SOLD - Vintage Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Refinish - USA 1973

SOLD

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe first appeared in 1969 as a version of the Les Paul Standard gold top. Initially, it had a pair of mini-humbuckers which used the same cavity as the earlier P-90 pickups, and in fact were mounted in modified P-90 covers.

By the mid 1970’s, full size humbuckers were available, but these are not common. In 1971, other finishes including natural, sunburst and wine appeared. In 1985, the Deluxe was discontinued, but was reissued in 1999 for its 30th anniversary. Many examples of the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe were modified to accept full-size humbucking pickups, and this is one of those examples, now housing a pair of Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups.

This guitar was built in the historic Kalamazoo plant in either 1971, 72 or 73 due to Gibson’s random serial numbering at the time.

It features a refinished 'natural' top finish which is shows off the nice grain through the lacquer, adding to its vintage appeal. This old guitar has been around the block, and on its journey it has taken on a few mods including a new bridge installed by industry respected Frank Grubisa, updated Grover tuners, the previously mentioned Seymour Duncan pickups, it has had a professional refret and it has 3 original pots and 1 newer CTS pot. 

There is some fretwear evident in the 'cowboy chord' positions, but still life left. The rosewood fingerboard is quite beautiful and the action is smooth and fast with no flat spots or buzzing, all the way up the neck.

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups sound fantastic with sparkly tops and the clear & full bottom end of P-90s, but without the hum.

This one has the era-correct neck volute, wider peg-head, three piece laminated neck, and a four layer ‘pancake’ body.

It features its fair share of nicks and marks with some buckle rash on the back, displaying all the hallmarks of a well played-in 70s LP - ready to continue rocking! And the best part – it plays great, and sounds simply brilliant.

At 10.44 lbs, it’s fairly middle of the road weight for an LP Deluxe.

Comes in a non-original hardshell case in good condition.