Bare Knuckle boss Tim Mills discloses the secret behind Jimmy Page's famed, thin-toned Les Paul Standard guitar.
In an exciting turn of events, legendary rock guitarist Jimmy Page has entered into a "multi-year partnership" with Gibson, the iconic guitar manufacturer. This collaboration was announced in February, 2024.
The partnership has its roots in 2007, when Tim Mills, the founder of Bare Knuckle Pickups, worked on Jimmy Page's 1959 Les Paul Standard before Led Zeppelin's reunion. Page, known for his exceptional skills and iconic sound, had reported an electric guitar pickup issue, and Mills was the one to address it.
Jimmy Page's 1959 Les Paul Standard is a unique piece, with an exceptionally thin neck profile, particularly from frets three to nine. The neck pickup, just shy of 9K, behaves more like a single-coil due to discharge and asymmetrical coil windings. This contributes to Page's distinctive tone.
The 1959 Les Paul Standard was not the only guitar Page collaborated with Gibson to release a replica of. He has also been involved in the creation of a replica of his 1971 EDS-1275 double-neck and 1964 SJ-200 acoustic guitar. However, there is currently no specific release date announced for a replica of his 1959 Les Paul Standard.
Gibson sees Jimmy Page as responsible for the success, continued innovation, and evolution of post-Golden-Era Gibson. The president/CEO of Gibson has even referred to Page as an "ambassador emeritus of guitars" and a music trailblazer. Gibson is grateful for Page's trust in their team.
The back of the neck of Page's 1959 Les Paul Standard is almost as thin as Ibanez guitars, making it comfortable for Page's unique playing style. This modification, along with the pickup issue, was addressed by Tim Mills, who described Page as his dream client.
There is speculation about the return of a Jimmy Page Les Paul guitar, and the partnership between Gibson and Page aims to develop a number of signature guitars. The partnership is expected to pay tribute to Jimmy Page, one of the most influential guitarists in music history.
It is worth noting that Gibson has been working with other notable musicians, such as Noel Gallagher, and there is ongoing interest in collaborations with famous guitarists. A reissue of Page's 'Number One' Les Paul was released by Gibson in 2004, but there is no confirmed plan for a new release at this time.
As the partnership unfolds, fans and guitar enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the signature guitars that will pay homage to Jimmy Page's iconic sound and style.
Jimmy Page, known for his exceptional skills and iconic sound, is collaborating with Gibson to develop signature guitars. This partnership, expected to pay tribute to Page's significant contribution to music history, also involves the potential return of an entertainment product associated with Page – a Jimmy Page Les Paul guitar.
