PRESS RELEASE:

The passing of the incomparable Les Paul in August 2009 broke the hearts of guitar enthusiasts around the world.

What can never be broken, though, is the legacy of innovation and creativity that he built during 94 years of constant musicianship.

Though the original guitar he designed in 1952 has informed every Gibson guitar since, our engineers were inspired anew to handcraft a guitar just the way Les demanded it nearly 60 years ago. Never before has a Les Paul guitar been so completely designed to Les’ original specifications.

Until now.

Anchored by a golden mahogany body, maple top and rosewood fingerboard, the Les Paul Tribute 1952 is equipped with an all-new bridge that’s an exact replica of Les’ original 1952 patent. Our luthiers have also added historical interest with details like stamping “prototype” into the back of the peg head and staying true to Les’ preference for P-90 pickups.

The Les Paul Tribute 1952 honors the most important figure in all of guitar history and the guitar he designed and loved.

Click on the guitar photo to link directly to GIBSON USA.

We all know that guitars are beautiful to look at. They offer originality, artistic expression and musical excellence, all in one package.

But did you ever think that a guitar could also be a little “strange” to look at? What other instrument offers a player the opportunity to express themselves via concert performance and tone as well as an innovative display of creativity in design?

Here is a fun video that is sure to spark a “what the heck” moment for every guitar player. Which one looks the strangest to you?

By the way… the song is titled “Souvenir” from the Brazilian band “Autoramas“…

There is a new guitar magazine on the newsstand called Guitar Aficionado.

It is VERY different from all of the other guitar magazines. There is no tab or song translations.

There is no CD or DVD in a plastic bag.

This magazine is more like a “Robb Report” for guitar lovers. It’s all about the high life. The articles are about guitar collections worth millions and lifestyles that are typically only enjoyed by rock stars, CEO’s and celebrities.

Hey… there is nothing wrong with dreaming!

The publisher claims that every issue will include an inside look at the exotic instruments and wondrous collections of people who are passionate about guitars and life’s finer things — including expensive watches, delectable spirits, exotic cars and high fashion.

Like I said… there’s nothing wrong with dreaming!

The Premier issue featured:

• Tom Colicchio: The Top Chef rocks
• Five Blue-Chip Guitars
• At home with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry
• Superstar vintner Robert Foley
• Billy Gibbons’ new Fender Custom Shop Esquire

It also included articles on fine aged bourbons, The Harley V-Rod Muscle, The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo and touring England like 007 .

Like I said… This is NOT your typical guitar mag!

So lest you think this is a bashing post on the new publication, let me say that I went to my local Barnes & Noble and bought one.  And I love it!

I found myself glued to the magazine for weeks — reading EVERY article. And I can’t wait for the next issue.

Here is a sneak peak at the cover of the 2nd issue… with articles about Jimmy Page, The first electric guitar, Eric Johnson and more…

Guitar Aficionado is not a clone of any other guitar magazine — it is a breath of fresh air. The cover price is $7.99 USD (remember… no cd included) and I recommend you skip the morning Starbucks and go get one.  Better yet, order a 1-year subscription (4 issues) for $24.95 or… put it on your Christmas wish list like I did!