Early 1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with small volute - pretty rare for a Deluxe…

An often overlooked classic from the cusp of a difficult period for Gibson, the Les Paul Deluxe’s combination of mahogany body and twin mini humbuckers augmented the sonic palette of this classic instrument becoming the touchstone for 70’s tones of bands such as The Who and Thin Lizzy.

It's not often that these guitars escape some sort of modification or another as misguided owners try to ‘upgrade’ them. This example just oozes mojo. The sunburst looks great but it has been refinished as it would have originally been gold. It does seem that the body has been over sprayed at some stage. Apart from that there is very little wear to the top. The back of the 2 piece ‘pancake’ body shows some sign of use with some buckle rash evident.

The three piece mahogany neck (soon to be changed to maple in 1975) shows very little signs of wear. As with the body it has crazed. The fretboard is in great shape as are the frets with plenty of life left  in them.

The headstock, in the same way as the body, has a few marks. Interestingly a good indicator of the guitar's age is the fact that the gibson logo doesn't have a dot over the i which dates this guitar as an early 1970. The dot was reintroduced in late 1970 having been absent since late 1968.

Electronically the pots have been changed but it still has a pair of Sprague ‘Black Beauty’ capacitors. The pickups are correct, the jack plate has been changed for a metal one.

The guitar comes with a hardshell case.

The unamplified tone has plenty of sustain, as you’d expect from a good Gibson. The mini humbuckers bring a brightness without being as muddy as could be the case with full size humbuckers of the same period.

A stunning guitar that looks and sounds the part. Grab it before it get away…