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Description

Step back in time with the Gibson Les Paul Professional ('69-'73), an electric guitar that captures the essence of late '60s innovation and craftsmanship. Crafted during a pivotal era for rock music, this solid body electric guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality and precision. Known for its distinct tonal versatility, the Les Paul Professional features a low-impedance pickup system that offers a unique, clear sound with reduced noise, making it ideal for studio recording and live performances.

Equipped with a 3-piece mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard, the Les Paul Professional ensures smooth playability and durability. The guitar's solid mahogany body provides a rich, warm resonance that complements its sophisticated electronics. A range of tone and volume controls allows musicians to fine-tune their sound effortlessly, making it a favorite among guitarists who value both function and style.

The Les Paul Professional is not just a guitar; it's a piece of history that continues to inspire and captivate musicians around the world. Whether you're a collector or a player seeking a vintage vibe, this guitar delivers with its classic design and timeless sound.

Key Features:

  • Low-impedance pickup system for clear, noise-reduced sound
  • Solid mahogany body for rich resonance
  • 3-piece mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Versatile tone and volume controls
  • Vintage design from 1969-1973
  • Ideal for studio recording and live performances
GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

1970 Gibson Les Paul Professional / GuitarPoint - Maintal / Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1970 Gibson Les Paul Professional / GuitarPoint - Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1970 Gibson Les Paul Professional / GuitarPoint - Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Professional 1969-1970 with Kemper by Yury Gibson Mania

Gibson Les Paul Professional 1969-1970 with Kemper

Yury Gibson Mania

Yury Gibson Mania

Video thumbnail for 1969/70 Gibson Les Paul Professional   SOLD 12-19-14 by The Trogly's Guitar Show

1969/70 Gibson Les Paul Professional SOLD 12-19-14

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Professional ('69-'73).

Features and functionality

  • The mini-humbuckers are described as offering clarity and tightness, sitting between humbuckers and single coils in tone—great for crunchy but not overly saturated gain.

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  • The phase toggles on some models provide additional tone shaping, making them a versatile choice for various musical styles.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replace mini-humbuckers with P90s for a different tonal character; others suggest aftermarket hot mini-humbuckers for more output.

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  • The use of Petillo Precision Frets offers more precise intonation, although some players find them to have a rigid feel.

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Build quality

  • 70s models are known to be heavy, sometimes exceeding 10 pounds, with some referring to them as "boat anchors."

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  • The guitar's rosewood over maple stinger repair by Phil J. Petillo is a unique modification, enhancing both aesthetics and historical value.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite lower output, mini-humbuckers can be effective for metal with the right amp settings or pedals, providing unique tonal clarity.

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Comparisons

  • Mini-humbuckers are noted for being clearer than full-size buckers and providing more top-end detail, which can benefit band settings.

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User experience

  • A user reported tuning stability issues with a vintage '76 model, improved slightly with a new nut and locking tuners.

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Value and pricing

  • 70s Deluxe models can range from $2K for modern versions to over $3K for vintage models, with cherry burst ‘73 or ‘74 being highly recommended.

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Other

  • It's suggested to verify authenticity if a vintage model is priced unusually low, as pre-COVID prices were significantly different.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Izzy Stradlin uses Gibson Les Paul Professional ('69-'73)

Izzy Stradlin

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

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Verified via Photo

Izzy's Gibson Les Paul Pro is catalogued as part of Hard Rock's memorabilia collection.

See how Terry Kath uses Gibson Les Paul Professional ('69-'73)

Terry Kath

Singer, Guitarist

Chicago

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Verified via The Terry Kath Experience

LIsted here as using a les paul professional, a model that never really caught on unfortunately.

See how John Reis uses Gibson Les Paul Professional ('69-'73)

John Reis

Singer, Guitarist

Drive Like Jehu

...
Verified via reverb.com

Reis' touring machine for much of Hot Snakes' recent run has been a black, late-'70s Les Paul Pro. "That one has the lipstick pickup, a Curtis Novak lipstick in the neck position, and in the bridge … I had the Gibson [P90] that was originally in it put back in the guitar. It looks a bit strange, because it had been routed out for a different pickup. So it's still the same pickup, but with a wider box around it."

The guitar has also been subject to Reis' weight-relieving process, with several chunks carved out of the body from the back. When asked if he'd considered the less hefty Gibson SG, rather than carving apart numerous vintage Les Pauls, he replies, "I've had about four SGs over the years, and I can just look at a SG and break it. [The headstock design] is like a spring, it's just really tightly wound, and it's just ready to pop at any moment."

It is also wired up with stereo outputs like the Dragon Les Paul. The guitar not only features heavily on the initial tracking of Jericho Sirens, but, Reis says, "That was the guitar that I used on the first two Hot Snakes records."

See how Bruce Gilbert uses Gibson Les Paul Professional ('69-'73)

Bruce Gilbert

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Wire

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Verified via Photo

Wire producer Mike Thorne's Stereo Society website details the recording of the band's seminal debut album, Pink Flag. He states that the group brought in their own instruments, and indicates that Gilbert was using an LP Pro. The instrument can also be clearly seen in this live televised performance from 1979.

Album Usage

The Gibson Les Paul Professional ('69-'73) 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 Professional ('69-'73), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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