Need a little help with this one

[maldred]

I usually just lurk on the forum trying to learn. I don't post a lot, because I don't know a lot. Hoping someone with more knowledge than me (which is probably most of you) can help me identify this guitar. It is a gold top deluxe with no volute, no made in usa and the serial number #891541 appears to be 1968. I was under the impression that the Deluxe didn't appear until 1969. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[charliechitlins]

Not an expert but, the Deluxe started in '68.
They had no volute, but I didn't think they had the "pancake" body with the maple sandwich.
Surely an expert will chime in.

 

[maldred]

thanks! at least that's a start.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Can you find a pot where you can see the date code? 7 digit number starting with 137. The first 2 digits after the 7 are the year and the last 2 digits are the week of the year. Date the guitar anywhere from a couple months up to a year after the pot code date. I am guessing mid 69 early 70.

 

[metropolis]

According to http://www.latesixtieslespauls.com/later.asp this seems right for the serial number range - they'd introduce the pancake bodies but the volute appeared very slightly later. Lots of great info on that site so do some digging.

 

[S. Weiger]

No volute, no made in usa stamp, Big headstock, minihum's, pancake body = mid to late 1969.

 

[imoemon]

No volute. No Made in USA Stamp.
It's '69 Les Paul Deluxe.

 

[Grog]

Mine is a mid 1969, with a one piece body. Similar to yours…….

 

[maldred]

Thanks All!! Appreciate the info.

 

[TImk1964]

I have an early '68. Yours not a '68. Most likely as said already, a '69. Your headstock is the bigger one and the Gibson logo has no dot in the i. The '68 was a one piece mahogany, small '50s head stock with open b and o and the i dotted..

 

[maldred]

I have an early '68. Yours not a '68. Most likely as said already, a '69. Your headstock is the bigger one and the Gibson logo has no dot in the i. The '68 was a one piece mahogany, small '50s head stock with open b and o and the i dotted..

thanks. after all of the responses, i also believe it to be a Dec 1969.

 

[TImk1964]

thanks. after all of the responses, i also believe it to be a Dec 1969.

Here's some pics of my '68. It is actually been converted to a '57, as it as it has a pair of real pre-sticker PAFs in it and the pots and caps are from a '58. As you can see, it has a smaller head stock and the logo is different. You have a fine guitar worth some good money! I hope you enjoy it! I LOVE mine and will never sell it!!!

 

[Bruce R]

Here's some pics of my '68. It is actually been converted to a '57, as it as it has a pair of real pre-sticker PAFs in it and the pots and caps are from a '58. As you can see, it has a smaller head stock and the logo is different. You have a fine guitar worth some good money! I hope you enjoy it! I LOVE mine and will never sell it!!!

I converted a '68, below, to humbuckings when I owned it in the late 70's. I loved it but the weight was just too much.

 

[TImk1964]

That was a beautiful guitar!

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

I converted a '68, below, to humbuckings when I owned it in the late 70's. I loved it but the weight was just too much.

Nice guitars. Did you keep the strats?

 

[Bruce R]

... Did you keep the strats?..

Painful subject. The '63 was in brand new condition ( the photo was taken in '76 +/-) so I was too scared to play it! I was soon offered a good price for it and sold it. The '55 was stolen while I was on the road in 1982, and it just killed me. It was an amazing guitar and I swore I'd never buy another vintage instrument again. It was just an "old, used Fender" when in bought it in '72 and I preffered the "old ones" back then! Prices quickly escalated and forced me out of the market anyway. Good times, eh.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

My gosh. That is painful. What did you end up playing over the years after?

 

[Jethro Rocker]

I usually just lurk on the forum trying to learn. I don't post a lot, because I don't know a lot. Hoping someone with more knowledge than me (which is probably most of you) can help me identify this guitar. It is a gold top deluxe with no volute, no made in usa and the serial number #891541 appears to be 1968. I was under the impression that the Deluxe didn't appear until 1969. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is this your guitar? Beautiful find.

 

[Bruce R]

My gosh. That is painful. What did you end up playing over the years after?

The following year, 1984, my wife surprised me and bought me a new (1983) Strat for my birthday. It was decent enough, so I used it for years. The body was kinda dead, smothered in a thick poly finish, so I bought a newer, nitro finished one a few years ago.