The Gibson Les Paul: A Short History

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I made the original short history videos five years ago. Between then and now I've made a couple of hundred videos and so I wanted to return to the most important electric guitar short histories and remake them. This is the first and the biggest, the Gibson Les Paul.
I hope you enjoy the remake.
Keith

[@davidbanan.]

Nice to see some of the earlier short histories getting a redo, not that the older ones were bad :)

[@Tijuanabill]

Ah, an update. I was wondering what this was going to be. I'm ok with it too.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

No, but a longer short history sure is better. ❤

[@Tijuanabill]

@@ryangunwitch-black It would have been awesome if he instead called it a medium history. 😎😎

[@thesjkexperience]

45 minutes isn’t short, so there is room for both. And, you know I’ll watch the hour and a half long update to this video too 😂😂🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@BlackbirdSkies]

Keith - you are like the Ken Burns of the guitar world. Your ability to draw us in and hold us is a tribute to not only your storytelling prowess but your production skills as well. Your Five Watt World is such a breath of fresh air and I can assure you that you are very much appreciated! THANKS!

[@jab00ty42]

ken burns is such a good comparison

[@1981FlyingV]

I bought a Les Paul deluxe in 1973. It has everything that people complained about. It’s been a fantastic guitar.

[@kevinmaillet4712]

I had a 72. I bought it second hand in 86. It was a great guitar with sustain for days

[@Earthshaker1965]

My grandson was born on Les Paul's 100th birthday, June.9th, 2015. I finally broke down and bought a 2018 Traditional to pass along to him. 💜

[@kevinmaillet4712]

What a wonderful grandfather!!!! ❤

[@Earthshaker1965]

@@kevinmaillet4712 Thank you. He's the oldest of five grandsons.💜💜💜💜💜

[@tom.m]

Excellent. Redos mean I can rewatch even more. These histories are such great comfort food. Thanks!

[@willdenham]

This and the Fender Bassman Short History are my favorite.

[@chrisquinn9104]

It would be nice to have records of Gibson’s decision making process and specifics of why there were so many misses in the late 60s and 70s when it came to models and builds.

[@auntjenifer7774]

It's mostly been attributed to bean counters and buy outs buy they never speak of how poorly they treated their employees at the factory floor, which I think had more to do with that than the other things.

[@Richard_Lush]

I’m so glad you’re updating these. They’re honestly the best on KZbin. I believe Les’s version of the story.

[@MarkFromHawaii]

This is a masterpiece Keith, worthy of the legendary Les Paul.

[@timpierceguitar]

Keith, thanks for this, it's so impressive and valuable... I never stop learning from you :)

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks so much Tim!

[@user-fn4ql5mm5z]

Always worth the time to watch. Thank you 5WW.

[@sunsetsoulsurfer-fk8mj]

The Best Les Paul Short History Yet. Thank you!

[@CrankyAlexanderOfficial]

Loved it. I am up for part 2. The Looong History!

[@Stratocus]

Playing guitar for over 50 years I'd always been a Strat guy since most of my favourites played them. Your original short history of the Les Paul piqued my interest and now I have two. A lemon burst Standard and a 12 String that I built myself around an early 70s MIJ Epiphone acoustic neck. Your videos are not just informative and entertaining. They inspire. Thank you!

[@lavaughnjames3424]

I too am a Strat guy, the Paul is my mistress

[@samiam5557]

Mary Ford was the GIBSON girl of the late 1950's.

[@buddylobos5277]

I just love this. Having owned several '50's Les Paul's, I have to say the '59 re-issues are pretty damn good. Thanks Keith

[@rustymacneil3227]

Well worth the 47 minutes, thank you!!

[@deadsoundradio]

BEAUTIFUL!!!! BRAVO!!!👏🏽 🎉 Thank you for all the research!!!

[@edc3093]

Thank you, Keith, for your time, effort, and energy in writing and producing yet another great installment in the "Short History" series.. IMO, these videos are the gold standard by which the subject matter documented is judged, preserved, and is completely enjoyable to sit down and watch.

[@stb2017]

I love this channel so much. Thx Keith for all you do

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Another excellent body of work. I really enjoyed it. Thanks Keith !!!

[@luvbasses5487]

Not one mention of Frampton Comes Alive. This double album scream LP Custom more than anything else I think. Excellent video Keith. I learned quite a lot. To anyone not familiar with the song I’m Gonna Crawl: this is in my opinion one of Jim’s finest guitar solo bit. The smooth sound of a ‘59 in the hands of a session legend does not disappoint.

[@joelspaulding5964]

Thought I had gone back in time- Excellent updated release

[@rperuwarstv4126]

Love Five Watt World! Love long format videos! Keep it up!

[@swampt.6898]

Amazing attention to detail, and pictures of the earliest models must be taken of rare survivors... incredible video Keith!

[@fredburley9512]

The best and most insightfu history I've seen of a fabulous instrument. 👍

[@briansilcox5720]

Well done. I’ve developed a creeping interest in a 50s Goldtop, since the first Les Paul I ever played was a ‘52, in 1974.

[@macsarcule]

KEITH! What an unexpected treat! Thank you so much to you and your team for such magnificent work! Incredible balance of depth without minutia, and your unparalleled image selection is always a joy. I know this will get lots of rewatches from me as all your short histories do. So good! ✌️😌🎸

[@richardkos2362]

Superb! Once again Keith, you've outdone yourself.

[@chubbyoo7]

My favorite show,haha, thanks for keeping it short enough for me. Love my studio.

[@fixpedalboards1969]

If I ever played a solo as absolutely perfect and pure as the one Jeff plays a little after the 17 minute mark I would set my guitar down and weep for there would be no more worlds to conquer.

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Groovy baby , I just ordered a copy of ' Beauty of the burst ' today , Ive been wanting the book for many years , better late than never, Thanks !

[@trollfired80-59]

Once again absolutely killed it.

[@CyclopsGuitars8642]

Love your videos but the Les Paul video’s are my favorite.Ive watched all of them countless times & they never get old.Rock on!!!

[@JurasPriest]

This video brightened up a grey saturday, for sure. And made me play my LPs the rest of the day. :) Thank you, Keith.

[@davidcraft4919]

Thanks for this. I am always amazed at the way you put these short history videos together. The 'Burst into a cranked tube amp is my very favorite electric guitar sound ever.... I think I will go make that sound now.... and share it with the neighborhood! Rock On, Guitar Friends! 🤟🥃🍺🍻🎸

[@monday6524]

I have had several Les Pauls over the past 50 years. My first was a 1974 Deluxe which I sold to finance my wedding. I’m still married so it was the right decision.😁 As a long time Les Paul lover these have always been my favorite guitar. My current is a Custom 1960 Burst Standard Reissue. It is definitely my favorite.

[@ecros]

Great video once again Keith. Thank you for making such in-depth videos. FWW is one of my favorite channels on youtube.

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

Your work on the short histories are the equivalent of Rick's "what makes this song great" -- instant KZbin classics. Loved the original version of this, absolutely love the update. I've watched them all and will watch any new installments or updates. I always learn so much from these! Thanks Keith!

[@Mr-Foad]

Theres something comforting & relaxing about this channel... been watching for years great work as always !

[@geraldrauch1701]

hello Keith!!! another great video/re-visit...my 1996 gold top is my absolute favorite guitar and the one of I've played the most in my 35+ yrs of playing, its a joy to play...cheers from oswego!!!

[@traviesoarcefan3063]

Yayyyy! Finally some love for the Spaceman Ace Frehley. Love him or hate him he has inspired millions of players around the world. And I was one of them. We love you Ace! Great job once again Keith. Thank you!

[@mikeraaymakers6800]

I don't know why people hate him. Baffling.

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

Main reason I took up the guitar was Ace. Sure that is the same with loads of people.

[@JamesLong-r5w]

Thank you Keith, loved the undated Les Paul video. Wonderful information that you put out there for us all to enjoy. I've been watching your videos for around 5 years now ( even though my subscription looks new) I left my job a month or so ago and along with that the e-maill associated with my KZbin subscriptions. I appreciate the time and effort that you put into your productions. Cheers!

[@chrisnorton300]

The only guitar related youtube channel I watch. Thanks for the upload!

[@bretspangler8717]

All your early references were ringing true to me, we must be the same age, I too learned to drive to Jail Break and Kiss Alive, a good time to be alive. We just missed the draft, that was heavy on my mind growing up.

[@jeffallen3382]

A history of Kramer, ESP, and other iconic brands that came out of the 80's would be interesting.

[@gun_toting_lefty]

Kudos for mentioning and the demo of the LP Double Cutaway!

[@bldallas]

Thanks for another amazing video Keith! No one does it better!

[@random-guitar]

Of all the channels to which I subscribe, Five Watt World continues to be at the top of the list for quality of content, such as this. Keith, you continue to create some the best researched, most interesting, and most relatable guitar content on KZbin. Love the channel.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks!

[@kc0lif]

les paul one of my favourite guitars. les paul himself was a influential guy.

[@bristolfashion4421]

Nice… thank you. So many whistle stop tours of the Les Paul model leapfrog from the “log”, straight past goldtops and end up at the late fifties ‘bursts with unseemly haste, so this more in-depth & informative cruise has been great fun! 😊

[@rolandacosta9677]

EXCELLENT , THANKS FOR THE LES PAUL HISTORY LESSON, I HAVE 3 , 77 STANDARD, 2019 GOLDTYPE PROTOTYPE, 2015 DELUXE GOLD TOP , I LOVE THEM LIKE MY KIDS , THANK YOU KIND SIR !!!

[@thevoxofreason8468]

Awesome. I love the original "Short History" vids. I hope you plan to revamp all of them. This was well done.

[@fivewattworld]

Just the big five I think. We’ll see how well it does.

[@mikewithers299]

Keith I love watching your history about guitars and gear. Long formats don't bother me at all because so much information gets packed into your videos.

[@ThunderFalcon333]

As a person who loves Les Paul's ....awesome video

[@Paolo-ie7nh]

I just had the chance to get my hands on a 2011, Les Paul 59 reissue in mint condition. That guitar was kept by a collector who didn’t play guitar. And that guitar is a dream in all aspects. Sounds, and plays great. The burst is just brilliant in a gloss finish. For me it was just my M2M configuration. That guitar will stay with me forever……

[@ferdberfle5069]

Great update Keith! Thank you sir!

[@johnperiard9594]

Still the greatest axe ever conceived. Great video!

[@DrMattWalton]

Absolutely fantastic comprehensive review and context of the historical significance of the Les Paul. Thanks Keith

[@wheelchairtestdummy3059]

Thanks, enjoyed this video a ton. Great history crammed into this video. Please keep it up.

[@geofheydon546]

One of your best. I have a 68 custom and it was great to see how it is positioned in this story. Many thanks!!

[@tommyraper3895]

Thanks Keith! Always enjoy these!

[@theovandewiel134]

Fantastic presentation of the Gibson Les Paul history. Love it !

[@francescotenti193]

Great video and thank you or all the work and time spent to get all the history of this fabulous guitar to us. Truly appreciated!

[@daleguthormsen8555]

thank you for sharing your time.

[@hotrodjones74]

Love me a Les Paul. I used to not like them when I was in highschool. When I was 22 I went to a guitar shop to buy an Epiphone SG, but walked out with a black Epiphone Les Paul Standard. I recorded an Indy rock album on that guitar, modified all of the electronics. I picked up another such guitar Korean made in the cherry burst. They're no fancy Gibsons but their prizes possessions to me. One day I'll own a Gibson Les Paul Standard, because it's the best model, a black 2 pickup custom looks pretty awesome as well.

[@sublyme2157]

What an awesome history lesson, thank you so much for sharing!

[@HellcatCustoms]

My favorite Les Paul is a copy that i assembled and finished from a kit. It's lightly aged to resemble a 59 burst. Honestly it plays better than any Gibson guitar I've owned, but I've also put hundreds of hours into the frets, fingerboard rollover, setup, etc on top of playing the heck out of it!

[@JoeRothstein]

Man, what an impressively researched video! That detail about the patent stickers was crazy!

[@elisalazar3064]

I love guitars, but Les Paul’s are my favorite. Simply the best!!

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

This is a fantastic video thank you for all your hard work on this video, great information !

[@timbaxter9932]

Keith, a great re-do! It's better than the original.

[@mortonwilson795]

Great 'update', thanks for this. I bought my first 'proper' guitar in 1974 from a friend, one of that first batch of 1968 Les Paul Customs (before they added the velute). Still have it - I didn't realise at the time it belonged to the re-issue of the LP's, I just couldn't afford a new Standard so this 2nd hand one was a lucky find. Love these history vids! 😀

[@ronnieparker4311]

Great episode! Enjoyed it a lot! It was sad to see some of the guys guitars ! That have passed away! Those guitars were a part of them ! ⚡️space ace Ron⚡️

[@bleeknoir]

All those iterations, and it still doesn’t get any better than a junior.

[@MartyPowell55]

Hey Keith I love the videos as always! I told you years ago that while you're making these I would watch them, and it caused me to go out and buy three new guitars, and now I have an new excuse to go buy a Les Paul..

[@emooneyham75]

Damn Keith!! You are so good at these history videos.

[@richardhill6640]

Wonderfully done, as always.

[@taz3672]

I have owned many styles of guitars. The Les Paul is by far my favorite. No matter if it is a Gibson or a copy, it is an awesome instrument.

[@user-yf5lx1rn5h]

Nice, I like knowing the history of a guitar I own. As always, your accuracy and touch is appreciated. You are a great historian, and you can play a bit too. Thanks K.W.

[@TheChadPad]

I think the color “TV Yellow” actually comes from the color of some tv sets at the time

[@peterwerner2174]

thanks for your work. Love it!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I was wondering what the purpose of this upload was. You had already done a segment about the Les Paul, Keith. I liked how this one is expanded past what you included in the earlier one.

[@steventrompeter9883]

Thanks for the 2.0. Enjoyed as always.

[@comajoebuck999]

Excellent work!

[@briannacery9939]

The 1959 Les Paul Standard, one of my favorite guitars!❤

[@artrogers3985]

As always, well researched and excellently presented 🎸

[@axesandelbows414]

This video is just one of the many reasons I love the 5 Watt World! 💖

[@tobiascree6799]

always extremely informative. We appreciate you very, very much.

[@MrProwlr1]

Wow. What a trip that you put this video together right now. Tomorrow I’m buying a Les Paul studio. It’s gloss black with a beautiful white fur case.👍🏻

[@geoffreycarter3981]

Best value you can find in a guitar these days. Those older Studios are everything a professional Les Paul should be with no compromises at all. All for around $1,000. Unbelievable.

[@MrProwlr1]

@@geoffreycarter3981 I hope so. He’s wanting 1200 dollars. I can’t wait. Thanks for kind words 👍🏻

[@scotthutchens1556]

Keith, great episode and one of your best. Glad to see you had a nice segment about the Guitar Trader Les Paul’s. I ordered one and received it probably in earlier 1984. I used to drive down there from Pennsylvania every so often and bought some guitars from them over a period of 2-2 & 1/2 years. Too bad they went out of business.

[@joephillips4082]

Fantastic content and info as always, and the music provided by your guest players really set it off.

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

The Who’s world record entry for volume wasn’t at Leeds. It was at the Charlton Athletic Grounds in 1976, by which time Pete was playing Les Paul Deluxe’s, but still through his iconic Hiwatt CP103’s/DR-103W’s, which really were the source of the volume.

[@gordon9177]

I remember watching the Les Paul documentary, "Chasing Sound" and when Les ended up in California, he showed Leo Fender about making the solid body guitar and that's how the Telecastor came about. it's on the long version Doc. not the hour long version.

[@Momentum88]

Thanks Keith!

[@stevemyers2092]

another home run...thank you

[@robinleebraun7739]

These short histories were viewed just at the time I got interested in building my own guitars. Before these, I really didn’t know much about the history of guitars (I didn’t know the difference between a Telecaster and a Stratocaster). I had an Epiphone Les Paul but, although I had been playing since 1970, I knew zip about how it was constructed or set up. I didn’t even know it had panels on the back and I had owned it for twenty years. Thanks, Keith. You and a few other KZbinrs have given me quite an education.

[@danielniewoehner6235]

Amazing video thank you. I love telling people about this channel when I wear my hoodie

[@f3uibeghardt522]

I'd love a Long History of the Les Paul.

[@SixStringSlinger]

Keith is one of the hidden gems of the guitar community!