Description

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Conversion to Standard Light Tobacco Burst

Up for sale, an incredible 1973 Les Paul Deluxe that has been professionally converted from its original mini-humbucker routing to full PAF-spec humbuckers. In Players Grade, Very Good condition for its age, finished in a beautiful Light Tobacco Burst. Absolutely No Cracks, no issues whatsoever

9.8 Lbs, just about right from the era. 1973 sits right at a turning point for the Les Paul. Gibson hadn’t yet returned to selling Les Pauls with full-size PAF-style humbuckers as a catalog option (that only happened on special order) and the Deluxe, fitted with mini humbuckers, was the standard production model of the day. These early-70s Les Pauls were long overlooked, but they’ve been steadily climbing in collector and player interest, and they’re widely considered the next tier of vintage Gibsons due for a real jump in value. A clean, well-made conversion like this one is a rare way into that market.

The conversion itself is great: the mini-humbucker cavities have been routed to full PAF size, and the job is clean and well executed. In their place sits a custom-ordered, hand-wound in LA pickup set: a Valentina (7.5k) in the neck and a Slow Burn (10.2k) in the bridge, together representing over $500 in pickups alone. All other hardware and wiring is original to the guitar, with the sole exceptions being the re-route and a set of upgraded Grover tuners.

The serial number is clearly visible (179XXX) and all four pots are date-stamped ’73. Construction is typical of the era, with a 3-piece mahogany neck carrying a slightly pronounced volute and a 3-piece “pancake” body. The bridge, knobs, and pickup rings are all original; there is no pickguard. The truss rod cavity is flawless and the truss rod works smoothly in both directions. The original frets are in very good shape with plenty of life left.

Overall condition is Very Good for its age (no Cracks), consistent with an honestly played-in early-70s Les Paul. It comes with the original black Tolex hardshell case, also in very good shape, with all latches working and complete with some vintage stickers and an old band’s stencil from its earlier life on the road.

This is a rare opportunity to own a well-preserved, tastefully upgraded piece of early-70s Gibson history for the right player.

It ships out professionally packed and fully insured to Continental US and select International destinations.