✨1981✨ Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop All Original Vintage USA + Original Case

✨ 1981 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop – All Original – Original Hard Case ✨

 

✨ £3,995.00 WEBSITE PRICE~ HAND DELIVERY (MAINLAND UK FREE) ✨

 

A genuinely special vintage Gibson and one of the standout guitars currently available at Chordplay.

 

This is a 1981 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop, retaining its original pickups, tuners, frets and fret-edge binding nibs, and supplied with its original Gibson hard case.

 

Now approaching 45 years old, this is a beautifully preserved vintage Les Paul that has aged exactly as you would hope. It absolutely shows its age, with natural finish checking, a number of small dings and marks, light buckle wear and general signs of use, but overall the guitar remains in excellent condition for its age and presents extremely well.

 

The Goldtop itself is particularly attractive. The finish has developed plenty of natural checking over the years, but it still retains a lovely depth and sheen, and the checking gives it exactly the sort of authentic vintage character that only time can create.

 

Most importantly, it plays beautifully and sounds superb.

 

The Les Paul Deluxe

 

The Les Paul Deluxe has its own distinct place in Gibson history, thanks largely to its unmistakable mini-humbuckers.

 

Compared with a full-sized humbucker, the mini-humbuckers offer a little more clarity, definition and bite while still retaining the warmth and sustain you expect from a Les Paul.

 

This example retains its original pickups, giving it the articulate, punchy Deluxe tone these guitars are known for.

 

It is classic vintage Gibson territory, with warmth, sustain, clarity and plenty of character.

 

Originality

 

One of the strongest points of this guitar is how much of it remains original.

 

It retains:

 

* Original mini-humbucker pickups

* Original tuners

* Original frets

* Original fret-edge binding nibs

* Original bridge and hardware

* Original control layout

* Original Gibson hard case

 

There are no known neck breaks or structural repairs.

 

For a 1981 Gibson, that level of originality is a major part of the appeal.

 

Original Frets & Fret Nibs

 

The guitar still retains its original frets and original Gibson fret-edge binding nibs.

 

As you would expect on a guitar of this age, the frets have become fairly flat through use and show visible wear.

 

That said, there is still plenty of usable life left in them and, importantly, the guitar currently plays very well with no playability issues.

 

We have photographed the fret condition closely so prospective buyers can judge it accurately for themselves.

 

Condition

 

Overall, this is in excellent vintage condition for a 1981 guitar.

 

The Goldtop finish remains very attractive and has developed extensive natural checking over the years. There are also various small dings, knocks, scratches and marks around the body, all consistent with age and normal use.

 

The back shows some buckle rash and surface wear, but again nothing that feels excessive for a guitar approaching 45 years old.

 

There are also small marks around the edges and headstock, with general age-related wear to the hardware and plastics.

 

There is no known structural damage and no neck repair.

 

Neck Finish

 

The rear of the neck now has a noticeably smoother, more matte appearance than the glossier areas of the guitar.

 

Given its age, this may simply be the result of decades of natural playing wear and the finish gradually softening through use.

 

Rather than speculate about exactly how it left the factory, we have photographed the neck closely so buyers can see its present condition clearly.

 

The Goldtop Finish

 

This is where the guitar really comes alive.

 

The Goldtop has aged beautifully and still presents very well, with the natural checking adding genuine vintage character rather than making the guitar look overly worn.

 

There are some small dings and marks visible when examined closely, but overall the top remains very attractive and the finish still has plenty of depth.

 

The binding has naturally aged, the hardware has softened with time, and everything works together to give the guitar the unmistakable look of an original early-80s Les Paul.

 

Nothing here feels artificially distressed or overly battered. It simply looks like a vintage Gibson that has been played, cared for and allowed to age naturally.

 

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

 

We have taken a large number of detailed photographs showing the finish checking, body wear, neck, frets, headstock, hardware and case.

 

Additional photographs are available on our website.

 

Original Gibson Hard Case

 

The guitar is supplied with its original Gibson hard case.

 

The case has absolutely seen better days, but importantly it has stayed with the guitar.

 

There is heavy wear around the exterior, including fraying, edge damage, scratches and general deterioration from decades of use.

 

And, for reasons known only to a previous owner, somebody has also spray-painted “I LOVE YOU” across the back of it in gold.

 

We could try to make that sound glamorous.

 

We won’t.

 

It’s there, it’s part of the guitar’s history, and we’ve photographed it clearly.

 

The interior retains its classic red lining and the case continues to serve its purpose.

 

Specification

 

* Model: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

* Year: 1981

* Finish: Goldtop

* Body: Mahogany with carved maple top

* Neck: Mahogany

* Fingerboard: Rosewood

* Fingerboard Inlays: Trapezoid

* Frets: Original

* Fret Nibs: Original

* Pickups: Original Gibson Mini-Humbuckers

* Controls: 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone

* Pickup Selector: 3-Way Toggle

* Bridge: Tune-O-Matic

* Tailpiece: Stopbar

* Tuners: Original Gibson Tuners

* Hardware: Chrome

* Case: Original Gibson Hard Case

 

Delivery

 

Because of the value and vintage nature of this instrument, we are offering complimentary hand delivery anywhere in mainland UK.

 

We would much rather personally ensure a guitar of this calibre reaches its new owner safely than entrust it to a standard parcel network.

 

Collection from our Darwen showroom is also very welcome.

 

Why Buy From Chordplay Guitars?

 

• Independent UK guitar specialist based in Darwen, Lancashire

• Over 200 new and used guitars in stock

• Open 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays

• Part exchange and trade-ins always welcome

• £50 deposit secures any guitar

• International shipping available by arrangement

• Visit our website to view the complete set of detailed photographs

 

International Buyers

 

We are happy to consider international shipping for this guitar, but please contact us before purchasing so that we can discuss the safest and most appropriate shipping arrangements.

 

Please note that all import duties, customs charges, local taxes and any associated fees are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges are determined by the destination country and are not included within our advertised price or shipping cost.

 

We recommend checking any applicable import charges before purchasing.