Guitar Center's Dave Weiderman with the Awesome Ax Penny
(Notice signature of Les Paul on bottom left of guitar body)
Famous 59 Historic "Penny" Early TonePros®
One of a kind 59 Historic "Penny" has the affection of many, reveals Artist Relations manager Dave Weiderman of Guitar Center Hollywood. "Penny" became the pet name of a beautiful Gibson Les Paul Historic model that went from almost missing the average production line to greatness. On a visit to the Gibson factory in Nashville Tennessee, Guitar Center's Artist Relations manager Dave Weiderman saw what seemed to be an awesome instrument that may not have seen the light of day. This guitar seemed to stand out from the many others, some of which would not make the grade. When he inquired about this specific guitar he was told, "the edges on the back are just a hair too round to be true to the exact historic original". Dave then asked, "Well, then what are you going to do with it?" When he was told of the plans for some of the guitars in the group due to strict quality control restrictions, he said "Don't do that!! Let me rescue it!" (or "her" in Penny's case). It was obvious to them that Dave was someone who could put this guitar into the right hands. Of course, anything leaving the Gibson factory must be purchased and have a paid receipt to get off the premises. The destiny of this special guitar was now set and she was aptly named "Penny" for the amount of the original paid receipt!
"Penny" was also one of the earliest "Artist Guitars" fitted with the new TonePros® System II Locking Bridge and Tailpiece. After evaluating the new TonePros® system, Dave had them installed right away. "The reaction to the guitar has been phenomenal" mentions Weiderman. After seeing it and playing it, stars such as Jimmy Page, and Billy Gibbons have definitely taken a liking to it. Billy actually played it on the new John Mayall album. Even Les Paul himself has taken a keen interest in the guitar, using it on the 2001 Grammy Awards show and at the CNN interview that followed. Penny has even graced the pages of magazines such "Spin" and was the guitar in the famous Polo Jeans ad. She was also used by Jake Busey in the production of "Shasta McNasty" and was the guitar played by David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) on the David Letterman Show appearance of Spinal Tap. Dave has heard nothing but praise both for Penny's looks and performance, "I think having TonePros® locking components is a real plus" says Weiderman after Penny has been performed with by so many, "they really make a big difference in both intonation accuracy and increased sustain". Penny resides in a special stable of exceptional thoroughbred instruments at Guitar Center's Hollywood store under Dave's personal direction. These instruments are for the exclusive use of some of the many mega-stars living or traveling to Hollywood for TV, Film, and Recording projects. Guitar Center Hollywood store is known for their rare vintage selection and collection of special guitars such as "Penny". True guitar enthusiasts say it beats Disneyland for excitement, so if you are in the area check it out.... you may get a chance to meet "Penny", and to check out the new TonePros® System II locking guitar components.
