NEW YORK – On Feb. 19, Guernsey’s will present at auction the very instrument that made rock ’n’ roll possible: the original prototype of the revolutionary Les Paul Gibson guitar. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

This particular guitar, known as Black Beauty, was designed by and belonged to guitarist-inventor Les Paul decades ago – it is the prototype for all Les Paul models produced by Gibson to this day.

The guitar’s storied history began when it left the Gibson factory in December 1953 and was delivered to Les Paul in early 1954.

This forward-thinking instrument featured superior refinements: a new tune-o-matic bridge and stoptail piece system, finer inlays, and a fancy-looking binding around the entire guitar – all in black with gold.

After more than 20 years of performing with and innovating on this guitar, Les gifted this iconic instrument in 1976 to his personal luthier, technician and close friend Tom Doyle, where it has remained in his private collection to this day.

A pioneering musician as well as an avid inventor, Paul was always looking to improve upon the guitars he was playing. Approached in the early 1950s by Gibson with the hopes of building a true electric model suited to his needs, the first guitar constructed (known the Gold Top) had multipl design flaws. In response, Les demanded that a much better instrument be made if it were to bear his name. Though initially referred to as the Les Paul Black Custom, this marvel eventually became known as “Black Beauty.”

In addition to this landmark instrument Guernsey’s will offer other select items from the collection of Tom Doyle, most notably Chet Atkins’ legendary prototype Gretsch guitar known as “Dark Eyes.”

For additional information contact Guernsey’s at 212-794-2280. Watch for the online catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.