Gibson Creates Jimmy Page Signature ModelsOne Model Sells for Record Price of $55,000
June 25, 2004
Rock and roll guitar legend Jimmy Page has personally inspected, played and
signed each of the 25 guitars in the initial limited run of the Gibson Jimmy
Page Signature Les Paul models, produced by Gibson's Custom, Art & Historic
division. As a testament to Page's enormous influence, one of the
instruments has already been sold for a reported $55,000 to an anonymous
buyer - more than double its suggested list price and a record price for a
new, first-run Gibson guitar.
Page, best known for his innovative guitar work and songwriting as a member
of Led Zeppelin, signed and numbered each of the first 25 guitars on the
back of the headstock. The signature model replicates the dings, scratches,
playing wear and the unique neck shape of Page's "Number One," a 1959 Gibson
Les Paul Standard that he acquired in 1969 and used on virtually every Led
Zeppelin album recording thereafter, including such hits as "Whole Lotta
Love" and "Rock and Roll."
Gibson Custom is offering three versions of the model: 25 signed guitars,
with "aging" by vintage guitar restorer Tom Murphy; 150 unsigned
guitars, also aged by Murphy; followed by an open run of Page models
featuring Custom Authentic aging. The first run of 25, as well as the second
run of 150, were sold out as soon as they were offered to Gibson Custom
dealers.
Because Page received the first guitar of this limited run, the 25 guitars
released to the public are numbered 2-26. The initial run also includes a
unique set of collateral items, including a black Custom Shop case with a
silk-screened Page signature, a wall display box with a silk-screened Page
signature (with hangers for the included violin bow) and a portfolio that
contains the Page-signed Certificate of Authenticity and an exclusive color
photo of Page holding the prototype guitar. The guitars will also ship with
the original strings on them-played by Page himself-and set up with the
super-low action that Page prefers.
For more information, visit their web site at www.gibson.com. |
