Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Cherry (1974)
Vintage
Condition aside, this is just a lovely playing and sounding example of an early/mid 70s Les Paul, bucking the predisposition that Norlin-era Gibsons aren't worthy of consideration.
Why We Love This
Clean machine!This 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in its original Cherry finish is about an hour of play time removed from being New Old Stock!
Certainly one of the cleanest examples of any Les Paul model we've come across, this Deluxe shows off a lovely washed Cherry finish reminiscent of George Harrison's "Lucy", the fabled Les Paul he received from Eric Clapton back in 1968.
The factory Patent # mini humbuckers are an excellent tonal sidestep from the traditional humbucker voice, tightening up the midrange and top end with a leaner bass response and an overall focused and brighter sound. This is the ultimate Les Paul model for the Telecaster fan - it really excels with clean tones and offers a no-hum option with a bit more heft. Middle position with both pickups engaged is just perfect for those R&B, Soul, Funk, and Blues numbers!
Gained up, it's got all that nice clarity and focus with a bit of sizzle - think P90 raspiness with tighter bass and a touch more fundamental power.
The neck is superb as well! Starting at a Medium C profile, it tapers up to more of a late 50s carve at the 12th fret; a less common but welcomed profile for this era.
Plastics, hardware, finish - it's all in fantastic condition! Coupled with an equally clean and original Gibson rectangular hardshell case, it's the total package.
| Style | Solidbody |
| Body | Mahogany with Maple cap |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | Cherry |
| Pickups | Original Pat. # Mini Humbuckers |
| Electronics | Original CTS pots (1st week of 1974) |
| Controls | Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / 3-Way Switch |
| Bridge | Original ABR-1 & Stopbar |
| Tuners | Original 'Gibson' Klusons |
| Pickguard | Original |
| Knobs | Original |
| Neck | 3-Piece Mahogany |
| Binding | Yes |
| Carve | Medium C .83-1.00" |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Radius | 12" |
| Inlays | Trapezoid |
| Frets | Original Medium Jumbo |
| Nut | Original |
| Scale Length | 24 3/4" |
| Condition | Excellent+ | Almost under-the-bed condition with light buckle rash on the back |
| Serial # | 188994 |
| Weight | 9lbs 12oz |
| Case | Original Gibson rectangle hardshell |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.