What’s the Buzz About ’59 Les Pauls?
When it comes to electric guitars, Les Pauls are among the most coveted and sought-after instruments. But what makes the 1959 version so special, and why do guitar enthusiasts continue to obsess over them more than sixty years later?
First, it’s important to understand the history of Les Paul guitars. In the 1950s, Gibson was looking to create a solid-body electric guitar to compete with the popular Fender Telecaster. They enlisted jazz guitarist and inventor Les Paul to help design the guitar, and the first Les Paul was released in 1952.
Initially, the Les Paul wasn’t incredibly popular. It was heavy, had a thick neck, and was expensive. However, in 1957, Gibson made some changes to the design, including making the body thinner and adding a cherry sunburst finish. These changes made the guitar more visually appealing and easier to play, and sales began to pick up.
Then, in 1959, Gibson made another significant change to the Les Paul design. They introduced a new type of neck, called a “slim-taper” neck, which was thinner and faster than previous Les Pauls. They also changed the pickups to a more powerful and versatile version.
These changes resulted in a guitar that was not only easier to play, but also had a more versatile sound that could be used for anything from blues to metal. Additionally, the cherry sunburst finish on the 1959 model is particularly prized by collectors for its unique and beautiful appearance.
But what really sets the ’59 Les Paul apart from other Les Paul models is its rarity. Only around 650 were made that year, making them incredibly hard to come by. Additionally, the guitar has been played by some of the greatest guitarists in history, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Slash, making it even more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts.
All of these factors have contributed to the mystique and fame surrounding the ’59 Les Paul. Collectors are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money for one, with some selling for over $1 million at auction.
Why Did Fender Discontinue the Jaguar?
Fender is known for its iconic guitar designs, but not all of them have stood the test of time. One such guitar is the Jaguar, which was first introduced in 1962 and discontinued in the early 1980s before being brought back in the 1990s.
So why did Fender discontinue the Jaguar in the first place? There are a few reasons.
First, the guitar had a somewhat confusing design. The Jaguar had two sets of controls, one for rhythm and one for lead, which could be confusing for players who were used to simpler designs like the Stratocaster or Telecaster. Additionally, the offset waist and smaller body size made playing the guitar somewhat uncomfortable for some players.
Secondly, the guitar was seen as a bit of a “jack of all trades, master of none.” It wasn’t as good for rock music as the Telecaster or Stratocaster, but it also wasn’t as good for jazz as the Gibson ES-335. This lack of a clear identity meant that it didn’t attract a devoted following like other Fender models.
Finally, the guitar simply didn’t sell as well as Fender had hoped. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, tastes in music and guitar design changed, and the Jaguar didn’t keep up. Fender tried to make some changes to the design, including adding a humbucker pickup, but it wasn’t enough to save the model.
Despite all of this, the Jaguar has gone on to become a cult classic among guitar enthusiasts. Its unique design, including the aforementioned rhythm and lead controls and the “floating” tremolo system, has made it a favorite among experimental and indie rock guitarists. It’s also still produced by Fender today, albeit in a slightly updated design.
Can You Name the First Electric Guitar Model Ever Made?
While the history of the electric guitar is somewhat murky, there are a few contenders for the title of first electric guitar. However, most guitar historians agree that the first commercially successful electric guitar was the Rickenbacker “Frying Pan,” which was introduced in the early 1930s.
The Frying Pan was designed by George Beauchamp, a guitarist and inventor who was looking for a way to amplify the sound of a guitar. The guitar featured a steel body, a single pickup, and a unique horseshoe-shaped magnet that helped increase the guitar’s volume.
While the Frying Pan was not the first electric guitar to be invented, it was the first to be mass-produced and sold commercially. It became popular among Hawaiian musicians who wanted a louder, more expressive sound, and went on to influence the development of other electric guitar models, including the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Telecaster.
Despite its unique design, the Frying Pan is not particularly sought after by collectors or guitar enthusiasts today. However, its place in history as the first commercially successful electric guitar ensures that it will always have a place in the pantheon of important musical instruments.
In conclusion, understanding the history of guitar models can help you appreciate the craftsmanship and unique features of each. From the rare and coveted ’59 Les Paul to the cult classic Jaguar and the groundbreaking Rickenbacker Frying Pan, these guitars have all left their mark on music history and continue to inspire musicians today.
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