1974 Cortez Les Paul Deluxe Copy - Japan - Mini-Humbuckers - Gold Top

For your consideration, an early-to-mid 1970s Cortez from Japan with exactly the kind of look that makes us keep a soft spot for these old Gibson-copy imports. Total Les Paul Deluxe Gold Top energy here. Cortez was one of the Japanese import names tied to Jack Westheimer, one of the key early American importers of Japanese guitars, which only adds a little extra context to why these old oddballs still have a following.

This one absolutely has the right vibe. The neck is a little wonky, but nothing out of line for this tier of vintage Japanese import. The fretwear itself is not bad, though it could use some fretwork to knock down a few high spots and tap a couple of raised frets back into place. The truss rod works in both directions. The pickups have been replaced with newer import mini humbuckers, but the rest of the electronics appear to be original and are working as they should.

It is currently set up with low action, where it has that fun jangly feel these can do so well, though there are some dead notes present. Raising the action to a more medium-low height makes it noticeably more playable. If you are handy with fret tools, this feels like a worthy one to sort out. The lines in the finish appear to have been carved in rather than being true lacquer checking. From across the room it looks killer. Up close, not quite as much. No case is included.

Available for a test drive in our Jamestown, Kentucky showroom, and we ship worldwide. Let us know if you have any questions.

Weight: 7lbs 6oz