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GIBSON | SOLID BODY | LES PAUL | LES PAUL DELUXE

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Les Paul equipped with dual mini-humbuckers

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe first debuted in 1969/70; they first appear in the Gibson price list of September '69, though shipping figures show none shipped until 1970. Two years earlier, Gibson had relaunched the Les Paul Standard and Custom. Where the (reissued 60s) Standard had two cream-covered single-coil P90s, the Deluxe came equipped with two cream-surrounded mini-humbuckers. Structurally they were the same though: a mahogany body and neck with carved maple gold-top (although numerous other colours became available later). The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe went on to become one of Gibson's most successful models, with over 35 thousand guitars shipped in the 1970s alone (see Les Paul Deluxe shipping statistics).

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in beautifully Cherry Sunburst finish Image Heritage auctions

So why did Gibson change from single coil to the mini-humbuckers? These pickups had never been used on Gibson instruments before (they differed from the mini-humbuckers used on the Firebird in that they had pole pieces), but they had been used on very many Epiphone models (Crestwood Custom, Crestwood Deluxe, Sheraton, Wilshire, Riviera, Emperor, Broadway). In late 1969 production of all Epiphone instruments moved from the Gibson Kalamazoo factory to Japan. Was the introduction of these pickups more about using up left over stock (one of the few hardware items not used on a Gibson equivalent model) than a deliberate hardware choice?

Les Paul Deluxe specifications

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

The following description is taken from the 1970 Gibson catalog

LES PAUL DELUXE— High Impedance
This Les Paul model is "deluxe" in every way. Fine performance and outstanding styling. The attractive gold finished carved maple top is magnificently highlighted by two powerful chrome-plated humbucking pickups.

FEATURES: Gold finished carved maple top with laminated mahogany back and neck. Two powerful chrome-plated humbucking pickups. Fast, low-action neck joins body at 16th fret. Three-piece laminated mahogany neck with adjustable truss rod. Graceful single cutaway design. Three-position toggle switch activates either or both pickups. 22 fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl inlays. Double combination bridge and tailpiece. Tune-0-Matic bridge, adjustable up and down and individual fine tuning adjustment for each string. Individual pickup pole pieces. Nickel-plated metal parts with individual machine heads. 17 1/4" long, 12 3/4" wide, 2" deep; scale length 24 3/4".

Les Paul Deluxe catalog appearances

Gibson 1970 Les Paul catalog
The 1970 Les Paul catalogue launched the Deluxe, as a replacement to the Les Paul Standard which had been available since 1968

This Les Paul model is "deluxe" in every way. Fine performance and outstanding styling. The attractive gold finished carved maple top is magnificently highlighted by two powerful chrome-plated humbucking pickups
Gibson 1975 Les Paul catalog
The 1975 Les Paul catalog proclaims the Les Paul Deluxe's popularity; it had indeed been the best selling Les Paul 1971-1974. Ironically sales dropped drastically after this catalogue was printed

The Les Paul Deluxe is already one of the most popular guitars in history
Gibson 1978 Quality /Prestige /Innovation catalog
The minimalist 1978 electrics catalog entitled Quality / Prestige / Innovation
1980 Gibson catalog
The 1980 Gibson catalog featured six Les Paul models, plus two versions of 'The Paul'
1981 Rosetti (UK) Gibson catalog
The 1981 Rosetti (UK) Gibson catalog opened with the Les Paul Deluxe. Black & white
1983 Gibson catalogue
From the 1983 Gibson catalog
The Deluxe humbucking pickup is preferred by players who require a tighter, crisper sound. These pickups enable Deluxe Humbuckers to yield increased high frequency output, thus making the Les Paul Deluxe model ideal for players who require a sharp distinctive attack.

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe shipping totals

The Les Paul Deluxe shipped very well indeed. As can be seen it was incredibly popular in the early seventies, selling more than many other vintage Les Paul versions, although its position did slip as the decade wore on.

Model \ Year1970197119721973197419751976197719781979total
Les Paul Deluxe     228 3397376
Les Paul Deluxe - Blue Sparkle     21597  231
Les Paul Deluxe - Blue Sparkle LH     2    2
Les Paul Deluxe - Cherry 10397602272801    2307
Les Paul Deluxe - Cherry Sunburst 220167145293198679401078857311402
Les Paul Deluxe - Cherry Sunburst LH   256559 363928252
Les Paul Deluxe - Goldtop2587314424824880295539434939157017554
Les Paul Deluxe - Goldtop LH 273634456623223422309
Les Paul Deluxe - Natural     8231234516458
Les Paul Deluxe - Red Sparkle     124    124
Les Paul Deluxe - Red Sparkle LH     1    1
Les Paul Deluxe - Tobacco Sunburst  169608796293 131041933013
Les Paul Deluxe - Tobacco Sunburst LH   2 54  3142
Les Paul Deluxe - Walnut 3667  72   112
Les Paul Deluxe - Wine Red     6101499831411595
Les Paul Deluxe - Wine Red LH     130242132108
Les Paul Deluxe with humbuckers  917928 5   221
Total Les Paul Deluxe2587446651941048473672561172413445041335520
Total Les Paul Custom2612320140628322756374514323313410850169953217
Total Les Paul Recording23613141759915204332362180785380

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe chronology

1968 Les Paul catalog
1968: The Les Paul Standard and Custom are manufactured for the first time since 1960
1969: September - The Les Paul Deluxe is listed in the September price list at $425
1970 Les Paul catalog
1970: $450 (1/9/70). Although shipping figures state the first Deluxes were shipped in 1970, production started in late 1969. Early instruments lack a volute and 'MADE IN USA' stamp
1971: Cherry Sunburst finish listed in the June price list ($20 extra). Price rises to $475 (22/9/71). Walnut and Cherry finishes listed in shipping stats
1972: $495 (15/10/72). Tobacco sunburst finish also listed in shipping stats, as well as a Deluxe with full-size humbuckers
Who guitarist Pete Townsend starts using the Les Paul Deluxe, replacing the SG Specials he had favoured for several years.
1973: $525 (1/6/73)
1974: $580 (1/5/74)
1975 Les Paul catalog
1975: The June price list is the first to list other finishes: Gold, Wine Red, Cherry or Tobacco Sunburst. The November list raises the price to $599. Shipping stats show blue and red sparkle finishes, as well as Natural for 1975, though these were never mentioned in '75 pricelists. (Sparkle finishes are never mentioned in any price list)
Around this time, necks start to be made of maple rather than mahogany
1976: Sunburst (Tobacco and Cherry) and Natural finishes are listed at $30 above the base $599. Left handed models are priced at $50 extra

Examine a 1976 LP Deluxe
1977: $649 (1/1/77). Burst, natural and left-handed models still cost $30/$50 extra
1978 full line catalog
1978: $699 ($749 for left handed, Wine red or Cherry sunburst) (15/5/78). Ebony (black) is listed in this price list, though not as a separate item in the shipping figures
1979: $749 ($799 for left handed, Wine red or Cherry sunburst) (1/1/79)
1980 full line catalog
1980: $799 ($849 for left handed, Tobacco Sunburst or Cherry sunburst) (7/1/80)
1981 Rosetti (UK) Gibson catalogue
1981: $899 (1/4/81)
1982: $899 ($999 left handed) (1/6/82)
1983 Gibson catalog
1983: $899 (EB, Wine red) $984 (Gold, Cherry sunburst) (15/6/83)
By this time, Gibson had returned to using mahogany necks.
1984: $899
1985: Discontinued
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Gibson Les Paul Deluxe for sale

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1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Sunburst w /  Gibson Case

1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Sunburst w / Gibson Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

Vintage original Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in original Tobacco Sunburst finish
This example features a vintage 1978 Gibson P-90 pickup in the neck and a vintage Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge position. Makes for a fantastic variety of tones from warm and mellow on the neck to bright and screaming on the bridge. A wonderful guitar for recording or live with lots of different tones. Basically she's a tone machine
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in ... more
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Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

Thousand Oaks, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4495



Vintage! 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar Cherry Sunburst + OHSC

Google us! Lovies Guitar Shop
Lovies Guitars is excited to offer up this 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar with a Cherry Sunburst Finish! This guitar has the tone and playability you would expect from a Les Paul. Plugged in, this axe has some really nice meaty growls and great overtones! Really shimmery highs that don??t get harsh. It plays great, has a comfy neck and a quick action. This ... more
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1980 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop

1980 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop

Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3750

1980 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. Three piece Maple neck. One piece Mahogany body with Maple top. Finish has nice lacquer checking and vintage patina. DiMarzio DLX humbucking pickups. Upgraded Gotoh Tuneomatic bridge. Chrome hardware. Grover Deluxe tuning machines ( one is gold ) Recent fret level. Plays and sounds great. Weight is 10 lbs 6-1 / 2 oz. Original hardshell case with purple lining and one broken latch. Pickguard is included but has piece cracked off near screw hole. Shipping will be $100... more
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1980 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe Cherry Sunburst w / OHSC

1980 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe Cherry Sunburst w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4495

1980 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe In Cherry Sunburst Finish
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Some Cosmetic Playwear Including Some Small Marks, Dings, And Scratches Throughout
All Original Example
Made In USA
Original Frets In Good Condition With Some Life Left
Mahogany Body With 3-Piece Maple Neck
Bound Rosewood Fingerboard With Trapezoid Inlays
24 75" Scale Length
1 11 / 16" Nut ... more
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Vintage Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Natural 1975

Vintage Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Natural 1975

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499


Vintage Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Natural 1975
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
An excellent player's grade Les Paul Deluxe featuring a pair of Seymour Duncan Antiquity humbuckers that deliver warm, rich tones. The neck is silky smooth & plays great up & down the fretboard thanks to a pro refret. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it's ready to groove straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, ... more
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Gibson 1975 Wine Red Les Paul Deluxe Body & Neck

Gibson 1975 Wine Red Les Paul Deluxe Body & Neck

Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

Gibson DependableHome of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: Gibson ... more
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Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Cherry Sunburst 1974 Used Electric Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Cherry Sunburst 1974 Used Electric Guitar

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4695

Very nice vintage guitar with all original equipment. Minor scuffs, dings and mojo from its 40+ years. Plays like a dream, sounds amazing and is a real show stopper. This guy comes in at 9 2 lbs
Very little fret wear
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Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977 w / Case *Modified after Mike Ness* - Used

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 1977 w / Case *Modified after Mike Ness* - Used

Rothschild, Wisconsin, 544**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499

*PICTURES ARE OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR!* This guitar is modified to be a copy of Mike Ness guitar from Social Distortion
Weight: 10 lbs 13 oz
Serial Number: 73397544
Body Material: Mahogany Body
Neck Material: 3 Piece Maple
Neck Shape: Rounded "C "
Scale: 24 75 "
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12 "
Frets: 22
Nut Size: 1 6875 "
Action at 12th Fret: 1 25 mm
Pickups: Seymour Duncan P90 SP90-2N Neck, Seymour Duncan P90 SP90-2B ... more
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1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8300

1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard with Pearl inlays, Two Mini Humbucker, Kluson tuners, Greatsetup, Full sounding, Sought after model, Excellent condition with original purplelined hard case
... more
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1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Ebony

1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Ebony

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499

Very good condition 1972 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in ebony. No breaks. Pro black refin. So pro that it would be quite hard to tell. Tailpiece looks to be replaced. Other than that, it looks to be all original. These mini humbuckers have always had a nice body to me, and this example is no exception. All electronics have been tested to be working well. Tuners work well. Medium weight. Neck is straight, and frets have plenty of life left. Comes with pictured hard shell case. Willing to ship or drive... more
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There are 7 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Wade Handy Comment left 3rd May 2017 07:07:05 reply
172596 was stolen from me in 1989. Cherry Sunburst
Bradley Glen Comment left 28th March 2017 01:01:04 reply
joe@thewho.org Good day Sir I believe I may have one of the guitars that were smashed on stage by the Who or other of that error. Any way trying to trace the history . I am in South Africa Goldtop Deluxe vintage approx 70-74 model . Severe belt-buckle scarring typical of a stage guitar. Been repaired before I bought it 25 years ago and came in a hard plastic heavy duty black Gibson Flight case . Serial number 144xxx Made in USA If the serial number may help track the origin and musician it would be so great to know. Thanks Bradley Glen South Africa
Deborah K McMasters Comment left 1st November 2013 17:05:19 reply
Hi I am looking for the price or value of a Gibson Deluxe Les Paul Gold Electric Guitar, model number 619017. I am trying to find out this information for my sister. She just had a husband pass away about a month. He kept this guitar in very nice shape. He kept it shined up and polished. He took very special care of all of his stuff. Could someone please let me know where to go to find out the value of this guitar? thank you Deborah K McMasters
George Gohlike Comment left 4th April 2013 19:07:40 reply
Hi, I have a cherry sunburst that only has the serial number and no "MADE IN THE USA" stamp, it also has a small volute. Is this a 1970 or 1971? Thanks.
Andy Comment left 27th September 2012 17:05:39 reply
What kind of volume pots should I use as replacement in my 1971 Les Paul Deluxe to be as close to original as possible? Thanx.
vintage guitar and bass Comment left 27th September 2012 17:05:52 reply
There have been various pots listed for the Les Paul Deluxe in parts lists over the years. You can read a summary of this information here. For 1971 they list part 70020 which was made by CTS and has a resistance of 500k. It was widely used on other Gibson guitars. replacements are easy to find, but an original shouldn't be too hard to find either, should you wish to keep it stock.
sam Comment left 14th March 2012 16:04:59 reply
hi ive got a gibson les paul deluxe goldtop the pots say 73 but the serial number say it was made between 70 and 72.can this be possible??

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1966 Vox New Escort The Vox New Escort was Vox's version of the Fender Telecaster, at a time when American guitars were out of reach for most British musicians. It was made by JMI in England, for the British market, and unlike the majority of other models, didn't have an Italian-made equivalent. But the New Escort wasn't a slavish Fender copy, adding Vox's stylish teardrop headstock to the tele-style body, with a stop tailpiece and two Vox V2 single coil pickups. And it's a pretty substantial, and nice playing guitar, with a very comfortable neck. Check out the images, specifications, and watch a video of it in action. There is also extra content in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area.

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin Care Catalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger Folk The Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music