Les Paul...hmmm...I don't own one now but I HAVE owned about 6 over the years. I kept trying them, not getting exactly what I was looking for, and kept selling them off to go back to the Fenders.
Les had so many impressive careers.
He was an inventor, and developed the prototype for one of the top three most popular electric guitars ever.
He was an engineer. Les Paul developed a good bit of the technology for multi-track recording.
He was a recording artist. He and Mary made countless popular recordings that set the bar for the industry.
He was a MONSTER guitar player. When he had his accident and they asked him how to set his useless elbow, he had them set it bent so he could still pick. Even with that affliction he could play rings around most people.
He was a leader. Hundreds of guitar players and industry powers sought him out.
He lasted a long time...94. Up until about a year ago my friend George Mesterhazy, who plays piano on our last cd, was traveling to NYC every monday night to play in Les Pauls band.
Les Paul was an tireless engine of talent and creativity. In some ways you can't really mourn him because he accomplished more in his long life than any four people. Great guy, great talent. RIP