Les Paul's Impact in Pix

[LeftHander]

I think anyone over 40 can attest that at some point you were totally rocking out in the car cranking the tunes and hearing the liquid creamy sustain and meaty fat power of the Les Paul. The playability and sensitivity of the Les Paul opened a new sonic space that forever changed music and our lives.

The instrument that started out as a way for the guitar to be heard in a jazz band and later equipped with double coil electric pickups (The Humbucker) to reduce buzz opened the door to hard rock and set the stage for many memorable times in not only clubs, basements and cars but concert halls and stadiums across the world.

Players soon discovered that the sound of the guitar played through a amplifier with the pre-gain overdriven had a tone unlike any that came before. The distortion became smooth and musical with unique undertones and sustain that took the player's expression to new heights. The solid body prevented uncontrolled feedback and allowed the strings to ring extra long. It was a heavy instrument and when paired with great amplifiers like a Marshall or HIWATT the results were devastating.

Every guitar player at one point lusted for a Les Paul Custom with the flamed maple sunburst paint.

Here are just a few memories for us aging rock fans



Jimmy Page



Ace Frehly



Neal Schon



Duane Allman



Pete Townshend

[Billy Burnett]

1. A rare oldie.

Jerry Garcia

[Billy Burnett]

2. And, of course ...

Buckethead

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[izzybeans]

3. Of course...buckethead.

:)

[BlooInBloo]

4. Well I'll be. So it *is* possible to celebrate Les Paul without ripping on MJ or his fans. Rec'd.

[DevonRex]

11. Absolutely. Apples/Oranges and all that. nt

[ContinentalOp]

13. Can I take a moment to piss on Les Paul's memory in an entirely different and equally tasteless way?

And point out that the Strat is way better. :P

[BlooInBloo]

14. lolz!

[DoBotherMe]

5. 'Lucy'

It was Eric's first. Dana ; ) (Sorry, I can't help myself)

[parasim]

8. Also can't forget...

Frank Zappa



Wes Montgomery

[MrSlayer]

6. Also...

Zakk Wylde



Alex Skolnick



Randy Rhodes



Edward Van Halen



Keith Richards

[Billy Burnett]

7. Another rare one.

Jimi at the Filmore

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[Billy Burnett]

9. Everyone has played one at one time or another.

David Gilmour w/his Les Paul with a Bixby Tremolo Tailpiece (left)

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[DevonRex]

10. Mmm. Jimmy Page. He's my avatar, too. nt

[SoxFan]

12. More

Steve Jones (Sex Pistols)


Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys)


Stuart Adamson (Big Country/The Skids)


Mark Knopfler

[lame54]

15. And, of course...

[Octafish]

18. He starred my first concert.

Cobo Hall or Joe Louis or..someplace in Motown. Late '72 or so...

Still remember the line up:

Jeff Beck
Steely Dan (booed off stage)
Wet Willie (booed off stage)

[pepperbear]

16. ...

[Octafish]

17. Behold:

The guy played left handed.