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Gibson Les Paul Standard, Tobacco Sunburst (1973)

LP-Style · Vintage

Currently unavailable
DOCUMENTED HONESTLYEvery repair, every change
VETTED ON THE BENCHBefore it's listed
SINCE 1968Still independent
The Les Paul Standard as we know it (Mahogany, Maple, twin HBs) officially made its reintroduction into the "Norlin Era" of Gibson in 1974. While they don't quite capture the original vibe of 50s LPs, examples like this remain as outstanding alternatives at literal fractions of the cost of their late 50s brethren.

The biggest surprise is that this guitar actually predates production Standards! It's a late 1973 build, custom ordered as part of a batch of approximately 25 LPs to receive factory humbuckers. The original pair of Patent # humbuckers sound absolutely fabulous - bright and punchy with great clarity and muscle. The C carve neck starts out slim and tapers into more of a '59 depth, which seems to align with other '74 Standards we've had here in the shop.

There are a few changes to point out that keep it from being 100% original - replaced tuners (once Grover'ed and now reverted back to Klusons), replaced pickguard, and evidence that the original covers were once removed. One of the pots dates to 1966, the input jack was replaced, and the bridge was replaced at one time. It was refretted some time ago as well, but is set up very nicely and plays great!

Paired with a vintage LP hardshell case.
Condition: Vintage. Fully inspected and set up by TME staff before it ships or leaves the showroom.
Style Solidbody
Body Pancake Mahogany w/ Maple top
Color Tobacco Sunburst
Pickups Original Pat # Humbuckers | 7.23k neck / 7.59k bridge
Electronics Original CTS | 137 7251 codes (51st week of 1972) and one from 1966
Controls Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / 3-way Toggle switch
Bridge Gibson ABR-1 w/ Stopbar
Tuners Gibson/Kluson
Pickguard Cream
Knobs Original Reflector
Neck 3-Piece Mahogany
Binding White
Carve Slim/Medium C | .77" @ 1st / .95" @ 12th
Fingerboard Rosewood
Radius 12"
Inlays Trapezoid
Frets Medium Jumbo (Refret)
Nut Synthetic (Replacement)
Scale Length 24 3/4"
Serial # 121281
Weight 10lbs 4oz
Case HSC

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.

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Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they'll play beautifully for decades to come.
Gibson Les Paul Standard, Tobacco Sunburst (1973)
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Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

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