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Average Price: $1,185

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$1001+

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Description

The Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural is a classic homage to Gibson's innovative spirit, offering a fresh take on the solid body electric guitar. Originally introduced in the 1970s, this model boasts a 24-fret neck, making it a versatile choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists. Crafted with a solid maple body, the L6-S Deluxe delivers a bright, sustaining tone that cuts through any mix, perfect for both studio sessions and live gigs.

Equipped with a pair of Gibson’s renowned humbucking pickups, this guitar ensures a rich, warm sound with reduced noise interference. The pickups are complemented by a six-way pickup selector, granting you an array of tonal possibilities that cater to various musical styles, from jazz to hard rock. The slim neck profile provides a comfortable playing experience, encouraging extended jam sessions without fatigue.

A visually striking instrument, the L6-S Deluxe features traditional Gibson aesthetics with modern playability. Its hardware is robust, including durable tuning machines that hold pitch even after rigorous playing. Whether you're a seasoned musician or an aspiring guitarist, this guitar offers a combination of historical charm and contemporary performance that is sure to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Solid maple body for enhanced sustain and brightness
  • 24-fret neck allowing for a wide range of notes
  • Dual Gibson humbucking pickups for rich, dynamic sound
  • Six-way pickup selector for versatile tonal options
  • Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Durable tuning machines ensuring stable pitch retention

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model L-6S Deluxe
Finish Ebony, Maple, Natural Satin, Tobacco Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1973 - 1980
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson L6-S
Model Sub-Family Gibson L6-S Deluxe
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural?

The Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural features a slim-taper neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural?

The Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a versatile range of tones from warm and smooth to bright and articulate, making it suitable for rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural can be played by beginners, its advanced features and unique tonal capabilities are particularly appreciated by more experienced players seeking a distinctive sound.

How does the Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural's body shape affect its playability?

The single cutaway body shape of the Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural allows for easy access to higher frets, enhancing playability for lead guitarists.

What is the scale length of the Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural, and how does it affect playability?

The Gibson L6-S Deluxe Natural has a 24.75-inch scale length, which contributes to a slightly softer string tension, making bends and complex chords easier to play.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1978 Gibson L6-S Deluxe | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1978 Gibson L6-S Deluxe | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1978 Gibson L6-S Deluxe | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson L6-S Deluxe 1977 Electric Guitar Review by Yooper Product Reviews

Gibson L6-S Deluxe 1977 Electric Guitar Review

Yooper Product Reviews

Yooper Product Reviews

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design at 7.1 pounds enhances comfort and playability

  • Unique blend of Stratocaster and Gibson craftsmanship

  • Vintage Mighty Mite humbucker adds extra push and tone versatility

  • Bill Lawrence pickups offer powerful, clear, and compressed sound

  • Excellent sustain and resonant body build

  • Rounded edges and cutouts provide ergonomic comfort

  • Rosewood fingerboard praised for its quality and feel

  • Single-piece maple body noted for beauty and sound

  • Extended fretboard with easy access to 24 frets

  • Great for players who favor Stratocaster or Telecaster neck profiles

CONS

  • Tone knob placement may interfere with playing

  • Narrow fretboard may not suit larger hands

  • Tone knob impact on sound is minimal

  • Protruding output jack can be cumbersome

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L6-S Deluxe.

Features and functionality

  • The L6-S Deluxe features unique pentagon mounting rings for its "Tar Back" pickups, with distinctive three-screw adjustments.

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  • The pickup selector includes a six-way rotary switch, offering a variety of tone options, including both pickups in series, and parallel out of phase.

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  • The Deluxe model includes a re-designed angled cut-away pick-guard, distinct from other L6-S models, enhancing both aesthetics and playability.

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  • The "String Plate" on the back replaces string ferrules, indicating a string-through-body design that impacts sustain and resonance.

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  • Later models include a three-way toggle switch instead of the original six-way rotary switch, reducing tonal options.

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  • The L6-S Deluxe has a narrow neck similar to a Telecaster, enhancing playability for those familiar with narrower neck profiles.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's tonal versatility suits diverse styles, noted for use by artists like Santana and Prince, offering sounds reminiscent of Stratocaster positions.

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Build quality

  • The L6-S Deluxe is known for its one-piece maple body, providing durability and a solid feel that's appreciated by long-time users.

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  • Some models feature a three-piece body, which is heavier compared to earlier two-piece body versions.

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  • The guitar's original finish is often a blonde natural, which some users find visually appealing despite age-related wear.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users mention swapping original pickups with Bill Lawrence-designed pickups for enhanced tonal variation.

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  • Some users replace the original neck pickup with Les Paul Standard pickups, noting an improvement in the guitar's tonal capabilities.

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User experience

  • The guitar has been described as heavy, with some owners noting loose plastic pickup covers.

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  • Owners find the restoration process challenging but rewarding, often taking months to source parts and complete the project.

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Setup and maintenance

  • One user reported intonation issues due to improperly placed frets, impacting tuning across the neck.

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  • Sourcing vintage parts and tools can be slow, with previous owners carving nuts from bone blanks rather than using pre-shaped options.

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Critic Reviews

Gibson L6-S Deluxe – The Prodigal Sounds

prodigalsounds.com

The Gibson L6-S Deluxe is a unique instrument that offers an intriguing mix of vintage charm and sound. With its distinctive body shape, 24 frets, and bright, resonant tone, it appeals to those seeking something different from traditional Gibsons. However, its microphonic pickups can be a double-edged sword, capturing every nuance—including mistakes—while its musty smell upon acquisition raises questions about its maintenance. Though not considered highly collectible, it provides good value for vintage enthusiasts. Overall, this guitar strikes a balance between character and quirks, making it a solid choice for players who appreciate its eccentricities.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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mikewoodhouse

Somewhat underrated Gibson

Gibson only made these from about 1974-79 - this one is pretty much identical to my own 1976 instrument so I'd hazard a guess that they're of similar vintage.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Curt Kirkwood uses Gibson L6-S Deluxe

Curt Kirkwood

Singer, Guitarist

Meat Puppets

...
Verified via Photo

This natural Gibson L6S Deluxe was also used in the Meat Puppets 2 era presumably as a backup to his ‘73 gold Les Paul Deluxe but not much is known about it

See how Billy Bremner uses Gibson L6-S Deluxe

Billy Bremner

Guitarist

Rockpile

...
Verified via YouTube

While he is probably most associated with Telecasters, Billy can be seen playing this L6-S Deluxe on a 1979 Danish TV show.

Genre Usage

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

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