The holy grail of collectible guitars — the 1953 prototype Les Paul Gibson guitar, known as the "Black Beauty" — will go up for auction next week. It's part of esteemed inventor and guitar tech Tom Doyle's personal collection of Les Paul and Chet Atkins gear, including Paul's home studio Ampex recording machine, a late 1940s Gibson Factory Stevens Pickup Winder, and other equipment he's putting on the block. From Guernsey's Auctioneers & Brokers:
The guitar's storied history began when it left the Gibson factory in December of 1953 and was delivered to Les in early 1954. Modifications and experiments were constantly made on this instrument from its first use in 1954 until its last use in 1976 – all in pursuit of the ideal sound Les craved. He played this guitar for years on the Les Paul and Mary Ford Show (famously sponsored by Listerine), as well as during countless stage performances, and professional recordings. This forward-thinking instrument featured superior refinements: a new tune-o-matic bridge and stoptail piece system, finer inlays, and a fancy-looking binding around the entire guitar — all in black with gold hardware — reminiscent of a formal black tuxedo.
(via CNN)
