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The Gibson Les Paul: A Short History

five watt world

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Les Paul Custom SH: The Gibson Les Paul Custom: A Short History
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Les Paul Special: The Gibson Les Paul Special: A Short History

I made the original short history videos five years ago. Between then and now I've made a couple of hundred videos and so I wanted to return to the most important electric guitar short histories and remake them. This is the first and the biggest, the Gibson Les Paul.

I hope you enjoy the remake.
Keith

20 Comments

@wil-e4c 1 year ago (edited)

I re-watch my favorites of the Short History every 6 months. They're all in one playlist, I just hit the button and the stress melts away.

@1981FlyingV 2 years ago

I bought a Les Paul deluxe in 1973. It has everything that people complained about. It’s been a fantastic guitar.

@davidbanan. 2 years ago

Nice to see some of the earlier short histories getting a redo, not that the older ones were bad :)

@BlackbirdSkies 2 years ago

Keith - you are like the Ken Burns of the guitar world. Your ability to draw us in and hold us is a tribute to not only your storytelling prowess but your production skills as well. Your Five Watt World is such a breath of fresh air and I can assure you that you are very much appreciated! THANKS!

@ryangunwitch-black 2 years ago (edited)

8:10 😂 “Listen, buddy. I know you’re terminally ill but that just means you’ll be up an outta here in no time! Here. Look at this guitar. It’s GOLD.” -Les Paul

@Chuck1965 2 years ago

My grandson was born on Les Paul's 100th birthday, June.9th, 2015. I finally broke down and bought a 2018 Traditional to pass along to him. 💜

@tom.m 2 years ago

Excellent. Redos mean I can rewatch even more. These histories are such great comfort food.
Thanks!

@64preCBSStrat 2 years ago

I’m so glad you’re updating these. They’re honestly the best on YouTube. I believe Les’s version of the story.

@haeklayhtoo5023 1 year ago

I’m from Thailand but I moved to Waukesha, WI when I was 5yr old 2010 so a year after he passed. But I never knew of him till 2016 I went to Les Paul middle school- used to be (Central middle school). That’s where I found out about Les Paul and who he was. If you walk around Waukesha downtown you’ll see some Les Paul inspired arts and it’s really cool to see the impact he had and still has on that small town.

@snapfinger1 2 years ago

The resurrection of the Les Paul after a 6 year hiatus is a remarkable saga. The Flying V & Explorer even more so.

@norseman61 2 years ago

Boy, Jeff could not keep the smile off his face when he was playing Billy Gibbons’ licks!

@samiam5557 2 years ago

Mary Ford was the GIBSON girl of the late 1950's. :hand-orange-covering-eyes:

@TheChadPad 2 years ago

I think the color “TV Yellow” actually comes from the color of some tv sets at the time

@90620michaelj 1 year ago

That sound Jeff gets is so close to perfect . I love it !!!!!!!

@sidwhelan6918 6 months ago (edited)

I became a guitarist after discovering The Who as a teen. Three of the most IMHO magnificent rock n roll videos ever made: Won’t Get Fooled Again and Baba O’Reilly at Shepperton Studios and Who Are You at Ramport Studios all featuring his gorgeous numbered Les Pauls.

I wasn’t able to get one until I was in my late 30’s, finally being able to afford one after my wife and I made some cash off a real estate sale.

I got a 1974 Custom. Despite its construction shortcuts, it plays beautifully.

@somerandomhomeboy 2 years ago

I just love that Les Paul (RIP) started working on his own prototype at the Epiphone factory. Authentic AF!

@BOZZONECOMICS 7 months ago

I think you’re one of the best YouTubers there has ever been. Your documentaries on the history of guitars should be recognized as the best on this platform and a reference for anyone wishing to do the same. As soon as I save up some money, I’m going to buy one of your pedals and support your magnificent work. I’ve watched the 'Burst' documentary no less than thirty times; Gibson should give you a guitar for free. I hope that one day you’ll make one about Charvel.