Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1977), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 06113357, black lacquer finish, mahogany body with maple cap, laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original molded black plastic hard shell case.



Here is a prime player's example of a 1977 Ebony-finished Les Paul Pro Deluxe with a bit of golden era indie provenance; this guitar was formerly owned and used extensively by Fleet Foxes guitarist (and Retrofret's own) Skye Skjelset. Just above we have embedded a video of a particularly beloved Fleet Foxes Pitchfork Fest performance where this Les Paul is played several times by Skjelset.

The "Pro" is set apart from the other standard Les Paul Deluxe models of the time by a pair of cream-colored P-90 pickups rather than the expected mini-humbuckers. The guitar was otherwise appointed with a matching bound top and cream pickguard, replaced on this one by a black piece. It still features a mahogany body with a maple cap and three piece laminated maple neck, another feature that IS specific to this time (previously this would have seen a traditional mahogany neck). That neck is topped with a bound, pearloid block inlaid ebony fingerboard (another change from the "regular" Deluxe) and has a medium "C" profile with the typical '70s volute. There is always something superbly classy about a black Les Paul and this lightly worn-in example with an added twang factor is no exception.

Overall length is 39 in. (99.1 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).

Overall this is a nice example of this fairly obscure 1970s Les Paul variation. Overall it shows some typical play wear including dings, dents, and scuffs to the finish, with a bit of buckle rash on the back. The electronics are original and unaltered. The original chrome bridge and tailpiece show slight patina but still shine; the original low frets are in fine shape with traces of wear, the original knobs are in good order, and the original output jack cover is in place albeit slightly chipped. As with many from the 1970s this guitar has been "Groverized" with a set of chrome Rotomatic tuners replacing the Kluson originals.

The original cream guard is missing replaced with a black guard designed for full-sized humbuckers for that nearly "murdered out" look. This is interrupted by a few cute tulip stickers along the bottom edge, there is some wear on the face. There are a few other choice stickers around the guitar including Saturn on the back of the headstock and one tiny one on the body with the anime character Dorami; the back of the headstock has a small sticky spot where one fell off.

This guitar was put to good use in its life by one of the most notable indie acts of the 2000's but was kept healthy and safe despite time on the road, free from the all-too-common Gibson headstock or heel cracks. It still resides in its original red plush lined Gibson "chainsaw" case, marked with the previous owner's name in a couple of spots and carrying his preferred flatwound strings. Inside the case is a letter of authenticity from that previous owner, Fleet Foxes guitarist Skye Skjelset. Overall Very Good + Condition.