5 Reasons To NOT Buy A Les Paul!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
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Can you make this a series? I would love to see Strat and tele.
Yep I'm thinking it might be :)
He can't do it with Tele because there are no valid reasons to not buy one...
@@mralgebro hum... it's impossible to change from bridge to neck on a telecaster if your in the middle of a song in a quick change 😂 just kidding you can! But it's not that easy !
@@mralgebro That's what I was gonna say. You'd have an easier time making a video called "Why you don't need ANOTHER Tele" but even that would be a hard case to make. LOL!
@@PedroSlick you can make it easier, fit a switch from a Les Paul on it. Another thing that makes the Telecaster the most versatile is the ease of modification, with split humbuckers it can get from the twangiest of cleans to the heaviest of overdriven distortion in seconds. Plus the Telecaster is the toughest best stayin in tune guitar I've ever laid hands on,
I don’t care.
1. They look awesome.
2. They feel awesome.
3. They sound awesome.
The look great
Right . I always been a les paul fan. Finally was able to snag a Springfield LP and it sounds rich 😁
Nobody sold more LPs than Jimmy Page playing a Tele. :-)
Truth
Tele on the first Led Zeppelin album and with Yardbirds, then switched and used tele rarely.
lol
This comment wins the internet for me today.
I thought he played a Les Paul?
I've been thru almost 100 guitars over my 30 years of playing, they were cool but mostly just tools to get the job done. Then I got my 2019 Gibson Les Paul Traditional. I now have an indescribable bond with this beautiful guitar. It's not the most versatile, it's not the most comfortable, and it certainly wasn't the cheapest, but the way it makes me feel while playing makes it worth every penny I paid.
That's all that matters brother! It's irrelevant what anyone says if you're happy with your AXE nothing else matters! Play on!
Your comment sure makes me feel good that I nailed it first round. I bought the same guitar, my first LP about a year ago. They are unique but really what I call the holy grail.
Same...playing also 30 years and an American Strat for the most part. Just got a LP Standard. Love the sustain and the growl I can get from it. The most surprising thing was the awesome clean sounds. I was not expecting that. I use a POD GO and an FR speaker now so that really helps with the sound versatility.
Victim
Totally agree. I have one and a 61 sg. There’re great iconic amazing instruments.
Played guitar for 20 years but always wanted a Standard faded and finally got one and I’ll tell you I’ve never played guitar so much and have gotten so much better since I’m inspired by it. There’s real magic there.
I just got a 2011 LP Standard Ltd Faded Lemon Burst. I'm in love!
Same story. My dad got me into playing guitar on the side of playing drums when i was in my teens. Gave me 2 guitars over time, one old kit-strat and one old budget LTD. Sure i played them a bit and learned the basics, but mostly they just sat in a corner because to me, they didn't FEEL good to play. Got the opportunity to play a real Gibson Les Paul Goldtop and i was instantly sold. The difference from my own guitars was just night and day. Finally this year i decided to treat myself and pull the trigger on a brand new Gibson Les Paul Classic in Honeyburst, and i've played this thing every day since i bought it. Like you said, i never played so much guitar before and i've learned things that would stop me dead in my tracks with my old guitars.
Having instruments that you connect to and enjoy playing is more important than a lot of people think. Sure you can play almost anything, but if you actually want to ENJOY playing and be motivated to pick up your guitar then you gotta make sure that you get one that you actually like.
This is a real phenomenon. Certain guitars inspire you to play better and I don’t care what anyone says, looking down and seeing a Gibson headstock is inspiring. This is why no epiphone or other Gibson clone, regardless of quality, will make you feel the same way when playing.
@@jcwoodstlthis is true !
It maybe just a name but when you get a good Gibson Les Paul in your hands, it's really like magic and it inspires you to become a better player.
I've owned countless LP's ever since I was 13 and worked cutting lawns and shoveling driveways for two years to save up to buy one. I still have it. I've toured with it, recorded with it, left it in its case for a year or two and I always come back to it. Its a great guitar but, the weight of it gets a little rough, especially towards the end of a two or three hour long gig or stint in the studio. They're not easy on the hands, either. I always need some time to "readjust" the way I play when I come back to the LP after playing my strat or tele. They're so much easier to play, IMO. But, nothing on earth sounds like a LP when playing good old fashioned rock-n-roll. So, years ago, I discovered the LP Jr. It has all the bite and tone of a LP but, without all the weight. Its not as versatile, either. But, plug it in and rip a power chord and there's no mistaking the fact that its a LP Jr thanks to the outstanding P90 that's in it.
But, if Im going to spend quite a bit of time with a guitar strapped over my shoulder, I find myself going to the strat more and more often. Its loaded with red Lace Censors so it screams when I need it to, has a great volume dynamic like the P90 in the LP Jr (Junior players or P90 fans will know what I mean), and I can go from country "twang" to crunchy rock without pedals or changing amps. But, I always come back to that Les Paul. While its not as versatile or as easy to play as the strat, it has that certain "tone" I just can't get from any other guitar.
LP's are not for everyone for a variety of reasons that range from affordability to style preferences. If you're a working musician and want the LP sound without the LP price tag or you're concerned about the knocks and dings that come from playing a lot (and at $3000+, I don't blame you), an Epiphone is for you. But, I would encourage you to consider a LP Jr before you get any Eppy. They're far more affordable than LP Standards/Customs and sound great. Remember, while you're not going to notice any audible difference between the Epiphone and its Gibson counterpart, you have to understand that Epiphone and Gibson DO NOT shop for their materials at the same store. In the short term, this doesn't really mean much. But, in the long term, as in decades from now, it will make a difference in both the appearance of the instrument and its resale value. This is not to say that the craftsmanship of Epiphones is poor or the materials are shoddy. In fact, Epiphone craftsmanship is quite good. But, the lower cost materials do not withstand the test of time as well as Gibson's do. In my line of work, I rarely encounter a player that has a 30 year old Epiphone as compared to players who have 30 year old Gibsons or Fenders etc. So, if you're going to make the choice to get a Gibson, you should plan on keeping it for a while, unless, of course, you have wads of cash and can afford their hefty price tag.
Cheers!
I agree. I bought this one because I broke my shoulder and arm and I am putting Reverend Willy 7-38s on it and replaced the bridge with an adjustable intonation bridge and am having the luthier do a complete setup on it. I am going to use it for therapy to get my left hand back. I have high hopes that hard work will get it back. I am also almost blind and 61 with arthritis creeping in.
Bought a Epiphone LP Custom Pro used 2 yr ago for a first electric guitar,I got lucky as I didn't have to do anything to the action,,I love it sound's pretty damn good too but I am a newbie so I would struggle to tell the difference, because I had a good experience with the epi electric I went and bought a new acoustic EJ200 , sound's great but the action on that is very high From factory so I think I got to spend extra to set it up, that's 1 extra thing to consider when buying the middle to lower end guitar's,I doubt you had that issue with your Gibson ha ha 👍
@@noname1st139 Yes I have. Most guitars come from the factory with a general set up. Nothing fancy. When they get to the music store, they may or may not be given a little bit more "involved" set up depending on the work ethic of the employees. Much of the time, however, the music store doesn't touch them and they go right to the wall display.
But, when I buy a new guitar, depending on what it is, I'm going to replace some components before I ever take it home. For example, if the nut is synthetic or otherwise crappy, I have it replaced with a bone nut. I almost always swap out the pickups and tuning heads because most factory pickups and tuners these days are junk with few exceptions.
So, yeah.....its not uncommon at all for a new guitar to need some "love" before its brought home.
Cheers!
@@akasgsvirgil9503 I wish I had the opportunity to play before buying,I bought during lockdown so everything online,I got lucky with the electric 👍
Thanks for your insight! As a new player what do you think of the Gibson Tribute? It has a little less weight relief to them. And as someone who is newish to this game would it be a good guitar to practice and gig?
My first good guitar was a 1974 Les Paul Deluxe. Just getting that guitar made me want to practice more and the action was unbelievable. The pros far outweigh the cons.
I love Les Pauls for the same reason I love 1911's in .45 ACP, they are the best at being themselves. Are they they greatest at everything, nope, but when you've got one in your hand the universe just feels right. 🇺🇸
I've said the exact same thing!! I own 3 1911's and 2 Les Pauls.
Damn. I have found my people!
And they're both heavy to carry XD
And the relatable comment arrives 😂 I like my LP for any rhythm work it has that chunky LP tone and even for some lower note solos playing metal or rock music but when it comes to bright tones or trebly cutting riffs I grab my Jackson dinky.
for power chords on high gain rock amps yes
A Strat was my ride or die for years. Then I started working with a renowned singer who said she only liked the Gibson humbucker sound so I decided to give LPs a whirl. Within a couple years I had massive debt and 5 Gibson Les Pauls. I’m down to two, but they are my main guitars. Thanks a lot Inger. 😂
Can’t imagine I’d let a singer influence me to buy a certain kind of guitar, no matter how renowned she is, lol - especially something as unjustifiably expensive as a Gibson. “She only likes the Gibson Humbucker sound”? Hahaha… Like that humbucker sound is something only Gibson’s have, 😂
Try a FIRE FLY FFLP from Guitar Gardens $189.00 Brother.
I bought a black one. Put locking tuners on it. A Gotoh roller bridge. Seymour Duncan 59’s. A new switch and a new potentiometer. All for about 600 bucks
So the other 4 Gibson's were all on you my friend!!! That's pure GAS.
@@darwinsaye its the classic gibson PAF sound. Most humbuckers today are much hotter and muddier.
@@darwinsaye 😏
So as the owner of three different Gibson Les Pauls- gotta say with just slight exception to the last one, these are good reasons.
My response would be that Strats and LPs have the exact same amount of versatility: it depends on the wisdom of the musician and their available tech. Pickups, pedals, amp settings, tone/volume combos on the guitar itself as well as the most important touch- a musician’s feel- can easily compensate. The Commodores made Gibsons sound funky and Curtis Mayfield made his Fenders sound round and warm.
That's one of the best and most honest evaluations of the Les Paul I've seen. You even dealt with the Gibson pricing issue fairly, though I do wonder: does any musician buy a high-end guitar with reselling it in mind?
well its just something to remember. i bought my gibson 4 years ago, and it was expensive. but i can still sell it for what i paid for it. in my eyes, it is the least costly guitar i have ever owned for that reason
Paul, I know players who are also collectors... they enjoy playing a guitar for a few years, maybe they start playing different music, or they get a chance to own something special, so they "trade" guitars. Some folks don't keep every guitar they buy, they switch them out!
I love the sound, the heft, the feel, and the look of a LP. Epi's are more in my price range/talent level. They work for me.
PRS is good, too.
I owned an Epiphone for a year, played it a lot, picked up a real Gibson Les Paul and bought it.
+1 🤘
Gibson is a good inversion but the smart money goes to Epi
@@Slashturianu Rather to Vintage - cheaper than an Epi and better built and equipped with Wilkinson components. In 2020, a British guitar shop (Richards Guitars) pitched a new Vintage 335 (clone) against a new custom shop Gibson ES 335 - £500 v £5000 both sounded within a gnats breath of each other through a quality amp and the only noticeable difference was the Gibson's flame maple top... which was beautiful. However, the Vintage was finished in all other respects, just as well - frets level, fret ends fine, no finish mistakes or glue.
I've had a couple of Epis in the last 6 years and this cannot be said of them - glue marks on a Casino under the laquer, pots going crackly within 12 months, delivered with loose nobs and (very) cheap worthless strings. If I were looking for a budget ES or LP right now it would be Vintage or a PRS SE used - both better than an Epi in my opinion.
Note - the new Epi's in 2021 (inspired by Gibson or some such fluff) have stepped up - they needed to as I said - with Switchcraft and CTS parts, Graphtech nut etc BUT they have also gone up in price hundreds of dollars whilst still made in Asia - one version of the Epi ES335 (or Sheraton Pro I forget) at almost $1000 now - 2 years ago you could get a Made In The USA Gibson Les Paul Tribute Gold Top with 490/498 pups, fret levelling and nitrocellulose finish for that money.
So Vintage and PRS still the better option I would say.
@@Spartanm333 I know Vintage and they are fantastic. What you said is right.
Consider that my Epis are from 2020 and 2021 and also I have a PRS SE Custom 22 Korean made 2007
As you said the quality of the Epi 2020 2021 has rise and know I can tell you is at the same level than my PRS SE.
Also the price now rise and its is very similar. But yes Vintage is a grate option.
The people who live near a store can visit, play , feel the guitar compare and buy the best!!🤘🤘
I come from an Ibanez background, too. But always wanted a Gibby. And when I got one, it wasn’t as hard to get used to as I thought it would be. Sure, it was different, but that sound!! A Les Paul sounds and plays like nothing else!
Interesting timing (for me) on this vid. All these years and I've never owned a Les Paul (played yes, owned, no). So I just got one (arrived just today from Sweetwater) an Epi Les Paul Custom Koa-Natural. (Birthday present from my spouse). Guess what I'll be doing this weekend! Love the vid!
I have that exact guitar (Koa even). Awesome guitars, and kind of a unique twist on the Les Paul with that solid koa.
Great choice. I have looked them up and down and watched all of the reviews. The only thing holding me back is that I have 16 guitars already, and no band! Happy Birthday!!!!
All the best man!
I’ve been a lifelong Strat player and love them, I have 3 at the moment. I’ve always liked the idea of a Les Paul but in 35 yrs never found one I could live with until 2016 when I found my Standard. Absolutely love it , it is the one but took me a while to really feel at home on it. Now it is my go to guitar, no it’s not as versatile as my Strats but if you need that LP sound it is the daddy, nothing compares and the playability is awesome , it wasn’t at first but I stuck with it.
I call my Strat Baby Balls and my Les Paul Daddy Balls. If you have both, you immediately understand why.
I Inherited Grandads 56 Les PAul Custom, from my Dad. Love it.
I got the Les Paul because of the scale length, fret board radius and nut width as it is more comfortable for my hands than Fender specs, and they look awesome!
Bingo, there is more than just the looks!
Exact! I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard and it's very easy to play on this guitar. I have 6 guitars, but the Les Paul is my absolute favorit, an amazing instrument!
I spent my whole childhood wanting a Les Paul and when I finally got one, I was so disappointed. The guitar just didn't vibe with me at all and I think that happens for a lot of players. You end up trying so many different types of guitars until you find what fits you best. I played many Les Pauls over the course of years, but it wasn't until I tried an ES-335 I realized that was actually the guitar I wanted, but didn't know. The ES got me in the right realm of sound I was looking for, so it was like a big revelation for me to realize that an ES was what I had been trying to sound like all that time. I ended up buying an ES-339 and couldn't be happier. I can get crunchy distortion out of the bridge pickup with some overdrive when I want it, but being a primarily southern rock and country player, the ES gets me where I need to be for everything.
Yes, this.
I have a Les Paul. Bought this year. Sometimes it's a bit trouble to sound good on clean tones. Need to change the switches and tones and volumes... But with distrotion is an awesome guitar. But without, telecasters rulessssss
This is why no one should be getting a guitar based on what famous people used. I dislike slash, led zeppelin, gary moore, etc but really love everything about a les paul and use it for pop music.
Me too
@@ashleyjohansson230 That's a ridiculous statement. Without famous players, these guitars would never sell lol. The Les Paul itself was out of production and replaced by the sleeker and more light weight SG by the time British players picked them up in the 60s. Without Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Jimmy Page, it's likely the LP would've remained a dead guitar. I play an ES, which pops up frequently in every genre. Strats and Telecasters are frequently used by all types of players regardless of who was famous or what genre music they play.
I bought my first LP a few months ago. It's an Epiphone and I love it. My second Epiphone. I feel like it rounded out my selection. I have a strat, two super strats, an odd shape and a Flying V. A sound for whatever I want. Good video.
I was inspired when I got my first gibson les paul. It's a quality instrument than you can really feel and hear. I actually did sleep with it the first night I brought it home... I was actually sharing myself with my wife on one side and my LP on the other...
That's some man-machine love gone a little too far there.
@@Rhythmicons sleep with and have sexual relations with are two different things... you poor depraved soul. I pity you.
I'm learning guitar on a Fender Tele- at 70yrs old- the feel of it is so comfortable. I tried a Les Paul, but it felt awkward and too small, apart from the weight. I love the sound but the price far too much. I have seen many guitarists playing cheaper brands and they sound just as good as a Les Paul. A great objective video. Thank You from the UK.
Something I've thought about doing, and probably will at some point, is buying one of these bare-wood Les Paul kits that you assemble yourself. Almost all are coming out of China, so the electrical components are probably crap. But occasionally I'll come across kits that are just wood or maybe wood and hardware minus all the electrical bits. This is the smart way to go, IMO. That way, you can pick and choose the components that go into your kit. The final product will be thousands of dollars or pounds cheaper than the Gibson equivalent, but it will sound and play just as good, if not better.
I have an epiphone les paul.
It's a finicky, cold hearted , pain the a$$.
You get the right* pickups and fiddle with the tone knob, you can get a tele to sound almost indistinguishable from a les paul. Especially with a hot bridge pickup. Ymmv
You are 70 and play fortnite?
@@westarosviper2269 and they just started TH-cam when they were 67 😲. Very believable
My first “good” guitar was a Strat player series complete with a Sweetwater PLEK. Plays great, used it everyday for a year - then got the itch for a LP…after tons of listening and trying a couple out in a guitar center settled on the LP Classic. Since owning it for the past year I rarely pull my Strat out of the case. Every time I do I’m reminded a) how light it feels and b) how much better I like the FEEL and sound of my LP.
I’ve only ever played Les Paul/Les Paul style, and SG/SG style guitars. I don’t dig strats much at all cause of the control layout, and knobs being to close to my hand. I did have a tele that was cool, and wouldn’t mind another. But I think I’ll always be an LP guy. I’ve got an 01 Studio that I’ve had for about a decade now. Love it.
Ray, I agree. I physically just can’t play a Strat or Tele. My hands are constantly hitting switches and knobs by accident, and overall shallowness of the instrument (no elevated, angled neck like a violin) has my pick clicking off the pickguard through the strings constantly. I need that height at the neck joint over the pickups.
@@MaineBluesman Exactyl! They just don’t feel “right”, if that’s a good way to put it. I’ve had two epi Les pauls, two LTD EC’s, and my Gibson. I’ve tried other guitars, but this thing just covers everything I do so well, and feels natural. Only thing I had to adjust to was how different (thicker) the neck on my Gibson was, but even then, after a few weeks of playing, I was used to it. And I’ve had that thing setup for so many tunings. From E and Dropped D, down to C standard and A#. Played and sounds amazing, always. It’s currently in Drop C with 11-54 strings on it. And my Viper is setup for A# 11-63 strings.
Yeah man I agree. I've had a few really, really nice Strats and they just don't feel right. The older MIJ ones aren't bad at all though, better than the USA ones I've played, but still not as comfy as a LP.
Word. Always swiping the pickup switch by accident!
Re wired my strat changed all the switches to Brian may wiring with phase switches and the thing is awesome but you're all correct with the standard switches it's a bit of a pain to get on with
As much as I have always wanted a Les Paul, the Gibson price tag has always stopped me cold. Therefore, I bought a 'black beauty' Epi back in 2007 and swapped out the pups for Seymour Duncan's '59 and SH-5 with a coil split. A couple years ago, I built my own LP with a "59, JB combo with coil splits in both pups and in so doing in both instances, destroyed your price and versatility arguments. Even with a stock 3 way set up, a Les is still versatile, and still the icon that it has been for decades. But I do give you credit for owning multiple LP's and still building the argument for not buying one. LOL I am 100% certain that the same type of argument could be made against buying a Telecaster (TWANG!!!) and a Stratocaster as well, or a ES-175, or a ES-335, etc..
I once had a Epiphone LP Custom that I put a Duncan Distortion into with a new pot and copper tape. Best sounding guitar that I never owned, besides my Mexican Strat that I upgraded with a Duncan Screamin Demon HB with a JB Jr in the mid.
@@justaguy214 I later came back to the Epi with a SD '59 and a SH-5 Duncan Custom with a coil split on the bridge pup and I replaced the pots and caps with CTS and Orange. I would challenge it with any Gibson out there, but not an LP I built from a kit and insulated the cavity, CTS & Orange, and SD '59 and JB with coil taps on both pups. That one is my 'go to' electric!
Looks like you guys took his advice not to buy Les Paul :) ...
@@FilipArlet Well, not a Gibson Les Paul anyway... LOL
I LOVE everything about my LP Studio. The neck, the sound, heft, etc. But you're right, it's a one trick pony. So when performing covers on stage, I always play my HSH Strat. It covers a ridiculous spectrum of sound.
I have been doing LP style guitars on and off for decades. The Les Paul are a very beautiful guitar. They sustain great and have a thick sound.
They record better than most guitars. By that I mean they are naturally compressed, and certain notes or strings are not louder or more shrill than others. Very consistent up and down the neck.
I was always into strata and superstrats when I started playing as a kid. Was never really into lps until late into my 30s. When I finally got one, it put fire back into my playing. I like to switch it up every so often since each guitar I have makes me play differently and they take me into a different headspace when I play them. But my first (beater) Les Paul is the one I pick up most often and is the one that put the fun and passion back into even simple things like practice exercises. And they're also the ones that I actually fully utilize all the tone and volume knobs when playing to coerce miniscule tones out of rather than relying on pedals and effects. 🤷🏻♂️
yup, i always go back to my lp :)) think i prefer the tones of my s style but.. just can't seem to get away from my first lp ('06 epi)
U knucklehead your pfp scared the life outta me
Totally agree about using the Volume & Tone control on the LP. They really do give access to a wide spectrum of tones. Mine have Coil Splits too which adds to the fun!
I've got a pile of guitars and they ain't all cheap , but it broke my heart when I had to retire this 99 dollar First Act LP. because I wore all the frets out. I just loved that guitar. I never plugged it in once. I kept it beside the bed and noodled on it for hours every day. There is a new one there now (American Tele) but it's just not the same.
@@jeffmckinnon5842 monoprice has some sweet lp style for less than 200 bucks.
I've played on-and-off for over 30 years - always been a Fender guy, I got my 1st Les Paul in 2020 - a Gold top 50's std with P-90's. I immediately bonded with the neck, shorter scale and chunkiness! I followed up with a 2021 Slash sig. I LOVE them both - the poor Fender's get little playing time.
p90s ruin everything dont they lol I love my Goldtop
yep
Same boat! I have played Fenders primarily, but have owned an SG since the early 2000s and thought that was close enough. Boy was I wrong! I bought a new 2021 60s standard (which is absolutely flawless). I immediately bonded and fell head-over-heels for it. I built my dream Tele a year and a half ago, but now rarely play it as I always find myself drawn to my Les Paul.
@@d.j.linhart935absolutely flawless?
Are you sure it's a Gibson ??
Jk.....Im sure it's nice
@@markbaum9615
I know! I was always skeptical about getting a new Gibbie, because of all the negative reviews and QC issues. But I started hearing from people that since the bankruptcy they were really turning things around so I figured I'd give them a chance. And boy, I couldn't be happier I did!
Thanks a lot for the warnings - I just bought ANOTHER one Les Paul! :-)
Greetings from Germany!
There's always some tuning issues with those type of headstocks. Fender Paul Reed Smith music man all use a straight string pull which makes for better tuning stability.
the headstock doesn't have much to do with it unfortunately. It's mostly the plastic nuts Gibson uses, and the crappy vintage klusons.
Strings tend to bind on the nut as they come out of the factory because of how soft the plastic is, and the tuners have a low ratio making it harder to nail the tuning after a few months of play. even a bend can send you off, strat or tele style.
Graphtec nut, locking tuners with modern ratios, and the thing is super stable.
Not to mention the saddles that pop strings on the regular of course :) there's so many upgrades to do to have a playable guitar, and with the initial price tag, that's just hard to justify.
My LP never goes out of tune.
@@gr637 you got a good one 👍
My first guitar was a Cimar by Ibanez Les Paul copy with 2 Super Distortion pickups. Then I had trouble transitioning to Ibanez and playing strat style guitars. Many, many years later I bought a real Gibson Les Paul. I played it in the shop's basement for an hour through a Marshall stack and it roared and did properly every 80s trick I tried. It is a chambered one and although it's a little more "airy" I have heard and tried other solid ones that sound more close to a Tele than mine. And I don't care about beautiful flame tops, mine is black. It's all about the sound.
You only need one reason to not buy a Les Paul, and that is: THEY ARE ALL MINE!
I bought Les Pauls because they covered my favorites genres well (Heavy rock, alt, blues, psychedelic) , felt great, looked beautiful and there are plenty of lighter options out there. Anything under 9 pounds is perfection to me
I have a question for you, Robert, what is it exactly that you think a Les Paul CAN'T do? You mentioned a strat "with the right pickups", but the same can be said for lots of guitars.
My dude just accept a les Paul is much different than a 3s Strat. I’m not saying lp is bad Strat is better or something like that but it’s totally different and I’m a serious fan of both lp and Strat
@@cenkdonmezguitar I'm just curious what his answer is. I own and play both.
@@GibsonTick A Strat, even with a JB in the bridge, won't have the UMPH and balls of a Les Paul. That's one of the things a Les Paul has that a Strat never will=balls. A Strat will also never sound as full, or warm as a Les Paul.
@@thegrandpencil4374 I fully agree, I'm a les paul guy, I own 5 of them. I was just curious what his answer was.
@SZASZ BOMB I'm aware, I have both. I'm more asking about what types of music a LP can't do. People say they can't do jazz, when Les Paul himself was a jazz guitarist.
Excellent discussion! I totally agree that an LP is great if the main thing you want is that thick, chunky tone, but other guitars are much more versatile tone-wise. I do believe the other main point you made is correct, also: That a real HTG LP *is* heavy (made of mahogany), but that’s what gives it the purity of tone and “forever” sustain. Basically, an LP is what you want for rhythm-work, but if you want a lead-instrument that cuts to the bone, you want a Telecaster or a Stratocaster. I could only afford one solid-body guitar … so I bought an old Peavey T-60 😎, which very nicely combines the Fender and Gibson schools of design, and has some useful features that neither Gibsons nor Fenders have.
My Eastman SB59 is not only less expensive..........The quality of the build, what you get for your money is so much better, and it sounds amazing.
You forgot to mention being able to sniff the guitar for a whole day🤩 I own a les paul special. I learned on an Epiphone jr. It’s uncomfortable for me to play fenders lol. The controls are in the way. Gibsons just have that rock solid handmade feel. The output and power is also legendary.
By modern standards, they're vintagey rather than powerful. An ESP with actives can push a tube amp into hogh gain distortion on it's own, an LP needs a boost pedal to achieve the same thing.
Gibson LP is the best guitar I have ever had. I've owned well over 30 guitars. I agree with "try before you buy". I've owned strat and a tele, those were nice also. Versatility depends on the LP model, I have a Traditional Pro V, mine does everything.
I have an absolute need for both. I have yet to find a HB that sells me on single coil clean tones, which is important enough to me to just have both
My LP is one of my favorite guitars, as well.
I own 15 guitars.Gibson its just a guitar not better than a Squier and for sure not than a ibanez or Yamaha.Just different.
@@ΟΟύτις People are different, too. For me, personally, Yamahas are good guitars but I can’t stand Ibanez guitars, and I still, intentionally, don’t own a Yamaha,. It’s just preference.
I broke the first reason from the start. My first guitar was a Les Paul. Granted it was an Epiphone Les Paul Studio, so more on the lower end of the spectrum but I had always wanted one, from the times when my father played in bands. He had a 1958 ES 350T Sunburst. That guitar was beautiful. His other band member had a Les Paul and I liked it because it had a smaller body than the 350. I have since gifted that first Les Paul to a family member, after starting a collection of guitars over the years. My favorite still being the Les Paul. Now it's an Epiphone Les Paul Standard. It's my favorite, love the way it feels and plays. I feel at home playing it.
I've always been a strat and kind of tele guy, found an ES Les Paul in great shape for $2500 and there's this voice in the back of my head that kind of wants it.
Not the GAS guy that really wants it, like that kid brother that says "bro can I ride your bike?" kind of energy.
It makes me want a Gibson electric even less.
You are my favourite guitarist on TH-cam, keep it up Robert.🎸🎸🎸
I have a Les Paul Classic and I absolutely love it. I suppose it's not 100% true since it has push-pull pots, but it does make it incredibly versatile for all the artists I like playing along with.
My next guitar, can’t wait
Les paul classics are great i played one once it sounded fantastic but it had some serious problems with the G string, it went out of tune after just playing like 5 notes. It was almost crazy how fast that thing went out of tune even compared to other les pauls that i have played.
Hard to disagree with any of those points. I own LPs and a strat. I just play at home, usually seated, so LP weight is not an issue. But yea if you’re playing out a lot and lugging around 9 lbs on the shoulder, that could get rough.
I am going to have to be seated, that’s another thing about my Epiphone is that it is heavier than it was advertised to be. That sucker is solid mahogany and has a good neck . I hope that it sets up right, but my wife swore it weighs 10 lbs or more. I think it was advertised at 5 lbs. That seemed kind of light to me.
Females don’t complain about the weight so why do we? Lol
Got rid of my LP several years ago and don't regret it one bit. Between my 335, my Tele and my Strat, there isn't a sound I need to make that one of these won't give me. I did succumb to an impulse buy however that people should consider if they want an "LP-like" instrument" I was in my friend's music shop here about a year ago. He is a PRS dealer. I picked up a PRS Tremonti, SE Model, and wound up buying a case for it so I could take it home. Reminds me very much of a LP, but I actually like it better. The controls are all the same, it's a little lighter, has a nicer neck profile and some really strong pickups. I think you can still find one for around $750ish. Super guitar for the money. You're so right about paying for the name Gibson. You just don't have to do that anymore.
First electric was a 68 Deluxe sunburst. I was 14. Loved it and sold it 3 years later when I got the 81 Custom. Sold it. Got a 2004 Standard, sold it in 09. I miss a LP and basically tolerate my Strats less hot sound. One day hopefully I’ll get one and keep one.
I've got an Epiphone Les Paul studio , which I surprisingly love. It was my first and only Les Paul. Got it about 6 months ago and it's very versatile , I'm more of a Schecter and Ibanez guy. But I enjoy the LP.....
Says don’t buy one… plays 100 killer riffs on various LPs. Feels triggered staring at my 4 LPCs…
Good video though…
Everything he said was true. But , I don't think he was saying don't buy one. He said go try one and understand its not going to feel like other kinds of guitars. He also said that there is a certain tone or sound that Les Paul's make that other guitars don't - but that if you want that sound - and don't have the money - there are a lot of cheaper knock-offs out there. I was looking at a higher quality knock off for $150 just the other day. People can hold onto a guitar as an investment - and take the chance of it going up or down in value - or they can buy something cheap - and not worry about cost - and just play the hell out of it. It really is up to the individual what's best for them and their budget. No judgements.
It was a clickbait headline ;)
@@dereksnider7148 I’m aware. And I love it. Les Pauls are awesome. I caught the bug a few months ago. Nothing he said was wrong.
Just clickbait, probably the best guitar ever.
I might recommend to anyone with some woodworking and soldering skills to buy a les paul kit and build it yourself. Very satisfying when it's finished and the kind I got (Bad Cat Instruments) has a great sound even though I set it up. And it's done in Zebrawood. Most unique guitar I've ever owned. Or seen, really. I went to guitar center and was NOT moved to play any if the nice expensive guitars on the wall. Mine is cooler. You don't get that with a store bought guitar.
Zwatt I agree with you 100%... any guitarist that loves the instrument should do this.. the kits make things easy and you learn so much from doing that. Especially that you can build a fantastic guitar that sounds pretty damn awesome without spending thousands of dollars! 🙂
Yeah it looks great,sounds great,and plays good because…. It’s Mine!!
That is a great idea. I was given a Telecaster kit for Christmas a couple years ago, and I found it to be a lot of fun building it. My wife got mine at Solo Guitars online. They are out of Canada but ship here in the States. It wasn't very expensive at all, and the body of mine was prefinished and painted, so I didn't have to do any woodwork.
I'm very jealous, that must be such a blast to do!!!!
I didn't know they made kits. Interesting
I started out playing a Gibson Flying V, which I still have. Then I switched to Les Paul custom for years and years. Then I switched back to the V shape so I grabbed a Jackson King V. Les Paul's are great guitars, but as I got older the weight was become too much of a burden. I used a 1979 Silverburst as my main guitar for almost 20 years, but at 12 lbs. I couldn't take it anymore. The tone, playability and smoothness of the neck is why I played the Paul for so many years.
I have a 2019 les Paul 1957 goldtop reissue and it’s just a beast! I was a les Paul man to begin with, and then went to suhr and a Guthrie Govan charvel…. Which cost a lot also. They are easy to play and have nice necks and quality etc… but I went back to Gibson and it’s just a wall of sound that hits hard! Although my 57 has a chunky neck and a little harder to play, that sound is the one man. Plus a goldtop les Paul just looks sweet 😬
At the end of the video Robert explains the 6th reason why you shouldn't have a Les Paul, because he wants them all for him!!! Ahahahah I understand that feeling man! Hahaha
Wait but Slash- Jimmy page- early Eric Clapton-
I was always a strat guy, I went against your advice 🥴 I went in cold turkey, bought a 2010 heritage cherry Les Paul traditional on eBay, the seller was fairly close so offered to go and collect on the same day, because I didn’t want to wait for shipping, the store was like “ok.” I immediately bonded with it. It had just what I wanted and more, so much mojo, and it’s been my number one ever since, it’s become irreplaceable to me. Funny thing is it’s a heavy guitar but my start is 3 pounds heavier 🤣
Bought my first "real" guitar, a 1981 Gibson 'The Paul' Deluxe, in 1988. It has been my #1 since. Finally got my hands on an 80s model Jackson/Charvel neck-thru that I had been wanting for years. Still play The Paul 90% of the time. I would like to get another couple of LPs in the stable just cause.
I've always been a fan of Les Paul and his playing ever since I was a teenager. I bought a tribute model last year and it inspires me to play things that I've never played before
Really thinking about also gettin the Tribute version as my first proper electric guitar. So hopefully it might get inspired me too.
@@richardzilak5175 Did you end up getting the tribute?
@@JS_Guitar09 I did! For my style of playing and needs it's absolutely fantastic and I love playing it! 😁 It just really fits me well in the hands and the overall playing comfort and sound is really good 👌. But I am more of an acoustic guitar type of player so I don't play my Tribute that often...That's why I have bought my new love - Furch MC Orange OMc-SR. Totally awesome and beautiful guitar in so many levels... 😍
@@richardzilak5175 Awesome! I too bought a tribute and find it is my favourite guitar I've played. I love the satin finish, it looks great. I'll have to look up your furch guitar, I've never heard of it before. I'm glad you found a guitar you really love to play 😀
My sister has a Les Paul (I'm an SG/335 player myself), and let me tell you, that guitar is pretty versatile. It is not good at emulating other guitars, but with vintage output PAFs (SD Seth Lovers, in our case), a proper wiring harness and 50s style wiring it can output a wide range of usable tones.
The Telecaster... is a Telecaster. A cutting board with electronics. Its beauty is in its simplicity, but I don't really think it's as versatile as a Les Paul, not unless you do some serious modding.
As for the Strat, you'd think you'd have tons of tonal options with five positions, but it has the least intuitive wiring and controls, and eventually you're going to fall back to two settings that work.
Underrated comment. People need to understand a Les Paul won't sound like anything but themselves. That said, they are the sound of rock
Bang on. This comment is better than the video.
#6: Typical LP models don’t provide easy access to the higher frets.
Correct! Which Is why I have only recently got into Les Pauls. I find the HP models with the Axcess Heel Joint and adjustable Titanium Nut are the perfect combo for me
@@ThePedroDB Yep, axcess heel joint solves the problem (I like the Alex Lifeson Axcess LP model,
but was only able to afford the Epiphone version …). Alternatively, having big fat hands can solve this
problem as well (this is more or less given at least in my case).
It’s weird that although LPs generally have many issues, such as
- they’re heavy,
- have crappy access to higher frets,
- issues with tuning stability for G and B strings (old story),
- very fragile headstocks prone to breaking,
they are still probably my favorite guitars.
I own multiple LP models and love all of them. I guess the nice thick
tone and sustain largely make up for the above-mentioned issues …
And most reviewers don´t even mention it or roll the guitar over and show you that cumbersome heel joint 😲
Angus Young said that he does not have big hands like Clapton and does not want a broken hip - so he plays the SG :-)
@@backinblack2817 :-)
Not everybody is like Robert here. I had no issues playing different guitars from the day I started learning to play 2 years ago. Some people have no issues switching between guitars. So don't take this as the only option. We aren't all the same. And many of us don't buy our guitars to keep for 6 months so we don't care about resale or the name on the headstock. I bought my guitars because that's what I wanted and I plan on keeping them forever. So who cares is I can't resell my guitar for 95% of what I paid? I couldn't care less.
Just understand that these arent hard rules that everybody goes by. This is just Robert's experience and not everybody will agree with his opinions of how to approach guitars and using different guitars and buying unknown brands, etc... You don't have to go play a Les Paul before buying one. I didn't. And it didn't make a difference to me. It's my favorite guitar.
Like I said, it's different for everybody so don't take this as hard experiences that everybody goes through. It's different for everyone.
Yeah no, if youve only played strats and Ibanezes, you 100% ought to play an LP before you buy one. Dont buy a logo.
Two years experience...wow 🙄
Very well said. I agree completely.
I played a modestly priced fender Strat for many years and loved everything about it. I wanted a new voice for my playing and naturally thought a les paul would be a great option. How wrong i was. Terribly over priced guitars for their production line. Their custom shop lines are also way too expensive as well but at least you know it will be an amazing guitar. Mine was a 2016 LP traditional. It was way too heavy, hard to stay in tune, frets were poorly done with sharp edges and the binding had defects to it. High E string would always slide of the board too when hammering off despite having a wider nut than my Strat. It looked absolutely beautiful and I think that is what a lot of people get sucked into is the aesthetic of the LP with the beautiful maple tops. Even the employees at the dealership tried to warn me going for the LP traditional and said I was better off going all the way with a custom shop or just going a different brand entirely for that price point (3 to 4k AUD) (fender or prs ect). And by the way, that dealership which was primarily Gibson no longer exists (covid probably finished them off). If you want an LP, 100% look at alternative brands like Eastman and tokai. Eastman hand make their guitars and have even better quality parts like an ebony fingerboard. They're a lot stricter on the weight of the guitars too. There is no point buying Gibson unless you have the money to go custom shop. There are so many other better built guitars that are more versatile and better quality than Gibson's overpriced brand name. There's a reason why they went broke people...
I've got the bases covered with a Strat, Tele, Ibanez 335 clone and a Les Paul. I've bought Strats when I needed one and sold them when I didn't. Not buying high end with a bolt-on neck so they're usually in the $500-$700 range. The Tele I've had since '83 and it's a top - loader with stacked HBs. It rips. The Ibanez is sweet and covers a lot of bases, but the Goldtop '54 reissue LP with P90s and a wraptail is the tops. I can play it for hours with a decent strap and it does R&B chank, rock, blues, everything.
Only reason to not buy a les paul is because you already own a les paul... and even that is suspect I think
Lol...
If you're learning and you're really determined to have an LP, try an SG first.
In fact, just get an SG. SGs are Bes' Gs.
🤯 wow why do u like sg's so much ?? just want to know :)
I hate my SG. not sure why, I just never warmed to it.
SGs are LPs too. Les invented them both.
Learn on an Explorer...a heavy one. It's like training with weighted clothing, you will be amazed..lol.
@@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren yeah, that's incorrect. Les had nothing to do with SGs...
I have two les Paul Epiphone guitars, ultra modern, and prophecy. Both sound great.
gotta say I put off buying an LP for decades (as I thought it too "country") but
bought a Prophecy last year and I LOVE IT! Got that Gibson quality sound and playability without the "build issues". Like it as much as the PRS.
So, I'm 53 years old. I'm just starting out in guitar and a buddy loaned me a Fender F-200 for acoustic. I bought a knock-off 335 from Grote (which sounds awesome) because of Johnny Marr (and the Smiths). I was looking at grabbing a knock-off LP because I was a big KISS/Ace Frehley fan (when I was in the 3rd grade) and this video made me take pause... and I thank you. Cheers.
I love how his Les Paul KM looks. The burst is dark and the pickups match perfectly with everything else. The pick guard, switch tip, the pickup rings, even the poker chip. If the binding matches as well, I would just 🤯. I can’t quite tell.
Some reasons you left out why I go Ibanez RG, S series, or Jackson instead:
1: Much Better Tuning stability (even with tremolo bar)
2: More Versatility with HSH pickup config and 5 way blade switch
3: Volume Knob closer to strings, allowing better access to volume swell
4: Pickup easier to flick due to better position
5: Cutaway over neck allows easier access to finger tapping
6: 24 frets is a must
7: Better output signal from neck pickup
8: Floating Trem or hardtail bridge options
9: Neck profile better suited for shred
10: Bolt on neck more replaceable if damaged
11: Headstock less likely to get damaged
12: $700 - $1,000 Ibanez sounds as good as (or better than), $3,500 Gibson
13: Really good clean tones
14: Great paintjobs available
Never could afford a real Paul or a Tele. Got both now and love 'em both equally.
ONE REASON NOT TO BUY A LES PAUL.....1. ROB WILL GIVE ONE AWAY SATURDAY!😳🤙
I took up the guitar as an older beginner back in February 2016, and I chose a Gibson Les Paul Studio, which I still place/practice with, to this day.
Yes, Gibson Les Paul can be heavy and many have tuning issues, but Les Paul’s have that nice, fat meaty sound, especially when plugged into a Marshall.
Been playing nothing but Fender-type guitars since the 1970's. Started with Stratocasters because I they were cheaper and more versatile IMO than Les Paul, then picked up a Fender Custom Shop 52 Reissue Vintage Thin Skin Tele and put a full size Seymour Duncan humbucker in the neck to get more tones. Kind of wanted a Les Paul but not for $2000 - $3000. Enter the Epiphone '59 Les Paul Outfit with all Gibson USA pickups and electronics (and a hard case). I blew off your advice and ordered up a used one for $700 in Aged Southern Fade finish without playing any kid of Les Paul first. But I've been playing nearly 50 years and am up for the challenge of something different :o)
Years ago I went into my local shop with all intentions to purchase a LP played a few and picked 1 SG and new that was the one I was taking with me. Still love the SG they just work for me. Everyone has their choice, its what works for you. Great video Robert!
I bought a les Paul cause my inspirations were (and still are) slash and jimmy page! I love it it’s the most resonant solid body I have ever played and it is so comfortable to me now that I’m used to it buttttt the pickups are muddy and I have been getting this itch lately for a PRS haha
After I got a Gibson SG, my desire for a Les Paul decreased significantly. The SG is so easy to play and very versatile.
Same here. I bought a 61 reissue SG and it’s my go to.
My first electric guitar was a cheap Hondo with the SG body shape. I intend my next electric guitar purchase another SG-style guitar for one big reason: the body shape is much better suited to playing seated than the Les Paul body shape. LP-style guitars (like my current Ibanez) are great when standing but, seated, the lower curve resting on my thigh forces the guitar to the right, which I find extremely awkward. Probably because I'm mainly a bass player, and so I'm not used to my left arm being jammed up so close to my body.
I got an Epiphone slash anaconda burst and loved it so much that I bought a gibson November burst. I've been accumulating Les paul copies for the last 5 years and I love them dearly, but I've been wanting a Gibson Les paul since I was 14 and I have 0 regrets about it. It's easily the nicest guitar I've ever owned and it's everything I wanted out of a guitar
I just bought one and thanks to your tuning tips it stays in perfect tune. But I also have a Tele and a PRS.
You had me until No. 5. If I want to "sound like a Strat," then I won't play a Les Paul. Otherwise, great video with some points new players really should consider. Thanks for this.
Started playing almost 3 years ago. played a big ol acoustic dreadnought for 5 weeks.
Sold it to afford a Gibson 2018(gold top) tribute for a good deal. It’s the only guitar I own, and I could resell it for solid profit if I wanted to as it’s gone up a bit in price.
No it’s not ergonomic at all, it’s tiny, hard upper fret access for beginners, hard to sit with and balance at first, g string nightmares. I can tell some people look at me as if I don’t deserve the Gibson as a beginner haha. But honestly under 1k gibsons are smarter financial decisions than 400-600 epiphones. I don’t have to feel like I have to “upgrade” guitars and I play it nearly every goddamn day. ;)
You summed it up really well. Well done! Most of all the versatile thing and the totally different playability.
Anyway I compared esp, maybach etc. Alternatives for almost the same amount but they were built and finished so unproperly compared with the original.
Even my epiphone was way less qualitively made (of course in asia)
I think Robert made this video just to convince himself not to buy another one so his wife doesn’t get upset with him. 😂
Mostly played Fenders for a long time. Tried a couple of Les Pauls over the years and, being a rube, had trouble controlling them. Then in 2013 I tried out several LPs and bought the one sounding best to me. It's a 2008 Model (bought new in 2013). Gibson had really confused that year thing for everyone. It's chambered, and unlike your comment, I think is the best sounding LP I've ever played - and that's with comparing solid body versions as well. I now have three Gibson LPs of different flavors, ('77 Special, '92 Studio Lite, '08 model LP Standard). Then I've also purchased two of the Epiphone Les Pauls recently (LP Custom Black Beauty and 1960 LP Tribute Plus with Gibson '57 pickups stock). These are really something! I love 'em all. Just received the Epiphone Prophecy SG with Fishman Fluence pickups so off I go to inspired by Gibson land. It's all good. Thanks for your thoughts.
I'd recommend an SG over a Les Paul-style guitar for a newbie. They're lightweight, they have ridiculously easy access to the high frets, and they look cool. Plus, if having the Gibson brand name means something to you, there are more reasonably priced options for SGs than Les Pauls.
And I think SGs are quite versatile...I can make mine sound like a Strat easily. The neck pickup is closer to the bridge, so it's more spanky and less wooly and mud-prone than a Les Paul or 335 neck pickup. And you can bend the neck easily to get a faux whammy bar effect. Just don't overdo it...
Reasons I bought a Les Paul: The incomparable sound; the neck feels great in my hands; and the look - nothing looks as cool.
They just sound like Les Pauls. Fender strats sound like ANYTHING. Hell of a big cost if that neck Screws up too.
I bought my first Les Paul when I was 15yo. Traded in a Strat for it. I don't own it anymore, but I own three others. Now, I play Strats and a Tele, an SG, fat hollow bodies, and a take-off on a 335. I even own an 8-string ibanez. Hey, they're all different and each has its purpose. Variety is the spice of life, so it's all good.
Try telling that to my wife , when she's says why do you need so many guitars. I tell her that each have their own different tone...
@@mikeg6666 My wife doesn't even dare go there. She's spent WAY more on purses and jewelry than I have on guitars. Way more. Just last night she was showing me a new ring she bought for "only" $2,000. When she told me the price, I just said, "Do you realize the guitar I could buy for $2,000?" So, no, she leaves me alone.
@@mwmcbroom Haha right , my wife enjoys wine and I tell her every time I buy a guitar it's my wine! As much as she drinks in a month adds up to a guitar. She's been backing off lately though , I guess she figures the more she complains it just makes me push back harder and buy another!
@@mwmcbroom How anyone can justify buying a fashion accessory or item clothing for more than $500 I'll never understand.. at least you're making art with your expensive hobby!
@@Vivi_9 I suppose "expensive" is a relative term. The most money I've ever spent on an electric guitar was $1,100 for a used, but never played Les Paul Traditional. I bought it for about half of what they were selling for -- on sale -- at the time. Almost all my other purchases have been on used gear that I was able to get for what I've considered to be good deals. So, I've spent way less than the wifey has on her accoutrement. And, hey, it's her money. She can buy what she wants, the way I see it, and I'm not going to judge.
At the moment I have about 14 guitars including strat, tele, 80s Charvels, V, Explorer 80s Kramer, etc but I live by the motto, never leave home without a Les Paul!🤘🤘🤘
I have bought and sold many Gibson Les Pauls never found one that satisfied me until, I bought my 2018 Classic in Pellum blue with P90’s this is a great guitar and can chug with out the muddyness, I love my strat and Tele, but one of my favs for versatility is my Taylor 2008 SB-1 custom, sadly it is discontinued but I got it for a reasonable price and they continue to go up in value. My favorite acoustic is my Breedlove Legacy Auditorium with Myrtle wood back and sides, I also love my Taylor 814-CE, and my campfire guitar is my Tacoma PK-30 parlor all Koa, keep up the good work you are my favorite guitar TH-camr
You're absolutely right about not being versatile. I love my LP. I was finally able to afford one.
In the UK I was brought up with the 60s/70s/ guitarists like EC on the LP. Peter Green
and others but could get one myself. I had a Strat 63 and tele 64 for my stage stuff which pretty much covered it but it wasn't a Lester. Just sayin folks
I have a Les Paul in my collection, I've owned several, yet, I agree with you.. they are not versatile and way heavier then a strat, yet, if your going for sustain, nothing beats a Les Paul
I’ve owned 2 strats in 35 yrs. I have 96 Steve vai signature, I’ve owned several LP copy’s , mostly esp, but my first Real LP was a 98 studio and I was hooked. I have truly loved no other guitar since then The arch, the wood, the tone. I’ve played epiphones and they are damn close, but I can tell you that the real deal, sounds, FEELS, and RESONATES, like the real deal. Btw, I’m 44 now and still, Gibson LP standard or my older studio is unmatched in tone and feel. Naturally they are not super fast like a music man or Ibanez but nothing resonates and sounds like it
I have a Telecaster and a newly purchased Les Paul Jr.
I love the Gibson, it does have a different feel and it's so full. Blatantly obvious on the mid to low end. I still get a sweet country sound out of it, not quite like a Tele, just different. The Jr is perfect.
Gibson, like any other name brand guitars, are way overpriced.
For an American made guitar Gibson kind of takes the cake though...it’s the cheapest option if you want an American made guitar (second hand) even though some models can get pricy ... you can find a Gibson (sg and some Lp) for around $800-1k on reverb.
Epiphones are where the value is
There is also a difference in price when it comes to the price sellers are asking vs what what they actually get
Well, I was agreeing with you on all points until you mentioned the last one about versatile tone. Perhaps you never tried a Studio LP. The three tones I get from using the PU selector switch are so distinctly unique that my Studio LP is my deserted island guitar. Can't say that about my two Standard LP'S. And my Studio doesn't have coil split feature that the newer Studios have! 490R and 498T pick ups are the difference-makers! And it doesn't sound like a ES335 with its chambered body!
The 490R and 498T pickups are seriously awesome. The 498T being my favorite pickup of all time having tried various Dimarzios, Duncans, and BKPs etc.
@@Olsen-vp5vg i get you. i have 2002 studio and while i dont really dig the pickups (they're sorta microphonic) the studio does sound better than most standards i've heard. probably gonna switch them out soon tho, horrible eq imbalance and the differences in pickup height to compensate are very uncomfortable.
Epiphone Les Paul custom pros give you a ton of tone options with pickup splitting. Also the Epis weigh couple pounds less and if you switch out the pickups they sound just like the Gibson LPs.
That first advice is Spot on. I reluctantly fell in love with my Les Paul after years of neglect because I was mainly an Ibanez & Jackson/Charvel player. This video is so truthful🙂
And yet there was no mention of tuning stability :) Well, in my opinion after owning 2 LPs, a Custom and a Classic (that I sold in hopes of a Standard), you should definitely try them before buying. They do look and sound amazing but upper fret access and weight are things to consider.
I bought a genuine tri burst gibson les paul to match my dad's 68 j45. I dont regret it for a single moment. absolutely LOVE my real les paul
I'm pushing 70 and my Goldtop was getting too heavy for my old worn out body so a year ago I traded it on a Custom Shop Strat. My Les Paul had appreciated in value and I made $1500 bucks on it. I love the Strat but I missed having a Gibson so I purchased a 2006 SG. which is nice and light. More recently I've bought an Epiphone Hummingbird and I play it every day while my electrics hang on the wall gathering dust. G.A,S. (gear acquisition syndrome) is a terrible affliction but I just can't help it. By the way I didn't tell you I've got a G&L COMMEMORATIVE (May 1993) ASAT That leaves all of them for dead.
The only reason not to buy one would be you can't afford it.
I used to own a Gibson LP. I was glad to get rid of it at the time and picked up an RG. To name a couple of points you mentioned, it was heavy and was not very versatile and did not blend well with Fenders (I used to have to borrow a Tele when filling in for a friend to sound right). I also really don’t care for the nitrocellulose finish as it feels sticky to me. Now that I have more money, I’m thinking of picking up another - or at least an Epiphone version.
My dad bought a Epiphone LP before I was born, thinking he could learn it. Then I was born. I play for a show choir band, and let me tell you, carrying that thing to and from school every day is EXHAUSTING. It’s SO heavy😭. There are chips from the strap falling off it. I put strap locks on and the wood was stripped so it fell out right before a show choir comp. I do love it, it’s black and cream around the edges so it looks super classy and formal. I’m planning on buying a new guitar soon.
I’m not sure what to get tho, but I know I want lighter, I want a tremolo, and something a little more feminine-looking. I’m kinda digging the H.E.R. Stratocaster right now.
I've had a Les Paul almost 40 years. It's a part of who I am, I absolutely love it. I've got the sound dialed in to a warm sound. But I'm 57, it's a hippo hanging around my neck. I'm afraid I'll have to go to a lighter guitar. Thinking of trying a PRS.
I'm starting to feel that myself. When I was 21 I could play it all day with no problem. Now? Not so much.
Ok I’m 62... before I even learned to play a guitar I was in love with a LP..... took a long time before I finally got one, is it my favorite guitar....no, am I glad I bought it... yeah but I totally agree with what you’ve said here, it has it’s limitations. My favorite guitar..PRS