09/27/2013

Les Paul: Inventor and Innovator

16:50 minutes

Guitarist Les Paul is best known as the inventor of his namesake solid-body electric guitar, the Gibson Les Paul. But even as a teen, he was a tinkerer. Sue Baker of the Les Paul Foundation talks about some of his early innovations, such as a harmonica holder constructed from a coat hanger, and an electric guitar built with a railroad rail.

Segment Guests

Sue Baker

Sue Baker is program director at the Les Paul Foundation in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Meet the Producer

About Christopher Intagliata

Christopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.