1969 Gibson Les Paul

A strong year for the reissued Les Paul, with demand surging as rock stars embraced the model. Jimmy Page's use of a 1959 'Burst' had ignited a vintage guitar market while making contemporary Les Pauls must-have instruments.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$5,500$10,000
Very Good
$3,500$5,500
Good
$2,200$3,500
Fair
$1,100$2,200

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodMahogany (body), Maple (carved top)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood
Scale Length24.750"
Frets22
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece
TunersKluson Deluxe
Finish OptionsSunburst, Walnut, Custom colors, Gold Top (reintroduced)
Est. Production2,500

Pickups & Electronics

Two Patent Number humbuckers (T-top style becoming standard). Very different character from PAFs.

What Changed in 1969

Gibson began using 3-piece maple necks on some examples due to wood shortages. The T-top humbucker was becoming standard. The Les Paul's popularity was surging thanks to players like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.

Collector's Notes

Check for 3-piece maple necks (less desirable). T-top humbuckers are sonically different from PAFs — excellent in their own right but not equivalent. These are good player instruments.