Streamlined Guitar Book

The Les Paul Guitar Book: A Definitive Guide to Gibson's Most Famous Guitar

This new and thoroughly revised edition of Tony Bacon's definitive guide to Gibson's most famous guitar moves into its latest and most complete version yet. With 16 more pages and 45 new pictures, this timely (and re-titled) update of "50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul" (2002) tells the story of one of the greatest musical instruments of the 20th century – an instrument that is still holding center stage today.

Since Gibson's Les Paul solid body electric guitar first appeared in the early 1950s, it has always been easier to list the famous guitarists who have not used one at some point or another in their careers. This improved edition of the book features a complete history of the guitar and its players – from the original Goldtop through the Fretless Wonder and the revered 1958-60 "Burst" and on to the reissues of today.

Richly illustrated with 250 archive and performance shots, ephemera, and specially commissioned studio photos, "The Les Paul Guitar Book" is the most complete guide ever to Gibson's best-known guitar, and a must-have for every player and collector. This comprehensive volume covers the guitar's development and evolution, its renowned players, and its enduring impact on popular music.

The book begins by exploring the origins of the Les Paul, from its initial conception in the 1940s to its initial release in 1952. Readers will discover how the guitar's innovative solid body design and distinctive tonal qualities quickly made it a favorite among professional musicians, from blues and rock legends to jazz virtuosos.

The narrative then delves into the guitar's various incarnations over the decades, including the iconic "Burst" models of the late 1950s, the redesigned models of the 1960s, and the reissues that have kept the Les Paul at the forefront of guitar design and innovation. Throughout, the book highlights the key players and influential recordings that have cemented the Les Paul's status as one of the most iconic and influential instruments in music history.

Complementing the engaging text are hundreds of stunning photographs, many of which have never been published before. These images provide a visual feast for guitar enthusiasts, showcasing the Les Paul's timeless beauty and the ways in which it has been used by some of the world's greatest musicians.

Whether you're a seasoned Les Paul aficionado or a newcomer to the guitar world, "The Les Paul Guitar Book" is an essential addition to any music lover's library. Offering unparalleled insight and historical context, this volume is a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of this iconic instrument.

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