Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (61)
$2,300.00 226 available Used
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$2,385.00 $2,333.00 $52.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,343

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973)?

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop?

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.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973) suitable for beginners or advanced players?

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.

How does the 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop handle live performances?

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.

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (1973)?

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.

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop by Route 66 Classic Guitars

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop

Route 66 Classic Guitars

Route 66 Classic Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe With Two Rock Amplifier by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe With Two Rock Amplifier

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Goldtop, Part1 by GregsGuitars

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Goldtop, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe - Goldtop / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Goldtop, Part2 by GregsGuitars

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Goldtop, Part2

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional resonance from aged wood, delivering classic tones

  • Mini humbuckers provide bright, punchy sound, excellent with vintage amps

  • Comfortable thin neck suits diverse players, including those with smaller hands

  • Unique aged Goldtop patina, visually striking

  • Limited edition adds collectible value for guitar enthusiasts

  • Consistent high-quality performance, even after decades

  • Heavier weight contributes to rich, full sound

  • Mini humbuckers known for their responsiveness and versatility

  • Strong emotional connection and satisfaction reported by long-term owners

CONS

  • Heavier than some might prefer, over 9lbs

  • Use of laminated woods may not appeal to purists

  • 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

  • Seymour Duncan pickups and Grover machine heads are common modifications that owners report enhance playability and tone.

    Source
  • Some owners switch mini humbuckers to P90s for a different tonal character, offering a mix between single-coil brightness and humbucker warmth.

    Source

Build quality

  • The headstock was professionally repaired at Wurlitzers in Boston, indicating high-quality craftsmanship in restoration.

    Source
  • Some 70s models feature a maple neck, which can affect tonal brightness and sustain compared to mahogany necks.

    Source
  • Pancake body construction, typical of the Norlin Era, is absent in some 1978 models, affecting perceived authenticity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite heavy modifications, this guitar is valued as a player's instrument, ideal for those prioritizing playability over collectability.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The guitar player from Atlanta Rhythm Section is noted for effectively utilizing the unique sound of the mini humbuckers.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A price of $750 is considered a bargain for a player's grade 1973 Les Paul Deluxe, even with the modifications and repair history.

    Source
  • A stock 1970s Les Paul Deluxe is currently valued between $3,500 and $4,500 depending on finish and condition.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Les Paul Deluxe as heavy, with 70s models often weighing over 11 pounds, impacting playability for some users.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The mini humbuckers offer a brighter, lower output tone compared to standard humbuckers, providing increased clarity and articulation, especially useful for clean tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • Nashville-made models from 1978 often feature a volute on the neck, differentiating them from earlier Kalamazoo models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some fret nibs on these models are prone to breaking off, affecting playability.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
henk_de_graaf

My ideal woman...

I'm married to this axe... Own it for 20 years and it never failed me.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Neil Finn uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973)

Neil Finn

Singer, Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Photo

A main guitar for Finn throughout Crowded House

See how John Rzeznik uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973)

John Rzeznik

Singer, Guitarist

Goo Goo Dolls

...
Verified via Gibson

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.

See how Curt Kirkwood uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973)

Curt Kirkwood

Singer, Guitarist

Meat Puppets

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Gold

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

J

Jamie Arentzen

Guitarist

American Hi-Fi

...
Verified via Tripod

Seen playing on Flavor of the weak music video.

See how Sean Harris uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973)

Sean Harris

Singer

Diamond Head

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

J

Jimi Hocking

Guitarist

Screaming Jets

...
Verified via Jimihocking

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.

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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