Andy Fuchs, Jay Jacobs, Les Paul, and Chris Ambadjes, some old friends from Long Island, circa 1982/3.

Fuchs Audio Technology acknowledges the passing of Les Paul (1915-2009)

One day, while walking home from school, I discovered an old white metal hamper in someone’s trash. Since I was the kid who always took home the broken TV, record player, or stereo, I peeked inside. It was filled with 45 records from the 50’s and 60’s. I took them home and began playing them. There were records by Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry, Brook Benton, the Beatles and others, all who impressed and influenced me musically. None more than Les Paul. Many of the 45’s were by Les Paul and Mary Ford. His dizzying runs, his stellar guitar tones, and Mary’s angelic voice mesmerized that 10 year old, and left an indelible impression on me that remains to this day.

The more I learned about his musical and electronics career, the more I felt drawn to him as someone who’s life amazingly was an eerie harbinger of what my life became as a musician, and a technician and, eventually, a manufacturer. At 23, I was invited to Les’ home and jammed with him one night. I had serviced his former rhythm guitarist Wayne Wright’s amps for many years, and when the phone call came I was honored to go and in total awe of the experience. We talked guitars, music, electronics, and I’ll never forget his wit, his knowledge, and the willingness to spend time with a techno-geek like I was at the time. Thanks for passing through my life. Sorry about that guitar pick I snuck out of your house with. Thanks for signing a few guitars.

Vaya Con Dios (Go With God), Les Paul.

Andy Fuchs