I recently purchased a Gibson Les Paul; the guitar that has represented the ultimate instrument for me since I was about 14. (The instrument played by my early guitar heroes: Phil Keaggy, Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh). These guitars have been out of reach financially for me until recently. I traded unused studio equipment and cash for a 2001 wine-red Les Paul Studio. I wasn’t going to do it but S. insisted that it was now or never. It is the first professional grade instrument I have ever had. The difference in playability and tone is amazing. Now I know why guitarists buy the best they can afford.
A couple weeks later I found another Gibson Les Paul for sale at a garage sale for $600.00. The owner’s wife said it was a fake so I walked away. A few days later she called and asked if I would take it for $300. I said I would as it seemed like a nice playing instrument, fake or not. When I got it home I found in the case, all the normal items that Gibson send with their top instruments including a certificate of authenticity. I checked the serial number on a stolen instruments website, then called the owner back to tell her what I had found. Turns out she wanted me to have it at that price to spite her husband who had recently run off with the lawn boy. So for $300.00 I have a Les Paul worth ten times what I paid.
A week later I attended a special event at Guitar Center. The track World Championships were happening at the same time and the Guitar Center event was very poorly attended. I entered all the drawings and won three times: a beautiful, but entry level, Ibanez Jazz guitar, a case and a set of strings. On the way home I considered buying a ticket for the billion dollar lottery, but figured my luck had run out.
I’m thoroughly enjoying my guitars. Each one brings out something different in my playing.
