1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
Among the "new" models from the 1968 re-launch of the Les Paul, the Deluxe featured "mini-humbuckers", also known as "New York" humbuckers, which fit into the pre-carved P-90 pickup cavity using an adaptor ring developed by Gibson in order to use a surplus supply of Epiphone mini-humbuckers.
The first incarnation featured a one-piece mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck. In 1969 Gibson began using a multipiece "pancake" body (a thin layer of maple on top of two layers of Honduran mahogany) and by late 1969 added a reinforcing neck volute like most of their guitars from the era. By 1975, the neck construction had changed from mahogany to maple and the volute increased in size. These specs continued until the early 1980s, when the neck construction was returned to mahogany. The body changed back to solid mahogany from the pancake design in late 1976 or early 1977.
The Deluxe was offered in ebony, cherry sunburst, tobacco sunburst or the more common "Gold Top" reminiscent of the first Les Paul guitars. The first production of the Deluxe was discontinued in 1985, and as with most vintage instruments, the earlier models continue to be the most desired.
This example is a beautifully presented Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from 1971 featuring sought after gold finish, twin mini humbuckers, independent tone and volume controls, tuneomatic/stoptail, 3 way switch, 'pancake' 2 piece mahogany body, 3 piece neck with large headstock and small volute, and retrofitted with Schaller tuners (originals are still with the guitar and included in the sale). Condition is very good overall with minimal playwear aside from some buckle rash on the rear and some minor 'greening' to the edge of the guitar, the previous tuner holes have been filled and there is some glue residue evident on the rear of the headstock. The neck is break/repair free and the guitar is in perfect functional condition.