What makes the 'Double Trouble' model a limited edition?

The Double Trouble is a restricted production run, with only 500 guitars available in each specific colour choice. This makes it more exclusive than the standard Gibson USA production line models.

What type of pickups are used in this model?

It is equipped with Burstbucker 61R (neck) and 61T (bridge) humbuckers. These feature 'Double Classic White' bobbins and are uncovered to provide a clear, dynamic PAF-style tone.

Is the body weight-relieved?

No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This design choice is intended to maximise resonance and maintain historical accuracy to 1960s construction.

What neck profile does the Double Trouble have?

It features a SlimTaper mahogany neck. This profile is thinner and faster-playing than the thicker '50s Vintage' profiles found on other Les Paul models.

What is the finish of the guitar?

The guitar features a hand-sprayed Vintage Tobacco Burst nitrocellulose lacquer finish. It is designed to have a subtly aged look that mimics the natural fading of a vintage instrument.

What hardware is included as standard?

The guitar is fitted with an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, an aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece, and Grover Rotomatic tuners. These components are chosen for their vintage-correct look and performance.

What is the wood composition of the body?

The body is constructed from solid mahogany topped with a piece of AA figured maple. The maple top adds brightness and aesthetic appeal to the resonant mahogany base.

How does the sound compare to a 50s Standard?

The 60s Double Trouble typically has a brighter, more articulate sound due to the Burstbucker 61 pickups and the SlimTaper neck. The 50s models often sound warmer and 'rounder' depending on the specific pickup configuration used.

Who are some famous artists associated with the Les Paul?

The Les Paul has been used by a wide range of iconic artists including Les Paul himself, Paul McCartney, Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, and Brian May. Other notable users include Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, and Eddie Vedder.

What is the typical price for this limited edition model?

The typical price range for the Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble is approximately GBP 2499. As a limited edition, prices may vary based on availability and the specific serial number.

Does the guitar come with a case?

While the manufacturer description focuses on the guitar specs, high-end Gibson Les Paul Standards typically include a hard-shell case to protect the nitrocellulose finish. Check specific retailer listings for confirmation.

What does the 'AA figured maple' mean?

The 'AA' designation refers to the level of flame or figure in the maple wood grain. It indicates a significant amount of visible 'tiger stripe' or wood patterning, which is more pronounced than 'A' grade but less intense than 'AAA' or 'AAAA'.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble is a limited-edition electric guitar that revisits the specifications of the early 1960s single-cut design. It features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body, uncovered Burstbucker 61 pickups with Double Classic White bobbins, and a hand-sprayed Vintage nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

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Background and Design

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble is a specialised iteration of the core 60s Standard line, distinguished by its limited production run of 500 units per colour. It is designed to evoke the aesthetic and tactile feel of a vintage instrument through its 'Vintage' nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which is hand-sprayed to mimic the gentle fading found on well-maintained original models from the 1960s.

In accordance with traditional 1960s specifications, the guitar eschews modern weight relief, utilising a solid mahogany body paired with an AA figured maple top. This construction method prioritises historical accuracy and natural resonance over physical lightness.

Technical Specifications

The hardware and electronics are selected to provide a period-correct playing experience with modern reliability. Key components include:

Pickups: A pair of uncovered Burstbucker 61R (neck) and 61T (bridge) humbuckers featuring 'Double Classic White' bobbins. These are voiced to provide a dynamic, PAF-inspired response with increased clarity compared to standard covered variants.
Neck: A mahogany neck featuring a SlimTaper profile, designed for faster playability and comfort for those who find 1950s-style necks too cumbersome.
Hardware: An aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece and an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, which are standard for high-end vintage-spec Les Pauls. Tuning stability is managed by Grover Rotomatic tuners.

Sound and Character

Due to the non-weight-relieved mahogany body and the maple cap, the Double Trouble provides a rich, resonant foundation with significant sustain. The choice of Burstbucker 61 pickups ensures a tone that is articulate and bright, capturing the 'bite' associated with early 1960s humbuckers. The absence of pickup covers typically results in a slightly more open high-end response, making the guitar suitable for dynamic blues, classic rock, and jazz fusion styles where nuanced pick attack is essential.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the standard Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Tobacco Burst, the Double Trouble offers a thinner neck profile and a different tonal profile due to the 61-series pickups versus the P90 or Burstbucker 1/2 configurations. While players seeking a modern, lighter instrument might look toward the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or Jim Root Telecaster, the Double Trouble is aimed squarely at traditionalists who prefer a heavy, solid-body feel. Its limited production status also differentiates it from mass-produced counterparts like the Squier Mini Stratocaster or standard Gibson USA models.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the 'Double Trouble' model a limited edition?: The Double Trouble is a restricted production run, with only 500 guitars available in each specific colour choice. This makes it more exclusive than the standard Gibson USA production line models.
What type of pickups are used in this model?: It is equipped with Burstbucker 61R (neck) and 61T (bridge) humbuckers. These feature 'Double Classic White' bobbins and are uncovered to provide a clear, dynamic PAF-style tone.
Is the body weight-relieved?: No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This design choice is intended to maximise resonance and maintain historical accuracy to 1960s construction.
What neck profile does the Double Trouble have?: It features a SlimTaper mahogany neck. This profile is thinner and faster-playing than the thicker '50s Vintage' profiles found on other Les Paul models.
What is the finish of the guitar?: The guitar features a hand-sprayed Vintage Tobacco Burst nitrocellulose lacquer finish. It is designed to have a subtly aged look that mimics the natural fading of a vintage instrument.
What hardware is included as standard?: The guitar is fitted with an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, an aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece, and Grover Rotomatic tuners. These components are chosen for their vintage-correct look and performance.
What is the wood composition of the body?: The body is constructed from solid mahogany topped with a piece of AA figured maple. The maple top adds brightness and aesthetic appeal to the resonant mahogany base.
How does the sound compare to a 50s Standard?: The 60s Double Trouble typically has a brighter, more articulate sound due to the Burstbucker 61 pickups and the SlimTaper neck. The 50s models often sound warmer and 'rounder' depending on the specific pickup configuration used.
Who are some famous artists associated with the Les Paul?: The Les Paul has been used by a wide range of iconic artists including Les Paul himself, Paul McCartney, Duane Allman, Dave Grohl, and Brian May. Other notable users include Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, and Eddie Vedder.
What is the typical price for this limited edition model?: The typical price range for the Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble is approximately GBP 2499. As a limited edition, prices may vary based on availability and the specific serial number.
Does the guitar come with a case?: While the manufacturer description focuses on the guitar specs, high-end Gibson Les Paul Standards typically include a hard-shell case to protect the nitrocellulose finish. Check specific retailer listings for confirmation.
What does the 'AA figured maple' mean?: The 'AA' designation refers to the level of flame or figure in the maple wood grain. It indicates a significant amount of visible 'tiger stripe' or wood patterning, which is more pronounced than 'A' grade but less intense than 'AAA' or 'AAAA'.