Product Description

Exactly how did a batch of about 1,500 guitars produced at the end of the 1950s become for many players and collectors the most desirable electric guitars ever made? Through a series of interviews with players, collectors, guitar-makers, dealers, and others, "Million Dollar Les Paul" attempts to answer this crucial question. The Gibson Les Paul Standard, a solidbody electric guitar with mahogany body, two pickups, and a three-colour sunburst maple top, was made from 1958 to 1960. When players such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page began to play examples in the 1960s and 1970s, the legend of the 'burst' began. Who are the other musicians who play these hallowed instruments and who are the collectors who seek them?It seems only a matter of time before a 'burst' sells for $1 million. At present, the record hovers around half that, but as one prominent dealer admits: "We no longer say, 'I don't see how prices can go any higher.' When it comes to sunburst Les Pauls, they always do." Leading guitar historian Tony Bacon has written this non-technical new book in which he goes in search of individual examples of a guitar that originally sold for $280 and have now become worth a fortune. He delves into the science and attraction of the 'flamed maple' guitar and asks why so many players and collectors now bow down at the altar of the revered Gibson Les Paul Standard.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28235 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

About the Author
Tony Bacon is one of the world's best-selling authors of books on guitars and guitar players. His many titles include The Ultimate Guitar Book and Electric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia.

Customer Reviews

The Burst
Fascinating glimpse into the history of the Les Paul Burst. Tends to get a bit bogged down in some areas and would greatly benefit from more and better colour pictures to illustrate this beautiful instrument.

IFORMATIVE
I bought this for my son who is an accomplished guitar player and he said it was excellent. Lots of things which he thought he knew but actually he didn't were most informative and interesting.
He said he would recommend it to anyone wishing to know the history of guitars.

The Ultimate Guitar

I purchased this book as a gift for a friend who has a passion for
Les Paul, his guitars and his amazing contribution to modern recording techniques. A brilliant book for guitar lovers.