Just a remarkable guitar on every level...that's really all there is to say.

One of the coolest parts of working with extraordinary guitar makers is seeing how deeply they’re inspired by the icons, just like us non-building players. But where players licks and technique, builders chase vibe, playability, reliability, and of course, tone. They study the magic in iconic guitars and try to bottle it in their own unique way.

Case in point: this LP Standard-style build from VA-based Tommy Rodriguez. It’s a loving tribute to the Les Paul Jeff Beck is pictured playing, and aside from the bridge differences (the Rodriguez utilizing a wraptail), Tommy absolutely nailed the aesthetic. It’s a stunner.

Now, as we’ve said before, looks and vibe can only take a guitar so far - but (and you may have sensed that “but” coming) - this is Thomas Rodriguez we’re talking about. Though you may have just discovered him through our site or a quick online search, trust us, he’s one of the best builders working today. Easily one of our top five favorite electric builders.

Plugging this one into a Tone King Imperial resulted in instant pickin' and grinnin’, as the expression goes. The neck is a dream - chunky in the best way, like a great ’59 carve, but a smidge more refined. The build quality? Flawless. One luthier. No CNC. No CAD. Just an old-school approach: tools, skill, and soul. Stuff you can only learn over decades of building.

And the tones... articulate, rich, and full of that midrange fatness we’re always hunting for. If you’ve been let down by other LPs, this could be the one that ends the search. Sustain for days, killer overdriven tones, and crystal-clear top-end even at lower volumes.

A unique detail worth noting: Tommy uses a 10-degree headstock pitch which is shallower than traditional Gibsons, thus improving tuning stability. It also helps prevent those dreaded headstock breaks. It’s a subtle change, but a brilliant one. And yes, tuning stability is rock solid.