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Recent 70s Deluxe "reissues" - got one?

LeonC

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Aug 30, 2002
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799
Haven't seen any discussion of these guitars here, though I've seen a few reviews online, which left a very positive impression. My understanding is that Gibson didn't adhere to the original specs, but essentially took the mini-himbuckers and housed them in a "classic featured" style LP. E.g., no volute, one piece neck w/ round 50s sort of carve, one piece mahogany back, maple cap, non-weight-relieved. Seems like a good idea on paper.

What about the locking bridge? I didn't like the aftearmarket locking bridge I tried a number of years ago... How's the finish, fretwork and overall quality of yours?

 
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Cordelf1960

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Feb 9, 2023
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1
Terraria: Haven't seen any discussion of these guitars here, though I've seen a few reviews online, which left a very positive impression. My understanding is that Gibson didn't adhere to the original specs, but essentially took the mini-himbuckers and housed them in a "classic featured" style LP. E.g., no volute, one piece neck w/ round 50s sort of carve, one piece mahogany back, maple cap, non-weight-relieved. Seems like a good idea on paper. What about the locking bridge? I didn't like the aftearmarket locking bridge I tried a number of years ago... How's the finish, fretwork and overall quality of yours?
In the 1970s, I owned one of these. What a monster of a guitar!
 

Grog

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Apr 7, 2012
Messages
562
I’ve owned this ‘69 Deluxe for just under 50 years. Never tried one of the newer reissues. Lester himself dug the tone of the Deluxe…..

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LeonC

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Aug 30, 2002
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799
I got my first guitar in my 2nd year in college, in '72. One of my dorm buddies who I often played with back then had one just like yours. I always loved getting to play it.

Well, I just bought one of the reissues (made in 2021), used. I'm a little concerned about locking Nashville style bridge; but there are few good alternatives if I'm unhappy with that. I'll report back after I've had it for a little bit. I'm really a little disappointed that there's been so little experience or apparent interest in these. I suspect it's because there are few examples of well-known guitarists who used them.
 

LeonC

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Aug 30, 2002
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799
Barry Bailey of the Atlanta Rhythm Section comes to mind along with Jeff Carlisi from .38 Special.

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More on the connection, HERE.

Bob
Yup, Barry is the guy that comes to mind. Funny, when I first heard the Allman Brothers Live at the Filmore record, I assumed one of them (turned out to be Dickie) was using a Deluxe based on his tone. Of course, after seeing some photos, I came to realize that that was not the case...but there just aren't many examples of "big name" players using Deluxes.

Didn't know that Carlisi used one...Seems like I used to see him with an Explorer...
 

Bob Womack

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Apr 8, 2002
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2,191
Yup, Barry is the guy that comes to mind. Funny, when I first heard the Allman Brothers Live at the Filmore record, I assumed one of them (turned out to be Dickie) was using a Deluxe based on his tone. Of course, after seeing some photos, I came to realize that that was not the case...but there just aren't many examples of "big name" players using Deluxes.
Would that have been Dickey with his SG?

Didn't know that Carlisi used one...Seems like I used to see him with an Explorer...
The article covers that. He used an Explorer copy for touring and the Deluxe several times in the studio.

Bob
 

LeonC

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Yup, I've read in a number of places that Dickie was using the SG on the Live at the Filmore recording.
 

Minibucker

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Jan 12, 2003
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6,372
Yes from what I can tell they are the same as the P90'd USA 50's Standards but just fitted with mini-humbuckers. Not a bad thing, as I would take a lot of these Standard specs over the actual 70's appointments, headstock shapes etc. But juts not exactly 'faithful' to the Deluxes.

I had one of the ones made in the late 2000's that was chambered, and I actually went the reverse and installed P90's making out more of a '56.

Here is a Wildwood listing for a P90 50's Standard...

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....and a Deluxe.....

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LeonC

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Aug 30, 2002
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799
Well, they're not exactly the same. These more recent Les Paul 70s Deluxes have Nashville type bridges.

The Custom Shop made a run, around 2010, where they appeared to be the same as the 56 Standards, i.e., with the ABR bridges and 50s wiring.
 

Gridlock

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Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
287
I had the a 2021 Deluxe. I loved the guitar overall. Nice big neck (I prefer) and beautiful finish. Sold because I don’t care for mini humbuckers or P90’s.

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thinlizzy1

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Aug 1, 2004
Messages
171
I got all of my first came out. I pre-ordered it 2021. I wanted one just like my favorite guitars Scott Gorham
 

1978Deluxe

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Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
47
The "vintage" deluxes went through many construction changes from 1969-1980s. I believe the originals were solid mahogany bodies, mahogany neck and the smaller headstock with no volute, and solid color on the back. These 70s reissues are closer to those models minus the double ring tuners and a nashville bridge rather than an abr-1. I also got one because of the Scott Gorham connection. I removed the pickguard and changed the bridge to an abr-1 from Philadelphia Luthier with their conversion posts. I'm quite happy with mine...but it's not a sweet sounding as my '74.

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Gridlock

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May 16, 2019
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287
I have an original 1973 Goldie. Pancake one piece body.
Looks 50 years old, that's why I got it.

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My ‘72 Deluxe.

This is my 3rd Deluxe and my only vintage one. I do like the original mini’s on this guitar.

The only thing that I’m having trouble getting used to the thinner neck on this guitar.

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