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Gibson Announces Limited-Edition Pete Townshend Gold Top ’76 Les Paul

Gibson Announces Limited-Edition Pete Townshend Gold Top ’76 Les Paul

The model is inspired by one of Townshend’s iconic stage guitars and was created using construction techniques very similar to those used in the ‘70s.

Nashville, TN (September 14, 2016) -- Gibson USA has announced the release of its limited edition Pete Townshend Gold Top ’76, the latest guitar launch as part of Gibson USA’s Les Paul Artist Series. Celebrating the axman and his legendary live shows, the model is inspired by one of Townshend’s iconic stage guitars and was created using construction techniques very similar to those used in the ‘70s. The remnants of Townshend’s original Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Deluxe, smashed on stage in 1976 at The Who's 15,000 capacity show at Boston Garden, are now on display in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

The body of the Pete Townshend Deluxe Gold Top ’76 features a walnut strip sandwiched between mahogany, similar to Townshend’s beloved original. His favored DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker joins two mini-humbuckers for modded tone. Controls include two volumes, one tone, one classic toggle, one middle pickup blend rotary and a three-position toggle for the middle pickup. Endorsed by Townshend, the Gibson USA model also memorializes the fate of its predecessor with a “Break Here” sticker on the back of the neck at the 8th fret.

Created in an extremely limited edition run, only 150 of Gibson USA’s Pete Townshend Gold Top ’76 models will be available worldwide.

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