Les Paul prototype recording model, serial no. 001

Gibson

1982 · Mahogany, maple, rosewood, metal, plastic · Musical Instruments

Les Paul is known for his extraordinary innovations to the design of the solid body electric guitar and to recording technologies. In 1952 Gibson introduced the Les Paul model electric guitar with specifications from the musician himself, and it became one of the most famous guitar designs ever made. This custom-built prototype was made for Paul in 1982 and became the instrument he used most often during the second half of his career. He famously played it in weekly performances at Fat Tuesday’s and the Iridium in New York that continued until weeks before his death in 2009.

Artist

Gibson

Date

1982

Medium

Mahogany, maple, rosewood, metal, plastic

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Perry A. Margouleff, in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary, 2020