Randy Rhoads’ 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard
Randy Rhoads’ 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard
Randy Rhoads remains an essential figure in rock and metal, despite a career tragically cut short at just 25 years old. A guitar virtuoso, he left his mark on his era with a unique style and a sound that is instantly recognizable.
This 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard, played by Randy Rhoads, is one of the few guitars he used regularly. It was notably his instrument of choice during his time with Quiet Riot and reflects the exceptional talent of the musician, who remained loyal to a small number of carefully selected instruments.
Before joining Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads made a name for himself on the Los Angeles scene with Quiet Riot. This black Les Paul, belonging to the brother of his fiancée Paul Raskin, accompanied him on numerous performances and appears on the back cover of the band’s first album, as well as in many concert photos from that period.
Randy Rhoads’ genius is showcased on two studio albums with Ozzy Osbourne and a few live recordings, and continues to influence generations of guitarists. Ozzy himself said, “He was a small guy with such an enormous, giant talent” during his induction into the RockWalk in 2004.
This 1974 Gibson Les Paul is more than just an instrument: it is a piece of rock history and a relic of Randy Rhoads’ extraordinary talent. An iconic guitar that we are proud to present at Matt’s Guitar Shop.
Step into the legendary world of Matt’s Guitar Shop, the guitar store in Paris, and discover unique pieces such as the iconic Rory Gallagher Guitar, the Aerosmith Guitar, the Cliff Williams Bass, the John Frusciante Guitar, the KISS Guitar, the Gene Simmons Bass, or the legendary Keith Richards Telecaster Guitar.
Step into the legendary world of Matt’s Guitar Shop, the guitar store in Paris, and discover unique pieces such as the iconic Rory Gallagher Guitar, the Aerosmith Guitar, the Cliff Williams Bass, the John Frusciante Guitar, the KISS Guitar, the Gene Simmons Bass, or the legendary Keith Richards Telecaster Guitar.
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Gibson Les Paul Standard 1974 – Randy Rhoads’ Guitar
Biography Randy Rhoads – A Brilliant Musician with a Razor-Sharp Talent
A discreet yet visionary virtuoso, Randy Rhoads remains one of the most influential figures in the history of the electric guitar. Born in 1956 in Santa Monica, he grew up in an environment where music was omnipresent: his mother ran a music school, and his days were filled with lessons, rehearsals and the study of classical guitar. This rigorous training became one of the foundations of his playing, built on precision, clarity and an eye for detail.
A sonic identity shaped early on
Even before gaining fame, Randy developed a sophisticated approach to guitar. He taught, studied and perfected his arpeggios… His playing was not outwardly flamboyant: his signature lay in the finesse of his picking and the expressiveness of his vibrato. His technical discipline, inherited from classical music, naturally led him toward instruments capable of meeting such demands—especially Gibson Les Paul guitars, known for their sustain and stability.
Quiet Riot: the first musical laboratory
When Quiet Riot began to attract attention on the Los Angeles scene, Randy was already a fully formed musician. This first chapter allowed him to refine his stage presence, his sound, his choice of instruments and his way of constructing a solo. Many photos from the era show him with his Gibson Les Paul Standard, an instrument he used during this formative yet decisive period.
A meteoric rise alongside Ozzy Osbourne
His encounter with Ozzy Osbourne reshaped the rock landscape at the turn of the 1980s. Randy brought a new sophistication to hard rock guitar: harmonies inspired by classical music, solos written with rare precision, and a musicality far removed from the clichés of the genre. The albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman reflect this unique blend of raw energy and aesthetic rigor.
Exceptional discipline and a humble relationship with the instrument
Despite his immense talent, Randy Rhoads was known for his modesty. On tour, he continued taking lessons, analyzing his performances and working on his technique like a dedicated student. He viewed his guitars as demanding tools, chosen with meticulous care. His 1974 Les Paul was among those that accompanied him in this ongoing quest for precision and emotion.
An intact legacy despite a shortened career
Randy tragically passed away in 1982 at only 25. His career was brief, but his influence remains immense. His ability to blend classical articulation, melodic sensibility and electric power continues to inspire generations of guitarists. Every instrument that passed through his hands is now considered an essential fragment of his story—a unique page in the intense and unmatched journey he left in the world of guitar.
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