Gibson Les Paul 60s Double Trouble Review: A Limited Edition Classic with Timeless Tone

Introduction

The 1950s and 1960s remain the golden era of electric guitar tone, and many of the instruments designed in that time continue to influence the sounds we chase today. Among the most iconic of those guitars is the Gibson Les Paul. Enter the Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble—a limited edition release that pays tribute to vintage specs while offering collectors and players a chance to own something a bit more unique. Alongside its sibling, the ’50s model, the Double Trouble comes in a run of just 2,000 units across four finishes.

For this review, we’re focusing on the 60s Double Trouble in Vintage Tobacco Burst—a guitar that combines classic design with a few subtle updates and just the right amount of exclusivity.

Specifications

• Model: Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble

• Launch Price: $2,799 / £2,499 / €2,899

• Origin: Made in USA

• Body: Mahogany with AA figured maple top

• Neck: Mahogany, SlimTaper profile

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Scale Length: 24.75″ (629mm)

• Nut Width: 43.053mm, Graph Tech

• Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo

• Hardware: Grover Rotomatic Tuners, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge

• Pickups: Burstbucker 61T (bridge), Burstbucker 61R (neck)

• Controls: 3-way switch, 2 x volume, 2 x tone

• Left-handed option: Not available

• Finishes Available: Vintage Tobacco Burst, Vintage Heritage Cherry

• Case: Gibson hardshell case

Build Quality ★★★★½

Historically, Gibson has taken heat for occasional inconsistencies in build quality. However, this particular model stands up impressively. The mahogany body and AA-grade figured maple top exude quality, with a beautiful book-matched grain pattern. The slightly faded nitrocellulose finish gives it a worn-in, vintage aesthetic that won’t be to everyone’s taste, but certainly adds character.

The medium jumbo frets are polished and level, allowing for a smooth feel during bends and vibrato. Grover Rotomatic tuners perform reliably under aggressive playing, and tuning stability is commendable—defying some of the criticism often aimed at Les Pauls.

A minor gripe: the pickup selector knob had a slight rotational wiggle. While this is a minor issue and easily tightened, at this price point, you’d expect it to be solid out of the box.

Playability ★★★★½

A guitar can have all the right specs, but if it’s not set up well, those specs mean little. Thankfully, this model arrives with an excellent factory setup. The action is low and clean across the neck, with no fret buzz or undesirable noise.

True to its ‘60s namesake, the guitar features the SlimTaper neck profile and a 12” fretboard radius, delivering a fast and comfortable playing experience that still feels vintage. It’s not a modern shredder’s dream, but that’s not what it’s meant to be. This is a guitar built for expressive blues licks, classic rock riffs, and everything in between.

Some players may miss modern enhancements like a compound radius fretboard, carved heel, or satin-finished neck—features common in Gibson’s Modern collection—but their absence here is a nod to tradition. And for many players, that’s a feature, not a bug.

Tone & Sound ★★★★½

To put it simply: this guitar sounds exactly how a great Les Paul should.

With a Burstbucker 61T in the bridge and a 61R in the neck, both fitted with Alnico V magnets, the guitar delivers a versatile tonal range with vintage character and a touch of modern aggression. The bridge pickup has an articulate, biting clarity that excels in blues, classic rock, and even heavier styles when pushed through a cranked amp.

The neck pickup, while initially wooly at higher volumes, cleans up beautifully when the volume is rolled back slightly—revealing a smooth, singing tone ideal for expressive leads and warm rhythm work.

Compared directly to the reviewer’s Gibson Les Paul Classic (also fitted with similar pickups), the Double Trouble is notably warmer overall, but doesn’t lose its edge. That extra warmth, combined with its overall tonal balance, justifies the price bump—especially when factoring in its limited edition status.

Final Verdict

Rating: 4.5/5

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Double Trouble is a faithful nod to a legendary era of guitar building. Beneath its limited-edition styling lies a no-nonsense, workhorse instrument that excels in tone, feel, and looks. While not packed with modern creature comforts, that’s entirely the point—it’s a celebration of heritage, and it does that job beautifully.

Yes, you’re paying a premium for its exclusive run and unique finishes, but if you’re a fan of the classic Les Paul design and want something a little different in your collection, this model delivers in spades.

Pros:

• Authentic ’60s tone and feel

• Beautiful AA maple top and nitro finish

• Excellent playability and setup

• Limited-edition appeal

Cons:

• Minor hardware issue with the pickup selector

• Lacks modern ergonomic features

• Premium price for exclusivity

Bottom line:
A classic Les Paul through and through, with enough flair to stand out while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. A treat for collectors and players alike.