Les Paul auction nets $5m

The Les Paul Foundation and Julien's Auctions held their auction of instruments, equipment and memorabilia from the estate of the late-Les Paul last Friday and Saturday, bringing in almost $5 million for the foundation.

The top lot was a 1951 Fender No-Caster guitar signed by Leo Fender that was a gift to Paul. It's original estimate was $40 to $50,000 while it actually brought $216,000.

The second highest was a Gibson Les Paul Prototype Recording Model that is listed in the results as a 1982 model but 1969-70 in the catalog. The guitar is serial number 001 and is, most likely, the first Recording Model ever made. It was estimated at $20-$30,000 but sold for $180,000.

The Early 1940′s Epiphone Zephyr that had the third highest bid was estimated at $14 – $16,000 and sold for $144,000.

The Les Paul Foundation was started by the guitarist to benefit music education, engineering, innovation and medical research.

The top selling items:
1951 Fender No-Caster – $216,000 (722)
1982 Gibson Les Paul Prototype Recording Model – $180,000 (124)
Early 1940′s Epiphone Zephyr – $144,000
Les Paul Recording Mixing Console – $106,250
1927 Gibson LS – $87,500
Gibson Les Paul Custom 80th Birthday Guitar – $75,000
1950′s Gibson Les Paul – $75,000
1968 Gibson Prototype Les Paul Custom – $68,750
1952 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop – $62,500
Les Paul Harmonica Rack – $59,375
Gibson Les Paul Recording Model – $56,250
Les Paul Steinway & Songs Grand Model B – $52,500
1976 Gibson Les Paul #25 – $48,000
1972 Les Paul Custon – $46,875
Les Paul Electronics Rack – $46,875
1975 Gibson Les Paul Recording Model – $44,800
1961 Gibson Les Paul Custom White – $43,750
Les Paul Iridium Club Sign – $40,625
Gibson Les Paul Standard or Deluxe Modified – $40,625
2003 Peavey Van Halen Wolfgang – $35,200
1927 Gibson LS – $31,250
Les Paul Microphone – $31,250