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Description

In the world of electric guitars, the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe stands as a testament to both innovation and timeless design. Introduced as a replacement for the Les Paul Standard, this iconic model features mini-humbuckers—a distinctive choice that offers a unique tonal palette, crisp attack, and enhanced clarity. Born in the Norlin era, the Les Paul Deluxe is equipped with a multi-piece maple neck, a decision driven by the quest for stability and durability. This change, alongside the headstock "volute," was implemented to enhance the instrument's resistance to the common ailment of headstock breaks.

For enthusiasts who value both playability and historical significance, the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is a shining example of craftsmanship and musical legacy. With its captivating sound and robust build, this guitar is not only a nod to the past but also a reliable companion for any modern musician seeking a piece of history. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Les Paul Deluxe promises a rich, resonant experience that only a true classic can deliver.

Key Features:

  • Mini-humbuckers for distinctive tone
  • Multi-piece maple neck for enhanced durability
  • Headstock "volute" for increased stability
  • Part of the Norlin-era Gibson production
  • Notable as a replacement for the Les Paul Standard

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 type of pickups does the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe have?

The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is equipped with mini-humbucker pickups, which are known for their bright and articulate tone compared to the full-sized humbuckers.

How does the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe compare to other Les Paul models in terms of weight?

The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, with its solid mahogany body and maple top, tends to be on the heavier side, similar to other Les Paul models, providing a substantial feel and sustain.

Is the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe suitable for playing rock music?

Yes, the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is well-suited for rock music, thanks to its powerful mini-humbucker pickups and solid construction, which deliver a rich, sustaining tone ideal for rock genres.

What are the neck specifications of the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe features a set-neck construction with a rosewood fretboard, a 12" radius, and a 24.75" scale length, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for many players.

What finishes are available for the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is available in several finishes, including Basalt Blue Sparkle, Cherry, Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Goldtop, Natural, Rocket Red Sparkle, Tobacco Sunburst, and Wine Red.

Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions

"Who's Crying Now?" - The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Black Solid Body Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for "Who's Crying Now?" - The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Black Solid Body Electric Guitar by Heritage Auctions

"Who's Crying Now?" - The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Black Solid Body Electric Guitar

Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Guitar - 1977 USA Deluxe Mini Humbuckers Original Case 515-864-6136 by Lawman Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Guitar - 1977 USA Deluxe Mini Humbuckers Original Case 515-864-6136

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977 Mini Humbuckers by Phoenix Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977 Mini Humbuckers

Phoenix Guitars

Phoenix Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from 1977 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from 1977 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Les Paul Guitars - 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Guitar Humbuckers w/Case - 515-864-6136 by Lawman Guitars

Les Paul Guitars - 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Guitar Humbuckers w/Case - 515-864-6136

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Resonant tone expected from a 52-year-old guitar

  • Thin neck provides comfortable playability for diverse players

  • Mini humbuckers deliver classic, powerful, and responsive tones

  • Rare Cherry Red model adds collectible appeal

  • Aged gold top with unique patina enhances vintage look

  • Bright, powerful chime suitable for diverse music styles

  • Perfect weight at just over 9 lbs for balance and comfort

  • Ideal addition to any serious guitar collection

  • Plays and sounds incredible with a timeless aesthetic

  • Early 70s Deluxes known for killer sound

CONS

  • Heavy guitar with pancake body might not suit all players

  • Some inconsistencies with laminated woods and neck materials

  • Early 70s models had minimal top carving and mismatched laminations

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some Deluxes from this period may require a refret due to their age, especially since they feature a bound fingerboard.

    Source
  • It's advised to check the pot codes for accurate dating, as serial numbers from this era can be inconsistent.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The trade for a 1977 Deluxe was compared unfavorably against a new Gibson LP Standard 50’s, suggesting the latter as a better deal.

    Source
  • A 1975 Deluxe with a wine red finish and a chunky neck is noted for its long, sustained notes, a hallmark of Les Pauls.

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  • Compared to standard humbuckers, the mini humbuckers are described as sitting between single coils and humbuckers, offering a unique sound that cuts through mixes.

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User experience

  • Some owners find that the mini humbucker sound doesn't appeal to them, preferring traditional humbuckers.

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  • Reports indicate that Norlin-era Deluxes can have inconsistent weight, with some models reaching up to 10 pounds.

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  • Owners report the neck pickups on Deluxes offer exceptional clarity, while the bridge pickups are lower output and may require amp adjustments for certain styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping mini humbuckers for Lollar P90s is a recommended modification for those seeking a different tonal character.

    Source
  • Owners contemplating pickup swaps to P90s should note that even reverted changes can affect the guitar's vintage value.

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  • Some users replace mini humbuckers with P90s for a different tonal character, which can transform the guitar's sound profile entirely.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest that the trade value for a 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe should be carefully considered, especially when exchanging for multiple high-value guitars.

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  • Vintage models from the early 70s can be found in the low $3000s, considered a worthwhile investment for their unique tonal characteristics and historical value.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The mini humbuckers provide a brighter, clearer tone compared to full-size humbuckers, with less low end, making them suitable for styles needing more clarity and definition.

    Source

Build quality

  • Deluxes from the Norlin era can have pancake bodies and three-piece necks, contributing to their significant weight.

    Source
  • 70s Deluxes are known for their heavy weight, often exceeding 11 pounds, which contrasts with modern versions that are lighter and have improved build quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While typically seen in rock and blues, the Deluxe can be adapted for metal with the right amp settings or pedals, offering unique tones not common in high-gain music.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Elliot Easton uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977

Elliot Easton

Guitarist

The Cars

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

Despite his appreciation for the Telecaster, Easton’s eyes (and ears) soon wandered to Les Pauls. “I was a Mike Bloomfield freak, and that Les Paul tone on the Super Session album was just the greatest thing I ever heard,” he says. “My high school band won a countywide battle of the bands, and our prize was a $500 gift certificate to Sam Ash. There were five guys in the group, so we each got $100 to spend. For whatever reason, there were several left-handed Gibsons in the store at the time, and I settled on a Les Paul Deluxe. I sold my Telecaster for $150, so that was $250 with the winnings, and my mom made up the rest. That Les Paul cost $297 with the case out the door, and I regretted buying it almost immediately because you couldn’t do all the pedal-steel bends and stuff you could do on a Telecaster. I wanted a Fender again, but because I could only afford to have one guitar at a time, I just went back and forth like that for years.”

By the time the newly signed Cars traveled to England to record their 1978 self-titled debut album with producer Roy Thomas Baker, they were generating enough cash from their Boston area gigs for Easton to have assembled a three-guitar arsenal: a Martin D-35 acoustic, a 1977 Les Paul Standard that he had refinished in red, and a new Fender Telecaster fitted with a Bartolini Hi-A mini-humbucker in the neck position. Armed with those, a Morley Echo Volume pedal and Roland Chorus Ensemble, the guitarist cut all of his tracks, including the impeccably composed and executed solos to “Just What I Needed” and “My Best Friend’s Girl” in less than two days. “That record took 12 days to make in total,” Easton says. “It was our club set and we knew what we were going to do, so we just went in there and regurgitated our parts onto tape.”

See how Ricky Byrd uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977

Ricky Byrd

Singer, Guitarist

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black Year: 1977

Ricky Byrd used a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977 on his album Lifer, as confirmed by an article authored by Elliot Stephen Cohen in Vintage Guitar® magazine.

Genre Usage

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

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