Introduced in 1952 as an answer to the runaway popularity of Fender's Telecaster model that came out in 1950, the Gibson Les Paul was a collaboration between Gibson president Ted McCarty and legendary jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. Along with the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, it is one of the three most popular electric guitar designs in the world.
Aside from the unique body design, the Les Paul had other features that set the instrument apart from others. Although it was a solid body guitar, the strings were always mounted on the top like the company's hollow body guitars rather than through the body as found on many Fender models. An array of pickup options was also available giving a choice of inherent sounds. The double-coil Humbucker pickup was a Gibson innovation which cancelled the hum found in single coil and magnetic pickups. This pickup was introduced in 1957 to replace the Les Paul's original single coil P-90 pickups. The weight of the instrument was a result of the mahohogany and maple construction,both heavy woods. As design advances evolved, the company was able to make Les Pauls for every level of player and budget,with the exception of the complete novice. This beginner market was served by the Gibson Melody Maker, which despite the absence of the Les Paul nameplate, consistently followed the design and appearance of the Les Pauls.
Over the years the Les Paul has become an ever-present staple of all things rockin'. To follow are some of the Les Paul's more celebrated users.
A beautiful instrument indeed! I myself do own a Les Paul. One of my prized possessions.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Les Paul, I've got a story for ya! When I was going to school in the David Kennedy Recording Studio (about 20 years ago in Milwaukee) I had the pleasure of meeting Les Paul's brother, Charles Polsfuss. I remember myself listening intently to this old guy with a white beard telling me stories of Lester's achievements and inventions. It was an awe inspiring lesson in music history
Way cool,drew!That's definitely one of those experiences worth talking about.As a musician my self I've always loved the sound of Gibsons in general.I own a Thunderbird Bass and it was my most used axe.
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