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History of the Gibson Les Paul Guitar

Apr 22, 2025

Lecture on the Gibson Les Paul Guitar History

Introduction

  • Presenter: Keith Williams
  • Channel: Five Watt World
  • Purpose: To provide a short history of the Gibson Les Paul guitar, its development, and its impact on music.

Personal Background

  • Born in the era of iconic music (e.g., Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, ZZ Top).
  • Grew up listening to and influenced by major rock bands and artists.

Early Les Paul History

  • Les Paul (Lester William Polsfuss): Born 1915, changed name in 1938.
  • Early Career: Played acoustic and Gibson electric hollow body guitars.
  • Invention: Created his own solid body guitar prototype, known as "The Log."

Gibson and Solid Body Guitar Development

  • Gibson: Founded in 1902, became a major guitar manufacturer.
  • Acquisition: Chicago Musical Instrument Company (CMI) bought controlling interest in 1944.
  • Les Paul’s Idea: Met with Maurice Berlin at Gibson to pitch solid body guitar.
  • Prototype Development: Les Paul worked with Gibson to create the solid body guitar.

Features and Launch of the Les Paul Model

  • Initial Release: 1952 at the NAMM show in New York.
  • Design: Solid mahogany body, carved maple top, two volume and tone controls, single cutaway.
  • Gold Top: Unique finish created by mixing bronze powder with lacquer.
  • Bridge Design: Initial flaws corrected with a new Stop Bar bridge design in 1953.

Evolution and Variants

  • 1954 New Models: Les Paul Custom and Junior introduced.
  • Custom Model: Ebony fingerboard, gold-plated hardware, black color.
  • Junior Model: Entry-level, flat top, single P90 pickup.
  • Special and TV Models: Introduced in 1955 with new finishes.

Technical Developments

  • Humbucking Pickup: Developed by Seth Lover to reduce hum.
  • Patent Applied For (PAF) Pickups: Introduced in 1957, became highly sought after.
  • Neck and Headstock Changes: Multiple-piece necks and reduced headstock angle in later models.

Market Challenges and Resurgence

  • Sales Decline: Late 50s-early 60s, market shifts to SG model.
  • Famous Players: Clapton, Page, Beck, etc., boost demand in mid-60s.
  • Reintroduction: 1968, Gibson relaunches Les Paul models due to increased demand.

Later Developments

  • Norlin Era (1969-1986): Changes in construction, heavier models, introduction of Deluxe.
  • 70s and 80s: Rise of vintage guitar market, start of reissues.

Custom Shop and Modern Era

  • Heritage Series: Launched in 1980 to replicate the original models more closely.
  • Custom Shop: Established in 1993 for premium and historical model reissues.
  • Signature Models: Based on famous players' guitars.

Conclusion

  • Impact: The Gibson Les Paul remains a rock icon due to its innovation and association with legendary musicians.
  • Ongoing Influence: Continues to be one of the most sought-after guitars in the world.

Additional Resources

  • Books: "The Gibson Les Paul: The Illustrated History of the Guitar That Changed Rock" by Dave Hunter and "The Les Paul Guitar Book" by Tony Bacon.
  • Five Watt World offers a range of videos on specific Les Paul models.

Note: This lecture was also supported by TrueFire, an online platform for guitar lessons. Keith Williams encourages viewing their lessons for improving guitar skills.

Full transcript