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Average Price: $1,156
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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
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What type of pickups does the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe have?
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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.
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How does the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe compare to other Les Paul models in terms of weight?
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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.
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Is the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe suitable for playing rock music?
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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.
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What are the neck specifications of the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?
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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.
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What finishes are available for the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?
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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.
Videos
Heritage Auctions
"Who's Crying Now?" - The 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Black Solid Body Electric Guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Resonant tone expected from a 52-year-old guitar
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Thin neck provides comfortable playability for diverse players
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Mini humbuckers deliver classic, powerful, and responsive tones
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Rare Cherry Red model adds collectible appeal
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Aged gold top with unique patina enhances vintage look
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Bright, powerful chime suitable for diverse music styles
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Perfect weight at just over 9 lbs for balance and comfort
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Ideal addition to any serious guitar collection
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Plays and sounds incredible with a timeless aesthetic
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Early 70s Deluxes known for killer sound
CONS
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Heavy guitar with pancake body might not suit all players
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Some inconsistencies with laminated woods and neck materials
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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
Comparisons
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The trade for a 1977 Deluxe was compared unfavorably against a new Gibson LP Standard 50’s, suggesting the latter as a better deal.
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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
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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.
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Mods and upgrades
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Swapping mini humbuckers for Lollar P90s is a recommended modification for those seeking a different tonal character.
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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
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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.
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Features and functionality
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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.
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Build quality
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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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.”
Album Usage
The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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