Lost & Found: Peter Frampton's "Phenix" 1954 Les Paul Custom | Reverb Interview

Reverb's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: bit.ly/3ojmKNW
Treat yourself or find the perfect gift for your favorite music maker. Guitar icon Peter Frampton took some time to speak with us about the thrill of his first time playing his now-legendary 1954 Les Paul Custom "Phenix," and the strange chain of events that led to its disappearance.
Read more about Peter Frampton's Phenix here: goo.gl/QV58id
View Peter Frampton Gibson Signature listings: goo.gl/iUZyvM

[@georgetebbens3524]

About 20 years ago I lost my beloved 1983 '62 Vintage Reissue Fender Stratocaster to a pawn shop. I was a day late in redeeming it. I was absolutely devastated! For years after I couldn't bear to even see a picture of a Strat without feeling deep, deep, regret and unbearable guilt. Then, 12 years later, three days before Christmas, I popped into a guitar shop here in Chicago -- in Lincoln Square. There she was! I, of course, recognized her instantly! By some miracle I happened to have, for the only time in my entire life, $2000 in the bank to purchase her back on the spot. I was with my brother at the time. He asked, "Are you sure that's your guitar?" I told him, "If you lost your baby, and finally saw her again, would you recognize her?" That's my miracle guitar story!

[@DrumWild]

Even with the best odds, that guitar should not even still exist, let alone be in his hands. What an amazing story.

[@Insinu8this]

An example of how, on occasion, greed can accomplish something great. Not often, but it happens.

[@1970borntorun]

It's Karma :) Peter is a good Human Being ♫

[@willdwyer6782]

No shit. Les Paul headstocks are notoriously fragile.

[@strawsparky33]

@@willdwyer6782 not really. people are just clumsy.

[@JebHowell]

My dad got to meet Frampton at Gregg Allman's funeral last year. Dad was working a security detail for the funeral, and part of that was making sure only the family's guest made it to the visitation. All of these family members and folk are showing up in these exotic cars, and then a champagne color Volvo rolls up. Frampton pops out and tells my dad, "Hello deputy, I should be on the list." For a lifelong fan, he still loves telling that story. You just can't beat a humble genius.

[@hotwheel6663]

Beautiful guitar,Page also had a Black Beauty that was stolen.

[@coalhair99]

don't blame him a bit Jeb, i'd do the same thing, as a lifelong PF fan. i'd never stop telling a story. Dude is all class!

[@brainstain2904]

So cool Jeb!

[@MrTheBaron]

@@hotwheel6663 Apparently, they found that Les Paul as well.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Or a Humble Pie.

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Frampton always seems like such a good dude...

[@FreddysFrets]

And a great musician too!

[@ivanjulian2532]

Agreed. I'm sure he's been a naughty boy once or twice in his life, but he was smart enough to never let the industry's vices become bad habits by the look of things.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

you never know the real Peter Everybody loved Ted Bundy too

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

"It's in the hands, but it's nnnot always all, all in the hands." Great point Peter!

[@Turboy65]

Sound comes from the gear. Soul comes from the player and enters the world through his hands on the instrument. Or through his voice, in the case of a singer.

[@aaronhadley3454]

Magnificent guitar player. Simply never gets enough credit for his work.

[@TheSighphiguy]

youre joking...right? he got 10 life times worth of "credit" by anyone thats ever listened to his music. he was just about the biggest thing going back in the mid to late 70s and is HIGHLY respected to this day by anyone that knows anything about music and doesnt live under a rock.

[@aaronhadley3454]

Sigh Phi Guy nope, not joking. He never gets the credit he deserves. Sure he may be known to some older folks, but when you search “greatest guitar players” it doesn’t matter what link you go to, he will never be on one. No one even mentions his name. Yet Kurt Cobain and Bruce Springsteen are always on them for some reason. Whenever I see Frampton on these lists instead of cobain, then I will say he has gotten his credit. Kurt Cobain is a good strummer but he’s not even in the same league as Peter Frampton.

[@TheSighphiguy]

@@aaronhadley3454 well we are talking "credit"...not "greatest" lists. big difference. plus only credit among peers really matters, and talk to ANY decent guitarist and they know and respect frampton. but he doesnt warrant being on the "greatest" lists. i agree...hes better than cobain or steen by miles, but he still lags well enough behind the best. besides....most times those lists are biased and a joke. if he is on "your" list...thats all that matters.

[@kentleytaggart5816]

Because of his writing ability and showmanship ability.A lot of people missed the fact ,that he is a really good guitar player. I mean really good.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Frampton Comes Alive is the GOAT live album.You can't go wrong with a great live album.The best ever.Love Peter Frampton..keep the faith.

[@hpygolkyone]

I was at the Frampton Comes Alive 35 tour at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma, Wa and the sound was incredible. He told the story as he had the guitar back and I never knew it was missing. Played the show in order and just like the live album. The only thing missing was "Bob Mayo on the keyboards, Bob Mayo" R.I.P. I lived my senior year in high school all over again. It sent chills up my spine.

[@OnTheFritz602]

I could listen to Peter tell stories all day, with a little jamming in between! Seems like such a down to earth guy.

[@DanaTheInsane]

Today April 1, 2024 I got to hear him play this guitar. I will never forget what this sounds like. To the day I die I will never forget what this guitar sounds like in this man’s hands.

[@williamridgesr.6068]

I saw Peter Frampton in 1971 when Humble Pie opened for Grand Funk Railroad at a free concert for the troops in Schwinefurt, Germany.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

William Ridge Sr. : I was lucky enough to be in the audience with my friend Wendy Westover, the night Framptom Comes Alive was recorded at the Winterland concert. After the first few songs, Peter said, by the way you’re all going to be on a recording tonight; or something to that effect, and of course everybody screamed. It was a complete surprise and still is the best show I’ve ever attended.

[@vanshipman]

I’ve met Peter several times over the years, he’s a great guy. It was the highlight of my musical journey in my life. I’ve been playing for about 40 years and Peter was the main reason, my first huge influence. I’ve never seen or held the “Phoenix,” but I did get to hold and play his replacement Black Beauty at a soundcheck back in 1992 in Atlanta. We were talking about a particular guitar lick and Peter hands me the guitar. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t really play the way I wanted to, absolutely surreal. I’m so glad he got his baby Beauty back.🙏🎸

[@cinnamonbang1913]

What tone! What purity. Beautiful.

[@MyBlueZed]

Never met you ... never going to meet you ... have loved you forever Peter. Thank you for being part of the soundtrack of my life.

[@markyncole]

Never say never

[@sharonraizor2839]

I met him, and he was as great as you would imagine.

[@browngirl9746]

That's just so beautiful "being part of the soundtrack of my life". I feel exactly the same. I was too young to appreciate it when he exploded into the world's consciousness, in 1976. I was just 9 years old. All I remember is that year, he was EVERYWHERE!! On radio, on magazine covers, on tv! 1976 was also one of the very best years of my life before a major upheaval hit my family the following year. Now, I see how amazing he was and everytime I hear one of his songs, it takes me back to one of the very happiest years of my life. Thank you Peter Frampton.

[@cryptohalloffame]

how can you not love peter frampton?

[@davidsmith385]

I remember listening to Framtpn comes alive tape in the 70's on 8 track, one of the best tapes I've ever heard, could listen to it over and over, never gets old.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I was so thrilled when I found out he got this guitar back. Think losing our number one is a horror story none of us want to experience. Cool story

[@rogeeeferrari]

This is one of the most beautiful people/persons on the planet ! I listened to Jim Ladd interview him and enjoyed it so much that I e-mailed Jim and told him so, he replied that " he is as nice as he is talented" that is perfect...

[@Deadbuck73]

I remember hearing Peter on WBCN as a kid... didn’t realize when my Buddy said we were going to Rocky Point Paladium to see Frampton that we were going to see this guy here! We had the Shore Dinner and then this guy comes out... my mind has been forever blown! So amazing! Thank You PF for what you have given us all to enjoy!

[@richardlindquist5936]

Peter is such a positive influence on modern music. Such an inspiration. Thank You, Sir!

[@ramonrodriguez6849]

Frampton was, is and still my guitar god. I play Frampton Comes Alive album at least once a month for over 40 years. His songs keeps me happy.

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

That's what I love about old guitars.......the stories they could tell!

[@mrmusic248]

What a big shock it must have been to get this guitar back. What a bigger shock it must have been to have had someone just GIVE him this masterpiece in the first place. It couldn't happen to nicer gentleman, as I did meet him once, and he was nothing but a gentleman.

[@mrwdpkr5851]

it was meant to be

[@markwilliams5606]

Quite possible the best guitar made. Peter Frampton so cool.

[@hawaiianfilter]

amazing story and a great guitarist. "Its all in the hands and not all in the hands" It was great to see him live..

[@andrewpappas9311]

I'm now going to say "Not feedbacking goodly" whenever my guitar feeds back

[@chipper2462]

So happy he recovered that guitar.

[@chrismonk8446]

What a sweet story, for a musician that's like a fairy tail come true. I'm happy it ended so well and the guitar is back home.

[@strattuner]

i'll guarantee it is under his bed when he's home,some things in life are not replaceable,genius player unbelievable time in history,god bless you peter and the guy who gave you back your sound, i understand the feeling

[@JohnJarvis-d8n]

Frampton is still at 74 a gentleman. Hugely talented and legend.

[@bwedwards67]

What a blessing you got this guitar back Peter. Legendary sound played by a legend. God bless you

[@Cascademenace]

Neat story from a legendary artist / performer.

[@markwright9352]

Such a great story with a happy ending!!!👍🏻

[@jCd1058]

I can play all of three guitar chords, but I can tell certain players just by their sound. Gilmour, Richards, Vaughn, and.... Frampton. All he needs to do is bend a note or two and I know it's him.

[@jillwklausen]

What an incredible story.

[@DougHinVA]

He was in Richmond after the wreck and doing 'Show Me The Way' was electric. The audience erupted in appreciation at the song and his battle back to walk again and play/song again. He was moved and it was evident.

[@romanticandperky]

Oh, Lord have mercy! It was my earliest childhood friend who was with Mr. Frampton for this adventure. His name is Jonathan, and he was Mr. Frampton's "guitar tech" at the time (Nov., 1980). Two years before that (1978), he recovered a lost Les Paul for my brother, who was recording an album for A&M records at the time. About 15 years later, I was driving a cab in the Wash., D.C. area; and one morning, I drove the members of Foghat to the airport to catch a plane!

[@okgo8315]

A great happy ending story. Another one is, Steve Marriot told me in 1978 that Keith Richards LP Custom was stolen.... i dont know when. After a Small Faces gig a guy walked into the dressing room carrying a guitar and asked Steve if he wanted to buy it, he recognised it as he owned it previously ( if i remember rightly) , told the guy it was stolen and didn't pay too much for it. Then called Keith and gave it back to him. Imagine how pleased he was.

[@davidwade5807]

Another good guitar story was Ed King and his 59 Redeye LP being reunited after being stolen years ago.

[@funkster007]

Jimmy Page also got his '60 LP Black Beauty back in 2015 after 45 years. Maybe some good luck mojo in those old Lesters.

[@m.a.c.8366]

Frampton... a true legend in rock n roll..

[@billybob728]

shout out mark mariano, the real mvp

[@irishguy13]

I’m so glad that he got it back.

[@1991stratplus]

Such a great story.

[@MrWilly2204]

It's a miracle the headstock didn't break off that LP.

[@lapelcelery42]

One time I looked at a Les Paul headstock, and it just popped off.

[@jonp3890]

ThomasWilliamsMusic Believe me, I believe you, lol.

[@unetfg]

Legends has it that if it didnt break its a fake😂

[@iamrichrocker]

Pete looks great....and healthy..he escaped the rock n roll road hell...

[@110665]

Ive seen him twice , one of my favorite guitarists...hope Hopkins can help him..

[@brainstain2904]

I just went and say Peter At the Paramount in Seattle for his last tour and he was fantastic his son opened the show and Jason Bonham did his Zepplin thing and the whole show was great! Peter is such a gentleman so sad about the disease totally love the dude!

[@Sheik__Yerbouti]

"I'm gonna give it to you" - What a legend!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Peter always seems like such a good guy.

[@jerzygawor6544]

Fantastic story Pete. Glad the LP survived- amazing. You mentioned The Herd and that immediately broght back great memories from my 'teen years - From the Underworld was a great track or should I say 'record'. Thanks for the video.

[@toddflowers8052]

What a great history,thanks for sharing it with us Peter and Reverb. :-)

[@markdoughty8780]

Fabulous - A beautiful guitar that makes a beautiful sound. Thanks for uploading.

[@martlgr]

That is one great sounding guitar!!!

[@GJSsongsmith]

Brilliant story and one of my all time fave players .

[@kimthompson5871]

This is a a feel good great story and he always was an amazing artist !

[@stinkage]

Thanks for sharing Peter!

[@samfosdick9874]

I have the guitar player magazine from 1972 where they interviewed Peter. He said, "this Les Paul is the only guitar with which I can truly get subtle." He loved that guitar and obviously you can hear the subtle passages and the monumentally Savage bursts he gets on COMES ALIVE

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

WOW... what a story.. Glad to see this LP back in Peter's hands.!!! I saw him in 2010? at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. He just lost lots of his gear in a Nashville flood. That night he played a fantastic show warming up YES...!!!

[@nazfrde]

I listened to FCA so much, and that was one of the first times I ever really consciously thought about how a specific guitar sounded. Amazing guitar, amazing story.

[@DestinationsChronicles]

I saw Peter Frampton in concert last night. KILLER SHOW!

[@guppybill]

WOW! The humility to say, "It's not always in the hands." What a relationship this man has with this hunk of wood, metal and plastic. You go Peter! BTW... I have more hair than you. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

[@ThinkerThunker]

So "Phoenix" rose from the ashes and was born again, like the legend ....

[@PlanetRockJesus]

Amazing story and an iconic guitar that should end up in the Smithsonian or the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame Museum.

[@blewers]

Wow. Great story and interview.

[@joolslaloosh]

Fascinating! So glad he got it back!

[@roberthall4093]

So Kool they were reunited!

[@brainjellyTV]

This should be a movie 🍿

[@31186dan]

Just saw him play it in Cincinnati. Incredible!

[@sailinbob11]

I'm not a player. I mess around, but the Gibson "Black Beauty ",to me, is the most beautiful instrument ever created. That mellow sound just sooths my ears. Until now, I've never seen one with 3 pickups. I saw Frampton in the 70s, and never noticed that particular guitar, but the sound is unmistakable. Cool story. I'm glad it survived. Capt.Bob, SV 27th Chance ,Tampa Fl.

[@tmage7042]

God, that Les Paul sound.... I miss mine, even after all this time.

[@jacobreece1971]

Dueling Duo Jets is a kick-ass band name

[@max12fisher]

Jacob Reece you’re everywhere I am man!

[@Bruce-1956]

'Escape from Panama', would be the film version !!

[@versnellingspookie]

check out the Flat Duo Jets then ;)

[@Thompsongs]

Jeweling Jew-oh debts.

[@MrStropparo]

Such a cool story.

[@christophersmith8850]

I love that guitar, wish I could afford a Gibson black Beauty. Peter is still amazing after getting sober. Good for him!

[@theayatollahofrockandrollah]

If there was ever a musician that was an honorary member of San Francisco society......Mr Peter Frampton!

[@derekstocker6661]

What a fabulous account, so pleased that PF got his beloved LP harp back in safe hands! Wonderful.

[@JRAFF145]

Got to see him play it a few years back.

[@stugreen7937]

I saw Peter Frampton in 1976 in Florida. Gary wright opened one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

[@davidwood1923]

A Great Story... Thanks for Sharing

[@PAULPINBALL]

An amazing ultra capable guitar master!

[@darryllandry9904]

Always liked Peter. A very polite chill person by all appearance. The kind of guy it would be fun to have a beer with. Or tea.

[@Rushmore222]

Of all the instruments PF has owned, tens millions of people have an aural connection to that particular gem. On a rock legend par with Hendrix's Woodstock Strat.

[@lw1391]

That was one hell of a story!

[@paulsimmons5726]

"It's in the hands but it's not always in the hands..." Glad to see Pete's Les Paul is back in his hands! Ahh, that tone is back!

[@oxamper]

Great story! Loved it

[@threepeater]

My man, Peter Frampton and the original 1954 Lost and Found Phenix...I saw him and it Live 1982, Pioneer Theatre in Reno, and last summer 2017 at Canandaigua CMAC with Steve Miller... Love ya both and can't wait to go to the sun again like an Eagle

[@arnaudborne6904]

Having a black beauty for free, every guitarist dream.

[@1970borntorun]

So true! I remember I used to have a poster in High School back in the 80s of Randy Rhoads holding a 3 pickup Black Beauty Les Paul.

[@RobbieMcLean]

Back from Red Rocks 7/31/19 show, with Jason Bonham Led Zep Experience. What a fun night. Torrential rains, lightning, hail, then clear skies. Peter and band were so tight. He was having a blast.

[@joepaul9855]

Great story!!!.glad he got it back!!.....hes a great guitarist!!

[@Bbendfender]

I always thought this guitar had been stolen. Glad he got it back. Great story.

[@kathyd2595]

That is an incredible story! You were meant to have that guitar.

[@hushjohnny9543]

This blows my mind every time I watch this. I love Frampton,, such a cool dude! I wonder if he still watches this once in a while? Waving my hand brother. :)

[@deanjohnson1330]

What a great story!

[@martinmanhold6358]

The story made me scream out: WOW!

[@59plexi]

he had the look in 1975....rock star!!

[@glenkepic3208]

As a guitar player who was gifted a guitar he loved and sold (Ibz RR Sr), and been a PF fan for years (Winterland, DOG), solid Gold

[@jeffreyhaley991]

God I love this man!

[@Greggyboyz60]

Just an amazing story.

[@cmartin1959-qq2mi]

I'm glad you got it back !

[@7775Kevin]

Glad he got it back. Great story

[@raserx63]

it found its master..