Guitarist and blues musician (1939-1988) known as a renowned pioneer of the Telecaster sound. Roy Buchanan's stage-used tobacco sunburst-finish 1971-72 Les Paul Standard 58/54 Reissue electric guitar (serial no. 678450), owned and played by Buchanan for many years. One of the first 're-issued' guitars, it is based on the iconic early Les Pauls of the 1950s, featuring two P-90 pickups, a one-piece neck, one-piece mahogany body with thin binding in cutaway, headstock with no volute, and a wraparound bridge. Accompanied by a glossy 8 x 10 Atlantic Records publicity photo of Buchanan holding this exact guitar (with matching woodgrain pattern evident in the image), as well as a letter of provenance from his wife, Judy Buchanan, in full: "Gibson Les Paul-serial number 678450 belonged to Roy Buchanan. He's owned this guitar for many years & played it often." He is also seen with this guitar in a series of images taken in studio on October 20, 1977. Also included are Buchanan's 1978 album You're Not Alone (featuring the same Atlantic promo image on the back cover), and a 1992 bill of sale which also states this guitar was owned by Buchanan. Exhibits expected wear from use, including rubbing to the back of the neck and body. Accompanied by its Gibson hardshell case.
A guitar player for most of his life, Buchanan interacted with all kinds of musicians including Robbie Robertson and Jimi Hendrix. A pioneer of different sounds and techniques, Buchanan rarely used effects pedals, instead relying on unconventional methods to achieve his sound, including pouring water on the tubes of his amplifier. A super rare offering of a stage and studio-used guitar from one of music's most revered guitarists.
Buchanan is seen with the guitar in several photographs taken by Michael Putland in 1977.
