Highly cherished 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in a great looking Sunburst finish just in from the previous owner who purchased the guitar from the original owner in 1984 and gigged it regularly until 1990.
First shipped in the very early 70’s the Les Paul Deluxe would replace the Les Paul Standard that itself had only just been reissued in 1968. In essence the Deluxe was very similar to the 1969 Standard with the Mini-Humbucker pickups replacing the P-90 pickups of the Standard. Initially released only in Goldtop finish, the Deluxe would be offered in numerous other finishes as the decade progressed. The Deluxe was a good seller for Gibson and remained in the catalogue until the 1980’s and has subsequently been recently reissued.
This mid ‘70s model is a great example, the serial number range dates the guitar to 74-75 and the guitar has all the traits to conform. The guitar has a ‘pancake’ body with a Mahogany neck with Rosewood fingerboard. The headstock is the larger style utilised by Gibson from 1969 until the early 1980’s. The headstock has an impressed serial number with a ‘Made in USA’ stamp below and a small volute as the headstock transitions into the neck. The finish is in great condition, the sometimes overly vibrant ‘70s Sunburst softened with time, the back of the guitar shows an area of light worming to the finish and there is light wear consistent with use. Electronically the guitar is free from changes or modifications - the pickups are a pair of excellent sounding Gibson Patent Decal Mini Humbuckers. Pots are a matched quad of CTS with the date code of 37th week of ’74. Pickups measure 5.83K and 5.92K in the neck and bridge respectively. Hardware is chrome plated throughout; the tuners have been replaced with a modern set, the bridge is the original PAT NO wired ABR-1 with brass saddles. The guitar has its original pickguard, gold reflector knobs and (faded) truss rod cover.
In use, the guitar is set up well with a straight neck and good action. The original wide profile seventies frets have lost height and the original ABR-1 has started to sag but the guitar plays well nevertheless. The neck is the traditional late sixties/early seventies slim oval Les Paul profile with a depth of 20.53mm at the first fret increasing to a palm filling 25.15mm at the 12th fret. The nut width is a decent 43.2mm. Acoustically the guitar has a lively ring and plugged in the guitar has all the sonic qualities you could want from a like a great Les Paul Deluxe. Clearer, brighter and more defined than its full Humbucker sized cousin with more smoothness when compared to a P-90.
In our opinion the Deluxe is often unfairly overlooked and underrated model among other Gibson instruments. Notable users include Pete Townsend and Thin Lizzy guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. In all a great example of a near 50 year old vintage guitar. This one is a great weight at 9.8lbs. The guitar comes with a period Gibson Protector Case.
First shipped in the very early 70’s the Les Paul Deluxe would replace the Les Paul Standard that itself had only just been reissued in 1968. In essence the Deluxe was very similar to the 1969 Standard with the Mini-Humbucker pickups replacing the P-90 pickups of the Standard. Initially released only in Goldtop finish, the Deluxe would be offered in numerous other finishes as the decade progressed. The Deluxe was a good seller for Gibson and remained in the catalogue until the 1980’s and has subsequently been recently reissued.
This mid ‘70s model is a great example, the serial number range dates the guitar to 74-75 and the guitar has all the traits to conform. The guitar has a ‘pancake’ body with a Mahogany neck with Rosewood fingerboard. The headstock is the larger style utilised by Gibson from 1969 until the early 1980’s. The headstock has an impressed serial number with a ‘Made in USA’ stamp below and a small volute as the headstock transitions into the neck. The finish is in great condition, the sometimes overly vibrant ‘70s Sunburst softened with time, the back of the guitar shows an area of light worming to the finish and there is light wear consistent with use. Electronically the guitar is free from changes or modifications - the pickups are a pair of excellent sounding Gibson Patent Decal Mini Humbuckers. Pots are a matched quad of CTS with the date code of 37th week of ’74. Pickups measure 5.83K and 5.92K in the neck and bridge respectively. Hardware is chrome plated throughout; the tuners have been replaced with a modern set, the bridge is the original PAT NO wired ABR-1 with brass saddles. The guitar has its original pickguard, gold reflector knobs and (faded) truss rod cover.
In use, the guitar is set up well with a straight neck and good action. The original wide profile seventies frets have lost height and the original ABR-1 has started to sag but the guitar plays well nevertheless. The neck is the traditional late sixties/early seventies slim oval Les Paul profile with a depth of 20.53mm at the first fret increasing to a palm filling 25.15mm at the 12th fret. The nut width is a decent 43.2mm. Acoustically the guitar has a lively ring and plugged in the guitar has all the sonic qualities you could want from a like a great Les Paul Deluxe. Clearer, brighter and more defined than its full Humbucker sized cousin with more smoothness when compared to a P-90.
In our opinion the Deluxe is often unfairly overlooked and underrated model among other Gibson instruments. Notable users include Pete Townsend and Thin Lizzy guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. In all a great example of a near 50 year old vintage guitar. This one is a great weight at 9.8lbs. The guitar comes with a period Gibson Protector Case.