Vintage Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - USA 1972

This Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is a 1972 example finished in sunburst and represents an important and often misunderstood chapter in Gibson’s history. Introduced at the turn of the 1970s, the Les Paul Deluxe marked the model’s full return after years off the catalogue, and in doing so helped re-establish the Les Paul as Gibson’s flagship solidbody at a time when rock music was getting louder, heavier and more demanding.

Built during the Norlin era, this guitar carries all the period-correct construction features that define early ’70s Deluxes. The three-piece mahogany neck adds strength and stability, while the pancake body construction contributes to a slightly firmer, more focused response compared to earlier single-piece designs. These guitars were workhorses, built to survive the road, and many of them did exactly that.

At the heart of the Deluxe are the original Gibson embossed mini humbuckers, which give the model its distinct voice. Compared to full-size humbuckers, minis are tighter, brighter and more immediate, with excellent note separation and a strong upper-mid presence. Clean tones are clear and articulate, while driven sounds have bite and definition without the low-end bloom of a PAF-style pickup. It’s a sound that cuts beautifully in a band mix and suits everything from classic rock and glam through to punchy rhythm work.

This example has had a refret, which greatly enhances playability and makes it a far more practical guitar for regular use. The neck feels comfortable and stable, with a solid, reassuring profile that encourages confident playing across the board. Tuners have been replaced with Schaller Deluxe machines, offering improved tuning stability while remaining visually sympathetic to the era.

Described honestly, this is a player’s guitar. It shows the signs of a life well played rather than hidden away, and that only adds to its appeal. There’s a sense of history here, both in feel and sound, that newer instruments simply can’t replicate.

Supplied with a non-original HSC, this 1973 Les Paul Deluxe stands as a significant, character-filled example of Gibson’s early ’70s output. A guitar with real impact, distinctive tone and proven durability.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.17mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.4mm

Nut Width: 43.42mm

Width at 12th Fret: 51.95mm

Weight: 4.26kg

Model: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Year: 1972

Finish: Sunburst

Body: Mahogany pancake body

Neck: Mahogany, three-piece

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Inlays: Trapezoid

Pickups: Original Gibson embossed mini humbuckers

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector

Tuners: Schaller Deluxe (replaced)

Bridge: Tune-o-matic

Tailpiece: Stopbar

Frets: Refret

Case: Non-original / non-OHSC