Led Zeppelin was still playing the Telecasters that he played in the Yardbirds. I laid it on him and said, ‘Try this out.’ I gave him a good deal, about 1,200 bucks”: How one of rock’s Band most storied Les Pauls changed hands from one guitar hero….

In the annals of rock history, certain guitars have achieved legendary status, and none more so than Jimmy Page’s famous 1959 Gibson Les Paul. This iconic instrument, often referred to as “The Burst,” has seen countless performances, studio recordings, and moments of rock ‘n’ roll history. But the path that led this guitar from one guitar hero to another is a tale filled with serendipity, foresight, and a bit of good fortune.

In the mid-1960s, before the formation of Led Zeppelin, Page was still playing the same Fender Telecasters that he used during his time with the Yardbirds. While the Telecaster had its own storied legacy in rock, Page felt something was missing from his sound. It was a crucial moment in his career, and Page was searching for an instrument that could deliver the heavier, more defined tone that would later become synonymous with Led Zeppelin’s sound. This is where the story takes a significant turn.

Enter the world of guitars: a place where tone, craftsmanship, and opportunity often collide. A key figure in this shift was Peter Green, one of the founding members of Fleetwood Mac and another legendary guitarist of the era. Green had purchased the 1959 Les Paul from a shop in London in the late 1960s. It didn’t take long for him to realize the potential of the guitar, its warm, thick sound resonating with the bluesy playing style that would define Fleetwood Mac’s early days.

At some point, Green, who had always been known for his generosity, decided to part with the instrument. As the story goes, Green was ready to move on from the guitar, and when he offered it up to Page, the deal was struck. Page, at the time, was still in search of his signature sound, and this Les Paul seemed like the perfect match. In fact, Page’s initial assessment of the guitar was based on its tonal possibilities and the way it complemented his playing style.

The deal was made in an unassuming manner. As Page recalls, “I laid it on him and said, ‘Try this out.’ I gave him a good deal, about 1,200 bucks.” For Page, this wasn’t just a purchase; it was the acquisition of an instrument that would become inseparable from his identity as a guitarist.

The Les Paul became Page’s primary instrument during Led Zeppelin’s rise to fame, contributing to some of the band’s most legendary recordings, including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love.” Its unique tonal qualities and sheer presence became a part of the band’s sonic signature. Page’s Les Paul was, and still is, revered for its sustain, warmth, and unmistakable rock tone.

Over the years, the guitar has changed hands multiple times, but its place in rock history has never been in doubt. Today, the Les Paul is one of the most iconic instruments in the world, and its journey from Peter Green to Jimmy Page is often cited as one of the most fascinating in rock lore. The deal that once seemed like just another transaction between two guitarists has now become a cornerstone of rock ‘n’ roll history, solidifying the 1959 Les Paul as one of the most celebrated and storied guitars in existence.