NGD 71 Goldtop Deluxe

[Mahoot]

Happy day for me yesterday. Had this stunning 1971 Goldtop Deluxe delivered to my door. The age could be questionable but the reputable dealer I purchased it from acquired it from it's original owner. See in the pics the original warranty card with a purchase date of 6 1st 69'. Knowing what little I do about this era, I can't see this but anything other than an error filling out the card. Maybe any of you can shed some light? I'm hoping it is a true 71' as it's my birth year. And goes well with my 2021 50's Standard from my 50th year.

It has had replacement Kluson Deluxe tuners fitted following a set of grovers, and 2 pickup screws have been replaced. Other than that it's all original.

As discussed in another thread, the saddles are pretty worn and could possibly do with replacing, but intonation seems fine atm. Will get my guy to check it over and advise. I'll get some picks inside pickup cavity etc when we strip it down.

This is such a cool guitar... A good amount of wear without looking abused. Some subtle oxidisation in the gold finish. It smells old and reminds me of my late grandad's cupboard under the stairs!! The neck is very similar to my 2021 Goldtop and without micro measuring them, I'd say they are almost identical.

Take a look...

 

[smk506]

Hubba hubba! No answers to your questions, but that thing is the sexy!

 

[HardCore Troubadour]

Why does the date on the warranty card have to be wrong?

I have seen exactly 1 pic of a true 1969 GT WITH GOOF HIDERS!

Goof hiders - years?

A quick question... What years (first and last) were the goof hiders added?

www.mylespaul.com

On the other-hand....I do not think I have seen a 69GT with a volute.

what are the pot dates?

 

[hotshot]

That is so "cool", two gold tops. One your birth year and the other your 50th year !!!!
You are a very lucky man !!!!!

 

[Mahoot]

Why does the date on the warranty card have to be wrong?

I have seen exactly 1 pic of a true 1969 GT WITH GOOF HIDERS!

Goof hiders - years?

A quick question... What years (first and last) were the goof hiders added?

www.mylespaul.com

On the other-hand....I do not think I have seen a 69GT with a volute.

what are the pot dates?

The headstock has the 'Made in USA' stamp which I believe makes it mid 70 at its earliest. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

Struggling to upload a clear pic of the pots. I'll pop the cover off again and try for a better shot and post in a bit.

If it were a 1970 guitar I could understand an error in writing the year wrong especially in January, but being 2 years out is odd.

 

[Midnight Blues]

Very nice! Congrats, HNGTD and play her in good health!

 

[HardCore Troubadour]

I don't need pics of the pots, just wondering what the date was?

I agree with the date thing.....

 

[Mahoot]

A better pic of one of the pots. I don't think the full date code is visible but looks like 13771??

 

[HardCore Troubadour]

That is what it looks like....strange about the warranty card.

 

[Progrocker111]

According to serial and pots, its early 71. Still with many late 60s specs. Congrats!

 

[HardCore Troubadour]

My thoughts also with the late 60's specs, but I was not quite sure if it was a late 70.....until the pot codes etc.

@Progrocker111 is there a listing of the serial numbers by date range anywhere? Maybe over at the LSLP site?

 

[Progrocker111]

@Progrocker111 is there a listing of the serial numbers by date range anywhere? Maybe over at the LSLP site?

From my long experience with many dozens of especially early 70s Les Pauls its this scheme:

9xxxxx -- 1970 - early 1971
6xxxxx -- early 1971 - late 1971
7xxxxx -- 1972 only
8xxxxx -- early to mid 1973
0xxxxx -- early to mid 1973 (fairly rare)
1xxxxx -- mid 1973 - early 1974
2xxxxx -- 1974
3xxxxx -- 1974
4xxxxx -- late 1974 - 1975
5xxxxx -- late 1974 - 1975

Interesting is, that some of Kalamazoo Les Pauls from 1975/1976 have then again this pattern with 9xxxxx and 2xxxxx for a short time.

 

[Bobby Mahogany]

Wow!
Congratulations on your find!
I've always wanted an early 70's GoldTop!