Les Paul

Latest about Les Paul

A black and white action shot of Link Wray behind dark sunglasses, bending a note on a Gibson SG and making it squeal
Instrumental guitar was pioneered by Link Wray, Les Paul and Hank Marvin – and they shaped the sound of every guitarist who followed

By Jon Bishop Published

We pay tribute to the kings of twang with this electric masterclass in early rock ’n’ roll instrumental guitar

Artist Lessons
Gibson Dark Walnut Series
Gibson’s ultra-classy Dark Walnut finish has been reborn for a range of irresistible new-look models

By Phil Weller Published

Five iconic Gibson guitars are given the luxurious finish, with premium appointments to boot

Electric Guitars
Photo of THIN LIZZY and Scott GORHAM, Scott Gorham performing on stage
Scott Gorham nearly lost his 'Holy Grail' 1957 Gibson Les Paul to a customs officer just after he bought it – and he had to go to court to get it back

By Matt Owen Published

The Thin Lizzy guitarist bought the vintage guitar while in Boston with the band, but ran into a few issues when trying to take it overseas

Electric Guitars
Gibson Custom 1959 Jeff Beck YardBurst Les Paul
Gibson honors Jeff Beck with a recreation of his 1959 ‘YardBurst’ Les Paul – before he gave it a radical makeover

By Matt Owen Published

Beck bought the original model – widely considered to be one of his most iconic instruments – when he replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds, using it extensively both in the studio and on stage

Electric Guitars
Les Paul (left) and a Fender Stratocaster headstock
Les Paul was once approached by Leo Fender to work together on a solidbody electric guitar

By Matt Owen Published

Before Gibson finally decided to work with Paul, the guitar innovator was sounded out by one of the firm's biggest competitors

Electric Guitars
Jason Isbell playing his 1959 Gibson Les Paul ‘Red Eye’ onstage
Gibson Custom Shop recreates Jason Isbell’s 1959 Les Paul, ‘Red Eye’ – formerly owned by Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ed King

By Phil Weller Published

The guitar has a Brazilian Rosewood fretboard and has put the Murphy Lab’s skillset to the test thanks to its unique finish quirk

Electric Guitars
Gibson Les Paul Studio in Ebony with a top-wrapped tailpiece
I top-wrapped my Les Paul to find out whether it actually made a difference – and I wish I’d done it sooner

By Matt Owen Published

Wrapping guitar strings over the top of a guitar's bridge or tailpiece is said to lead to more sustain, better playability and a slinkier feel. Is any of that really true?

Electric Guitars
Ian Bairnson's Gibson Les Paul, as played on Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights
The Les Paul behind the iconic solo on Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights is now up for auction

By Janelle Borg Published

The late Ian Bairnson’s guitar was used across the first four Kate Bush albums, as well as classic records from the Alan Parsons Project and countless sessions

Electric Guitars
Nuno Bettencourt and Dean DeLeo
Nuno Bettencourt swapped his Washburn N4 for a Les Paul copy to shred onstage with Stone Temple Pilots

By Phil Weller Published

The Extreme guitarist was spotted playing a Nelson LP copy as he shared the stage with “one of the greatest rock bands of all time”

Guitarists
Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley sold his 1959 Gibson Les Paul to fund a gambling trip

By Matt Owen Published

The former Kiss guitarist bought the guitar for $4,000 and sold it for $18,000 – but in today's market, it's estimated to be worth $350,000

Guitarists
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