The Early Years of the Les Paul Legacy 1915-1963 [Hardcover]

Robb Lawrence (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2008

AD COPY: Journey through the career of musical giant, milestone guitarist, and recording innovator Les Paul, and marvel at the world of cutting-edge guitar design! This book, along with its companion book The Modern Era of the Les Paul Legacy 1968-2007 (Fall 2008) emerged out of author Robb Lawrence's years of research, interviews, extensive vintage archives (including original Les Paul/Mary Ford articles, press photos, music and recordings), and gorgeous original photography. It's all here: the factory pictures, the designers, the electronics; the first experimtela "Log" and "Clunker" guitars, stories of the various Goldtops, the humbucking pickup evolution, and over 80 pages dedicated to the heralded '50s "Sunburst" Standard. Exclusive interviews with Les Paul, as well as Michael Bloomfield and Jeff Beck. A beautiful and insightful book on a legendary inventor, musician and his partnership with Gibson to make the world's most-cherished electric guitar.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Prominent guitar expert, player and photojournalist Robb Lawrence wrote the original byline for Guitar Magazine's popular 'Rarebird' column on vintage guitars. He began his association with Les Paul in 1972 and has been his West Coast concert tech for many memorable shows. Their association has included work on The Wizard of Waukesha, a 1978 film about Les Paul and the recent 2001 Grammys tribute film.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 294 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonrd Corp; illustrated edition edition (March 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0634048619
• ISBN-13: 978-0634048616
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #504,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wait is Over!, March 9, 2008

By 

R. Mend "Bluesnut" (SE USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Early Years of the Les Paul Legacy 1915-1963 (Hardcover)

After weathering many delays Robb's book finally sees the light of day and boy, was it worth the wait. Thoughtfully written and impecably researched, this book is to be included among the best guitar reference tomes of Tom Wheeler, Richard Smith, and Nacho Banos.
The biography section in entertaining and informative, but the guitar section is where this book really throws down the goods. Awesomely photographed and interspersed with interviews and info. I have seen and read just about every vintage guitar book and was delighted to view many prototype guitars and details never seen in any book. The wonderful up-close pictures of "Pearly Gates" and "Hot'Lanta" were highlights.
Sections on Les Paul amps, Customs, Juniors, Specials, and 45 pages of '58-'60 Les Paul Sunbursts in all of their glory...it's all here.
Do not hesitate to get this book, you will not be disappointed!
Robb Lawrence has certainly raised the bar with this book and I eagerly await volume II. Bravo Robb!!!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful 1st book, now where's the 2nd?!?!?!, April 24, 2008

By 

J. D. ALLEMAN - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Early Years of the Les Paul Legacy 1915-1963 (Hardcover)

This is a wonderfully illustrated and detailed tome on the great Les Paul. If you're fascinated by the man and/or enjoy playing (or even just looking at) the various guitar models bearing his name, you'll love this book. I'm looking forward to the next one (the remainder of the set) which is scheduled for release by the end of the year.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars old dog taught new tricks, April 14, 2009

By 

Steven H. Dymond "sdymondpc" (Englewood, CO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Early Years of the Les Paul Legacy 1915-1963 (Hardcover)

Well, Ive been researching and studying Les Paul guitars and the man, since my first LP guitar in 1971. I read this book cover to cover, including all the fine print in the reproduced Gibson ads of the day. The title "the early years" may confuse some at first-this isn't about ancient history, or ancient music, as the photo of a young Les Paul may infer, but simply about the early years of the guitar's development and production. It does, however, give an great overview of Les Paul as well, which I found crucial in the bigger picture, not only of the guitar, but pop music and Gibson as well. Lawrence's history of Les is really interesting, informative, and inspiring. And, its still relevant, not only due to Les's contributions to recording, but also to the spirit of a marriage of creativity and technological curiosity.

Mr. Lawrence has provided a unique and colorful overview of both subjects. Mr. Lawrence was, as I understand things, Les's west coast gutitar tech. That alone provides credibility and provenance few others have, as well as objectivity apart from Gibson or Les himself. Further, Mr. Lawrence, beyond his luthier background, is a player. Another useful perspective.

Simply, the book has great photographs of the 'original' Les Paul line up, as well as historical development information. It is organized and easy to digest, and, most importantly, a good read. It has pictures of Les Paul guitars, some unique in all the world, none of which I've seen before, anywhere.

Not a technical tome, nor a cork sniffers guide, but rather a superlative tale of history of the instrument. And better still, a tale that appears to give the perspective of the times, i.e. as each model rolled out from Gibson, rather than retroactive or revisionist history and the often hard to sift through lore. The book is aesthetically pleasing as well. I only wish it had a larger format as its content may have been even more dazzling.

For those wondering if they should purchase this book, I own Beauty of the Burst, The Gibson Les Paul Book by Bacon -now titled Fifty Years of the Les Paul-, Tom Wheelers American Guitars, The Gibson, and The Gibson Burst to name only some of those whcih are Gibson related on my guitar book shelf. I used to build guitars and I play too. This is a wonderful book. I would buy it again in a heartbeat at full retail price. You'll learn a lot. You'll enjoy looking at it and reading it, and probably more than a few times. A good price too. Well done and thank you, Mr. Lawrence. I look forward to volume 2.