Gear article
Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble
The Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble is a limited-edition electric guitar that combines 1960s-era specifications with distinctive aesthetic features, such as uncovered 'Double Classic White' bobbins. Part of a production run limited to 500 units per finish, it features a solid mahogany body, an AA figured maple top, and a SlimTaper neck profile for enhanced playability.
See live pricesDesign and Construction
The Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble is built upon the classic foundation of a solid mahogany body paired with an AA figured maple top. This combination provides the structural integrity and weight characteristic of the Les Paul lineage while offering a visually striking grain pattern. The instrument is finished in a Vintage Honey Burst gloss, which is designed to provide a lightly faded, authentic vintage appearance.
The mahogany neck features a SlimTaper profile, a design introduced in the early 1960s to offer a faster, thinner feel compared to the chunkier profiles of the 1950s. This is topped with a rosewood fretboard, intended to facilitate smooth and effortless playability across the register.
Electronics and Hardware
A defining feature of the 'Double Trouble' model is its electronics package. It utilizes uncovered Burstbucker 61R (neck) and 61T (bridge) pickups. These pickups are distinguished by their 'Double Classic White' bobbins, providing a unique visual contrast against the Honey Burst finish.
The internal circuitry is hand-wired and incorporates Orange Drop capacitors, adhering to traditional assembly methods to ensure signal purity and tonal consistency. This configuration is designed to deliver the high-output, crisp character associated with early 60s humbuckers.
Sound Character
The guitar produces a timeless Les Paul tone, characterized by the warmth and sustain of mahogany coupled with the brightness and 'snap' of the maple top. The Burstbucker 61 pickups offer a sharp, biting edge when overdriven, while remaining articulate and clear during clean passages. The inclusion of Orange Drop capacitors allows for nuanced control over the treble frequencies, enabling players to roll off the high end without losing the underlying body of the sound.
Artist Context and Comparison
The Les Paul platform has been utilized by a vast array of influential musicians across genres, including rock legends like Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, and Paul McCartney, as well as pop and blues icons such as Taylor Swift and Mick Jagger.
Compared to the Les Paul Standard 50s P90, which features single-coil pickups and a thicker neck, the 60s Double Trouble offers a narrower neck and higher-output humbucking performance. While alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Eric Clapton Stratocaster offer different scale lengths and bolt-on neck constructions, the Double Trouble remains a primary choice for players seeking the specific sustain and mid-range focus of a set-neck Gibson.
Artists who play it
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Frequently asked questions
- What makes the 'Double Trouble' model unique?
- The Double Trouble is a limited-run model featuring uncovered Burstbucker 61 pickups with 'Double Classic White' bobbins. It is limited to only 500 pieces per finish worldwide, making it a collector-oriented variant of the standard 60s Les Paul.
- What is the neck profile of this guitar?
- This model features a SlimTaper mahogany neck. This profile is thinner and faster than the 1950s-style necks, designed for comfortable playability and easier reach across the fretboard.
- What pickups are installed in the 60s Double Trouble?
- The guitar is equipped with Gibson Burstbucker 61R in the neck position and 61T in the bridge position. These pickups are uncovered to reveal white bobbins and are designed to capture 1960s-era humbucker tones.
- How many units of the Vintage Honey Burst finish were produced?
- Production of this specific model is limited to 500 pieces worldwide for the Vintage Honey Burst finish. This exclusivity adds to the instrument's appeal for enthusiasts and collectors.
- What type of capacitors are used in the wiring?
- The guitar features hand-wired controls paired with Orange Drop capacitors. These components are favored for their reliability and their ability to provide a smooth, musical roll-off of high frequencies.
- What materials are used for the body?
- The body is constructed from solid mahogany, which provides a warm and resonant foundation. It is topped with an AA figured maple cap, which adds aesthetic beauty and a touch of high-end clarity to the tone.
- Is the finish a high gloss or satin?
- This model features a gloss finish in Vintage Honey Burst. The finish is applied to give the guitar a lightly faded, authentic vintage appearance while maintaining a protective shine.
- What is the fretboard material?
- The guitar uses a rosewood fretboard. This traditional wood choice offers a smooth tactile surface for the player and contributes to the classic Les Paul warmth.
- How does the sound compare to a 50s Les Paul Standard?
- The 60s Double Trouble typically has a brighter, more aggressive character due to the Burstbucker 61 pickups compared to the P90 or Burstbucker 1/2 sets found on 50s models. The thinner neck also facilitates a different playing feel.
- What is the typical price for this model?
- The typical price range for this limited-edition Gibson Les Paul is approximately GBP 2499. This reflects its status as a premium, limited-run instrument within the Gibson lineup.
- Which famous artists are associated with the Gibson Les Paul?
- The Les Paul has been used by a diverse range of artists including Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, and Taylor Swift. Its versatile tone makes it suitable for rock, blues, pop, and jazz.
- Does this model come with pickup covers?
- No, the Double Trouble model specifically features uncovered pickups. This design choice highlights the 'Double Classic White' bobbins and can slightly alter the high-frequency response compared to covered pickups.













