1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Gold Top in Hillsborough, New Hampshire

1969 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top in Hillsborough, New Hampshire

Last weekend I had the pleasure of driving up to Hillsborough, New Hampshire to buy this incredible 1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe from the family of the owner since the 1970s! I am thrilled to have this example, it is fairly light for a Les Paul at 8 lbs 15 oz and a joy to play. Have a vintage Les Paul you are looking to sell? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Gibson Les Paul History

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe was introduced in 1968, and is technically the first reissue of the Les Paul. The Les Paul went through many versions before then. Here is a brief timeline.

History of the Gibson Les Paul Model:

1952 - Gibson Les Paul Model introduced with gold finish, trapeze tailpiece with wrap under strings, no serial numbers.

1953 - Serial numbers started, wrap tailpiece introduced, strings wrapped over bridge.

1954 - ABR-1 Introduced with along with the Les Paul Custom 

1956 - ABR-1 introduced for Les Paul Model.

1957 - Pickups changed from P-90s to Patent Applied For humbuckers on the Les Paul Model and the Les Paul Custom.

1959 - Sunburst finish introduced

1961 - Typical Les Paul shape discontinued, Les Paul/SG body shape introduced.

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe History and Introduction:

In 1968 the Les Paul was reintroduced, here is a summary of the timeline:

1968 - Les Paul Goldtop reintroduced as Les Paul Model with P-90 Pickups, Les Paul Deluxe introduced with mini humbuckers designed to fit in P-90 routes. Neither had volute or made in USA stamp.

1969 - Small volute added and pancake body added late in the year.

1970 - Made in USA stamp started, located on back of headstock underneath serial number.

1971 - Cherry sunburst finish introduced

1972 - Tobacco sunburst finish introduced

1975 - Wine red, natural, sparkle finishes introduced

1985 - Les Paul Deluxe is discontinued

Slab Body Versus Pancake Body

The slab body is the body style seen on the 1950s and 1960 Les Pauls, and the most desirable to collectors. In 1968 when the Les Paul was reintroduced the slab body was used, until mid 1969 when Gibson switched to the pancake body. The pancake body style is two thinner pieces of mahogany sandwiched with a thin piece of maple in the middle. This example features the earlier slab body style. 

What is a Volute?

In late 1969 Gibson added a volute to their guitars. The volute is an extra ridge of wood on the back of the headstock to help reinforce it. Gibsons made before mid 1969 like this Les Paul Deluxe do not have them.

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Buyer

I am always looking to buy nice examples of the Les Paul Deluxe made between 1968 and 1975. Have one you are looking to sell, or just wondering what my Les Paul is worth? Contact me.