Paul, Les

More than just the man responsible for the world’s most famous guitar...

Already a star when he invented the solidbody guitar (there’s a reason Gibson wanted his signature), Les was a virtuoso jazz and country performer. By inventing multitrack recording – discovering delay, flanging, and phasing en route – he provided the equipment for everyone following him. His dense layers of harmonised guitars anticipated Brian May. Decades before Paul Gilbert and Bumblefoot, Les recognised that fast guitar could be funny, using tape speed for both musical and ludicrous effects. Stars like Zakk Wylde lined up to perform at his infamous New York club nights, only to limp offstage after being schooled by the master.