Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar History
The Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar
The modern day guitar revolution began in 1952. It was in this year that Les Paul and Gibson teamed up to create the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. Whether you are aware of it or not, you have no doubt heard this guitar in action. Whether you have gone to a live a show and seen your favorite artist playing it or you have heard it on your favorite albums, this guitar is a staple in the music industry and has been since its creation all those years ago.
The story of the guitar's burth is a little different depending on who you ask. Les Paul is responsible for adding elements to the guitar such as the trapeze-style tailpiece. Les Paul was a very popular Jazz musician at the time. When the guitar was created, Ted McCarty was in charge of Gibson. He claims that the guitar was completely designed and made before Gibson ever approached Les. Gibson did this to get an endorsement for their new guitar from a well known jazz and pop guitar player.
Despite the legendary status the Les Paul has these days, believe it or not, it was rejected when it was first introduced. He submitted a prototype nicknamed 'The Log' only to be turned down. Les Paul's vision was to attach electronics to a solid piece of wood as opposed to the semi-hollow body guitars that were popular at the time. His unique design spurred the industry in a new direction and expanded on the idea of the electric guitar that became wildly popular. Since then, Les Paul's guitar has gained traction with guitarists through the decades to finally rise to icon status.
The rich, storied history of the unique Gibson Les Paul electric guitar still attracts guitar enthusiasts and collectors to this day. Many studio musicians and professionals prefer the tone of the Les Paul. Many notable musicians use this guitar still today. Many famous guitarists have used this guitar: Chet Atkins, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, The Edge, David Grohl, Eric Johnson, Ted Nugent, Keith Richards and many, many more. It has a rich clientele that continues to grow, making this guitar one of the most landmark electric instruments to hit the market.