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1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Patent Number Bridge Humbucker, Heavily Played And Sounding Like It

This is a 1969 Les Paul Deluxe that somebody played hard for decades instead of keeping it under the bed. The bridge position was routed for a full size humbucker at some point and it now carries a gold patent number sticker pickup, most likely a 60s unit, running alongside the mini humbucker in the neck. The bridge pickup is thick, clear and loud with the sweetness those early patent number pickups are known for, and the mini in the neck stays tight and focused underneath it instead of getting woolly the way a full size neck pickup can. Switch between them and you get two different guitars, not two shades of the same one.

It plays well, it’s covered in wear, and it feels broken in the way only a guitar that got used really does.

What’s Original And What Isn’t

Modified guitars get described straight here, so here’s the whole picture.

Original: the bridge, the tailpiece, the knobs, and the pots, which date to 1968. The neck is the no volute, three piece mahogany construction, and the body is a single piece.

Changed: the bridge position is routed for the full size humbucker now in it. One bridge saddle has been replaced. The tuners are gold replacements and they work great. The pickguard isn’t original, or it’s been cut on, so call it not original. The guitar has been refretted. The strap button has been repositioned, and there’s a leather strap extension installed at the moment to help the guitar hang in balance.

Two small diamond gemstones are glued to the truss rod cover. They were on it when it came in and we left them, because they add to the character of a guitar that already has plenty.

Condition

Tons of wear throughout, and it looks terrific for it. One fingerboard inlay has a small crack with a piece missing from it. The refret is done and the guitar plays well right now, so the fretwork is behind you.

At 10.57 pounds it’s a heavy one, which is part of why a Les Paul from this era hits the way it does. All that mahogany under the strings is what gives you the long, slow sustain and the dense low end. Bring a wide strap.

Measurements: 1.71 inches wide and 0.84 inches deep at the nut, 2.06 inches wide and 0.95 inches deep at the 12th fret.

How It Sounds

The patent number bridge humbucker sounds awesome in this guitar. Clean, it’s round and vocal with a bloom on the note and a woody midrange, and single notes carry real weight. Roll into a cranked amp and it does the thing a Les Paul is supposed to do: a thick, singing lead voice with sustain that holds instead of fading, bite on the pick attack without any harshness on top, and chords that stay separate under gain. The mini humbucker in the neck is the other half of the story, brighter and tighter than a full size pickup, with a clear, chimey, almost Firebird quality that cuts on clean rhythm parts and stays articulate for jazz chording. Both together land somewhere neither pickup goes alone, thick in the middle with a glassy edge on the top.

The weight and the broken in top end work for this guitar too. An old, played guitar like this one has already settled, and you hear it in how fast the note responds.

Specs

• Year: 1969
• Model: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
• Neck: Three piece mahogany, no volute
• Body: Single piece
• Bridge Pickup: Gold patent number sticker humbucker, likely 1960s, in a routed bridge cavity
• Neck Pickup: Mini humbucker
• Pots: Original, dated 1968
• Original Parts: Bridge, tailpiece, knobs, pots
• Replaced Or Modified: One bridge saddle, gold tuners, pickguard, refretted, strap button repositioned with leather strap extension
• Truss Rod Cover: Two diamond gemstones glued on, left in place
• Weight: 10.57 pounds
• Nut: 1.71 inches wide, 0.84 inches deep
• 12th Fret: 2.06 inches wide, 0.95 inches deep
• Case: Non original Gibson chainsaw case included

At Joe’s Vintage Guitars, your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind every instrument we sell, and we want you to feel completely confident in your purchase. That’s why we offer a 7-day return policy with no restocking fee. Take a full week to inspect, play, and fall in love with your new guitar. If for any reason it isn’t the right fit, simply return it in the same condition for a full refund—no hidden fees, no hassle. We know that buying a vintage instrument is a big decision, and we’re committed to making the process as comfortable and transparent as possible. Shop with peace of mind knowing that every guitar from Joe’s Vintage Guitars is backed by honest service and years of expertise.