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Description

Step back in time and experience the legendary sound of the 1970s with the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972, a distinctive piece of rock history. This solid body electric guitar merges classic design with innovative enhancements that gained a loyal following among musicians. Equipped with mini-humbuckers, this beauty was crafted during the Norlin era, when Gibson introduced these powerful pickups sourced from their acquisition of the Epiphone factory. The result? A robust and versatile tone that captures the essence of vintage rock and roll.

The Les Paul Deluxe boasts a unique headstock "volute," a subtle yet crucial design tweak aimed at reinforcing the neck and preventing the notorious headstock breaks that plagued earlier models. During this era, Gibson experimented with different neck compositions, and many Deluxe models from this period feature 4- to 6-piece maple necks, offering enhanced stability and a distinctive feel.

Whether you're a collector or a musician searching for that vintage vibe, the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 stands out as a testament to an iconic era in guitar craftsmanship. Its blend of historical significance and unique tonal qualities makes it a must-have for enthusiasts and performers alike.

Key Features:

  • Mini-humbuckers for a versatile and vintage tone
  • Headstock "volute" for increased durability
  • Period-specific 4- to 6-piece maple neck for stability
  • Solid body construction
  • Classic design with a touch of innovation

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 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972?

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 features mini-humbucker pickups, which are known for their brighter and more cutting sound compared to full-sized humbuckers.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972?

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 typically features a medium C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and classic feel suitable for various playing styles.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 is well-suited for rock music due to its solid mahogany body and mini-humbucker pickups, which deliver a bright and punchy tone ideal for rock genres.

What finishes are available for the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972?

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 is available in several finishes, including Cherry Sunburst, Goldtop, Natural, and Wine Red, among others.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 have a set-neck construction?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a seamless connection between the neck and body.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 goldtop presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 goldtop presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe by GregsGuitars

1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972.

Setup and maintenance

  • Rebuilding the electronics with 50s wiring can resolve common faults, enhancing tone quality, especially if previous modifications included humbucker routing.

    Source
  • Replacing worn frets and bridges can significantly improve playability, as evidenced by long-term users who have refreshed these components for better performance.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Phase-flipping switches can be installed for added tonal versatility, though they may become redundant with certain pickup configurations.

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  • Humbucker-sized P90s, like Fralin and Duncan models, are recommended for those wanting a P90 sound without modifying vintage pickups.

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Build quality

  • Headstock repairs, often due to breaks, can involve inlaying additional wood, impacting the guitar's structural integrity and aesthetic.

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  • Norlin-era Les Paul Deluxes often feature pancake bodies and three-piece maple necks, which can make them heavier but contribute to their robust build.

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  • Some 1972 Les Paul Deluxes feature unique gold witch hat knobs, possibly specific to certain markets like Canada, adding a distinct aesthetic detail.

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User experience

  • Using 11-gauge strings provides a resonant and solid tone, enhancing playability on high strings without feeling too heavy.

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  • Some owners note that these guitars can be "back-breakingly heavy," impacting comfort during extended play.

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  • A 1975 LP Deluxe owner appreciates the long sustain and chunkier neck, typical of the era's design.

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  • Owners appreciate the wear and patina developed over decades, with some guitars showing character marks like cigarette burns that add to their historical charm.

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Features and functionality

  • The maple layer in pancake Les Paul models may contribute to added snap and tightness, distinguishing them sonically from other Les Pauls.

    Source
  • The mini humbuckers on the 1972 Les Paul Deluxe are praised for their unique tonal character, often described as "glorious" by enthusiasts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Les Paul Deluxe is compared to the ES-330 and Casino for those seeking similar tonal qualities but lighter weight options.

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Use cases and applications

  • The 1972 Les Paul Deluxe pairs exceptionally well with Fender amps such as the Deluxe Reverb, which breaks up earlier with humbuckers for a "glorious sound."

    Source

Critic Reviews

Evaluating a '72 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The 1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe reveals its vintage charm but also its significant wear and tear. While the guitar boasts solid electronics and a generally level fretboard, it faces challenges like pitted frets and a collapsed bridge. Cosmetic issues abound, from stripped strap peg holes to a bent tuner shaft. Although it holds potential for restoration, the effort and cost involved may deter some buyers looking for a pristine instrument. This classic guitar is best suited for those prepared to invest time and resources into its revival.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how J Mascis uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via guitarworld

J Mascis talks about using this guitar on his album "Sweet It Into Space" - inspired by Thin Lizzy's Scott Gorham (Guitar World interview, 2021).

See how Justin Vernon uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Photo

Justin Vernon's main Goldtop Les Paul that he's played throughout Bon Iver. Confirmed by BI guitar tech Todd Lunneborg on Instagram.

See how Brian Baker uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Brian shows off his les paul delux. He states that he used this guitar in bad religion from 02-08. The guitar has a dimarzio super distortion in the bridge

See how Tommy Thayer uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972

Tommy Thayer

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

He used this model in 2008 Kiss Alive/35 tour in Europe

See how Paul Langlois uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972

Paul Langlois

Guitarist

The Tragically Hip

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:30 in the video, This guitar is introduced as a 72 les paul deluxe with mini humbuckers.

Album Usage

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1972, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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