The Story Behind Steve Howe's Les Paul: From Purchase to Sale

TLDRSteve Howe shares the story behind his iconic Les Paul guitar, from its purchase in 1977 to its eventual sale in the 2000s. He discusses its importance in his music, the custom features he added, and his decision to sell it as part of streamlining his guitar collection.

Key insights

🎸Steve Howe purchased his Les Paul guitar from Gibson in 1977 and used it extensively in his music, including on albums like 'Going for the One' and 'Double Rondo.'

🔧The Les Paul had custom features, such as metal tuner tips and an invisible ink signature on the back of the headstock.

💰In the 2000s, Howe made the decision to sell the guitar as part of streamlining his guitar collection, as he realized he had accumulated too many guitars.

📚The Les Paul guitar was featured in the book 'The Tormato Story,' which covers Howe's music career and includes details about his guitars.

🛠️Gibson attempted to create a signature model for Steve Howe, including the Steve Howe es175d prototype, but the project did not progress far.

Q&A

When did Steve Howe purchase his Les Paul guitar?

Steve Howe purchased his Les Paul guitar in 1977.

What were some custom features of Steve Howe's Les Paul?

Steve Howe added metal tuner tips and an invisible ink signature on the back of the headstock.

Why did Steve Howe decide to sell his Les Paul in the 2000s?

Steve Howe made the decision to sell the guitar as part of streamlining his guitar collection.

Has the Les Paul guitar been featured in any books?

Yes, the Les Paul guitar was featured in the book 'The Tormato Story.'

Did Gibson attempt to create a signature model for Steve Howe?

Yes, Gibson attempted to create a signature model for Steve Howe, including the Steve Howe es175d prototype.

Timestamped Summary

00:18Steve Howe purchased his Les Paul guitar from Gibson in 1977 and used it extensively in his music.

08:17The Les Paul had custom features, such as metal tuner tips and an invisible ink signature on the back of the headstock.

14:20In the 2000s, Howe made the decision to sell the guitar as part of streamlining his guitar collection.

16:00The Les Paul guitar was featured in the book 'The Tormato Story.'

18:49Gibson attempted to create a signature model for Steve Howe, including the Steve Howe es175d prototype.