PenĂ©lope Paul – a ‘Classic Custom’
PenĂ©lope Paul – a ‘Classic Custom’

This would be PenĂ©lope Paul—the guitar, not the cat. I stumbled across this somewhat overlooked and relatively limited-run model a few months ago. Built around 2012, this isn’t a Gibson Custom Shop instrument, but rather one of Gibson USA’s Les Paul Classic Custom models. At first glance, most players would be hard-pressed to spot the difference. Visually, it checks nearly all the same boxes as a traditional Les Paul Custom: multi-ply binding, ebony-style aesthetics, block

Tremont Music Hall – Staff & Family Reunion
Tremont Music Hall – Staff & Family Reunion

I paid my rock ’n’ roll dues in that building.Trying to write about Tremont Music Hall is somewhat of a daunting task for me. The stories and memories are literally endless, and I could go on for hours. I believe that’s largely due to the fact I spent 20 years of my life in those hallowed halls, much of it during my adolescent, formative years. I paid my rock ’n’ roll dues in that building.

No Snow Days in Hardcore: Inside YAMALOKA’s Blizzard-Born Studio Sessions
No Snow Days in Hardcore: Inside YAMALOKA’s Blizzard-Born Studio Sessions

“There are NO snow days in hardcore music.” – I wholeheartedly meant it when I typed it in the group chat on day three of tracking our debut EP, Sermons Of The Damned. At that point, it wasn’t just a statement—it was the reality we were living in. Snow was dumping outside, roads were getting worse by the hour, and somehow, that only made us push harder. I play guitar in YAMALOKA, a five-piece, no-frills hardcore

Sala, a cocktail bar – Brought to you by Moffett Restaurant Group
Sala, a cocktail bar – Brought to you by Moffett Restaurant Group

There was little fanfare in September when Charlotte chef and restaurateur Bruce Moffett quietly opened Sala, a European-style cocktail lounge next to his stalwart Italian restaurant, Stagioni. The opening was, however, an homage to Blanche Morgan Reynolds-Gourmajenko, the Charlotte socialite and legendary hostess who built the Tuscan-style villa in the 1920s at the spot where Stagioni and Sala now reside. Sala is the newest addition to Moffett Restaurant Group’s portfolio, which also includes Barrington’s, Good Food on Montford, and

Norlin Era Gibson – The 1986 Standard
Norlin Era Gibson – The 1986 Standard

I’ve ALWAYS wanted a Les Paul born the same year as me… along with LP’s from Bad Brains, Youth of Today, Agnostic Front, Sonic Youth, Cro Mags & HĂŒsker DĂŒ. Norlin era Gibson was an awkward transitional period for the organization  – last year of Tim Shaw PAF’s. I gave this one a top wrap for a super slinky feel. and lets not forget to mention the Chainsaw case 😳 Banger Releases of 1986 Bad Brains – I

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Hello and welcome!

My name is Justin Driscoll – father, photographer, guitarist and lover of
all things music.

I am a gear nerd through and through. I enjoy collecting vinyl and tinkering with all sorts of guitar equipment. I also have the privilege of working with some amazing clients.

This site is dedicated to what I’ve been up to. Cheers!

PenĂ©lope Paul – a ‘Classic Custom’

Justin Driscoll June 19, 2026

This would be PenĂ©lope Paul—the guitar, not the cat. I stumbled across this somewhat overlooked and relatively limited-run model a few months ago. Built around 2012, this isn’t a Gibson Custom Shop instrument, but rather

Read More »

Norlin Era Gibson – The 1986 Standard

Justin Driscoll January 12, 2026

I’ve ALWAYS wanted a Les Paul born the same year as me… along with LP’s from Bad Brains, Youth of Today, Agnostic Front, Sonic Youth, Cro Mags & HĂŒsker DĂŒ. Norlin era Gibson was an awkward transitional period

Read More »
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