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Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is a limited-edition electric guitar featuring a solid mahogany body, an AA figured maple top, and a distinctive vintage aesthetic. Characterised by its 'Double Classic White' bobbin pickups and 1950s-style construction, it is restricted to a production run of just 500 units per colour.

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History and Background

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Double Trouble is a contemporary homage to the golden era of solid-body electric guitars. Taking inspiration from the specifications used in the late 1950s, this model seeks to replicate the feel and tonal characteristics that defined rock and blues music.

The 'Double Trouble' designation refers to the specific aesthetic choice of uncovered pickups with white bobbins, providing a visual departure from the standard nickel-covered Burstbuckers usually found on these models. This specific production run is limited to 500 units per colour, making it a targeted choice for collectors and enthusiasts looking for a specific vintage-informed configuration.

Design and Construction

The guitar is built around a traditional solid mahogany body, eschewing modern weight relief to maximise resonance and sustain. It features an AA figured maple top, which provides both a visually striking grain and a bright, articulate snap to the high-frequency response.

The neck follows the '50s Vintage' mahogany profile, offering a thicker, more substantial feel compared to modern 'slim taper' necks. The fingerboard is crafted from rosewood, providing a smooth playing surface. Hardware includes an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with an aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and efficient vibration transfer.

Electronics and Tone

The 'Double Trouble' is equipped with a Burstbucker 1 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge position. These pickups are designed to replicate the original 'Patent Applied For' (PAF) humbuckers of the 1950s. The 'Double Classic White' bobbins remain uncovered, which is often associated with a slightly more open and aggressive high-end response.

The guitar utilizes hand-wired electronics, including high-quality Orange Drop capacitors. This ensures that the volume and tone controls offer an expressive, gradual roll-off, allowing players to dial in nuanced variations between clean, articulate sounds and saturated drive.

Comparison and Suitability

Compared to standard Gibson Les Paul 50s models, the Double Trouble stands out due to its limited production numbers and unique uncovered bobbins. While it shares the fundamental DNA of the Les Paul Standard—used by legendary artists such as Les Paul himself, Duane Allman, and Paul McCartney—its specific aesthetics lean towards a 'well-loved classic' look.

It is ideally suited for players who prefer a substantial neck grip and the sustain of a non-weight-relieved body. While it shares the category with instruments like the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the American Professional II series, the Les Paul offers a distinctively thicker mid-range and hum-cancelling performance better suited for high-gain blues and classic rock.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific pickup configuration of the Double Trouble?
It features uncovered Burstbucker 1 and Burstbucker 2 pickups. These are specifically fitted with Double Classic White bobbins for a unique visual look.
How many units of this model were produced?
This specific edition is limited to just 500 guitars per colour variant. This makes it a significantly rarer model than the standard production Les Paul 50s.
What type of neck profile does this guitar have?
It utilizes a 50s Vintage mahogany neck. This profile is generally thicker and more rounded than the 60s SlimTaper profiles found on other Gibson models.
What materials are used for the body construction?
The guitar features a solid mahogany body for warmth and sustain, topped with a piece of AA figured maple for clarity and visual appeal.
Does this model feature hand-wired electronics?
Yes, the electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors. This setup provides more expressive tonal control compared to standard circuit board wiring.
What bridge system is installed on the Double Trouble?
It is equipped with an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge. This is paired with an aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece to ensure rock-solid tuning stability.
Is the mahogany body weight-relieved?
No, the manufacturer description specifies a solid mahogany body. This is intended to ensure maximum resonance and the classic heavy sustain associated with vintage Les Pauls.
What is the typical price for this model?
The typical price range for this Gibson model is approximately GBP 2499. Prices may vary slightly based on specific dealer stock and region.
What finish is applied to this specific model number?
While the Double Trouble series includes various shades, this specific model features a Vintage Tobacco Burst Gloss finish. It is designed to capture the essence of a well-loved vintage instrument.
What artists have been associated with the Gibson Les Paul Standard?
The Les Paul Standard platform has been used by a wide range of icons, including Duane Allman, Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and the model's namesake, Les Paul. Other notable users of Les Paul guitars include John Lee Hooker and Mick Jagger.
How does the sound of the Burstbucker 1 compare to the Burstbucker 2?
The Burstbucker 1 is slightly lower in output and typically placed in the neck position for articulate tones. The Burstbucker 2 has slightly more windings for a hotter bridge output.
What makes the 'Double Trouble' edition different from a standard 50s Les Paul?
The primary differences are the 'Double Classic White' uncovered pickup bobbins and the limited production run of 500 units. It also features a specific faded gloss finish aesthetic.