Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,300

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What pickups are equipped in the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

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.

How does the neck profile of the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe affect playability?

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.

Is the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe suitable for classic rock music?

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.

What is the body material of the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The body of the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm tone and sustain.

Does the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe have a set-neck construction?

Yes, the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe features a set-neck construction, enhancing its sustain and resonance compared to bolt-on neck designs.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

BONUS PHIL X!! 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 01086

Video thumbnail for BONUS PHIL X!! 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 01086 by frettedamericana

BONUS PHIL X!! 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 01086

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - "The World of Vintage Guitars" by No.1 Guitar Center

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

No.1 Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul DeLuxe - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson Les Paul DeLuxe - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul DeLuxe Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson Les Paul DeLuxe Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from 1973 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from 1973 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Demo by Billy O's Dynamite Music

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Demo

Billy O's Dynamite Music

Billy O's Dynamite Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Resonant sound typical of a well-aged 52-year-old guitar

  • Comfortable thin neck, well-suited for players with smaller hands

  • Mini humbuckers deliver bright, powerful, and punchy tones

  • Unique patina and aging, offering a vintage aesthetic

  • Limited production adds collectible value

  • Perfect addition to a serious guitar player's collection

  • Versatile sound, reminiscent of renowned guitarists like Scott Gorham and Joan Jett

  • Comparable to a Telecaster in brightness without the electrical hum

  • Aged gracefully with a classic look and sound

  • Plays and sounds incredible, maintaining quality over decades

CONS

  • Heavy weight, some models exceed 10 pounds

  • Laminated woods and neck may not appeal to purists

  • Inconsistent quality due to mismatched woods and construction techniques

  • 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

  • Some owners report tuning stability issues, which can be improved with new nuts and locking tuners.

    Source
  • Owners caution to verify the truss rod and neck straightness to ensure it’s a worthwhile purchase.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some players claim Heritage guitars, crafted by former Kalamazoo factory staff, resemble heavy Les Pauls closely.

    Source
  • Mini-humbuckers are described as having more clarity than full-size humbuckers and more density than single coils, offering a unique sound profile.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Played by the guitar player in Atlanta Rhythm Section, known for making the mini-humbuckers "sing."

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Mini-humbuckers provide clarity and are suitable for metal when paired with high-gain amps or pedals, despite their lower output.

    Source

Build quality

  • Post-1976 models may lack the pancake body construction, although overlap in parts means it can still be found in late '70s models.

    Source
  • The volute on the back of the neck and breaking fret nibs indicate this is a player's grade guitar.

    Source
  • The Nashville bridge is occasionally installed backwards on some models, impacting playability.

    Source
  • 1970s Les Paul Deluxes are noted for their heavy weight, often exceeding 10 lbs, which may affect playability for some users.

    Source
  • The headstock was professionally repaired at Wurlitzers in Boston, MA, indicating a reliable fix despite the break.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 1970s Les Paul Deluxes are now fetching between $3,500 and $4,500, influenced by finish and condition.

    Source
  • Despite modifications and a headstock break, $750 is considered a bargain for a genuine '70s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Seymour Duncan pickups and Grover machine heads are common modifications for this model, enhancing tone and tuning stability.

    Source
  • Mini-humbuckers can be swapped for P90s for a different tonal experience, favored by several owners for enhanced versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The original 1973 model had a gold top, but this one was refinished to a brown finish, affecting collectibility.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
liamnicholson

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
See how Ace Frehley uses 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Ace Frehley

Guitarist, Singer

Kiss

...
Verified via YouTube

Ace Frehley used this guitar in a music video for the song "I Love It Loud". Actually did not play on a studio recording

See how Phil X uses 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

"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.

See how Scott Gorham uses 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Scott Gorham

Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:00 min, a closed veiw of the guitar.

See how Richard Coleman uses 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Richard Coleman

Guitarist, Composer

Fricción

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Vlatko Stefanovski uses 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Vlatko Stefanovski

Singer, Guitarist

Leb i Sol

...
Verified via Vlatkostefanovski

Listed on artists website

P

Pino Marrone

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

En éste video se puede ver a Pino con su Gibson Les Paul Deluxe con Mini Humbuckers de principios de los 70s. La usó para grabar Los Delirios del Mariscal y para la gira en el interior que conllevó el disco

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Martin 1966 Martin D-18
Martin 1966 Martin D-18 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Gibson Blue Ridge
Gibson Blue Ridge Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Yamaha Silent Guitar Nylon String
Yamaha Silent Guitar Nylon String Classical & Nylon-String Guitars
1
Pensa-Suhr Gustavo Cerati
Pensa-Suhr Gustavo Cerati Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Yamaha APX10N
Yamaha APX10N Classical & Nylon-String Guitars
1
Scala Underdog Electric Guitar
Scala Underdog Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981)
Fender Stratocaster (1978-1981) Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson L6S
Gibson L6S Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
the_mockery_music

the_mockery_music

Gear IQ 97

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides