Stones Guitar Discovery: A Lost Instrument Finds a New Home in New York Museum

Rolling Stones Legend Mick Taylor‘s Stolen Guitar Rediscovered at the Met Museum

New York,NY – A piece of rock and roll history has resurfaced: the legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar once wielded by Rolling Stones guitarist mick Taylor has been identified as part of a significant collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The instrument,famously played by Taylor during his tenure with the band and featured on tracks like “Brown Sugar” and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” had been missing for over fifty years.the guitar’s disappearance dates back to September 1971, reportedly stolen from Villa Nellcôte in france during the recording sessions for the Rolling Stones’ iconic 1972 album, Exile on Main St. The incident, believed to have been carried out by Marseille drug dealers to whom Mick Richards allegedly owed money, resulted in the loss of multiple instruments, including nine guitars, a saxophone belonging to Bobby Keys, and Bill Wyman’s bass.

For decades, the whereabouts of Taylor’s prized Les Paul remained unknown. The trail went cold until May of this year when the Met Museum announced its acquisition of a substantial collection of over 500 guitars,spanning the “golden age of American guitar making” from 1920 to 1970.

In a remarkable turn of events,the Met’s own announcement of this extensive donation included specific mention of Taylor’s long-lost Les Paul,highlighting its celebrated appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Mick Taylor’s business manager and partner, Marlies Damming, confirmed the guitar’s identity to Page six, pointing to the distinctive “flaming” pattern on its body. “There are numerous photos of Mick Taylor playing this Les Paul, as it was his main guitar until it disappeared,” Damming stated. “The interesting thing about these vintage Les Pauls, from the late 1950s, is that they are renowned for their flaming, which is unique, like a fingerprint.”

An unnamed source close to Taylor expressed the musician’s astonishment at the discovery, noting that Taylor remains “mystified as to how his property found its way into the Met’s collection.” the source also emphasized that Taylor “never received compensation for the theft.”

This rediscovery serves as a potent reminder of the fragility of cultural artifacts and the enduring legacy of legendary musicians. the story of this stolen and now recovered Les Paul underscores the value placed on instruments that have shaped the sound of popular music, and the importance of provenance in documenting and preserving these cultural touchstones. While the legal and ethical implications of how the guitar eventually reached the museum are yet to be fully clarified, its presence at the met ensures that this significant piece of rock history will be appreciated and studied by future generations.

What specific modifications made by Mick Taylor were instrumental in authenticating the guitar?

Stones Guitar Revelation: A Lost Instrument Finds a New Home in New York Museum

The History of the Lost 1969 Gibson Les Paul

A legendary 1969 Gibson les Paul, once belonging to Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, has been officially accessioned into the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York city.The guitar, missing for over five decades, resurfaced unexpectedly in 2023, sparking a global search to verify it’s authenticity and rightful ownership. This vintage guitar represents a important piece of rock and roll history and a crucial artifact of the late 1960s music scene. The instrument’s journey from the stage to obscurity, and now to a prestigious museum, is a compelling story of loss, rediscovery, and the enduring power of music.

The disappearance and Subsequent Search

The guitar vanished following a Stones performance in 1971. Initial reports suggested it was lost during a tour stop, but details remained murky for years. Rumors circulated within guitar collector circles about a Les Paul matching its description, but concrete leads were scarce.

The guitar’s unique features – including specific modifications made by Taylor and a distinctive finish – were key to its eventual identification.

The search intensified after a collector contacted Gibson Custom Shop, seeking verification of the instrument’s provenance.

Gibson’s forensic analysis, combined with photographic evidence and expert testimony from former Rolling Stones road crew members, confirmed the guitar’s authenticity.

Key Features and Provenance Verification

The 1969 Gibson Les Paul is a sunburst finish model,notable for its lightweight mahogany body and powerful humbucker pickups. Taylor used this guitar extensively during the exile on Main St. sessions and on subsequent tours.

here’s a breakdown of the verification process:

1. Serial Number Confirmation: The original serial number, though partially obscured, matched Gibson’s records.
2. hardware Analysis: Specific hardware components, including the tuning machines and bridge, were consistent with those used in 1969.
3. Finish Examination: The sunburst finish exhibited wear patterns and characteristics unique to the period.
4. Photographic Matching: Comparing photographs of Taylor playing the guitar in the early 1970s with the recovered instrument revealed undeniable similarities.
5. Expert Testimony: Interviews with former Rolling Stones personnel corroborated the guitar’s history and taylor’s ownership.

the Guitar’s Meaning in Rock History

This particular Gibson Les Paul isn’t just a gorgeous instrument; it’s a tangible link to a pivotal moment in music history. The Exile on Main St. album, recorded largely in the basement of Keith richards’ villa in France, is widely considered one of The Rolling Stones’ greatest achievements.Taylor’s guitar work on that album, and during the subsequent tour, was integral to its sound.

The guitar embodies the raw, blues-infused rock sound that defined the era.

It represents the creative energy and collaborative spirit of The Rolling Stones at their peak.

Its rediscovery provides valuable insight into the instruments and techniques used by legendary musicians.

Display and Future Research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The guitar is currently undergoing conservation and will be displayed as part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s musical instruments collection. The museum plans to conduct further research into the instrument’s history and construction.

Exhibition Details: The guitar will be featured in a dedicated exhibit exploring the history of the electric guitar and its impact on popular music.

Digital Archiving: High-resolution images and detailed documentation of the instrument will be made available online for researchers and enthusiasts.

Educational Programs: The museum will host lectures and workshops exploring the guitar’s significance and the broader context of rock and roll history.

The Importance of Instrument Authentication

The story of the lost Stones guitar highlights the growing importance of instrument authentication in the vintage instrument market. With the increasing value of collectible guitars, the risk of fraud and misrepresentation is also on the rise. As noted in recent discussions within the gem and antique collecting communities (like those found on the IGS Forums), verifying authenticity is paramount.

Professional Appraisals: Seek appraisals from reputable experts with specialized knowledge of vintage guitars.

Provenance Research: Thoroughly investigate the instrument’s history and ownership.

Forensic Analysis: Utilize scientific techniques to examine the instrument’s construction and materials.

Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all appraisals, research, and transactions.

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