Les Paul's Original 1954 Black Custom 'BLACK BEAUTY" - Tom Doyle

[@carterpochynok4874]

Even as a total metalhead who loves the distortion sound, I'd give my left nut to go back in time and meet Les. Modern music simply wouldn't be what it is today without guys like him and Leo Fender who worked tirelessly to deliver options to musicians looking to find themselves. Besides: you can never craft a truly great distorted tone unless you first understand clean tone. Notice how many of metal's pioneers were trained musicians...

[@Valhalen716]

"An elegant weapon...for a more civilized age."

[@LetArtsLive]

wow what a great story and axe.I love this video.

[@MarkDoyleLuthierCat]

Thanks Uncle! (smile) I finally have both a '69 Personal, and a "70 Professional. I can use this great video to help the kids, and teachers at my local school to hear electricity, and experiment with ultra-cool electromagnets with Hands On music science and rock and roll history. I don't know who invented 5th grader's but they deserve an award. Hand them an electric guitar and you can teach them Quantum Mechanics (smile). 5th grade teachers, all teachers, shape our Nation's Future! As a meager scientist, I am privileged to bring Les Paul science to the classroom! If you read this message, Please Volunteer at your Local school!! Peace, Mark Doyle

[@tmitz73]

Met he and Lou Pallo twice at Fat Tuesdays as a teenager, Les was the coolest, nicest guy. That was the first time I'd ever seen a performer, shake hands and meet and chat with fans. He kissed my gf and signed my LP Certificate :-) Oh Les you're def missed! Great Video Tom, thank you!!!

[@Cascademenace]

Wonderful little history lesson for the guitar enthusiast.

[@donegee]

Fan of Les and Mary from the 50s ... loved watching the TV shorts. Thanks for the excellent presentation!

[@runingblackbear]

thank you Gibson and les paul for your hard work for me to have a nice guitar to play

[@bodichair]

Great story of Mr. Les Paul Thanks for posting !

[@SoCal71RS]

Thank you for sharing such wonderful story's.

[@maximohuerta5542]

The mind, the innovation, and the forethought that went into his exact creation.....vastly impressive! The floodgates of rock and roll were opened with the Gibson Humbucker, and history was made. Thank you to Gibson, Les Paul and Leo Fender among the greatest pioneers of their time! Thank you very much Tom for posting your video! Truly incredible!

[@alext9067]

Now that's a nice explanation of the legacy of Les Paul.

[@ALEEN517]

I hope to one day be financially able to drop a set of Doyle Coils into my Les Paul. From everything I have seen, heard and read, they are great pickups.

[@epicgamingtime6]

Anthony Norton keep it original.

[@terran236]

+Davis Crispo drop in some bkp misha mansoor juggernauts, play it high gain through a powerball on drop Z, fokk yea bR00tal.

[@marsattacks7071]

He's a good man ! He worked for Les Paul almost without any salary ! Les Paul was not very generous by nature. Maybe he suffered from poverty when he was young and therefore he was keeping all he could for himself. Mr Doyle is certainly a big part of Les Paul success and I'm happy to see and hear that he is touched by those precious gifts from the Man himself ! Look for the entire story of Mr. Doyle : the begining of his relationship with Les Paul. It's very interesting !

[@pauleyh]

Les is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met he was so kind and told the greatest stories

[@TXpete]

Great history lesson on the man that changed so much for music in his lifetime. Les Paul was the greatest, a real national treasure.

[@robertmorga9275]

Having collected Les Paul guitars since late 70's , also many other makes and models. I maintain, the Black Beauty to be the ultimate, in appearance, sound, playability, manufacturing, etc. Excellent commentary,thanks for sharing ! 🎸

[@Wildman9]

Take a bow Tom ,great video on the man who not only invented his guitar,but also double tracking and echo created by him.That man was an inventor as you are, can't wait to try out your pickups on my Paul's!

[@GabrieldeAndrade]

Amazing! So many history behind this beautiful model!

[@mattmendoza2667]

Thank you Les Paul and Tom..

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

Tommy Doyle is a genius and a super nice guy. He’s the guy that influenced me to go to luthiers school and when I sold Tommy my 61’ SG Les Paul that the headstock was repaired on he let me play this guitar in his shop which at the time was in his back yard in an upstairs loft. Tommy’s also one the Tri State areas great jazz guitarist. Tommy would get me into Fat Tuesday’s and then Les’ venue changed to Iridium. When Tommy would come down to the music stores in Ocean County,NJ I’d always go outta my way to meet up with him. Les Absolutely loved this man and rightfully so. Bless you Tommy Frankie O’Hearn.

[@marsattacks7071]

By the way, during Les Paul era, distortion wasn't accepted in the studios... It meant that the recording when wrong ! It was a non quality issue. When the rock and rollers arrived, and started playing loud (Jeff Beck, etc), Les Paul understood that his time at the top was over. But he never stopped looking for that perfect tone of his. He became a close friend of Eddy Van Halen. When Van Halen talks about Les Paul, he almost cries each time. Two Greats !

[@ralphbrooks5146]

Best Guitar ever! As a young adult years ago, the first guitar I ever pick up was a Black Beauty and it was so intimidating that Black Beauty spoke to me "if you don't know how to play me I don't have time to teach you". I never felt another guitar that was made to be played like a Black Beauty.

[@jimanderson1190]

Great, informative video. Love to see original source Perspectives and insights. Thanks for posting this...

[@carlrudd1858]

So great to see and get the full low-down on this particular guitar. It SHOULD be noted, however, that Les mastered and recorded 'distorted' guitar on several occasions. Listen to 'Big Eyed Gal' from 1962 and 'The System' from 1967, among others. Les could do ANYTHING (if he wanted to).

[@RavenMadd9]

Thank you Mr.Tom for sharing this

[@barrypwalkerable]

If I could like it twice, I would. Thanks for posting

[@dreaminglifepodcast]

I had to watch this twice to soak up all this historic first hand info, thank you, for doing this.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Thank you Tom .. Great video... !! and of course thank you Les..!!

[@theperfectsetupguitarandba4816]

I've got chills. As someone that likes to tinker with guitars, this was fantastic. I admire les paul even more now. On top of being an amazing player, an audio electrical innovator, he's joyous, accepting of everyone and funny. Is there anything bad to say about this guy?

[@johnbohlinger4868]

beautiful, thanks for sharing.

[@dynjarren8355]

Amazing guitar 🎸! The mother of Les Pauls! The original! What is it worth? It’s priceless!

[@jamro217]

Whenever you encounter a wonderful invention (like a Les Paul guitar) you should take the time and reflect on what the inventor envisioned for it. It makes you appreciate the beauty and value of the instrument as well as give you insight of what it may be capable of that you hadn't intended. Great story. Thank you.

[@donrodgers5646]

Hard to believe..around 1960 my neighbor in East Rockaway N Y , Ruby Waltzer, ( who played guitar professionally ) was taking my father and I to New Jersey for lunch with Les Paul. I do not know why, but the date was cancelled, and never re-scheduled... I played guitar with my oldies group " THE BRAVADOS " for many years, but never had the chance again to meet Les. I have always been sad at the thought of " how close " Don Rodgers

[@OUSoonerinDFW]

Man! What a wonderful thing to have!! Les Paul was such a brilliant man.

[@jamski41]

Theres talk of the million dollar burst... This guitar is priceless. Theres no way on earth it has a price. Its stunning in everyway.

[@52gt]

There is a burst that sold for a reported million. Originally owned by Peter Green then Gary Moore. I guessing about 10 years ago, just after it was acquired , it showed up at the Dallas Guitar show. I got a pic of me holding it along side my own 59 burst. It was later that day played by a friend on stage.

[@bubbanderson]

Wow .. great story, nicely told !

[@shaunw9270]

Awesome video . A pleasure to see up close a guitar that appeared in many photos & on records. I gather, this guitar is totally mahogany with an ebony board. Notice the top is flat also. Thanks for posting.

[@JesusLives]

So proud of you. Great guitar.

[@sinistrality7883]

I always love how Les and Fender are at the complete opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to guitar making, Les was a player and so he invented this guitar to suit his needs and constantly morph it along the years, Fender was a not a musician, he prefers hearing the opinion of musicians on the things he wanted to improve on the guitar.

[@spazzyguitars8291]

Incredible!

[@TriGrutt]

If I’d have a “Time Machine” Mr. Les Paul would be one of the first I would like to pay a visit. Just to say Thank You in person.

[@ricardogori385]

so nice interview!

[@thomaspatrickparker6648]

This was Les Paul's work horse. Very cool.

[@MrReallyHard]

Very Cool Guitar.

[@kentbeery8653]

awesome story thank you for sharing

[@markmarsh27]

WOW ... The History in that single instrument is awe inspiring. .... Maybe you could make an even trade ... THAT guitar for The Gibson Guitar COMPANY!

[@gr8fullfred]

Thanks for that awesome video!

[@scottweisenborn2847]

I got to meet Tom and touch that guitar at NAMM a few years ago.

[@luminositymusic3810]

Les Paul is an influence on my recording technique. I wanted to see him play live, and that moment left. He is already missed. Thx-

[@cravinbob]

Les Paul lives! Thanks to the process he helped develop- recording. I forgot what award he received but it was very late in his life and his comment was priceless: "Giving me an award is like putting a new flagpole on a condemned building!"

[@v-fgamer6941]

I'll buy that for a dollar!! Historic piece that has les Paul's DNA al over it wonderful video!

[@bullpentherapy]

Great explanation of artists at then just being kids and kids just looking for something like I was. That's not bad at all. There still buying les paul guitars 🎸 yes! Great quote Tom! ! You my man are a truly blessed and genuine human being Tom. We hear it in your explanation of the guitar and man and others. Thanks

[@jeffbeck6501]

What a great story.

[@TWTexasA1]

What a great video ..to hear Tom tell it exactly like it was when he was there is just incredible 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@future4you]

I remember old G.P. player mags with an advertisement of Mr. Doyle's pick ups on an obscure looking Les Paul with F holes in the early 1980's.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Wow, this is beautiful. Thank you so much, I learned a lot in this video, Tom.

[@dosuna11]

Love your pickup in my Tom Holms guitar.

[@giuseppegraceffa7751]

What a visionary genius!

[@LetArtsLive]

This is a really interesting story

[@timhalstead9790]

Love them, have 32 year old black custom and a 2017 Standard HP Heritage Cherry Sunburst......beautiful

[@andyfulton9603]

Tim Halstead how do the HP's feel in comparison to more traditional models?

[@cacornett58]

Kinda wanted to hear it.

[@MarkDoyleLuthierCat]

RESPECT!! I have always wondered about why my brothers and I seemed to instinctively cut up perfectly good guitars to make them "Better" (Huge Smile). Thank You for holding the Legacy! I hope you will reintroduce the Tru-Clone Low impedance pickups.

[@sinistrality7883]

It's still ironic for me that Les created the Les Paul guitar and highly modified it to his liking to REMOVE Distortion, nowadays Les Pauls are synonymous with that iconic broken up marshall sound, it's so iconic and ironic for that guitar.

[@jazztom86]

oh come on, I wanted to hear it now.

[@curtiseverett1671]

that was great!

[@gopeace4797]

That guitar is a work of art. Near perfect form and function.

[@darianoechslermgp]

les paul is the Electric guitar god

[@Rich915]

Then what was Leo Fender...? Maybe 2 guitar gods. Both have there place. I grew up listening to Les Paul & Mary Ford. He sure could play. :>)

[@stevehogan8829]

Thank you. Great way to tell us what was...

[@sheddski2942]

I love that clean sound that’s why I love BB king and dicky betts and Duane allmon clean

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

Mother of all Gibson Guitars , now thats freekin awesome :)

[@markshipley560]

More specifically the mother of all "Les Paul's"

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

@@markshipley560 Thanks, I was gonna say the same thing

[@thaddeusproshansky5389]

Great story Tom.

[@wilsoncrocker]

the first goldtop? 1st? ever? absolutely priceless... wow

[@cravinbob]

with chickenhead knobs, love it!

[@Barnekkid]

These older LPs that were owned by Paul himself all seemed to have the output jack mounted on the top rather than the side.

[@leftyfusion88]

That was more interesting than watching the evolution of the human species.

[@swingset1969]

We all stand on the shoulders of giants.

[@humbertoarroyogarcia]

les paul guitars I want them all

[@marksnexus]

Only thing that would’ve made this video better would have been to hear black beauty 👍🏽

[@robertblack3452]

Very cool 😎

[@coledavis7897]

Priceless would be an understatement...

[@makaylafrance4234]

Tom. What does it feel like to own that les Paul guitar

[@bobayersquebec]

That' s a dream guitar that almost humans can' t get, lucky man !

[@utooberblooper]

Bob Ayers only one person on earth can own it

[@LandingNow]

+Bob Ayers the only way to get it is stealing it lol, this thing is priceless

[@dbvetter7485]

It’s kinda ironic that his name sake “LesPaul” put him out of business as a recording artist. Distortion and the LesPaul was what I remembered as being hand in hand. What a great inventor, 8 track recording, great guitar electronics.... his legacy will go on forever.

[@thetreblerebel]

Brillant

[@dalethomas8935]

They broke the mold after Les!

[@TheMjphoto45]

great story

[@justinthymes5680]

Sweet!!!!

[@richardelson3261]

wow what a restless genius Les was.

[@clayedmonds2681]

Les Paul was the Man .

[@PizzaShrimp]

Wow. What a relic, one day ill take my kid to museums to see some of this stuff up close i bet. Great video.

[@J1Z06]

R E S P EC T!!! 😇😇😇😇😇

[@carlrudd1858]

Q: I notice that some auction pictures show the guitar with the metal pickup rings, and some pictures without the metal pickup rings. What's that about ?

[@jimbonacum8917]

Tom Doyle also has a pickup company that makes the best PAF style humbuckers on the market (at least in my humble opinion). They are called Doyle coils and if you are looking for a replacement pickup you should check them out. They aren't cheap but if you really care about your tone they are wortgh every penny.

[@bigdguitars]

how does this have less than 100K views?

[@ivanbenjie09]

Because this wasnt made for teenagers

[@ishak4art]

He was Nicola Tesla of the guitar world

[@cravinbob]

Or Nikola Tesla was the Les Paul of electricity

[@ronsampservice3066]

Very cool video! If it weren't for Les Paul, the great guitars we have today would not be here.

[@pavelm9078]

Wow, Tom really knows what he's talking about.

[@vmat1000]

The original musical maverick, Lester Polfuss.

[@bullpentherapy]

We think we are gear nuts. And make upgrades and such on our guitars. By a simple pickup change. Try this. The true inventor and gear nut . MR LES PAUL

[@buddybates3247]

Sure would love to have one of his little black boxes hooked up to an Electronic Keyboard with Orchestral instruments. I could relay great stories without any vocals. But through imagination. 🤔✌

[@abrahamyanes2405]

Tom. I'm gonna need you to go ahead and mass produce clones of those low impedance pickups.

[@markmarsh27]

Any chance I can make it into your Will Tom? .... That Black Beauty is The Holy Grail Of Holy Grails. ... I'll trade you my VOS '59 Custom Sunburst Reissue AND MY HOUSE for it!

[@beatrix-persephone]

id love to have a guitar like that

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

got several hundred thousand dollars?