{"product_id":"1981-gibson-les-paul-deluxe-goldtop-all-original-vintage-usa-original-case","title":"✨1981✨ Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop All Original Vintage USA + Original Case","description":"\u003cp\u003e✨ \u003cb\u003e1981 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop – All Original – Original Hard Case \u003c\/b\u003e✨\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✨ \u003cb\u003e£3,995.00 WEBSITE PRICE~ HAND DELIVERY (MAINLAND UK FREE) \u003c\/b\u003e✨\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA genuinely special vintage Gibson and one of the standout guitars currently available at Chordplay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, it plays beautifully and sounds superb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Les Paul Deluxe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Les Paul Deluxe has its own distinct place in Gibson history, thanks largely to its unmistakable mini-humbuckers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example retains its original pickups, giving it the articulate, punchy Deluxe tone these guitars are known for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is classic vintage Gibson territory, with warmth, sustain, clarity and plenty of character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginality\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strongest points of this guitar is how much of it remains original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIt retains:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Original mini-humbucker pickups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Original tuners\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Original frets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Original fret-edge binding nibs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Original bridge and hardware\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Original control layout\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Original Gibson hard case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no known neck breaks or structural repairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a 1981 Gibson, that level of originality is a major part of the appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal Frets \u0026amp; Fret Nibs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guitar still retains its original frets and original Gibson fret-edge binding nibs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you would expect on a guitar of this age, the frets have become fairly flat through use and show visible wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, there is still plenty of usable life left in them and, importantly, the guitar currently plays very well with no playability issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have photographed the fret condition closely so prospective buyers can judge it accurately for themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is in excellent vintage condition for a 1981 guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe back shows some buckle rash and surface wear, but again nothing that feels excessive for a guitar approaching 45 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are also small marks around the edges and headstock, with general age-related wear to the hardware and plastics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no known structural damage and no neck repair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNeck\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eFinish\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear of the neck now has a noticeably smoother, more matte appearance than the glossier areas of the guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven its age, this may simply be the result of decades of natural playing wear and the finish gradually softening through use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than speculate about exactly how it left the factory, we have photographed the neck closely so buyers can see its present condition clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Goldtop Finish\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where the guitar really comes alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have taken a large number of detailed photographs showing the finish checking, body wear, neck, frets, headstock, hardware and case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdditional photographs are available on our website.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal Gibson Hard Case\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guitar is supplied with its original Gibson hard case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case has absolutely seen better days, but importantly it has stayed with the guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is heavy wear around the exterior, including fraying, edge damage, scratches and general deterioration from decades of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd, for reasons known only to a previous owner, somebody has also spray-painted “I LOVE YOU” across the back of it in gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe could try to make that sound glamorous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe won’t.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s there, it’s part of the guitar’s history, and we’ve photographed it clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior retains its classic red lining and the case continues to serve its purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecification\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Model: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Year: 1981\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Finish: Goldtop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Body: Mahogany with carved maple top\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Neck: Mahogany\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Fingerboard: Rosewood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Fingerboard Inlays: Trapezoid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Frets: Original\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Fret Nibs: Original\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Pickups: Original Gibson Mini-Humbuckers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Controls: 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Pickup Selector: 3-Way Toggle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Bridge: Tune-O-Matic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Tailpiece: Stopbar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Tuners: Original Gibson Tuners\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Hardware: Chrome\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Case: Original Gibson Hard Case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDelivery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of the value and vintage nature of this instrument, we are offering complimentary hand delivery anywhere in mainland UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would much rather personally ensure a guitar of this calibre reaches its new owner safely than entrust it to a standard parcel network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection from our Darwen showroom is also very welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Buy From Chordplay Guitars?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Independent UK guitar specialist based in Darwen, Lancashire\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Over 200 new and used guitars in stock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Open 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Part exchange and trade-ins always welcome\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• £50 deposit secures any guitar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• International shipping available by arrangement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Visit our website to view the complete set of detailed photographs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInternational Buyers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe recommend checking any applicable import charges before purchasing.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chordplay Guitars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55009807794518,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/4144\/2390\/files\/95C41F4F-B5C7-44D6-8183-1F3DE5150BAD.jpg?v=1786928960","url":"https:\/\/www.chordplay.co.uk\/products\/1981-gibson-les-paul-deluxe-goldtop-all-original-vintage-usa-original-case","provider":"Chordplay Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}