The story of Jimmy Page’s “Number One” ‘59 Les Paul. In 1969, Jimmy Page acquired what would become his most iconic instrument: a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard. Purchased from Joe Walsh for a modest $500 (with some claiming it was closer to $1200), the guitar was already modified when Page got it, featuring a slimmer neck profile ideal for his quick, fluid playing style. Almost immediately, it became central to his sound, replacing his Fender Telecaster as his main guitar both in the studio and on stage. The Les Paul quickly earned its nickname, “Number One,” as it became Page’s go-to guitar during Led Zeppelin’s meteoric rise. Its thick, sustaining tone was perfect for Zeppelin’s blues-infused hard rock, and it offered the versatility Page needed for everything from soaring solos to complex chord work. He even customized it further, adding wiring tweaks to expand its tonal options.

In 1969, Jimmy Page made a decision that would forever change the course of rock history: he acquired a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, an instrument that would go on to become his most iconic musical companion. This wasn’t just any guitar — the ’59 Les Paul, often revered as the holy grail of electric guitars, had the perfect blend of craftsmanship, tone, and magic that made it an extension of Page’s genius.

Originally, Page had been using a Fender Telecaster — the same guitar he used to record most of Led Zeppelin’s first album. But as Led Zeppelin’s sound evolved into something heavier, thicker, and more dynamic, Page sought an instrument that could deliver greater sustain and a richer, warmer tone. The ’59 Les Paul was exactly what he needed.

Interestingly, the guitar was gifted to him by Joe Walsh, then of the James Gang (and later the Eagles), for a modest sum. Walsh, recognizing the guitar’s character and Page’s potential with it, wanted to see it in the right hands. It didn’t take long for the marriage of Page and the Les Paul to become legendary.

From the thunderous riffs of “Whole Lotta Love” to the soaring solos of “Stairway to Heaven,” Page’s ’59 Les Paul became central to Led Zeppelin’s massive sound. The guitar, with its sunburst finish and naturally aged patina, wasn’t just a tool — it was a voice. With the Les Paul slung low across his body, Page carved out some of the most memorable moments in rock history, pushing the boundaries of what electric guitar could express.

Page also famously modified the guitar slightly over the years, including rewiring it for unique tonal options through custom push-pull pots and replacing the original tuners for better stability onstage. These modifications further cemented the guitar as uniquely his.

Today, the image of Jimmy Page with his ’59 Les Paul — standing in a cloud of dry ice, bowing his guitar with a violin bow, or hammering out a thunderous riff — is etched permanently into the mythology of rock and roll. That guitar wasn’t just a part of Led Zeppelin’s story; it became an inseparable symbol of Page’s artistry and the electrifying spirit of an era.