The Los Angeles Times has a great cover story on the beauty, power, and skyrocketing value of vintage Les Paul Standards.

Here’s a teaser…

“Only about 1,500 Bursts, as they are known, were made between 1958 and 1960. They were a commercial flop. But today the Burst is considered the Stradivarius of solid-body electric guitars. Its distinctive, syrupy sound, mythic back story and cherry-and-gold wood finish have made it the world's most sought-after ax.

Amid a bull market in collectible guitars propelled by baby boomer wealth and nostalgia, the price of Bursts has soared. One in mint condition with a desirable finish can fetch more than $500,000--10 times as much as a decade ago.”

Read the whole story here!

Photo Credit: Allen J. Schaben / LAT