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Average Price: $2,300
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$1001+
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Description
Step into a world of vintage charm with the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, a classic that embodies the essence of rock 'n' roll history. Celebrated for its iconic look and sound, this instrument was a trailblazer in its time, boasting a unique blend of craftsmanship and innovation.
Released as a successor to the Les Paul Standard, the 1973 Deluxe stands out with its distinctive mini-humbucker pickups, originally sourced from Gibson's acquisition of the Epiphone factory. These pickups deliver a bright, articulate tone that cuts through the mix with clarity, making it a favorite among musicians who crave precision without sacrificing warmth. The guitar features a solid mahogany body that resonates with rich, full-bodied sound, while the maple top adds a touch of brightness and sustain.
The guitar's neck is a product of its era, transitioning from a one-piece mahogany to a laminated maple design, a choice driven by the desire for stability and durability. With its comfortable rounded profile, this neck allows for smooth playability across the fretboard, supporting both intricate solos and powerful chords with ease.
Aesthetically, the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe captures the spirit of its time, with finishes that range from classic Cherry Red to the more elusive Sparkle variants, each telling its own story. Whether you're a seasoned player or a collector, this guitar offers a slice of musical history wrapped in a timeless design.
Key Features:
- Mini-humbucker pickups for clear, articulate tone
- Solid mahogany body with a maple top
- Laminated maple neck for enhanced stability
- Rounded neck profile for comfortable playability
- Available in Cherry Red and rare Sparkle finishes
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Deluxe |
| Finish | Basalt Blue Sparkle, Cherry, Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Goldtop, Natural, Rocket Red Sparkle, Tobacco Sunburst, Wine Red |
| Year | 1969 - 1984 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Red, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Deluxe |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Top Material | Maple |
FAQs
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What pickups are equipped in the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?
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The 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe features mini-humbucker pickups, which offer a brighter and more cutting sound compared to the full-size humbuckers found in other Les Paul models.
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How does the neck profile of the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe affect playability?
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The 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe typically features a rounded neck profile, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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Is the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe suitable for classic rock music?
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Yes, the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is well-suited for classic rock, thanks to its solid mahogany body and mini-humbucker pickups, which deliver a powerful and articulate tone characteristic of the genre.
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What is the body material of the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?
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The body of the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm tone and sustain.
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Does the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe have a set-neck construction?
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Yes, the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe features a set-neck construction, enhancing its sustain and resonance compared to bolt-on neck designs.
Videos
frettedamericana
BONUS PHIL X!! 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 01086
Reviews
PROS
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Resonant sound typical of a well-aged 52-year-old guitar
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Comfortable thin neck, well-suited for players with smaller hands
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Mini humbuckers deliver bright, powerful, and punchy tones
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Unique patina and aging, offering a vintage aesthetic
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Limited production adds collectible value
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Perfect addition to a serious guitar player's collection
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Versatile sound, reminiscent of renowned guitarists like Scott Gorham and Joan Jett
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Comparable to a Telecaster in brightness without the electrical hum
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Aged gracefully with a classic look and sound
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Plays and sounds incredible, maintaining quality over decades
CONS
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Heavy weight, some models exceed 10 pounds
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Laminated woods and neck may not appeal to purists
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Inconsistent quality due to mismatched woods and construction techniques
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Some models have up to 6-piece laminated tops
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.
User experience
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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Played by the guitar player in Atlanta Rhythm Section, known for making the mini-humbuckers "sing."
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Mini-humbuckers can cut through a band mix like a Strat or Tele while providing the beefiness of humbuckers, ideal for those seeking a unique band sound.
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Mini-humbuckers provide clarity and are suitable for metal when paired with high-gain amps or pedals, despite their lower output.
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Build quality
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Post-1976 models may lack the pancake body construction, although overlap in parts means it can still be found in late '70s models.
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The volute on the back of the neck and breaking fret nibs indicate this is a player's grade guitar.
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The Nashville bridge is occasionally installed backwards on some models, impacting playability.
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1970s Les Paul Deluxes are noted for their heavy weight, often exceeding 10 lbs, which may affect playability for some users.
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The headstock was professionally repaired at Wurlitzers in Boston, MA, indicating a reliable fix despite the break.
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Value and pricing
Mods and upgrades
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
181
Whats not to love?
Scott Gorham. Brian Robertson. Joan Jett. Steve Lukather. These are just a few people who have used this guitar to record some of the best records of all time. Tonally, the Deluxe is not unlike a Telecaster, bright and twangy. But because these are mini-humbuckers, there is no electrical hum. My one is fairly light for a Norlin era Gibson, sitting at about 8lbs, which is good considering they're normally as heavy as a boat anchor.
Artist usage
Add artist
Ace Frehley used this guitar in a music video for the song "I Love It Loud". Actually did not play on a studio recording
"You guys get to hear what mini humbuckers sound like. Now they don't sound like single coils and they don't sound like humbuckers cause they're not either, they're mini humbuckers. So it's a low output, smaller sound than a humbucker but not noisy and single 'coiley' sounding like a Strat or a Tele." - Phil X at :30s of this #product-demo.
Actually his les paul was a 74' and it was his first electric guitar. In the video above you can hear the story, 10:30.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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