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Average Price: $3,095

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of classic rock history with the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. This iconic solid body electric guitar is revered for its distinctive tone and vintage appeal, making it a prized possession for collectors and musicians alike. Crafted in the heart of the 1970s, this guitar marries the rich legacy of Gibson craftsmanship with the innovation of mini-humbucker pickups, offering a unique sound that set it apart during its era. With a mahogany body and a maple top, the Les Paul Deluxe delivers a warm, resonant tone that is perfectly balanced with clarity and sustain.

The mini-humbucker pickups are a defining feature of this model, providing a sharper attack and a brighter sound compared to their full-sized counterparts, while still reducing noise and hum. This guitar also features a comfortable, slim neck profile that caters to a wide range of playing styles, from smooth jazz licks to searing rock solos. The Deluxe's hardware boasts a vintage-style Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and excellent intonation.

Ideal for both studio recordings and live performances, the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe offers a sonic palette that remains timeless. Its storied past and enduring quality make it not just a musical instrument, but a piece of musical heritage.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with maple top for warm, resonant sound
  • Dual mini-humbucker pickups for a distinct, bright tone
  • Vintage-style Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • Slim neck profile for versatile playing styles
  • Renowned Gibson craftsmanship from the 1970s era

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Deluxe Left-Handed
Finish Cherry Sunburst, Goldtop, Wine Red
Year 1969 - 1984
Made In United States
Categories Left-Handed Electric Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Gold, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Left Handed
Series Gibson Norlin Era

FAQs

What pickups are featured in the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is equipped with mini-humbucking pickups, known for their bright and articulate sound, which can offer a unique tonal character compared to full-sized humbuckers.

What is the neck profile of the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe typically features a slim neck profile, which provides a comfortable playing experience for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe suitable for left-handed players?

Yes, the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is available in a left-handed version, making it a great option for left-handed guitarists seeking a classic Les Paul feel.

What are the finish options for the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe?

The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is available in finishes such as Cherry Sunburst, Goldtop, and Wine Red, each offering a distinct visual appeal.

How does the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe compare to other Les Paul models from the same era?

The 1974 Les Paul Deluxe is distinguished by its mini-humbuckers and solid body construction, providing a different tonal palette and weight compared to other Les Paul models with full-sized humbuckers.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop Part1 by GregsGuitars

1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Awesome 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in Red Sparkle Finish | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

Awesome 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in Red Sparkle Finish | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe / GuitarPoint by GuitarPoint

1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe / GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

PROS

  • Original pickups deliver powerful, classic rock tones reminiscent of Tom Scholz's "Boston"

  • Versatile sound suitable for genres from Southern Rock to Judas Priest

  • Durable build with hardware showing minimal wear even after 40+ years

  • Medium weight and neck size for comfortable playing experience

  • Allows for customization, such as swapping MiniHumbuckers for P90s

  • Delivers a Telecaster-like sound when baby humbuckers are coil-tapped

  • Maintains a genuine vintage vibe with authentic road scars and wear

  • Considered a hidden gem from the Norlin era, offering great value

CONS

  • Some players may not prefer the original MiniHumbuckers without modifications

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

User experience

  • Owners note that the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is considered lightweight for its era, despite some guitars weighing close to 11 pounds, which can be taxing during gigs.

    Source
  • Owners report that while the pickups are not hot, they appreciate the unique sound and clarity, especially when paired with high gain amps for a distinct metal tone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The mini humbuckers on this model are praised for their great sound, offering a distinctive tone compared to other pickup types.

    Source
  • Mini humbuckers are noted for their bright sound, providing more clarity than full-size humbuckers, which can be beneficial in band settings to cut through the mix.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user highlighted the ABR-1 bridge as a desirable feature, setting it apart from other Norlin era guitars which typically have a different bridge setup.

    Source
  • The mini humbuckers are described as having a tighter and clearer sound compared to typical humbuckers, with a tone that bridges humbuckers and single coils.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have swapped mini humbuckers for P90s to achieve a different tonal quality, highlighting the versatility in modifying the guitar.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite being traditionally associated with blues and rock, mini humbuckers offer clarity in drop tunings, making them usable for metal with the right amp settings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Vintage models from 1969 to 1974 with mahogany necks are recommended, sometimes fetching prices in the low $3,000s, seen as a worthwhile investment.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Jonny Buckland uses 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Jonny Buckland

Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Photo

In this entry from Coldplay's blog from November 2013, a fan asks why Jonny Buckland switched to playing Fender Telecasters on nearly every song, whereas at the start of the Mylo Xyloto Tour he used primarily Stratocasters. Matt McGinn, Jonny's guitar tech, responds, "In the end we reverted to the Tele's - 'Sunny', his fave, in particular - for most tunes, except Violet Hill (on which he's always played a 1974 Les Paul Deluxe) and God Put A Smile Upon Your Face."

You can see the '74 Les Paul used on Violet Hill at 1:28 in this video of Coldplay performing live in Tokyo in 2009.

The original entry can be seen here.

See how Steve Lukather uses 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Steve Lukather

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Steve Lukather used a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe during live performances in the 1970s, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Gstatic.

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 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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

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    Gear IQ 42641