Gibson Les Paul Double Trouble: Time to Start Some Trouble

Gibson’s Les Paul Standard has long been a favourite among guitarists for its unmistakable tone and timeless design. With the new Double Trouble release, Gibson introduces a subtle twist on its well-known 50s and 60s Les Paul Standard models. While these guitars share the familiar build and sound you’d expect, they include a few distinctive features that might appeal to those looking for something just a little different. Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Double Trouble worth considering—and what to keep in mind before making a purchase.

Key Features

• Choice of Neck Profiles: Select between the fuller, rounded 50s Vintage neck or the thinner 60s SlimTaper neck, depending on your playing comfort and preference.
• Classic Construction: Non-weight-relieved mahogany body paired with an AA figured maple top for balanced tone and strong sustain.
• Unique Pickups: Burstbucker pickups with rarely seen Double Classic White bobbins for a distinct look.
• Vintage-Inspired Aesthetic: Lightly faded gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finishes that resemble natural aging.
• Limited Release: Only 500 units available in each colour.

Understanding the Double Trouble Series

The Double Trouble models are essentially variants of the Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s guitars—but with a few thoughtful differences. The most noticeable change is cosmetic: both the finish and pickups are designed to evoke a more vintage look.

The finishes use the same nitrocellulose lacquer as other Gibson models but are slightly faded, mimicking what a well-preserved vintage guitar might look like after years of careful use. These aren’t reliced or artificially aged; instead, the look is subtle and full gloss, offering a slightly muted variation of the traditional bursts. Because each guitar is hand-sprayed, the burst patterns vary, making each one a little unique.

Another standout feature is the Double Classic White bobbins on the uncovered Burstbucker pickups. These aren’t new pickups—they’re the same Burstbuckers used in the standard models—but the visual difference adds a unique touch rarely seen in Gibson’s line-up.

What’s Right For You?

The Double Trouble is available in both a 50s and 60s model. The core difference here lies in the neck profile and the specific pickup configuration:

50s Model:

• Neck: Chunkier 50s Vintage profile
• Pickups: Burstbucker 1 (neck) and Burstbucker 2 (bridge)

60s Model:

• Neck: SlimTaper profile, easier for faster runs and lead work
• Pickups: Burstbucker 61R (neck) and 61T (bridge)

Both versions maintain the classic Les Paul feel, but the choice comes down to what suits your hand and playing style better. If you prefer a more substantial neck or play rhythm-heavy styles, the 50s model may feel more natural. On the other hand, the 60s version caters to players looking for a slightly faster neck and a little bit more ‘bite’ due to the hotter Burstbuckers.

Summary

The Les Paul Standard Double Trouble doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it refines it. With its light vintage aesthetic, classic tone woods, and limited availability, this series is more about personal preference and individuality than radical innovation.

If you’re looking for a Les Paul with a slightly different visual flair and the same trusted performance, the Double Trouble is worth a look. Just be aware that quantities are limited, and finishes vary slightly between guitars due to the hand-sprayed process—so if one catches your eye, it might not be around for long.

The Gibson Les Paul Standard Double Trouble guitars are due in Australia early September 2025. Check Gibson’s official website for full specifications.