Les Paul Treasures Going Up For Auction

Julien’s Auctions and the Les Paul Foundation have partnered for an auction of instruments, equipment, and artifacts owned by the legendary musician and inventor. The Les Paul auction event will take place June 8-9, 2012 in honor of what would have been Paul’s 97th birthday.

Among the items going up for sale are a 1968 Prototype Gibson Les Paul Custom (Est. value $60k-80k), a 1951 Fender Nocaster (Est. value $40k-60k), a late ‘60s API Mixing Console (Est. value $40k-60k), and many more.

Paul left an indelible mark on music in the 20th century, from rock and roll to country and beyond. As an inventor, he produced one of the first solid-body electric guitars, which went on to become the beloved Gibson Les Paul. He also pioneered new recording techniques, including commissioning the first 8-track tape recorder. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2006. He was honored with the Grammy Trustees Award for his lifetime achievements in 1983. He won Grammys for Best Country Instrumental (Chester and Lester, 1976), Best Rock Instrumental (69 Freedom Special, 2005), and Best Pop Instrumental (Caravan, 2005).