I found your TH-cam channel a couple of weeks ago, and I must say you are one of the best guitarists presenting guitars on the internet. You show so much, and I must thank you for that.
I love PRS's and have two, i've never found a Les Paul that I prefer, but you have a great player, and you did make the Les Paul sound great, probably one of the best tones I've heard on here of a Les Paul.
I'm an Ozzie with Scot heritage, who lived in Glasgow for 5 years as a young man. One thing i miss so much is the Scot accent and humour. And, the musicians and live music was epic. I'd much quicker lift a PRS over a Gibson if i had the cash. I have an SE model and love it. the woofieness you mention is something that puts me off the gibson neck PU especially. PRS is a more balanced tone and would sit very nicely in a mix.
PRS with coil split? They do the split so well. last riff on the LP on bridge pick up, i would have loved to hear it on the PRS bridge. I don't recall you trying the PRS on bridge with drive in video.
The Les Paul sounded a little brighter, and the PRS was a little bit ‘creamier’ to my ears. That could be due to pickup height also, but both sound great. The main reason I don’t play my Les Paul more often is that it’s way heavier than the PRS and not as comfortable to play. And if you want a brighter sound, a good EQ pedal can help. So I tend to enjoy playing the PRS more often than the Les Paul. But you can’t go wrong with either.
To my ears the Les Paul is sonically superior to the PRS…but how many Les Pauls do you have to demo to find one that sounds like the LP featured in this video..and has a build quality to match its price? 12-20 maybe? That’s why I only own one
I think the tone difference you're describing is down to Paul Reed Smith's pickup design philosophy, which is to make the big strings sound articulate and clear, and the skinny strings sound full and not spikey. The Gibson pickups are both boomier on the bass strings and have more treble on the skinny strings. Both sound awesome. Nice playing, and thanks for the comparison.
Horses for course I own a vintage style Gibson Les Paul and my mate has a 2001 singlecut. The PRS handles the high gain early 2000’s style better than the Gibson, the pickups are tighter and track better. With the amp tones you guys are using the Gibson will come out the best. Great video guys keep them up!
Great video! I am a Fender (Strat) and Gibson (Les Paul) guy first and foremost and have owned core PRS's in the past. I love them all! The quality of a PRS is undeniable! I just don't like the PRS neck shape and size. Again, great video! Playing and tones were awesome!
I have a great Les Paul Classic from 2005 that plays and sounds amazing. But I have two PRS SEs that are my favorite gigging guitars. Play and sound great and are nice and light!
I have double cut PRS McCarty SE and it's like 4lb lighter than standard Les Paul and $2K cheaper.....so no brainer for me. Thanks for the video, very nice playing.
I own a Les Paul Tribute w/ Ultra Modern weight Relief, a Heritage Custom Core H-150 (essentially a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul), and a PRS McCarty 594 SE Doublecut… they’re all different, but the double cut is especially unique b/c of the upper fret access and lighter weight. The PRS is a great guitar. Not my favorite from a “looks” dept,but the way it plays offsets the semi weird design.
I’ve come to the conclusion vintage style Gibsons and Fenders just have a mojo/vibe that modern alternatives don’t have. Sure there are always examples of exceptional guitars from any manufacturer from the cheapest to the most expensive. But higher price doesn’t automatically guarantee a better instrument. I have a lot of top shelf reissues from Gibson, Fender & Gretsch. I also enjoy owning and playing the more vintage inspired guitars from PRS. But regardless of how high you go (incl. Private Stock) a modern guitar design like a PRS just isn’t the same. You can get as technically brilliant or even technically superior as you like with a modern guitar, but it doesn’t seem to matter how many modern guitars I try, I keep falling back to the 50/60’s reissues for emotional feel and tone. They can be technically worse guitars but there’s something in them, giving off the “je ne sais quoi” mojo/vibe/tone. I feel the same way as Martin whenever I dare to A/B modern and vintage style instruments. 🤷♂️
A great comparision. The PRS is a lovely polished guitar BUT it will always be an imitation of the 'real thing', a great pastiche, however just little lacking in 'rock and roll'
this was the BEST comparison EVER, love your expressions and comments, for me, even though prs plays butter smooth, i cant ignore the tone of mr.paul. my mind says PRS, but my body says paul....
Great playing! I think I'd prefer the PRS if I had to choose between those individual guitars. I have a 2004 PRS Custom 22 with a solid rosewood neck that I would love for you to shoot out against, well anything lol. So I'm a little biased towards PRS. I've tried many Les Pauls and have never found one that really spoke to me. I also don't prefer the feel/ergonomics of a LP. It's probably because I've played strats and PRS's all my life. Anyways thanks for the awesome video!
@ thank you so much! ❤️ I'm in the US, or I would love to spend some time at your place! I'm watching some of your other videos right now, and you've convinced me to go try out more Les Pauls!
I am not usually keen on the PRS guitars but in this case I would choose the PRS as the string pull is relatively straight. I have had to fit String Butlers on both of my Les Pauls due to the D and G strings going out of tune.
So, Ive got an 01 Singlecut and am looking at acquiring a 92 Les Paul soon, good video. Myself and a mate came to the conclusion you could have both, the PRS excels at cleaner tones and super filth 00 rock/metal whereas the LP is what you’ll pick up for classic rock/blues just due to the attack and midrange bite
the aluminum stoptail is part of the reason the tone is different, the fully intonatable PRS brass saddle stoptail will improve the string attack you are missing with the PRS.
PRS has built his career by copying the real guitar designers. The LP has a smoother fuller tone. How many great LP players are there that are never going to play a PRS? How many great Strat players are never going to play a Silver Sky? Too many to count.
By taking the PRS SE version and swapping the pickups with original Gibson's it sounds and plays as well or better than the standard LP at 1/3 the price.
Every day , you mean ? I own a bunch of Les Paul’s and a bunch of PRS .. all bias aside , PRS are better in every single weight class . I never speak on something I haven’t owned and played . I have no idea if a 59 burst is worth more than a house but I do know that a McCarty 594 is better that a standard LP . Still love that certain chug that only a good LP can get though . These are just facts and fyi: I never read let alone respond to any comment I leave . Have good days ..
@@juanvaldez5422I own both as well and I second this. People that really think a LP is better never owned a core McCarty or spent enough time with both. I think ppl that claim LP sounds better its just because the sound might be more recognizable. The clarity and articulation on the 594 is night and day.
Cheers Martin . Paul sounds great -not that the PRS isn’t any good -I have a 2019 Classic and a 245 SE Single cut obviously big difference in price but they sound similar but the biggest difference is when driven , the PRS mashes together whereas the Gibson you can almost distinguish the strings . Your neck pickup with rolled back volume on the Gibson is the top tip of the year . Tried it with my classic and played for ages then when you go full volume it’s like stepping on another overdrive!! Overall the PRS isn’t the fire breathing dragon that the Gibson is . Cheers 🏴
For me, I don't buy into this. I prefer a guitar that plays as easily as possible. I thought the LP in this demo sounded a little better at times and the PRS sounded a little better at times. But, I want a guitar that practically plays itself so I can simply concentrate on what I am playing and not how I am playing it.
Les Paul just sounds Les Paul. Unfortunately, it seems there is no perfect guitar. You cannot have a LP made as perfect as a PRS, but you cannot have a PRS that sounds like a LP.
Les Paul sounds like mud. Just unpleasant to my ears. I’ll never understand why people want to fight their instrument. Horses for courses I guess. But then the whole “laudadores temporis acti” nonsense in the rock/blues/jazz guitar world makes my eyes roll
I found your TH-cam channel a couple of weeks ago, and I must say you are one of the best guitarists presenting guitars on the internet. You show so much, and I must thank you for that.
Many many thanks for the kind words😊
Yes! Your musicality stands out above the rest. Such a soulful touch. Love me this demo and your playing.
Many many thanks fella ;)))@gair1944
I love PRS's and have two, i've never found a Les Paul that I prefer, but you have a great player, and you did make the Les Paul sound great, probably one of the best tones I've heard on here of a Les Paul.
Many thanks for the kind words Colin😊
Beautiful playing and excellent demos.
You smile every time you have the LP in your hands. that should tell you everything! Much love and great video!
Another great video Martin, we think the PRS might have it here!
I'm an Ozzie with Scot heritage, who lived in Glasgow for 5 years as a young man. One thing i miss so much is the Scot accent and humour. And, the musicians and live music was epic. I'd much quicker lift a PRS over a Gibson if i had the cash. I have an SE model and love it. the woofieness you mention is something that puts me off the gibson neck PU especially. PRS is a more balanced tone and would sit very nicely in a mix.
PRS with coil split? They do the split so well. last riff on the LP on bridge pick up, i would have loved to hear it on the PRS bridge. I don't recall you trying the PRS on bridge with drive in video.
Very different critters..Thanx 😊
Amazing playing, tasty sound👍
Cheers many thanks;)))
I'll take Les Paul standard, it's got such a distinctive tone that no other guitar brand can completely manipulate.
I love les Paul guitars、I have many LP guitars，but i prefer Prs in this video，sweet sound。❤
The Les Paul sounded a little brighter, and the PRS was a little bit ‘creamier’ to my ears. That could be due to pickup height also, but both sound great. The main reason I don’t play my Les Paul more often is that it’s way heavier than the PRS and not as comfortable to play. And if you want a brighter sound, a good EQ pedal can help. So I tend to enjoy playing the PRS more often than the Les Paul. But you can’t go wrong with either.
I think, older les pauls and newer PRS sound the best they can.
Martin, as always, Pleasure!!
Glad you enjoyed it. ;)))
To my ears the Les Paul is sonically superior to the PRS…but how many Les Pauls do you have to demo to find one that sounds like the LP featured in this video..and has a build quality to match its price? 12-20 maybe? That’s why I only own one
Very tasteful playing - the Les paul takes it out in my opinion 🎉
I think the tone difference you're describing is down to Paul Reed Smith's pickup design philosophy, which is to make the big strings sound articulate and clear, and the skinny strings sound full and not spikey. The Gibson pickups are both boomier on the bass strings and have more treble on the skinny strings. Both sound awesome. Nice playing, and thanks for the comparison.
Horses for course I own a vintage style Gibson Les Paul and my mate has a 2001 singlecut. The PRS handles the high gain early 2000’s style better than the Gibson, the pickups are tighter and track better. With the amp tones you guys are using the Gibson will come out the best.
Great video guys keep them up!
Great video! I am a Fender (Strat) and Gibson (Les Paul) guy first and foremost and have owned core PRS's in the past. I love them all! The quality of a PRS is undeniable! I just don't like the PRS neck shape and size. Again, great video! Playing and tones were awesome!
Many thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊
I have a great Les Paul Classic from 2005 that plays and sounds amazing. But I have two PRS SEs that are my favorite gigging guitars. Play and sound great and are nice and light!
LP has a slightly darker tone whereas the PRS is a sweeter sound, love to hear ye do a Heritage one! Hooch!
I have double cut PRS McCarty SE and it's like 4lb lighter than standard Les Paul and $2K cheaper.....so no brainer for me. Thanks for the video, very nice playing.
I own a Les Paul Tribute w/ Ultra Modern weight Relief, a Heritage Custom Core H-150 (essentially a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul), and a PRS McCarty 594 SE Doublecut… they’re all different, but the double cut is especially unique b/c of the upper fret access and lighter weight. The PRS is a great guitar. Not my favorite from a “looks” dept,but the way it plays offsets the semi weird design.
I’ve come to the conclusion vintage style Gibsons and Fenders just have a mojo/vibe that modern alternatives don’t have. Sure there are always examples of exceptional guitars from any manufacturer from the cheapest to the most expensive. But higher price doesn’t automatically guarantee a better instrument.
I have a lot of top shelf reissues from Gibson, Fender & Gretsch. I also enjoy owning and playing the more vintage inspired guitars from PRS. But regardless of how high you go (incl. Private Stock) a modern guitar design like a PRS just isn’t the same. You can get as technically brilliant or even technically superior as you like with a modern guitar, but it doesn’t seem to matter how many modern guitars I try, I keep falling back to the 50/60’s reissues for emotional feel and tone. They can be technically worse guitars but there’s something in them, giving off the “je ne sais quoi” mojo/vibe/tone. I feel the same way as Martin whenever I dare to A/B modern and vintage style instruments. 🤷♂️
A great comparision. The PRS is a lovely polished guitar BUT it will always be an imitation of the 'real thing', a great pastiche, however just little lacking in 'rock and roll'
Very close to my thoughts 😊
this was the BEST comparison EVER, love your expressions and comments, for me, even though prs plays butter smooth, i cant ignore the tone of mr.paul. my mind says PRS, but my body says paul....
Many thanks 😊
would have bin great to hear your yamaha sg as well
Sounds like another video. 😉 #Martin Gita
Les Paul...❤
I am fortunate to have both guitars and I agree, the PRS is a beautiful instrument to play, but I’d take the Gibson pickups every day!
Great playing! I think I'd prefer the PRS if I had to choose between those individual guitars. I have a 2004 PRS Custom 22 with a solid rosewood neck that I would love for you to shoot out against, well anything lol.
So I'm a little biased towards PRS. I've tried many Les Pauls and have never found one that really spoke to me. I also don't prefer the feel/ergonomics of a LP. It's probably because I've played strats and PRS's all my life. Anyways thanks for the awesome video!
Many thanks for the great comment.
If you're n the UK and close to us, I'd love to do a shoot it with your guitar.😊
@ thank you so much! ❤️
I'm in the US, or I would love to spend some time at your place! I'm watching some of your other videos right now, and you've convinced me to go try out more Les Pauls!
Bless yeh fella, glad yer enjoying them. To be fair, I'm a fan of both PRS n Paul's. 😊
I have two PRs and want to get a standard. PRs are SGs that stay in tune.
Low mids of BB pickups are heavy!!!
The pickups in the Les Paul will be 490R & 498T if they are stock
I believe Martin is right they are burstbucker 1 and two in the standard now I have been looking at them this week
Ì just looked at a new standard he's right they are bb1 and 2
how about over drive on the bridge pickup
I am not usually keen on the PRS guitars but in this case I would choose the PRS as the string pull is relatively straight.
I have had to fit String Butlers on both of my Les Pauls due to the D and G strings going out of tune.
Collings!!
Yeah what about a Collings City limits versus Les Paul? I felt like the less Paul had more soul versus the PRS.
So, Ive got an 01 Singlecut and am looking at acquiring a 92 Les Paul soon, good video.
Myself and a mate came to the conclusion you could have both, the PRS excels at cleaner tones and super filth 00 rock/metal whereas the LP is what you’ll pick up for classic rock/blues just due to the attack and midrange bite
Thank you 😊
the aluminum stoptail is part of the reason the tone is different, the fully intonatable PRS brass saddle stoptail will improve the string attack you are missing with the PRS.
It's always the same result. PRS plays much better but the LP has this distinct sound and sounds simply better imho.
What kind of amplifier were you playing through in this demo?
All demos on the channel are through a Mesa Lonestar 😊
Les Paul anyday
I always find neck pick up of gibby wooly and muddy. Maybe I am strat player at core plus that headstock angle gives me anxiety 😅😅.
Have both , love both .. the PRS are easier playing
PRS has built his career by copying the real guitar designers. The LP has a smoother fuller tone. How many great LP players are there
that are never going to play a PRS? How many great Strat players are never going to play a Silver Sky? Too many to count.
Les Paul sounds the best IMO.
By taking the PRS SE version and swapping the pickups with original Gibson's it sounds and plays as well or better than the standard LP at 1/3 the price.
Les Paul every days !!!!
Every day , you mean ? I own a bunch of Les Paul’s and a bunch of PRS .. all bias aside , PRS are better in every single weight class . I never speak on something I haven’t owned and played . I have no idea if a 59 burst is worth more than a house but I do know that a McCarty 594 is better that a standard LP . Still love that certain chug that only a good LP can get though . These are just facts and fyi: I never read let alone respond to any comment I leave . Have good days ..
@ that your pov not mine , have a nice day too !
@@juanvaldez5422I own both as well and I second this. People that really think a LP is better never owned a core McCarty or spent enough time with both. I think ppl that claim LP sounds better its just because the sound might be more recognizable. The clarity and articulation on the 594 is night and day.
Absolutely
Cheers Martin . Paul sounds great -not that the PRS isn’t any good -I have a 2019 Classic and a 245 SE Single cut obviously big difference in price but they sound similar but the biggest difference is when driven , the PRS mashes together whereas the Gibson you can almost distinguish the strings . Your neck pickup with rolled back volume on the Gibson is the top tip of the year . Tried it with my classic and played for ages then when you go full volume it’s like stepping on another overdrive!! Overall the PRS isn’t the fire breathing dragon that the Gibson is . Cheers 🏴
That's a great comment indeed and pretty much sums up my thoughts. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊
Why don't you just switch the pickups and retest ?
I think it's the fight in Les Pauls that makes them special .. makes you try harder
Totally agree with that, it squeezes more out of you. 😊
For me, I don't buy into this. I prefer a guitar that plays as easily as possible. I thought the LP in this demo sounded a little better at times and the PRS sounded a little better at times. But, I want a guitar that practically plays itself so I can simply concentrate on what I am playing and not how I am playing it.
Les Paul just sounds Les Paul. Unfortunately, it seems there is no perfect guitar. You cannot have a LP made as perfect as a PRS, but you cannot have a PRS that sounds like a LP.
PRS sounds like the strings are dead
The Gibson sounds really fat !
i don't like the birds inlay
Les Paul sounds like mud. Just unpleasant to my ears. I’ll never understand why people want to fight their instrument. Horses for courses I guess. But then the whole “laudadores temporis acti” nonsense in the rock/blues/jazz guitar world makes my eyes roll