1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Sunburst, Mahogany Neck

The "single-cutaway" Les Paul STANDARD model with full-sized Humbucking pickups was absent from the Gibson Solid Body lineup for approximately 16 years before "officially" being reintroduced in 1976 with full-sized pickups and "STANDARD" branding. Before that time, beginning in 1972, the DELUXE model guitars could be "custom-ordered" with OPTIONAL full-sized Humbucking pickups, as this one was, and those guitars received a truss rod cover branded with the word "STANDARD," although this rule does not always apply. On occasion, while running my Vintage store, I also bought some examples from this era that had factory-installed large pickups, yet the Truss Rod covers were still branded "DELUXE", so interestingly, it was somewhat inconsistent and confusing, perhaps even Gibson couldn't figure out what they were doing, a situation that some feel continues today!
So in essence, the 1971-1975 Deluxe Model guitars that were built with full-sized pickups are the Standards of this period, even though they were not "officially" catalog-branded as such until 1976.
This early 1975 Les Paul was most likely built during the latter part of 1974 and represents the end of the 3-piece mahogany neck construction. Shortly after, beginning in 1975, Gibson introduced a 3-piece "maple" neck construction on many of their instruments including Les Pauls. The bodies from this generation are constructed with 4-piece laminates, and the maple tops are generally 3 seamed pieces. An exciting finish feature that I want to mention is the application of a Sunburst finish on the back, sides, and neck. Before this early 1970's period, this was not done on a production Les Paul guitar, and I thought it worthwhile to point it out.

Reportage

I have examined, tested, serviced and set-up this instrument and found it to be factory-correct and unmolested. All of the electronics, frets, nut, finish, tuners and both the plastic and chrome plated metal hardware are all correct and original to the guitar. The potentiometers are dated the 50th week of 1974, and the unopened pickups have the "embossed" patent numbers stamped into the base of each pickup as expected.
The guitar has the appearance of having been very lightly played long ago. It displays minimal and minor evidence of usage, but there is nothing to notate specifically. There are several small marks, dings, and dents globally, but there are no significant flaws or finish damage. The frets are in excellent condition, and the guitar has a wide and comfortable "C" shaped neck that feels good to me. The guitar is working well in every way. I have given it a "conservative" 9 out of 10 overall condition rating.

The CASE is correct and Original to this guitar. The Black Tolex and Purple lined models begin showing up in 1971. The case shows a little bit more cosmetic wear than the guitar but is in excellent condition with a functioning handle, latches, and hinges.
The guitar has just been set up with a set of D'addario XL 10 - 46 gauge strings.

Comments

When I began collecting guitars, my primary interest was Electric Guitars and Basses, and I focused on the earlier models from the 1950's and 60's. After my store had been up and running for a couple of years, I started to encounter and handle more Fender and Gibson instruments from the 1970's, and I began to develop an appreciation for them. After CBS eventually took over all aspects of production at Fender, ironically, Norlin did the same at Gibson at just about the same period and the instruments seemingly all changed, as many of us know, not for the better! There was an effort by these large multi-brand companies to increase profits by reducing material and labor costs as well as decreasing the production times of the instruments, and generally, the products suffered. As time went on, and through handling them, I started to like and collect the 1970's instruments. Whenever I encountered a nice example or one I deemed interesting based on features, especially clean and original specimens, I started to keep some of them. I ultimately amassed a varied collection, and this Les Paul Standard is one of those instruments.

Based on the cosmetic condition, the factory originality, the Mahogany neck construction and the sunburst body, I felt this guitar was worthy or preservation. The guitar is now 43 years old and has been safely stored since I acquired it 27 years ago. As such, it has been spared all of the "circulation" that most vintage instruments being offered online today have undergone. The vintage 1970's model instruments live in the more affordable price ranges of the Vintage guitar markets, and many are viable, usable and fun instruments to both play and collect. If you are assembling a collection and might also be into American instrument preservation, this guitar may appeal to you too. Please inquire.

Details

Serial # 520101
Nut Width:  1 22/32" (this one is just over 1 11/16")
Scale: 24.75"
Weight:  9lbs. 13.2oz.
Case: Original Black Tolex Hard Shell with Purple Interior
My "Overall Condition" Rating: 9 out of 10

Offered at: This has been SOLD
Includes domestic U.S. shipping and guitar-specialty insurance that I provide
(for International shipping options, please inquire)

I accept payment via Bank Wire Transfer or online payments via PayPal, up to $5000.00.
Any amount over that and all International purchases will need to be paid via Bank Wire.
All instruments have a 48-hour approval which does not start until the instrument arrives to you safely.
I only use New, Heavy-Duty shipping cartons and New packing materials.
I care about the instruments that I offer as most have been in my possession for 20-30 years.
I want my instruments to arrive safely, their continued preservation and Your satisfaction matter to me.