User Submitted Featured Guitars:
Since I began this site back in 2006, I have been fortunate to receive hundreds of emails from all over the world. I have heard from: Japan, USA, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Norway, Poland, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Argentina, Scotland, the UK, Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand, and more.
Recently, it occurred to me that it would be fun to feature some of your guitars and, more importantly, your stories. Don't worry! You don't need some mint, all-original example. If it is a real LSLP, I'm sure others would love to see it. If you would like to be featured, please download the Microsoft Word Document below. It has instructions on what to do. Don't forget to attach it and a couple of your favorite pictures to your return email.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Any comment in brackets, marked "EDIT", is commentary by myself. Any claims to condition in the following featurettes are strictly the beliefs of the generous people who have submitted them in their own words. The author of this site has not validated or endorsed them in any way, this particular section is just a place to share stories for entertainment, etc. :) Nothing too serious. :)
Featured LSLP #01
Early 1969 Les Paul Custom - Stephen from Virginia, USA.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
I have a 559xxx, Early 1969 Les Paul Custom.
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
I found mine through a good friend at a garage sale. I purchased it from what may have been the original owner in southern Louisiana. I have had it since 2004.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
It's mostly original. The finish on the back of the neck was worn all the way to bare wood at some point. The previous owner had just the back of the neck oversprayed. He then played it again so much he began to wear through the new paint as well. Sadly, the original pickup covers are long gone. Factory, non-T, patent sticker humbuckers. It has early 70's, USA-made Nickel Grovers. It's missing some binding on the neck too!
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
I play my LPC through a Fender '57 Deluxe (handwired, RI), '66 Fender Vibrolux Reverb, a Marshall JCM2000, and a Fender G-Dec 30 modeling amp for low volume
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
I didn't mean to. I didn't even know they existed! Just heard someone I knew had found an "old Les Paul Custom in an orange-lined case".
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
I created it. :) I'm wondering if most of you found it through Google or through forums.
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
I have been playing guitar since 1991. I am from Texas originally. I love every type of music from Metal to Jazz. Love the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. My first guitar was a used, 1986-or-so Kramer Focus 1000 for $150.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Just wanted to say thank you for all the emails I have received. Very happy this site has helped so many of you make informed purchases.
Featured LSLP #02
Early 1969 Les Paul Standard - Billy originally from Florida, USA.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
Standard 551XXX.
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
Traded it from a friend. 1 year.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
All original. Untouched solder joints.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
If I were to play it, 1973 50 watt Marshall.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
Had one.
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
LPF
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
Been playing since 1975. Recorded and played with a lot people general public would know. Fla born. Rock mostly. First guitar was a 1975 natural deluxe. Bought used for $350.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Good Job!! [EDIT: Thanks Billy!]
Featured LSLP #02
Early 1969 Les Paul Standard - Billy originally from Florida, USA.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
Standard 551XXX.
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
Traded it from a friend. 1 year.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
All original. Untouched solder joints.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
If I were to play it, 1973 50 watt Marshall.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
Had one.
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
LPF
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
Been playing since 1975. Recorded and played with a lot people general public would know. Fla born. Rock mostly. First guitar was a 1975 natural deluxe. Bought used for $350.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Good Job!! [EDIT: Thanks Billy!]
Featured LSLP #03
1968 Les Paul Standard - David from Sydney, Australia.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
Standard 522XXX.
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
Found through online seller via TGP, I have owned it for over two years.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
It has a number of mods, refinish (very well done even has pick guard shadow) as well as rewired ( I have also rewired it myself with CTS pots vintage wiring and real bumble bees) the tuners are original though it looks like it had Grover's on previously. I still have the originals but I have put on a Callaham stopbar tail piece and a metal jack plate.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
Main amp is a Lazy J 20, for larger gigs I use a Suhr Badger 30 as well in stereo....got a bunch of cool old amps as well for the studio ('65 DR, '65 Vox AC50, '73 Marshall SL, '63 Princeton) the goldtop sounds mighty thru them all!
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
Wanted a player P90 guitar came across this at a great price cause of all the mods and yet it looks all original.
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
Through MLSP.
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
David, been playing since 1972. From Sydney Australia. Muscular melodic pop would best describe the music I like, bands / performers like Jellyfish, Badfinger, Owsley , Jason Falkner etc, digging "the Union" currently. My first real guitar was a 1969 Gibson SG which I foolishly sold...trying to reclaim it could be costly but...in the process wish me luck!
8) Anything you would like to add?
Keep up the good work your site made me realize just how special my guitar was...thanks! [EDIT: Thanks David!]
Featured LSLP #04
Early 1969 Les Paul Custom - Nick originally from London, UK.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
Custom........serial 544XXX
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
Bought from a dealer I have known for many years. Had it now for about 12 years.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
Original (to my knowledge!) One piece neck/body and long tenon.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
1960's AC30.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
Because I didn't have one!
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
Mylespaul.com
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
Nick. Been playing since the 1960's. From London originally. Worked in Macari's Musical Exchange, Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street during the late 60's and 70's. Blues, 60's and 70's Rock. Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Freddie King, the other Kings, Otis Rush, etc etc etc. First Guitar was a Futurama.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Is mine a 68 or 69?? [EDIT: Nick, it's an early 1969 model. Probably February/March? Not sure precisely.]
Featured LSLP #05
Early 1969 Les Paul Standard - Billy originally from Florida, USA.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
Standard 535XXX
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
Dealer / 6 yrs.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
Modified/ routed for humbuckers. Currently has old set of T-Tops.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
I do play this. I have a modded Carvin VT-50 head(Hasserl stage 2 (B) mod). Thru a 212 cab.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
This one I credit to LSLP site.
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
LPF
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
[EDIT: See Featured Guitar #2 for more info on Billy.] -- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Blackfoot, George Clinton, Jimmy Farrar, Bo Diddley.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Small headstock. 50`s neck. Partial refret.
Featured LSLP #06
Early 1969 Les Paul Custom - Dave from California, USA.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
1969 Les Paul Custom - s/n 559xxx Early Reissue.
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
Purchased online within the past month from a direct seller in non-working condition.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
She's highly modified - routed for a tremolo, currently is a Kahler 2700 but it's had many others in it's past. Locking nut installed. Original parts are cavity covers & pickguard - everything else is non-original.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
Just got her back to playability - my current amp is a Fender.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
I was born in May 1969. I've restored many 60s SGs and have always wanted to own a Les Paul Custom (my favorite guitar) from the time in which I was born. This guitar may have been in the front window of some music store somewhere when I came into being. They were always out of my price range - until this one happened into my life. [EDIT: Wow! Great story!]
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
I've been a frequenter of the website for several years. I've looked at perhaps 1/2 dozen LPs from this timeframe (for purchase or for evaluation) and it's an invaluable resource. [EDIT: Thank you!]
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
First name is David and I live in California. Been learning guitar for a few years now - I work on them as much as play them and am by no means a professional. It started with a Charvel Model 6 a decade ago that a long-unseen friend had given me. I've reconditioned probably close to 200 guitars now, - of which have been Gibsons. I prefer modern and classic Rock - favorite bands are Rush, Zeppelin, Floyd, AC/DC, etc.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Nothing else to add - other than thanks so much for all of the info you've accumulated and presented via your awesome website! [EDIT: You're welcome, happy to help!]
Featured LSLP #07
1968 Les Paul Standard - Pierre-Alain from Switzerland.
***** ----- ORIGINAL OWNER ----- *****
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
Les Paul Standard / 528XXX. I think it's a late 1968. Pot codes 137 6833. [EDIT: Yes, a very late 1968. The first 1969 serial number is 530xxx.]
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
New, in Geneva (Switzerland) on the 2 May 1969, my birthday present ;=)). 45 years and I still have it. [EDIT: VERY COOL! Congratulations on such a long ownership.]
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
Modified. I changed the bridge pickup in a Humbucker PAF I've found in London in 1971 for more distortion, Grovers Mechanics, color in Sunburst.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
Vox AC 30 1964 but it's to loud and heavy now. I play mostly on a little Peavey Classic 20 with a Marshall 1 x 12".
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
Because of Michael Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, Peter Green and others usual suspects I've heard on LPs in this years. Amazing sound.
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
Search on Google "Les Paul 1968".
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
My name is Pierre-Alain, I play guitar since 55 years, I live in Switzerland. Blues and Rock and I still play in several bands . Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Eric Johnson and many others. An EKO 500/2 in 1963 and I still have it.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Sorry for my bad English, I speak french. I like your homepage very much. [EDIT: Ce n'est pas mal! I took four years of French in school. I wish I remembered more. Thank you for your compliment.]
Featured LSLP #08
Early 1969 Les Paul Custom - Anthony from Australia.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
1969 Les Paul Custom . 539XXX.
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
I found it in a guitar shop owned by Chris Kinman( later he started Kinman pick ups) in Brisbane, Australia in 1991.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
Very modified ,it has been refinished and it had the neck joint shaved. It is stable and it feels comfortable playing up there. [EDIT: Note also that the binding edge was rounded and binding removed on the rear.] It's also had a new Montreaux time capsule tail piece, a Tone pros bridge and Grover tuners. On a positive -the wiring apart from 1 pot is all original as are both the pick ups.
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
Either a 1962 Vox AC30 Top Boost , 1953 Fender Champ or a 1962 Blonde Bassman.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
I was born in the late 60's and you have to have a guitar from the year you were born!
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
I found out about latesixtieslespauls through a couple of Les Paul forums.
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
I have played guitar since the mid 1980's. I am from Australia. I listen to all sorts of music but lately Gary Clark Junior gets played a lot. The old stuff , Bob Marley , The Beatles , The Rolling Stones and The Who and of course Led Zeppellin. As for new music - Kanye West and Eminem, I better stop now, Haha. My first guitar was a 1972 Fender Telecaster. I wish I still had it.
8) Anything you would like to add?
Yes you are one very cool cat. And 1968 and 1969 are fab years for Les Pauls. [EDIT: Thanks man! I really like "hot rod" LSLP's, and yours is one of the best I have seen.]
Featured LSLP #09
Middle 1969 Les Paul Deluxe - Mike from Florida, USA.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
Early 1969 Std. 565xxx. [EDIT: This site would refer to this as a Middle Reissue, but who cares really. :) ]
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
I purchased it in 1982 at a local music store for 350 dollars. [EDIT: I wish we could still find them for that price!]
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
It was modified by previous owner, mods include humbucker route, Schaller tuners, brass nut, strap locks, new bridge and tailpiece, replaced shrunken inlay, and a couple of refrets. I also believe the neck was shaved down at some point because of the untypical slim soft v profile. [EDIT: Below the 5th fret or so on my LPC, there is a bit of a V to it...]
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
70's Marshall JMPs.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
My friends were getting tired of me always asking to borrow their Gibson guitars for party/gigs, so I saved up and bought my own.
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
I saw this site mentioned several times on the Les Paul forum and thought I better check it out.
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
Mike, & I live in Florida. I started playing guitar in 1979 at age 11. 1970's classic rock is what I like more than anything, lots of great sounds and riffs. My first guitar was a Fender.
8) Anything you would like to add?
I would just like to thank you for providing us with this invaluable website, I'm always learning something new! [EDIT: Happy to help! You are very welcome.]
Featured LSLP #10
Middle 1969 Les Paul Deluxe - Jeremy from the UK.
1) What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?
1969 Standard Goldtop. Serial number 564xxx. [EDIT: I have a picture of his neck joint. A long tenon routed body with a trans tenon, 3pc neck. With a filler block glued in the body. Particular to a 563-566xxx LPC or LPS/LPD.]
2) How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?
Bought from a UK shop "Electric Ladyland" in Bristol fairly recently.
3) Is it original or modified? How is it modified?
Missing scratchplate and 1 volume knob.]
4) What kind of amp do you usually play it through?
1968 Park Plexi 50w and 4x12 cabinet.
5) Why did you buy an LSLP?
I think they are great guitars to play. Reasonable value for money compared with 1950s models. [EDIT: I agree!]
6) How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?
Search on the internet.
7) Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?
Jeremy. UK England. Been playing for 39 years. All types of music, Rock, Blues, Folk and Classical. Tom Petty, Stones, Beatles etc.
8) Anything you would like to add?
My guitar has a darkback and weighs just 8lbs 7oz. [EDIT: Darkbacks are an interesting variant of LSLP. There is no confirmation in the ledger for them and a ton of them are refins covering all sorts of issues. That said, less than a quarter of the ones I have seen look legit (as best as can be judged from pictures), and Jeremy's certainly looks factory.]