Les Paul Prototype I “Log”

A local collector approached us to build a unique custom instrument. He was in the planning process of creating a full-scale London Cavern Club replica in the heart of downtown Waukesha (scheduled to open 2021). He was in the process of renovating a building, a stone’s throw from Les Paul’s childhood home. Obviously, he wanted to pay tribute to the “Wizard of Waukesha” with a centrally displayed piece. Although, he wanted something a little more significant than a vintage Les Paul hanging in his club. He asked us if we could re-create the “Holy Grail” of all Les Paul guitars, the Les Paul “Log”.

History

The “Log” was Les Paul’s first guitar constructed almost entirely by him. He traveled to New York with the Les Paul Trio in 1938 and soon came in contact with the owner of Epiphone, Epi Stathopoulo . Epi and Les shared a passion for revolutionizing guitar. The two became great friends, so much so, that Epi handed him the keys to the factory. Les constructed a handful of these instruments working after hours at the Epiphone factory (located at 142 W. 14th Street in Lower Manhattan, NY) between 1940-1941.

Unfortunately, both the onset of WWII, and Epi passing away from Leukemia in 1943, had prevented this instrument from ever developing under the Epiphone brand. Gibson rejected the design immediately after the war. Finally, after the introduction of the Telecaster (No-caster) in 1951, Gibson decided to call him back. The Gibson V Fender rivalry had officially begun.

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Presentation at Discovery World

and Rob Scallon Interview

We presented the finished instrument at the Discovery World Museum with special guest Sue Baker of the Les Paul Foundation. Sue had an incredibly close friendship with Les where she gained a wealth of insider knowledge into his personal life. We were guided through the exhibit, being told never-before-heard tales of this legendary guitar pioneer. Finally, we filled into the “Green Room” revealing our centrally displayed “Log” replica. It’s one thing to have a discerning collector in admiration of your work, but to gain the approval of Sue Baker, was like having the man himself giving us the nod. Truly an unforgettable experience.

Not long after, an interview was organized at the Museum with youtube star / recording artist Rob Scallon.