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Average Price: $2,300

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$1001+

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Description

Step back in time with the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, a true icon of rock 'n' roll history. Born during the Norlin era, this guitar is renowned for its unique blend of aesthetics and sonic prowess. Crafted with a solid mahogany body and a maple cap, it delivers the signature Les Paul warmth and sustain that players crave. What sets this model apart are its distinctive mini-humbucker pickups, harvested from Gibson's acquisition of Epiphone, providing a bright, articulate tone that cuts through any mix with ease.

The neck features a laminated maple construction, a choice made to enhance durability and stability, offering a smooth playing experience. This period also introduced the headstock "volute," a subtle yet effective reinforcement that reduces the risk of breaks, a nod to Gibson's attention to longevity and reliability.

Whether you're a collector seeking a piece of musical heritage or a guitarist looking for that classic '70s sound, the 1976 Les Paul Deluxe stands as a testament to Gibson's innovative spirit and commitment to quality. Its rarity and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any arsenal, inviting you to explore its rich tonal landscape and timeless charm.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with maple cap
  • Laminated maple neck for enhanced durability
  • Mini-humbucker pickups for bright, articulate tone
  • Headstock "volute" for added reinforcement
  • Iconic 1970s Norlin-era craftsmanship

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 used in the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe features two mini-humbucker pickups, which provide a brighter and more cutting sound compared to the full-size humbuckers found in other Les Paul models.

What is the neck profile of the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe features a Rounded C neck profile, offering a comfortable and stable playing experience ideal for various playing styles.

Is the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe suitable for rock music?

Yes, the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is well-suited for rock music, thanks to its solid mahogany body, maple top, and mini-humbucker pickups that deliver a bright, articulate tone.

What finish options are available for the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe comes in several finish options, including Basalt Blue Sparkle, Cherry, Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Goldtop, Natural, Rocket Red Sparkle, Tobacco Sunburst, and Wine Red.

How does the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe differ from the Les Paul Standard?

The 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe differs from the Les Paul Standard primarily in its mini-humbucker pickups, which offer a distinct tonal character, and its Rounded C neck profile for enhanced playability.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Burgundy | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Burgundy | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Wine Red | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Wine Red | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Story Behind My 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Vintage Guitar Demo by Matt Kelly

The Story Behind My 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Vintage Guitar Demo

Matt Kelly

Matt Kelly

Video thumbnail for 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Part1 by GregsGuitars

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for The Most Underrated Guitar? | 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar Demo by Matt Kelly

The Most Underrated Guitar? | 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar Demo

Matt Kelly

Matt Kelly

Video thumbnail for 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally resonant with a vintage sound, typical of well-aged guitars

  • Comfortable thin neck, ideal for players with smaller hands

  • Mini humbuckers deliver bright, powerful, and punchy tones

  • Distinctive aged gold top provides unique aesthetic appeal

  • Limited production, making it a rare collector's item

  • Consistent and incredible sound quality from the early 70s Deluxes

  • Retains excellent playability and sound even after decades

CONS

  • Heavier weight, typical of pancake body Les Pauls

  • Use of laminated woods and multiple piece tops in some models

  • Variability in neck and body construction due to era-specific production changes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

Features and functionality

  • The mini humbuckers on the 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe provide a brighter, clearer tone compared to traditional humbuckers, making them suitable for styles needing clarity like blues rock.

    Source
  • The volute on the neck of Norlin-era models is a notable feature, contributing to neck stability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replace the mini humbuckers with P90s, citing enhanced warmth and output as reasons for the upgrade.

    Source
  • Consider swapping mini humbuckers for humbucker-sized P-90s like Fralin or Duncan for a vintage tone without altering the guitar's structure.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While mini humbuckers may be less suited for heavy metal due to lower output, they excel in providing clarity and cutting through mixes in band settings.

    Source

Build quality

  • The weight of 1970s Les Paul Deluxes is often noted as being significantly heavier, sometimes exceeding 11 pounds, which can affect playability and comfort.

    Source
  • The pancake body design and three-piece neck are specific features of the Norlin-era Les Paul Deluxes, impacting their weight and neck feel.

    Source

User experience

  • A noted issue with vintage models is tuning stability, which some owners improved by installing new nuts and locking tuners.

    Source
  • Owners report variable weights, with some Deluxes exceeding 10 pounds, affecting comfort for extended play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Vintage models from the early '70s, particularly with mahogany necks, are highly sought after and can command prices in the low $3,000s.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Refrets on bound fingerboards of vintage models can cost hundreds, an important consideration for potential buyers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1976 Les Paul Deluxe is often compared to the Les Paul Specials, especially for those seeking a lighter P90-equipped alternative.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Ness uses 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Mike Ness

Singer, Guitarist

Social Distortion

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17.00 onwards in this video Mike talks about his Les Paul collection. The '76 Deluxe is his #1.

See how Brian Baker uses 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via Instagram

In this one guitar in one minute post brian talks about his 1976 les paul deluxe. He states that he purchased the guitar on nyc outside of the venue he played. The pickups were swaped for a pair of gibson p90 pickups

See how Xander Phillips uses 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Xander Phillips

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

On the snapcut, we can see Xander holding a left handed version of this guitar.

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 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Les Paul Goldtop
Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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    Gear IQ 195