90 Les Paul?: Unlike the Les Paul Standard 50s P90 Tobacco Burst, which uses single-coil pickups for a raw, punchy sound, this model uses humbuckers for a warmer, quieter, and thicker vintage tone.
Who are some famous artists associated with the Les Paul design?: Notable players include Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Taylor Swift, all of whom have used different variations of the Les Paul model.
Are the tuners modern or vintage style?: The guitar is equipped with Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons, maintaining the historical accuracy of the 1950s design.
What fretboard material is used?: The guitar features a traditional rosewood fretboard, which contributes to the warmth and smoothness of the instrument's tonal character.