A couple of years ago I was looking over the used guitar section of a local guitar shop. There on the wall was a Les Paul model that looked a little different and older than the others. The price also caught my eye. It was much less than the popular ones! The guitar was an 1978 Ibanez PF100 Les Paul made in Japan. To me it was worth more than tagged price. When it comes to electrics, Nashville is a Gibson, Fender town! I am primarily an acoustic guitar guy, but I have a Stratocaster and Telecaster.

The neck on the PF100 felt good to hold! The metal details of the body in some area was showing the petina of a worn used tool. It seemed to whisper “I’ve seen things! I’ve been out there and been heard!”. I took it for a spin and liked the sound and playability. I put it back on the rack and drove away. Later the next week I drove back to see if this hidden gem was actually still there. It was there. I laid down my money which was about a quarter of what a new Les Paul cost, and I took it home with its worn smokey scented case!

Below is a recording I made at my home studio using the PF100! I played all the parts: rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass, and drums! I hope you like it. It was a lot of fun making this one.

The title, It Is What It Is, is a phrase that I hear my mother in law say from time to time to my wife. I wasn’t really sure what folks might think of my work on this track. The title seems to stick. I played it. I recorded it. I am largely an acoustic player, but at the end of the day, it is what it is.

–Wayne