It may not be an Arthurian tale of Sir Percival in pursuit of the Holy Grail, but Tony Bacon’s “Million Dollar Les Paul” ($19.95 in paperback) is still about a romantic quest.
The object of the author’s interest? The 1959 sunburst Les Paul electric guitar — an instrument used by Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Michael Bloomfield, Billy Gibbons, Peter Green and many other knights of the rock round table.
Its craftsmanship, explains Bacon (whose other books include “The Fender Electric Guitar Book” and “Electric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia”), borders on the mythic: “Instruments built in that year are seen … as the peak of perfection. … Everything came together. … Ever since that time, guitarists, guitar makers, and guitar nuts have wondered how Gibson achieved such an extraordinary mix of mahogany, plastic, maple, rosewood, metal, and even, some say, magic.”
Between 1958 and 1960, Bacon reports, Gibson produced 17,772 Les Pauls, with the sunburst design making up only about 8 percent — quite low, quite rare, making its price tag soar.
But seven figures?
The author never finds one sold at this price, although he does come up with others selling for $200,000 and beyond — in one 2007 sale, he reports, “a very flamey one-owner 1959 in excellent condition” went for $525,000.
“Million Dollar Les Paul” is more about the hunt — which makes for an entertaining, fascinating glimpse into guitar culture, including talks with players such as Gibbons and the late Paul, as well as collectors such as Joe Ganzler, who authenticates original Bursts.
Often, the author turns philosophical, musing on why this particular guitar appeals to so many collectors. He finally realizes that it’s partly nostalgia for one’s youth.
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