Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,343
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.
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Description
Step back in time with the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop, a legendary instrument that embodies the sound and style of a golden era in rock music. This iconic electric guitar is a testament to Gibson’s master craftsmanship, combining vintage allure with exceptional playability. The Les Paul Deluxe stands out with its mini-humbucker pickups, offering a unique tonal palette that delivers crisp, punchy sounds perfect for both stage and studio.
The Goldtop finish is not just a visual treat—it’s a nod to the original Les Paul's luxurious aesthetic. Featuring a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top, this guitar provides the warm, rich resonance that has made it a staple in rock, blues, and beyond. The neck, crafted from mahogany, offers a smooth playing experience that guitarists of all styles will appreciate.
Whether you're a collector, a performing artist, or someone simply in search of that classic Les Paul tone, the 1973 Deluxe Goldtop is a piece of musical history that promises to inspire and captivate. With its distinctive features and robust build, it’s not just an instrument; it’s a legacy.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body with carved maple top
- Goldtop finish
- Mini-humbucker pickups
- Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Vintage-style hardware and tuners
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 is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973)?
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The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973) features a set-neck construction with a comfortable 12" fretboard radius, providing a classic Les Paul feel that's suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop?
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The 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop is equipped with mini-humbuckers, delivering a unique blend of clarity and warmth, ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973) suitable for beginners or advanced players?
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The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973) is best suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its vintage appeal and specific tonal characteristics, making it a great choice for those familiar with its iconic sound.
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How does the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop handle live performances?
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The solid mahogany body and set-neck construction provide excellent sustain and stability, making the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop a reliable choice for live performances.
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973)?
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The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973) offers a rich, resonant tone with a balanced midrange, thanks to its mahogany body and maple top, which contribute to its iconic sound.
Videos
GuitarPoint
1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional resonance from aged wood, delivering classic tones
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Mini humbuckers provide bright, punchy sound, excellent with vintage amps
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Comfortable thin neck suits diverse players, including those with smaller hands
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Unique aged Goldtop patina, visually striking
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Limited edition adds collectible value for guitar enthusiasts
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Consistent high-quality performance, even after decades
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Heavier weight contributes to rich, full sound
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Mini humbuckers known for their responsiveness and versatility
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Strong emotional connection and satisfaction reported by long-term owners
CONS
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Heavier than some might prefer, over 9lbs
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Use of laminated woods may not appeal to purists
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Variable quality in wood lamination and finish during production period
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973).
Mods and upgrades
Build quality
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The headstock was professionally repaired at Wurlitzers in Boston, indicating high-quality craftsmanship in restoration.
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Some 70s models feature a maple neck, which can affect tonal brightness and sustain compared to mahogany necks.
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Pancake body construction, typical of the Norlin Era, is absent in some 1978 models, affecting perceived authenticity.
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Use cases and applications
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Despite heavy modifications, this guitar is valued as a player's instrument, ideal for those prioritizing playability over collectability.
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For metal, owners suggest using amp settings or pedals to compensate for the lower output, allowing the mini humbuckers to deliver unique, clear tones in high-gain settings.
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The guitar player from Atlanta Rhythm Section is noted for effectively utilizing the unique sound of the mini humbuckers.
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Value and pricing
User experience
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Owners emphasize the importance of the guitar's 'mojo' and playability over its original condition, suggesting this model is highly valued for its unique character.
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Owners describe the Les Paul Deluxe as heavy, with 70s models often weighing over 11 pounds, impacting playability for some users.
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Features and functionality
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The mini humbuckers offer a brighter, lower output tone compared to standard humbuckers, providing increased clarity and articulation, especially useful for clean tones.
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Comparisons
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Compared to standard humbuckers, mini humbuckers are said to deliver more clarity and less muddiness, particularly beneficial for band settings where cut-through is needed.
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Nashville-made models from 1978 often feature a volute on the neck, differentiating them from earlier Kalamazoo models.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
I have a ’73 Goldtop with mini humbuckers in it, that I especially love to play. If I’m looking for a bit of a tighter tone, that’s the guitar I go to. Each of those guitars is a different animal. I love them all.
Gibson interview, 2010.
This goldtop 1973 Les Paul Deluxe was his main guitar used in the Meat Puppets 1 and 2 era. Later, he modified it by putting a Dimarzio P90 sized Super Distortion in the neck, a Dimarzio X2N in the bridge and it also had replaced Schaller style tuners
Sean is playing this guitar in the music video for "In The Heat Of The Night". Although the video is mimed, Sean may have used this guitar for the recording of Borrowed Time.
Jimi: My main guitar for so many years! 'Goldie', originally a Deluxe, is highly recognisable to anyone who has seen me play at just about any stage of my life — I have used her in virtually every band I have ever played in. She has standard wiring; however that's a real 1959 PAF in the neck!
Her sound and playability are still the yardstick for any other solid body guitar I look at. This was the main guitar used on the infamous No Turning Back album in 1989, and again on my 2010 album Electric Mojo Machine.
Album Usage
The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973) 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.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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