Paul was a self-taught musician who built his own recording equipment as a youth and experimented with guitar designs, convinced that a solid-body electric guitar could produce better sound with reduced feedback. In the 1940s and 1950s, Paul worked with Gibson and developed the successful "Les Paul Model", the first commercially produced solid-body electric guitar, which helped popularize the instrument and influenced many other guitar designs.

1. By: Adam Shimota

2. Born Lester William Polfus Waukesha, Wisconsin June 9, 1915

3. Hooked on music by age 9 Taught himself to play Harmonica, Piano, Guitar, and Banjo

4. Built a recording machine from an automobile and dentist drill Built an amplifier from radio and telephone components Curiosity and ability with mechanical things Enjoyed making his own improvements

5. 1930s – Electric hollow body guitars widely available Paul tried them and was unsatisfied Began experiments with designs of his own Convinced Solid-Body model was viable

6. Produce a better sound Reduced feedback Better sustainability for notes and chords Yet, no one seemed interested

7. Leo Fender released “The Broadcaster” Competition inspired Gibson to seek Paul’s help 1952 – Gibson’s “Les Paul Model” Incredible success

8. Many were said to have contributed to solid-body design Paul was issued U.S. patent No. 3,018,680 for the Solid Body Electric Guitar in 1962 Click to hear the sound of the solid-body guitar!