I purchased this guitar from Davis Music, my old stomping ground and regular hangout during my college years. Bob, the owner and I had become good buddies as a result of my guitar addiction and the countless hours I hung around at the store. I had just finished my graduate studies (Feb 1994) and was headed to San Diego but could not resist taking this baby with me. What Bob wrote on my receipt sums it up best, "Less super-dooper off to San Diego low-low-low-low-DISCOUNT". Needless to say, he gave me yet another great deal (some 31% off his sale price) and I was one happy camper. At that time that became Les Paul number 5 in my collection and I was grinning from ear to ear.

Being a Randy Rhoads fan, I loved the look of the white Les Paul's that have faded to a cream or yellow color, as it reminded me of the one that Randy played. After getting the guitar, I had my girlfriends (at that time) name engraved on the original pickguard in the same way that Randy had his name engraved on his guitar. In hindsight, I should have not done this to the original pickguard and as a result, the guitar now sports a Gibson replacement pickguard (the original pickguard, complete with ex-girlfriends name resides in the case). The toggle switch tip had broken and was replaced. Other than these few changed parts, the guitar remains in very good overall condition. The cool well played vibe she has is equally matched by her sound, thanks to the original PAF pickups. I was especially pleased with how great this guitar sounded clean when both pickups were on and the volumes were rolled back to about 6 or 7. My only complaint, is that the small frets (fretless wonder) coupled with a super big (chunky) neck, makes her a little hard to play for my tastes. I struggle to get comfortable when playing her as I am so used to my Charvel necks, which are have much smaller profiles and jumbo size frets.

The serial number does not help define the year of manufacture of this guitar but several aspects date her as an early to mid 70's model. The no dot over the "i" in the Gibson logo, volute on the back of the headstock, "sandwiched" body and "Made in USA" being stamped in the back of the headstock all suggest an early 70's date. Interestingly, the "witch hat" style knobs and the PAF pickups, both suggest a possible late 60's date but all the other characteristics suggest early to mid 1970's. Regardless of her age, she sounds great and looks super cool with her faded finish and worn hardware.