Gibson 1969 Les Paul Deluxe Gold Top - Pre-Loved

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1969), 4kgs, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 850188 Gold lacquer top, natural back and sides finish, mahogany body with maple cap, laminated Honduran mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

This instrument is an early production “Deluxe” model Les Paul. Gibson introduced the Les Paul Deluxe, featuring mini humbucking pickups, in 1968. This particular example was manufactured in early 1969.

The late 1960s are widely regarded as the final years of Gibson’s most respected production era, preceding the cost-cutting and structural changes implemented during the Norlin ownership period. This guitar predates those less desirable modifications, many of which were introduced shortly thereafter.

Notably, this example retains the increasingly scarce Honduran mahogany body with carved maple cap. It is fitted with a three-piece mahogany neck and was produced prior to the addition of the neck volute and the “Made in USA” stamp on the rear of the headstock.

The original gold finish has aged gracefully, developing an attractive patina that enhances the instrument’s visual appeal and vintage character.

All electronics, pickups, tuners, finish, and both the plastic and chrome-plated metal hardware are correct and original to the guitar. The Gibson-branded ABR-1 bridge with nylon saddles has been replaced; the original bridge, which had collapsed, is included in the case.

The frets are 100% after being expertly refretted by renowned Australian luthier Chris Melville.

The guitar shows typical but very minor wear overall. The back of the body exhibits a few small impressions and light wear marks; however, these are minimal and do not detract from the impressive overall appearance of this vintage Goldtop.

There is also a small area of minor finish ('belt buckle') wear on the back of the body,   slightly larger than a 5 cent piece.

Les Paul Deluxes from the 1970s remain relatively common instruments, with many thousands produced. By contrast, this very early example is notably rare: only 2,751 Goldtops were shipped in 1969, and it is likely that more than half of those were earlier P-90–equipped Standards. By the end of that year, the one-piece body had been discontinued and Gibson’s attention to detail began a steady decline.

Equipped with two powerful mini-humbuckers, this guitar delivers a distinctive voice—brighter and more articulate than Les Pauls fitted with full-size humbuckers. As Les Paul Deluxes go, we can confidently say this is the finest example we have encountered, and a truly compelling piece of Gibson history.

Weighs 4kgs

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