Happy Birthday Mr. Les Paul

Lester "Les Paul" Polsfuss | 1915-2009

Born Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin, he was a man that transcended and revolutionized music as we know it today. He was a pioneer in the invention of the solid-body guitar, called "The Log", by attaching the standard neck, strings and wings of an Epiphone to a 4x4 and adding a pickup. This style of guitar is what has made the hard rock and metal that we all love and cherish today possible.

Not only was he an inventor, but he was an accomplished performer as well. Along with his wife Mary Ford in the 1950's, they sold millions of records with their innovative techniques and sound. In 1947 he signed with Capitol Records and became a pioneer in multi-track recording with his "New Sound." His licks, trills, chording sequences, frettind techniques inspired generations of guitar players, including some of today's most legendary shredders.

"My main guitar is a Les Paul. A lot of great guitar players played a Les Paul, so I identified with the sound of it. It's an extension of what I'm trying to communicate as a musician."

- Slash of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver