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 a 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 areas 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. I took it home with its worn smokey scented case!

Below is a recording I made in 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, 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