Early 1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. In fact probably one of the very first LP Deluxe’s ever made as it has the model name stamped on the TRC making it a VERY early Deluxe.

An often overlooked classic from the cusp of a difficult period for Gibson, the Les Paul Deluxe’s combination of mahogany body and twin mini humbuckers augmented the sonic palette of this classic instrument becoming the touchstone for 70’s tones of bands such as The Who and Thin Lizzy.

Its not often that these guitars escape some sort of modification or another as misguided owners try and ‘upgraded’ them. This example just oozes mojo. The gold top is wonderfully crazed with just a hint of greening. Apart from that there is very little wear to the top. The back of the 2 piece ‘pancake’ body shows some gas of use with some buckle rash evident along with a filled strap button hole. 

The three piece mahogany neck (soon to be changed to maple in1975) shows very little signs of wear. The fretboard is in great shape as are the frets with plenty of life left in them.

The headstock, in the same way as the body has a few marks and evidence of a previous set of tuners. Interestingly a good indicator of the guitar’s age is the fact that the gibson logo doesn’t have a dot over the i which dates this guitar as an early 1970. The dot was reintroduced in late 1970 having been absent since late 1968.

Electronically everything is correct though there is evidence of some additional soldering on the volume pots. Unfortunately all the date codes have been obscured although a partial 1970 code can be seen.

The guitar comes with its correct black Gibson case with purple velvet lining.

As you’d expect from these 70’s Gibsons, the weight can be an issue and we have actually had 1975 Deluxes tipping the scales at over 5Kg!! But here this is not too much of a problem and sat down the guitar doesn’t down weigh on your leg and shouldering this should not be a problem either. The unamplified tone has plenty of sustain, as you’d expect from a good Gibson. The mini humbuckers bring a brightness but retain low end without being as muddy as could be the case with full size humbuckers of the same period.

A stunning guitar that looks and sounds the part. It might not have the super hot pickups you want if you love your shredding but there is much to be said for these Deluxes 40 odd years later and this is probably, the finest example we have seen for many a year…