R.I.P. Les Paul

Bill Erchul · Post by **Bill Erchul** » 14 Aug 2009 5:25 pm

Les departs the stage for the final time. We'll all miss you, Rhubarb Red. Thanks for all you've done.

Bill

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 15 Aug 2009 12:02 am

Considering his age it does not come unexpected, nevertheless it is very sad news. Les Paul was one of the great innovators, an all around gentleman and a great human being.

RIP, Les Paul

Kind Regards, Walter

Mike Poholsky · Post by **Mike Poholsky** » 16 Aug 2009 5:58 am

CBS Sunday Morning just did a piece on Les Paul. It was a rebroadcast of a piece done a few years ago. Showed some of his great playing, and highlighted the fact that his is credited with the first solid body guitar. We joke about it on these threads all the time. They showed his pride an joy: a long plank of wood with a door hinge, for a bridge, and a telephone wire, for a string, and some kind of very crude pickup. Wow, think about that for a second.
RIP Les.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 16 Aug 2009 8:04 am

I'm forever grateful to JJ Johnjo who right up until the final moment was at Les's side. To my great friend Dave Mihok one of JJs best friends both members of the Mah Wah N.J.Police dept.Where Les resided..JJ retiring soon and Lt.Dave who retired years ago, escorted and made sure Les got to the places he wanted too.. JJ was responsible for Les's security and health..Both responsible for Les giving me and personaly autographing a LP Guitar..Les also autographed his book to Smiley Roberts..I never play the guitar it hangs in my music room and always will...

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 16 Aug 2009 8:31 am

this is very interesting on his life....
http://video.nytimes.com/video/1776/07/ ... -Paul.html

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 16 Aug 2009 11:29 am

Mike Poholsky wrote:...They showed his pride an joy: a long plank of wood with a door hinge, for a bridge, and a telephone wire, for a string, and some kind of very crude pickup....

Alan Brookes, from another thread, wrote:Don't forget Les Paul's "log"...

When Les Paul sawed a Gibson archtop in half, shoved a plank in between, and fitted a pickup, Gibson thought he was crazy. He proved them wrong, and started an industry and an artform which will last for ever.

Keep on a-pickin, Les. When they give you a harp, saw it down the middle and put a pick up on it. You'll soon have the angels rocking and rolling.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 17 Aug 2009 8:16 am

Les's influence has crossed all lands and all cultures.
Electric guitar,
and overdubbed music are heard around the world EVERYWHERE.

No significant part of this earth has
not been touched by his technical achievements.

What an incredible legacy.
And he was a nice, fun guy too.

RIP Les you DID make a difference.

Bob Knetzger · Post by **Bob Knetzger** » 17 Aug 2009 9:20 am

If you want to see the log and lots of other really cool Les Paul inventions and guitars get thee to Milwaukee's Discovery World. Until the end of the year they're presenting their show "Les Paul's House of Sound"--Very cool!

http://www.discoveryworld.org/lespaul.php

Bob Knetzger · Post by **Bob Knetzger** » 17 Aug 2009 9:26 am

If you want to see The Log and lots of other really cool Les Paul inventions and guitars get thee to Milwaukee's Discovery World. Until the end of the year they're presenting their show "Les Paul's House of Sound"--Very cool!

http://www.discoveryworld.org/lespaul.php

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 18 Aug 2009 8:06 am

My son is fortunate enough to have a Les Paul model. Not sure which one, but my father-in-law bought it for him a few years ago at Rochester's House of Guitars. Needless to say, my son was the envy of the salesman.

There is a nice tribute to Les Paul in the R&R HOF. Check it out if you're ever in Cleveland.