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Average Price: $950

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Description

In the early '80s, Gibson introduced a guitar that would capture the essence of raw rock and roll while offering a touch of sophistication: the Gibson The Paul Firebrand Deluxe. This solid body electric guitar takes the beloved "The Paul" model to new heights, boasting a mahogany body that delivers rich, resonant tones. The ebony fretboard adds a touch of class and exceptional playability, making it a favorite among guitarists who crave both style and substance.

The Paul Firebrand Deluxe is equipped with open coil humbuckers, delivering a powerful, punchy sound that can cut through any mix. Its sleek black headstock face adds a hint of elegance, setting it apart from its predecessors. Whether you're riffing through classic rock anthems or crafting new sonic landscapes, this guitar provides the versatility and reliability needed for any performance.

Ideal for musicians who appreciate vintage charm with modern capabilities, the Paul Firebrand Deluxe is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history reimagined for today's player.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
  • Ebony fretboard for smooth playability
  • Open coil humbuckers for powerful sound
  • Black headstock face for a distinctive look
  • Classic control layout for intuitive use

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe
Finish Ebony, Emerald Green, Ferrari Red, Goldburst, Natural Mahogany, Pelham Blue, Silver
Year 1980 - 1982
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, Green, Red, Silver
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Firebrand "The Paul"
Model Sub-Family Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Firebrand

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe?

The Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable and familiar feel, often described as a slim taper profile, ideal for fast playing and easy access to higher frets.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe?

The Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a warm, full-bodied tone with excellent sustain, making it versatile for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

Is the Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe is a high-quality instrument, its features like the mahogany body and set-neck construction may be more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players seeking a classic Gibson tone and feel.

What are the finish options available for the Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe?

The Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe was offered in several finishes, including Ebony, Emerald Green, Ferrari Red, Goldburst, Natural Mahogany, Pelham Blue, and Silver, providing a variety of aesthetic choices for different preferences.

How does the Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe compare to other Les Paul models?

The Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe offers a unique combination of a mahogany body and set-neck, with a simpler aesthetic and lighter weight compared to other Les Paul models, maintaining the classic Gibson sound with a slightly more streamlined design.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Trogly's Guitars: 1980 Gibson Les Paul "The Paul" Firebrand

Video thumbnail for Trogly's Guitars: 1980 Gibson Les Paul "The Paul" Firebrand by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Trogly's Guitars: 1980 Gibson Les Paul "The Paul" Firebrand

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Vintage appeal with a cult following, feels soulful and unique

  • Affordable entry into vintage Gibson Les Paul market

  • Exceptional craftsmanship with long-lasting durability

  • Original Tim Shaw PAF and T-top pickups offer warm, clear tones

  • Versatile sound range for rock, punk, metal, jazz, and more

  • Lightweight mahogany body offers comfortable play similar to an SG

  • Ebony fretboard praised for smooth playability

  • Offers great value compared to high-end reissues

CONS

  • Risk of non-original parts affecting performance and authenticity

  • Potential for over-hype and inflated pricing due to collectability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe (1980-1982).

Features and functionality

  • The guitar was originally aimed to be a budget-friendly Les Paul with features like an Ebony fretboard, similar to the Les Paul Studio.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Paul was phased out in favor of the Les Paul Studio, which targeted the budget market with improved tonal features but less flashy finishes.

    Source
  • The finish on some models is described as rare or limited, indicating potential collector value or uniqueness.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some models feature a harmonica bridge, often made by Schaller in Germany, which some owners find effective despite its bulkier design compared to a Tune-o-Matic.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report cracks in the headstock as a known issue, but repairs are often successful, and the guitars remain playable and enjoyable.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used models typically sell for $600-$1100 depending on year and condition, suggesting a stable market value.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Ed Rodríguez uses Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe (1980-1982)

Ed Rodríguez

Guitarist

Deerhoof

...
Verified via YouTube

at minute eleven Ed is showing this guitar, but it is not in blue color

See how Mike Scott uses Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe (1980-1982)

Mike Scott

Guitarist

The Waterboys

...
Verified via YouTube

The video is from 2013, but I just saw the Waterboys at the end of October 2019 in Vancouver, BC at the Commodore Ballroom. Mike was swapping between two electrics....the '79 walnut The Paul, and this mahogany Pelham Blue The Paul Firebrand Deluxe. He seems to have been playing both of them for many years. In the video link, you can see this guitar at 15:45 as he plays Glastonbury song. You can find quite a few more examples throughout youtube.

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 Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe (1980-1982), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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