@@Ineedahandle75 This one played really smooth. String tension can be influenced by many factors, like string gauge, action, neck relief, scale length etc. so it depends on your guitar setup
I am considering buying the PRS. Its shape is even better than real Les Paul. I like the full mahagony look, the birds on the fretboard. It's like designed for me.
@@hanovergreen4091 however I bought the Gibson Les Paul classic honeyburst. The sound is from another dimension. The looks when you see it in front of you is superb. Also has some very useful features besides the coil split. Like the bypass to bridge humbucker and a phase switch when in both humbucker.
Very good comparison. Enjoyed the video, I have that exact same PRS SE 245 standard and a Gibson 2020 LP Studio. The PRS is the guitar I play. So easy to play compared to the Studio. Just my thoughts. And it looks very nice!
I actually bought the exact same PRS SE245 in the same color about 7 months ago. I also have the Epiphone (it is nice and sounds good) but as you also stated the PRS is the one I always seem to pick up as I love the feel of it. I did change the pickups and it is just about perfect. Thanks for the review.
Prs has really nice necks, but their pickups sound too generic imo. Like as a brand, they should try to voice their pickups on an specific range either have "nice rich upper harmonics" or "defined clear upper mids"... Or something, anything consistent
Very nice chalenge. Although I'm owning a PRS, I really prefered the Epi pick-ups in all circumstances. So perhaps dude, you helped to change my tastes ...Thank you.
i've got a prs SC too...it's a nice to play guitar...i changed the pickups a few years ago....much better now.....but i will still buy a custom shop Tokai some time.....best LPs for your money out there.....:-)
Ciao Danilo, congrats on your playing. Very interesting video, thanks. Wrt the sound, I agree with you, the Epiphone's pickups are the sweetest of the lot, while still retaining good definitionb& detail. Do you know what would be really great now?.. Another shoot out between more high end guitars - like a Gibson LP Standard vs a PRS s/cut Core vs a MIJ Tokai Love Rock, maybe the LS150 if you can get one. I keep hearing that the Japanese made Tokai LP style models are far superior to the MIC ones (they also cost 2 to 3 times more!) and that some models (the 150 being one of them) can give the Gibsons some really serious competition in sound, build quality & playability. I'd love to hear an A, B, C test of the three and it would be extremely interesting to hear your final comments on them. Ciao e grazie,
I have a 1973 Les Paul. It weighs a ton but is the best sounding Gibson in the world. I also have a PRSSE 245 which I love. Very crisp sounding kind of like a chambered Gibson Les Paul. I have two other PRS SE24s, one a Custom 24 08 and a 24 Standard. I’ve never played a Tokai(sp?) but I have dabbled with Epiphones. The don’t even come close along with the modern day Gibsons. The 245 has a very beefy neck so I don’t anticipate the world famous Gibson S-curve in this neck. As for the SE 24s time will tell. BEST THING IS THESE PRS GUITARS ARE REASONABLY PRICED. Get used to using the tone knob.
Great video (as are all of yours), thanks. I have the Epi LP Standard and the PRS SE 245 and like them both, but prefer the PRS for the same reasons as you - mainly the playability and that wonderful profiled neck, which just suits me and as you say, 'feels like home'. I agree too about the PRS pups. Can you recommend a suitable replacement to get that softer, warmer, classic rock tone? Best wishes from the UK.
Thanks Mike! Actually I don’t really know because I never tried to replace them on a prs, however a DiMarzio AT1 (Andy Timmons) is very warm and midrangy, if you ever have the chance to find one you can give it a shot
Bro your conclusion was similar that I thought too.... this was really a non biased, and practical video. Thank you for making this one. Really liked the sound of those pro buckers and the construction of PRS. Thanks.
Nice video! Had no idea Tokai and PRS were available at that price. I'm not a fan of the PRS headstock but i like that they don't use a vaneer so I'd go for the PRS.
Bellissimo! All three guitars are very nice. I preferred the sound of the Prs over the Tokai and the Epi in third place. However that Prs headstock is uglyesque so my first choice is the Tokai love rock, rock machine! Thank you for sharing, I'm considering a Gibson LP. I'm enjoying your channel and subscribed today! Ciao!
Epiphone sounded best...but the problem for me with all Les Paul's is the weight. Any guitar over 9Ibs is too much for me and you have to search for a Les Paul that is that weight or less. I'm pretty sure the PRS are generally lighter so I'd go for that and probably change the pickups for something more vintage sounding.
...actually, the PRS SE 245 does have a maple top. It's the new PRS SE McCarty 954 which is all mahogany. Also, the 245 has the possibility to tap coils (the necessary wiring is installed at the factory), you'd just have to swap out the regular pots for push-pull or push-push. That, plus locking tuners, and it's almost an S2 ;) Me, I prefer my LP style axe to have the maple top, just does not sound the same without it. And yes, the 245 is the best of these three, and better than the LP Studio for a lot less money... the most clear-sounding, even with the stock PUs. Imagine with the SD Whole Lotta humbuckers?
I had the opportunity of playing that 3 guitars... Personally, all 3 are goods enough, but I found more quality in the chinise tokai and the PRS probably the better. Regarding sound tokai and PRS, I think they are relativly similar... The design I prefer epiphone and tokai.... Finally I bought a Tokai made in japan....more than Double price than 600€... I have gibsons guitars, and the finish of Japanese tokai guitars is better for less price. Thank you for the video and the review👍
The clean tone comparison kinda says it all: epi is brighter with a nice cut, tokai is darker and hotter (ceramic puts maybe?), prs is somewhere in between. I'd go with the epi for tone, prs for feel having owned one of each. I'll skip the tokai
@@Hal-fz1em that's actually the reason I watched to check out the tokai, but at least to my ear the pickups sounded better on both the epi and prs. I currently have an epi 335 pro which I love and an S2 prs custom 24 which I am also happy with, but I'm shopping for a LP to replace my 34yr old Gibson LP for live shows because I don't like bringing an expensive vintage guitar to dive bar gigs. So tbh I'm leaning towards either a singlecut prs or a new epi LP custom
@@demian113 Thanks. That's a good move, those Gibsons are expensive. Can't believe I sold mine for pennies in the early 90s. Oh well, I am having so much fun playing guitar again now that my kids are in college. So much available online now that was not there in the past.
@@Hal-fz1em absolutely agree! Cheap guitars were pretty bad in the 90s/early 00's, but now $500 gets you a gig worthy quality guitar! I got the epi 335 for $399 on black friday last year and I'm still amazed at the quality and tone. Didn't need to do a thing to it.
I would say 1 PRS 2 Tokai 3 Epi. I own or owned al of these and the PRS is the easiest to play. Only needs a pickup change. Set of Seymour duncans Seth Lovers will do wonders.
Just bought Tokai UALS62F the blues tone this produces is my favourite and I owned Gibson les paul custom so its down to your own taste not what is better.
The Epiphones always need a setup, but I do my own and even If I didn't, the guitars are worth it. As a matter of fact, I've never purchased any guitar that I didn't need to do a complete set-up. Nice video man.
The Epi is the more balanced one, the Tokai is all power OMG that parisien beginning The PRS somehow i dont connect with that model, maybe cause its the less LP of the 3
@@TheGuitalian Well yes, but no... :D I have G5222, which is their double cut. Single cuts are G5220, but it is basically the same range :) Superb quality for the price :) I hope you'll check them out soon! :D You see, theese Gretches have one main advantage over models presented by you - under 600 euro you can have them either with stoptail or Bigsby :)
Personalmente preferisco ancora una volta la Epi. Secondo me, ascoltata ad occhi chiusi sarebbe virtualmente indistinguibile da una Gibson. La PRS, come hai detto tu ha un suono più moderno. Specialmente il pick up al ponte è un pelo troppo arrabbiato per i miei gusti quando il gain aumenta. La Tokai suona ugualmente molto bene, ma è quella che mi piace meno esteticamente nonostante la paletta praticamente uguale alla Gibson. Interessante il tuo commento sul calibro delle corde alla fine del video: personalmente, non ho sentito differenze in termine di "grossezza" del suono (se mi passi l'espressione orribile) o di sustain. Hai visto mai che mi decida finalmente a scendere da 0.010 a 0.009 sulla mia 👍🏻
A prs se is a respectable guitar. Never heard of the middle brand but strapping an Epiphone on yourself at a show is like telling your audience you're cheap. Would never buy one. A used studio Les Paul costs about as much as a nicer new Epiphone. Go that route first for integrity's sake. 🤘
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3 nice guitars indeed, do you have a favorite one?
I love that PRS. Got a certain quirkiness and surprised it's under €600 it looks and sounds sweet
It's a nice guitar indeed, kind of unbelievable quality for the price
@@TheGuitalian how do you find the string tension on the PRS? I tried it and thought it was hard to do bends. Just felt a bit tight
@@Ineedahandle75 This one played really smooth. String tension can be influenced by many factors, like string gauge, action, neck relief, scale length etc. so it depends on your guitar setup
@@TheGuitalian I'm new to all these guitars. Where is the PRS made? SK?
@@Hal-fz1em Indonesia.
I am considering buying the PRS. Its shape is even better than real Les Paul. I like the full mahagony look, the birds on the fretboard. It's like designed for me.
So am I 👍🏼
@@hanovergreen4091 however I bought the Gibson Les Paul classic honeyburst. The sound is from another dimension. The looks when you see it in front of you is superb. Also has some very useful features besides the coil split. Like the bypass to bridge humbucker and a phase switch when in both humbucker.
IMO, the Epiphone sounded best... nice balanced tone. Pushed with an SD-1 in your a great tone area!
Very good comparison. Enjoyed the video, I have that exact same PRS SE 245 standard and a Gibson 2020 LP Studio. The PRS is the guitar I play. So easy to play compared to the Studio. Just my thoughts. And it looks very nice!
I actually bought the exact same PRS SE245 in the same color about 7 months ago. I also have the Epiphone (it is nice and sounds good) but as you also stated the PRS is the one I always seem to pick up as I love the feel of it. I did change the pickups and it is just about perfect. Thanks for the review.
You’re very welcome!
Prs has really nice necks, but their pickups sound too generic imo.
Like as a brand, they should try to voice their pickups on an specific range either have "nice rich upper harmonics" or "defined clear upper mids"... Or something, anything consistent
Cool. I didn't know Tokai was still in business. I had a Tokai back in the 80's and it was really good :-)
I'm a MIJ Tokai fanboy and I don't like the look of PRS, but I think PRS is the clear winner here. Thanks for the vid!
I have played my PRS SE 245 now.
imho the clean sounds are rather kind of damp-cloth-over-the-amp style while the gain sounds are surprisingly crisp.
Very nice review. The PRS 245 is my next get fiddle for sure. I think I am going with the flamed maple top though.
Greetings! Enjoyed how thorough you were in this review and thinking of getting a used 245. Subscribed. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Thanks a lot, appreciated
My 2020 epi ‘59 is an excellent guitar!
Mine too , there punch way above their weight class that’s for dam sure.
@@benallmark9671 True!
Walking By Myself is my fav. Love Gary Moore!
Very nice chalenge. Although I'm owning a PRS, I really prefered the Epi pick-ups in all circumstances. So perhaps dude, you helped to change my tastes ...Thank you.
I agree completely. Just bought a Korean se 245. Plan to change out pickups.
1)PRS, 2)epiphone, 3)tokai for me. Great vid and playing 👍
I’ve just ordered the Prs se Starla
i've got a prs SC too...it's a nice to play guitar...i changed the pickups a few years ago....much better now.....but i will still buy a custom shop Tokai some time.....best LPs for your money out there.....:-)
What pickups did you change to?
Ciao Danilo, congrats on your playing. Very interesting video, thanks. Wrt the sound, I agree with you, the Epiphone's pickups are the sweetest of the lot, while still retaining good definitionb& detail.
Do you know what would be really great now?.. Another shoot out between more high end guitars - like a Gibson LP Standard vs a PRS s/cut Core vs a MIJ Tokai Love Rock, maybe the LS150 if you can get one.
I keep hearing that the Japanese made Tokai LP style models are far superior to the MIC ones (they also cost 2 to 3 times more!) and that some models (the 150 being one of them) can give the Gibsons some really serious competition in sound, build quality & playability. I'd love to hear an A, B, C test of the three and it would be extremely interesting to hear your final comments on them. Ciao e grazie,
Man where are you I love your playing
Thanks, great stuff, very helpful!
Now I bought the PRS SE 245 second hand for about €360 and cant wait for it to arrive.
I have a 1973 Les Paul. It weighs a ton but is the best sounding Gibson in the world. I also have a PRSSE 245 which I love. Very crisp sounding kind of like a chambered Gibson Les Paul. I have two other PRS SE24s, one a Custom 24 08 and a 24 Standard. I’ve never played a Tokai(sp?) but I have dabbled with Epiphones. The don’t even come close along with the modern day Gibsons. The 245 has a very beefy neck so I don’t anticipate the world famous Gibson S-curve in this neck. As for the SE 24s time will tell. BEST THING IS THESE PRS GUITARS ARE REASONABLY PRICED. Get used to using the tone knob.
i did choose a 245 se . great comparison
Thanks!
Great video (as are all of yours), thanks. I have the Epi LP Standard and the PRS SE 245 and like them both, but prefer the PRS for the same reasons as you - mainly the playability and that wonderful profiled neck, which just suits me and as you say, 'feels like home'. I agree too about the PRS pups. Can you recommend a suitable replacement to get that softer, warmer, classic rock tone? Best wishes from the UK.
Thanks Mike! Actually I don’t really know because I never tried to replace them on a prs, however a DiMarzio AT1 (Andy Timmons) is very warm and midrangy, if you ever have the chance to find one you can give it a shot
Bro your conclusion was similar that I thought too.... this was really a non biased, and practical video. Thank you for making this one. Really liked the sound of those pro buckers and the construction of PRS. Thanks.
I most preferred the Epiphone, especially the clean sounds.
Nice video! Had no idea Tokai and PRS were available at that price. I'm not a fan of the PRS headstock but i like that they don't use a vaneer so I'd go for the PRS.
Epi has a solid maple cap just like Gibson. They use real wood veneers on top of that to fancy it up.
Bellissimo! All three guitars are very nice. I preferred the sound of the Prs over the Tokai and the Epi in third place. However that Prs headstock is uglyesque so my first choice is the Tokai love rock, rock machine! Thank you for sharing, I'm considering a Gibson LP. I'm enjoying your channel and subscribed today! Ciao!
Thanks man, appreciated
You got it right ¡ i also liked the PRS but tonewise the Epiphone had it. The PRS with a maple top and a stop tailpice upgrades Will be Awesome
+++ i guess the PRS SE is the best and with high- end Pickups its becomming a high end Guitar+++
Epiphone is the best sounding, PRS the most beautiful imo, nice video 👍
Excellent video review.
Thanks! Appreciated
I own that PRS. I like it better than a Gibson Les Paul Jr I had. I put Burstbuckers in it and viola!!
Epiphone sounded best...but the problem for me with all Les Paul's is the weight. Any guitar over 9Ibs is too much for me and you have to search for a Les Paul that is that weight or less. I'm pretty sure the PRS are generally lighter so I'd go for that and probably change the pickups for something more vintage sounding.
I thought the Epi sounded the best,might buy one or Epi 339,the Paul is so heavey but sounds good.
The Epiphone had the more classic "PAF" sound indeed
Those epi pickups sound sweet!
...actually, the PRS SE 245 does have a maple top. It's the new PRS SE McCarty 954 which is all mahogany. Also, the 245 has the possibility to tap coils (the necessary wiring is installed at the factory), you'd just have to swap out the regular pots for push-pull or push-push. That, plus locking tuners, and it's almost an S2 ;) Me, I prefer my LP style axe to have the maple top, just does not sound the same without it. And yes, the 245 is the best of these three, and better than the LP Studio for a lot less money... the most clear-sounding, even with the stock PUs. Imagine with the SD Whole Lotta humbuckers?
You have to respect someone who starts a LP review video with a Gary Moore Song. Kudos !
Sounds like a little setup work and the Epi would be the fave.
I had the opportunity of playing that 3 guitars... Personally, all 3 are goods enough, but I found more quality in the chinise tokai and the PRS probably the better. Regarding sound tokai and PRS, I think they are relativly similar... The design I prefer epiphone and tokai.... Finally I bought a Tokai made in japan....more than Double price than 600€... I have gibsons guitars, and the finish of Japanese tokai guitars is better for less price. Thank you for the video and the review👍
Thank you!
The clean tone comparison kinda says it all: epi is brighter with a nice cut, tokai is darker and hotter (ceramic puts maybe?), prs is somewhere in between. I'd go with the epi for tone, prs for feel having owned one of each. I'll skip the tokai
Interesting. A lot of people seem to love the Tokai guitars. Why would you skip?
@@Hal-fz1em that's actually the reason I watched to check out the tokai, but at least to my ear the pickups sounded better on both the epi and prs. I currently have an epi 335 pro which I love and an S2 prs custom 24 which I am also happy with, but I'm shopping for a LP to replace my 34yr old Gibson LP for live shows because I don't like bringing an expensive vintage guitar to dive bar gigs. So tbh I'm leaning towards either a singlecut prs or a new epi LP custom
@@demian113 Thanks. That's a good move, those Gibsons are expensive. Can't believe I sold mine for pennies in the early 90s. Oh well, I am having so much fun playing guitar again now that my kids are in college. So much available online now that was not there in the past.
@@Hal-fz1em absolutely agree! Cheap guitars were pretty bad in the 90s/early 00's, but now $500 gets you a gig worthy quality guitar! I got the epi 335 for $399 on black friday last year and I'm still amazed at the quality and tone. Didn't need to do a thing to it.
1. Tokai
2. Epiphone
3. PRS
Tokai has more tone wood than others, curious how much Tokai?
You should be able to find all the updated prices in the link in the description
I would say 1 PRS 2 Tokai 3 Epi.
I own or owned al of these and the PRS is the easiest to play. Only needs a pickup change. Set of Seymour duncans Seth Lovers will do wonders.
Has more tone wood????
@@seapod what I mean is, I could hear the tone wood is better on Tokai than others
Just bought Tokai UALS62F the blues tone this produces is my favourite and I owned Gibson les paul custom so its down to your own taste not what is better.
1. PRS
2. Tokai
3. Epiphone
The Epiphones always need a setup, but I do my own and even If I didn't, the guitars are worth it.
As a matter of fact, I've never purchased any guitar that I didn't need to do a complete set-up.
Nice video man.
My new Epi Standard 60's has horrendous frets and a scratchy fretboard.
If I was a new player I'd be dissuaded from learning because of this.
👍🏻👍🏻 Subbed
🙏
My preference:
1. Epi Les Paul
2. PRS
3. Tokai
Epi has the best sound followed closely by PRS. Tokai had some noticeable distorsion
Probably it is the hotter pickups (more output) on the Tokai that caused distortion here. With a fully clean sound it might be different.
Tokai seems to have the most mellow tone,then the PRS….i have a real soft spot for tokai s ,but have never seen a finish on them like that veneer…
Epiphone vs Tokai vs PRS:
- clean - 4:25 vs 4:39 vs 4:55
I'd take the tokai every time... One of the dumbest things I ever done was lose a 70s mij tokai sg to the pawnshop...
The Epi is the more balanced one, the Tokai is all power OMG that parisien beginning
The PRS somehow i dont connect with that model, maybe cause its the less LP of the 3
PRS
Tokai!!
PRS for me.
And where are Gretsch guitars in that set? :O
well, maybe next time :)
Do you have one?
@@TheGuitalian Well yes, but no... :D I have G5222, which is their double cut. Single cuts are G5220, but it is basically the same range :) Superb quality for the price :)
I hope you'll check them out soon! :D You see, theese Gretches have one main advantage over models presented by you - under 600 euro you can have them either with stoptail or Bigsby :)
Well, that's good to know, thanks for the suggestion!
Paul Reed Smith for me
Personalmente preferisco ancora una volta la Epi. Secondo me, ascoltata ad occhi chiusi sarebbe virtualmente indistinguibile da una Gibson. La PRS, come hai detto tu ha un suono più moderno. Specialmente il pick up al ponte è un pelo troppo arrabbiato per i miei gusti quando il gain aumenta. La Tokai suona ugualmente molto bene, ma è quella che mi piace meno esteticamente nonostante la paletta praticamente uguale alla Gibson. Interessante il tuo commento sul calibro delle corde alla fine del video: personalmente, non ho sentito differenze in termine di "grossezza" del suono (se mi passi l'espressione orribile) o di sustain. Hai visto mai che mi decida finalmente a scendere da 0.010 a 0.009 sulla mia 👍🏻
In sound epiphone sound the best, prs pickup doesn't sound good .
Gana Tokai!!!
Epiphone = Best Les Paul sound
PRS 245 = More modern sounding, better playability
Tokai = Looks weird, sounds muddy to my ears
Do yourself a favour and get a Vintage. The brand, not the adjective.
Too late, I bought a real ‘59.
(Lol)
A prs se is a respectable guitar. Never heard of the middle brand but strapping an Epiphone on yourself at a show is like telling your audience you're cheap. Would never buy one. A used studio Les Paul costs about as much as a nicer new Epiphone. Go that route first for integrity's sake. 🤘