Every now and then, a holy-grail guitar falls into your lap and makes you do crazy things to get it. In my case, the holy grail is a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom from the original owner, Brian, who played it every day like it owed him money.

I’m obsessed with guitars with personality and deep stories—specifically vintage Gibsons—and have a habit of poking around to see what’s out there. I found Brian’s guitar through my buddy Joe at Joe’s Vintage Guitars in Arizona. This guitar was all vibe and dripped energy—a true player’s instrument. That honest playing wear is very important, not only to the history, but to the sound. You see something that’s heavily played and worn, you know it’s going to sound good. I had to have it. Luckily, the old broken headstock made it financially attainable. I consulted my guitar uncles, Doug Myer and Chris Such, who are equally obsessed and they encouraged me to go for it. I didn’t think twice. I pulled my beloved 1938 D’Angelico Excel off the wall and sold it. Joe and I made the deal. He shipped Brian’s guitar to me in NYC.