• Guys, we've spent considerable money converting the Les Paul Forum to this new XenForo platform, and we have ongoing monthly operating expenses. THE "DONATIONS" TAB IS NOW WORKING, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO KEEP THE LES PAUL FORUM GOING! Thank you!

Is there a best year for the deluxe?

F

fcsnut

New member
Joined
Sep 15, 2015
Messages
248
More of a collector question I suppose, which year for the deluxe is best? I assume the older the better yes?

Thanks guys!
 
Kris Ford

Kris Ford

New member
Joined
Jan 6, 2007
Messages
4,003
What Al said, though there are also EXCELLENT examples in 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82.:biggrin:
 
marshall1987

marshall1987

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Messages
3,278
$ values for the vintage LP Deluxe are highest for the earliest model year with 1969 being the most coveted. An unmolested 1969 LP Deluxe in excellent condition with a one-piece body can be worth as much as $5,000 to $7000. By 1970 the LP Deluxe with three-piece, or "pancake" bodies were shipping and values for these guitars are substantially less than the 1969 models, perhaps $3500 to $4,000 for examples in excellent condition. LP Deluxe models from 1971 -1974 typically sell for about $2,500 on the used market in excellent condition.

Routing a vintage LP Deluxe for humbucking pickups drastically reduces its resale value.

Exemplar photo of a 1970 Les Paul Deluxe:

 
Progrocker111

Progrocker111

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2003
Messages
4,013
I have had a 73 one which sounded excellent, was lightweight and resonant. I always prefer 70-74/75 Norlin era Les Pauls, cause they are more similar in construction and specs to late 60s ones. However, i have had or played some good late 70s maple necked too, so its not a rule, that the earlier ones are always better.

You should try more pieces ideally at the same place and you will see. :) 70s and early 80s Les Pauls can be fairly inconsistent in terms of overall construction quality and tone too.
 
rockabilly69

rockabilly69

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 29, 2001
Messages
2,875
I played a Deluxe for many years, along with testing many against mine when they were new, and I agree with Prorockers opinion, 69 - 74-early75 probably had the best construction.
 
plexi69

plexi69

Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2005
Messages
178
Glad to have found this post as I was thinking of selling my '71 Deluxe. However if they only bring $2500.00, I will hang on to it. That kind of money doesn't buy very much so I am quite surprised that is only what they current market values is for one. Oh well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top