Best Guitar Tone Ever - 1960 Gibson Les Paul.

It all started with a trip to my local Guitar Center. Even though you collect many instruments over the years, there’s still the quest for the Holy Grail of a perfect sounding instrument. Walking in I usually go right for the wall of guitars hoping to see an axe that’ll make my socks roll up and down. Right away I knew this day was going to be special. There it was, 3 down and 10 over, just out of reach of course, but silently calling my name. A beautiful 1960 Honey Burst Les Paul. Well of course I just had to try this through an amp and see if the sound matched the looks.

If you’ve ever tried to test drive a guitar at a store you know it can be a daunting experience being surrounded by a roomful of musicians. Not to be put off I jacked into a vintage Fender amp and let er rip. This thing was sweet!!! Super delicious tone coupled with some of the best action I’d seen in years. Quite a few heads turned and looked where the sound was coming from. OK it sounds good through an amp, now the acid test. Went to the acoustic room and played it in an isolation booth to hear it’s resonance un-amplified. Mmmm, still rings out with all the warmth and richness of a true vintage Les Paul. Sounds good, plays good, next step take out a second mortgage. Done. Ha Ha.

When I say it pushed me over the edge I mean having an instrument that pulls out your inherent creativity is worth more than anything. During my career I’ve had the opportunity to perform and record with a wide variety of guitars, each doing the job as needed. Yet some gave more than others. Since I’ve acquired the Paul my creativity has elevated to a new level. My point is when you have alignment between instrument and player, things happen quite unexpectedly for the better.

Wayne Woodbury