Vintage Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - USA 1973

The Les Paul Deluxe holds a unique place in Gibson's history, introduced in 1969 as a lower-cost alternative to the Standard, distinguished by its mini-humbucker pickups originally sourced from Gibson's Epiphone parts bin. What began as a cost-saving measure became a defining voice of its own, prized for a brighter, more articulate tone than the full-size PAF-style humbuckers, and adopted by players chasing that distinct early-'70s sound.

This example carries serial number 178264, stamped and impressed with "Made In USA" on the back of the headstock. Gibson's serialisation in this era was famously inconsistent, with number ranges overlapping and occasionally reused across adjacent years, so this serial places the guitar within the 1973-74 production window rather than pinning down a single exact year. Finished in a rich Cherry Sunburst, the top has aged beautifully, fading from deep cherry red at the edges through to a warm amber centre, a natural result of decades of UV exposure that collectors seek out. Genuine vintage player wear is present throughout, with finish checking across the lacquer and honest handling marks to the back and edges consistent with an instrument that has been played rather than shelved. The guitar has had a professional refret, giving it excellent, low-fret-wear playability while retaining its vintage character everywhere else. No structural issues are noted.

Fitted with a pair of period-correct mini-humbucker pickups, this Deluxe delivers the snappy, cutting midrange that made these guitars a favourite for players wanting something with more bite than the standard humbucker voicing. The mahogany body and neck, paired with the rosewood fingerboard, give a solid, resonant foundation typical of Gibson's early-'70s production. Electronics and hardware are fully functional.

Comes complete with original hardshell case.

Specifications:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 19.03mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 24.63mm

Nut Width: 42.59mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.4mm

Weight: 4.2kg / 9.26lb

Model: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Serial Number: 178264

Year: 1973-74

Finish: Cherry Sunburst

Body: Mahogany

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Pickups: Mini-Humbucker (Bridge and Neck)

Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle

Hardware: Gold-plated (aged)

Case: Original Hardshell Case (OHSC)

Crafted in: Gibson, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA