Vintage 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard Ebony With OHSC

In 1974, under Norlin's ownership, Gibson produced several Les Paul models that reflected both innovation and transition: The Les Paul Deluxe, The Les Paul Custom, the Les Paul Signature, the Les Paul Recording and the Les Paul Standard.  All were distinct, with features including mini humbuckers, block inlays, gold hardware, low impedance pickups and more.  The Norlin era was also marked by engineering changes like three-piece necks, volutes, and pancake bodies (multi-layered construction), which were introduced for durability and cost efficiency—but remain controversial among purists.

You'll see these out there but what you likely won't see is a guitar like this.  The Les Paul Standard was available as a Special Order item (1974-75) but was not officially back in the catalog until 1976 (after a 16-year hiatus).  These often had full-sized humbuckers but were labeled “Deluxe” on the back of the headstock, causing confusion about factory routing. 

The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard is a fascinating piece of guitar history, but it's important to clarify a detail:  wraparound bridges were not standard on Les Paul Standards in 1974.  Gibson Les Paul Standards typically featured the Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge paired with a separate stop tailpiece on 1974 models. This setup replaced the earlier ABR-1 bridge used from the late '50s through early '70s.  Mahogany bodies, maple tops and mahogany necks were standard.  The humbucker were either T-top or early patent number pickups.  The common finishes included Tobacco Sunburst and Cherry Sunburst.  An Ebony finish, as this has, on a 1974 Les Paul Standard with a wraparound bridge, would have no doubt been a custom Special Order or an Employee Order.

We did extensive research and vetting, and found that this is not a converted Deluxe.  It has never had a stoptail with a separate bridge/ saddle configuration (the “wraparound” configuration is original to this guitar).  

The top has not had any refinishing, drilling or wood filling.  The aged checking appears to be vintage and uniform.  Also notable is that the top is a normal, standard ‘carved’ top, not a flat top (like a  Special or LP Junior).  The back has been refinished in Ebony in an effort to make the guitar like Jeff Beck's “Blow by Blow” Les Paul. The original color appears to be a brown/mahogany finish, which is showing from player wear on the neck and back of the guitar.  It has a great look and the "right" vibe.

We found that the following were replaced: bridge post (Tone Pros), strap buttons, control knobs, truss rod cover, and output jack.   The tuners and other hardware are original, as are the control pots.  The neck pickup is original; the bridge pickup is not but it's an earlier 70's Gibson humbucker.  Of course, they sound amazing, as the tone is pure classic Les Paul.  The guitar plays great too, in part to a refret, which was done very well.

Some may look at this guitar and think it's reminiscent of something.  Well, it is.  Jeff Beck’s famed “Blow by Blow” Oxblood Les Paul stands as one of rock’s most legendary and mysterious instruments. Initially a 1954 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, Beck extensively altered it in 1972 after it replaced his damaged “Yardburst” Les Paul. His modifications included swapping the P90 pickups for humbuckers, changing the neck, refinishing the guitar in a rich Oxblood hue, and incorporating multiple hardware and electronic updates throughout its evolution.  The guitar achieved legendary recognition after appearing on the back cover of the 1975 “Blow by Blow” album. Jeff Beck first showcased his distinctive Oxblood Les Paul live in late 1972 during tours with Beck, Bogert & Appice.