I had only ONE Les Paul. Since she's been gone, I can't even think about another. Shame was I had her "way too early" in my playing career. Looking back. Very hard to play. Don't know if it's a phase but modern necks are "SO MUCH easier " , smoother and fluid.
My 1992 Nuno Bettencourt Washburn N4 is my all # 1 favorite. Love the tone,sound,fit and feel!!!!! And why the Stephens Extended 5 bolt Cutaway neck joint never caught on for easy upper fret access is beyond me.
The PRS without hesitation. For sound, quality, and, quite importantly, they are company that genuinely respects their customers, and by many accounts, their employees too.
I think people get to hung up on How enigmatic Paul is. I don’t own a PRS but it is probably next. They seem to give a shit about everything that leaves the warehouse . They aren’t scared to make changes to little things to make the guitars better even at the lower tier .
Bare in mind we are talking about two MANUFACTURING brands, not luthier instruments. It's like saying Nike appreciates their customers and sneakers more than Reebok. Measuring customer satisfaction against Gibson brand is a very low bar to be setting anyway.
I've bought two Gibson Les Paul guitars (a Traditional and a Tribute). I still have the Traditional and having had an expensive Plek setup, a new GraphTech nut and Hipshot Locking Tuners it plays great. The sustain is incredible. The Tribute Goldtop was a piece of crap IMO. The finish was poor, the neck had a slight bow just before the headstock and the fret work was pretty poor. I tried to get a good setup I was happy with but ultimately it was flawed and I sent it back. I have four PRS guitars, USA Custom Vine 22 Artist package, SE Hollowbody II Piezo, SE Custom 24 & an acoustic Angelus AX20E). Honestly, I can't fault any of the PRS guitars, they're all superb and utterly flawless, yes even the SE models. I had a tiny bit of work done to the nut of The SE Custom 24 to get a slightly lower action but that's it. I would never buy another Gibson without playing it first. I'd happily buy any PRS model over the internet in the confidence I'd receive a very good instrument.
I love Les Pauls when I don't have one. I've switched to PRS and have found them to be much more playable instruments and more consistent across the board.
I've owned both. Now have an S2 Singlecut and I just bonded with this guitar like I never did with my LP's. They both sound great but the PRS is just so comfortable to play
I sold my 35th Anniversary PRS Custom 24 and did buy a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's in Dark Cherry Burst and couldn't be happier with that decision. The Gibby makes me work just a little harder for what i'm wanting to feel and express and for me that's a good thing. Cool vid here man, keep em coming !!
I've just got a PRS tremonti. Feels like a Les Paul; sounds like an SG. Flawless perfection, consistent build quality and tonal performance. A quick tune up and played straight out of the box. It didn't even need the action to be adjusted. Out of my 10 guitars this had the immediate wow factor.
I did a clinic in the states a few years back where I needed to borrow a PRS. Managed to arrange a loaner that was fresh out of the box - tuned it 5 minutes before the clinic started, played it for 90 minutes and had to retune once. Flawless instruments.
ive played both, but Paul feels right at home to me. The neck, the weight, and the midrange bark is something to behold, especially when plugged in a Plexi type circuit....
Ah love the PRS! Sounds mean. Just got an ESP lesPaul body. It's great. With a nice cut out on the back so its comfy while holding it against your body. Thanx Leon!🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Wayyy back when I was still a gigging musician, I was all about Gibson's; I was actually a detractor of PRS guitars. Anyway, the Gibson's were giving me issues; the final straw was a fretboard that cracked on a new LP Custom. I sold my Gibson's and used the money from the sales and return on the LP Custom to buy two PRS's: a McCarty with a rosewood neck and a 20th Anniversary Artist package singlecut. Fell in love with PRS. So consistent, amazing build quality, playability....and man do they look good! I have of course played some killer Les Pauls over the years, but if I had a choice, I would be taking your 245 in to battle; I know exactly what I would be getting. :)
Love the bite the Les Paul had but the PRS just sounds a little smoother to me, I would have to agreed with you , Playability is more important than small tone differences . Great demo, thanks
Hello Leon, nice video. Although they are different instruments, thus different tone/character etc., I agree totally about the quality and sound differences you mentioned. The only thing I would personally like to hear, at your Ragdoll example, both guitars Hard Left Hard Right in the mix!!! I think they would combine really really nice (as far as the mid Freq)!!!!! Anyways..... Thanx for the video , have fun....
i think you nailed this comparison on these two...i heard exactly what you did. For me the 10" radius on the PRS guitar is the diference. I just love that radius....for me the 25" length wins although neither of these are that i would still pick the PRS everytime.
You said it Leon, you feel at home with the PRS. It’s not a single cut, but I’ve been at home for almost twenty years with my custom 22, and other PRS guitars I’ve played over the years have always felt very familiar, like a warm comforting hug from a loved one that picks you up and instantly makes everything right again.
I have several that are my go-to. First album I recorded was with a modded Ibanez RG5EX1, which is a very affordable guitar, but I changed the pickups and electronics some and it's just an absolute shred machine. Has Dimarzio Evolutions in it. My first Ibanez, the RG570 has my soul attached to it, but I'm too sentimental with it. I've retired it so it doesn't get any more damage. Has some chips in the paint around the input jack. Then I have 2 Ibanez 7 strings and I adore. I got to where I only played those for years and neglected my 6s. Then in an effort to get back to 6s, I fell in love with an Ibanez AZ224F. It sits by my Axe3 and has been what I've been playing recently. I have a G&L ASAT Classic Custom Shop in Himalayan blue, which is like butter. First G&L I've ever played or owned. Love that one. I have mostly Ibanez though. Mostly 6s, three 7s, one 8 and one 9. Love them all, but these above are my favorites.
I love the flame on your LP Leon, i see you got the wiring put back to normal (pickup selecta) 😊 I'm a LP guy as you know but your PRS is a beauty and sounds great. Great video mate 👍
Your comments of the two guitars are spot on. I just can't find the right SC from 2007 or 2008. I have a 73 LP custom that is awesome. Changed out the tuners to schallers and put in a micro tuning bridge many years ago so it now stays in tune all the time. The original pickups are great. Most versatile guitar I've ever played. Bought it new and it is better than any reissue les paul I've played. I also have PRS guitars but I find their pickups a little brittle at high gain. But I've decided to go with the new S2 594 singlecut with fishman classics and I'm going to swap with the Gotoh tuners Just waiting for it to show up. Your video on those pickups is the sound I want to get off the PRS. Thanks for all your videos Leon. Rock on.
I have a PRS Core 22. Leon’s evaluation I think is right on. I own Gibson, Fender, Godin, PRS and by far the PRS is superior. Tones & playability. I watched this to learn about the 245. Thanks Leon. I’ve played 65 years
I was in the market for a single cut last year and I tried a Les Paul Standard in blueberry burst and I hated it - it was difficult to play and, for me, the pickups gave a tone that didn't resonate with or inspire me in any way. I found a used PRS S2 (about half the price) and traded for it and it's now my go-to guitar, it's fantastic to play and sounds amazing. 100% agree with this video
I don’t own a single cut but I have a 2017 Custom 24, a 2020 CE 24 and the ‘08 limited edition Mira in jet white with the gold hardware so it’s safe to say I’m all for PRS. After throwing a Mannmade on my CE 24, it’s hands down my favorite in all categories. The Satin Cherry Burst finish with the black satin neck is a huge plus. I’ve never held a stick of butter in my hand but I have a good idea because of that neck lol. Buttery is the only adjective I can think of to describe it.
From time to time I used to play a 90's LP Studio live. It had fell off a guitar stand on three occasions (none I did), each time breaking that fragile, angled headstock. After the last time, the luthier fixed it and said, "It will make a nice CLOCK." "Sell it and run away." I sometimes miss that LP sound that nails classic recordings, but did not miss the bridge style. I like resting my hand on a tremolo. I have been looking into PRS for over a year now. It was you and another friend that sparked my interest. I discovered the PRS Tremonti model. It has almost everything I want in a LP style guitar. So I just ordered a 2019 SE model to get my feet wet in the PRS world.
5 of each, with the Les Pauls being Tokais :D I have a high end Tokai and a korean PRS (albeit the Zach Myers model, semi-hollow), and like both equally. Same pickups (PAF style) on both and they still sound different and compliment each other really well. Actually putting together a comparison video
Great video. I have a dilemma, though. I have an earlier PRS singlecut - no idea what the pickups are as PRS unhelpfully just give them numbers - and it's by far the best quality guitar I have and the nicest to play. However, I always prefer the sound of the Les Paul. It has a bit more bite, liveliness and character. (I don't do high gain shredding.) I can't justify the cost of having both, so should I swap for a Les Paul or is there another way I can get a more Les Paul sound, as you very successfully did, I think - perhaps a different amp set up, change the pickups, etc?
I might have actually owned that PRS lol, it was that model with that color. I had 3 expensive to me used guitars going and up against a wall and a life change I somehow let the PRS go in favor of another of them and it was a stupid move. I then tried like 5 different les Paul’s over the next 8 years and none of them functioned properly all the time. I guess it’s time to get another used sc. I subd you today and look forward to seeing more of your videos!
I have 2 Gibson Les Paul Hps and 3 PRS guitars, 2 CE24s and a Tremonti Wood Library. I play them all and they all are all different tools in the toolbox. That said, the PRS Tremonti is the one I bonded with. The tuning stability, overall build quality, and ease of play make it my go-to live and rehearsal guitar. The Les Pauls are the ones I pick up at home and practice with since they are on wall hangers in my living room. The HPs have coil tapping also, for amazing single coil tones and blended sounds. Nice to have options when tracking too!
Great Vid. it is a golden age of sub 1k guitars .. the quality from the 300-500 range is just astonishing.. I love them all but i've jonesed for a Core PRS for 30 years at least lol The most common remark I hear from honest gear junkies, musicians on this is of all the MFGS out there, PRS maintains the highest consistent quality levels across their Intl. production lines like their American production quality better than any other MFG. I found a NOS 2013 SE 245 last year for less than $500 it arrived literally perfect. Its now a proper 1k guitar with adjustable PRS bridge, S2 locking tuners, pure tone, switchcraft, CTS parts and a set of SD Seth Lover PAF pickups ..HOLY CRAP.. it just absolutely blows my mind every time I pick up,.. its just .....Damn! In the end, I appreciate the time and effort that I put into carefully upgrading this guitar into what it has become, it waited 8 years for its chance to shine and now ive got it dialed in and ready to kill. if i find a sweet deal on a nicely setup and well playing GLP id love to own one but the mystique is no longer there for me, the prices are off the charts, there are too many excellent options out there + too many reports of inconsistent quality across many years of Gibson's production. When the primary bit of advice when asking about Gibson guitars on a forum is to "bring some one with you who knows guitars and preferably has experience with Gibsons specifically... that's a probably a questionable sign.
PRS S2 singlecut satin charcoal finish. It is lowest priced American made PRS at $1,050. I love it. Unfortunately, I don't think they make them any longer but you can find them used. Neck is a narrower profile at 1.65 instead of 1.68. It has a C shape and fits my hands best of my 3 guitars. I like the 57s humbuckers too. 2 vol, 2 tone and both tones are push/pull to split the humbuckers. Fun guitar.
I currently have three single-cutaway guitars: a ~1997 Epiphone Les Paul Standard in honeyburst, a 2002 PRS Singlecut (a "pre-lawsuit" model that would now be called an SC250), and a 2013 PRS SE Bernie Marsden. The Bernie Marsden is my #1, mainly because it has an absolutely amazing neck feel. It's been modded quite a bit: Gotoh SD90 locking tuners, a Tone Pros adjustable wraparound bridge, pickups (Brandonwound 59 Clone neck/Wolfetone Marshallhead bridge), and a push/pull switch to flip the phase on the bridge pickup for Peter Green-ish sounds in the middle position. It lives in standard tuning. I got it for a song on Reverb on a whim and had it take over as my #1 within about a week. The Singlecut is basically my grunge/riff guitar. It's stock other than a PRS adjustable wraparound bridge. It was my #1 until I got the Bernie Marsden, and now it lives in drop-C#; I tried putting it in drop-C at one point, but it became a scooped-sounding mess until I tuned it up a half-step to drop-C#. I did not leave the house intending to buy it; I picked it off the wall at the local Guitar Denter to try out an amp and ended up leaving with the guitar instead. The Epi LP is a merely OK guitar; I've had it for >22 years, but it's always been my backup/experimental guitar. It's been through several different sets of pickups (currently Tonerider Alnico IV Classics) and wiring setups over the years, and it has a set of Sperzel tuners with a "D-Thing" on the 6th string that allows quick switching from standard tuning to drop-D and back. Even though it's a merely OK guitar, I'll never sell it for purely sentimental reasons: I bought it as a gift to myself after I passed the oral defense of my Master's thesis, which was a *HUGE* deal at the time.
The PRS is by far the best sounding, best playing, and highest quality between the two. I have had several of each over the years and I'd love to have all the PRS's back but only one of the Les Pauls. Amazing tone and the easiest and fastest to play as well. Great for any style music too!!!
I prefer PRS over everything! Having said that I own a Tokai Les Paul and a PRS SC Trem and consider them totally different guitars, so like you said: If I want that specific vintage blues sound, I go with the Les Paul,...everything else is PRS Pleasure 😅
It's a Paul for me! Lp is Sweet, Prs is the Hot Younger Cousin! Having both has contributed to my tonal palate! Nice comparison and demonstration, Thanks for sharing brother and Be Well All!
You are absolutely right! Even though I went on a SC245 chosen after having tried at least 15 LPs, LP still has that LPish tone to my ears. You plug a LP into a Marshall, and it's immediately GNR and all that fellas you mentioned. By the way, beside that, and for all the reasons you mentioned, I much prefer the SC245. And that's why I bought it!
Late to the party, but thanks for the vid! I'm researching the PRS and found my way here. I still have my 68 LP Custom, bought it in '74, and I recently bought the Epiphone 1959 Tribute with Gibson electronics just because . . . but have been intrigued checking out the PRS Cutaway and also the Eastman SB59/v so let's see what happens there! Thanks again for the comparison!
Leon, I had known about PRS guitars since early 95ish ?? never played one again till last year or so, and have always loved my Les Pauls,, like you I have always had to massage the Pauls to get them just where I wanted them to be and sound, SO having said all that ! I've bought two PRS 594's not having played them, and you are spot on ! they both were amazingly perfect in every way ! after new strings and a slight set up, I fear that I may have to sell the Paul's cause I'm probably not going to play them much more !!?? I know that I'm going to get flack for having said this but its true.... I feel inspired every time I open the cases of the PRS 594 McCarty ! you have to go on the PRS plant tour some day !
Great comparison between the two. Extremely informative, thanks for putting it up. Quick question: what is the guitar hanging behind you in between the other Les Paul and the Firebird, with the 070 next to the controls? Looks like I see boomerang inlays. Might that be a late 80’s Hamer Chaparral?
I have a Les Paul Standard from 1978 I love that guitar but next week I am going to order a PRS SE 245 charcoal gray cuz I've always wanted a PRS so why not so I'll have the PRS and my Les Paul what a good combination you have.
I’m thinking after I do a few upgrades my 245 will be up there on the list for me. I love it now don’t get me wrong but I’ve had to Address a few things to get it where it’s at. Soon the bridge will be replaced and some frets gone over. Now considering this isn’t a American prs that’s not the worst thing in the world it’s been a great guitar overall. I definitely think once the bridge and bridge posts are replaced along with one day the pickups I’ll be a very very happy camper.
I have been playing a PRS SE Tremonti for about 3 years and I love it because it is not a Les Paul but I was in the music store the other day and fell in love with a Epiphone 1959 Les Paul reissue it is fantastic amazing shockingly good 😳 but when I got home and played them back to back the PRS SE Tremonti is the clear winner in the affordable world 💪
To me it sounds exactly like you describe. LP sounds great for the classic rock stuff and the PRS for anything that goes a bit beyond that. Besides the slight eq differences it almost sounds like the PRS has a transparent compressor in the chain that keeps it a little more consistent and a little more focused when tuning down or with higher gain etc. What pickups are in the PRS? Also what are the prices like in comparison? Roughly the same?
I have both a beautiful LP traditionnal and a EBMM JP6. While I enjoy playing the LP very much, I like the Music Man a little bit better. It is such a well made and huge sounding guitar. On the other hand, the LP has that unique sound that my JP6 can't reproduce which is perfect for clean stuff or low gain crunch.
I don’t own a 245 but I did recently get an S2 McCarty 594 and it’s an awesome instrument. I’ve owned a Les Paul for over 4 years will never get rid of it. I love my Les Paul to bit. I would consider myself more of a Gibson fan. That being said PRS puts out some excellent stuff and I’m happy with my most recent purchase. With some of the QC issues that Gibson has when you get a good one and it ticks all the boxes and has no major issues hold onto it for dear life.
I like the PRS Single Cut and the ESP Eclipse because of their consistency in quality. I love the tonal characteristics of a Les Paul but the frets are too short for my liking but that’s personal preference. Les Paul’s are iconic no doubt but they just aren’t for me as a player is all.
You are convincing me to go towards a PRS. I have a Gibson Les Paul Traditional and am considering on trading it in for a PRS. I already have several Les Paul Historics so I don't need this one actually. Great review and analysis
I have PRS singlecut pre lawsuit 2001 with cherry burst flame top. In my opinion Its one of the best guitar. Sustain is fantastic, tone is thick and FAT with perfect intonation.
Excellent video Leon! I have both too, One Gibson Les Paul and PRS single cut, PRS is a little bit more flat on her character compared with the Gibson on my case. I use 09 on both.. PRS works better on different tunnings and feeling, Gibson is a little bit more difficult to play. But all the guitars are different, so you need to test a few ones before!
I have the same Martin A Smith pickups in my Ibanez , they definitely have a clear trebley bite to them. Particularly noticeable on plexi type sounds. The standard ibanez pickups were really dark in comparison.
I have both! Although my PRS is a semi hollow single cut s2. And its funny, my PRS is not stock at all while both of my Gibsons are stock. So safe to say, im a gibson guy. But, PRS does make an incredible instrument.
I just acquired a SE 245... Took a little while to get used to the shorter scale but I'm really digging it. I think my next guitar may be a higher end PrS. If the SE is this good then the UsA core models must be amazing. 🤘🏿🎸🤘🏿
got both but always gig the PRS it's just more consistant even with humidity and temp changes so the gibbo stays home or comes along as a spare incase of string breaks (touch wood never had a string break on the PRS )
I went with a Japanese made ESP Eclipse. I absolutely love that guitar. The build quality, playability and sound is the best of any guitar I have played so far.
PRS all the way! Like you I have owned a bunch of Gibson Les Paul’s. I think the most discouraging thing about them is they don’t hold Tune. In early 1996 I played my first PRS and never looked back. I also like you play McCarty Custom 24 and singlecut’s But I do also love custom 22s something about 22 to Frets versus 24 suits me more.
I ended up going with an Edwards E-LP-113LTC. They're an ESP offshoot brand and make incredible copies of classic Gibsons/Fenders for very sensible money. It's based on an old Les Paul Custom with yellowed binding and is the best guitar I own.
I’ve got a PRS Singlecut and a Les Paul. The Singlecut sounds very beefy and dark compared to the Les Paul which has a more mellow vintage tone - definitely a little brighter and thinner sounding. Playability wise I think the Les Paul takes it. The PRS has a pattern regular neck with a gloss finish which is just that little bit chunky feeling particularly higher up the neck. My Les Paul has a rounded 60s profile which feels a bit slicker.
If would had to choose between the Prs se 245 vs Epiphone LP Standard 1959. Which one would you go for? These are both under 1000 and I am considering get one. Thank you very much :)
I'm lucky enough to have a PRS Custom 22 and a Gibson Custom Shop R8. The PRS is hands down the better guitar despite being significantly less expensive. PRS Core models are the best production guitars you can buy in my opinion.
I got an ESP Eclipse with EMGs for the lets say modern stuff, and a czech made Maybach Single Cut with a Superdistortion for that classic metal sound. Both are great, the biggest difference is the neck and frets. The Eclipses frets are HUGE and the neck is quite small, whereas the Maybach has a chunky neck with medium frets. Changes the feel massively. Love em both. I also think that locking tuners are a must!
I’ve had my Les Paul since 1978 when I bought it used. It was a 1973 less Paul deluxe cherry sunburst. I modified it with the first set of pick ups and head to route it for Dimarzio super distortions. Although it sounded good this guitar never really played correctly. I had it refrigerated which still didn’t fix the problem. Next I had the DiMaggio pick ups removed and put Joe Bonamassa Burstbuckers. Next I had the best Lussier I’ve ever met take the twist out of the neck. Now this guitar is a beast. All in all I probably put over $3000 over the years to finally get it to play right. I initially bought a guitar for $350 US. Because of its value I will not gig with it. So I bought the PRSSE 245 at the Guitar center on an impulse. They tighten up the truss rod and tuning knobs. This thing rocks. I’m totally sold on PRS. I can see many years of giving with it. I had another impulse and bought a PRS SE 24-08. Same thing a couple of tweaks before you take it out of the shop and this thing really rocks. I’ll keep my red star my Les Paul my Mexican Kelly and my two parts casters but I’ll never buy a Gibson or Fender again. These Indonesian guitars are 10 times the quality of the American made ones for a fraction of the price. This is my experience.
Hey Leon. I was wondering what Strings gouge would you recommend for a 24.5" scale with for Eb / Drop Db tuning settings. Really appreciate your videos. Thank you so much mate.
Good thing you brought up the down tuning point. I have guitars of both brands, and the PRS has a bassier darker chunk, which is probably a better, more modern voice for lower tunings. The Gibson has a classic bite. Pretty much how you described, with pronounced upper mids. That's ideal for more traditional styles.
Both are great, and like most guitarists I am a guitar pig..😂😜 That LP does have a beautiful top.. Of course I love every PRS I've ever played as well. Every one. I've not played the SC. I of course love my LP Jr custom I put together which just has one volume knob / actually says tone, and a Dimarzio PAF pro pickup..Going to change it out to either a Duncan custom 5 or a dimarzio sd. I just like the looks of the prs better too.. Locking machine heads or tuners are a must. I want to see you play and describe your wolfgang.. Loved that neck on the purple USA special I had. Love that backing track. Does the LP have an ebony fretboard or just dark rosewood?
Loved this comparison. I'm a Les Paul guy all the way. However, your videos have peaked my interest in picking up a PRS SC 245, no SE because it has to be American made. Of the 5 Les Paul's I own, and love them all, I am amazed at how different they all sound. Mine are all stock pickups and wiring. Tuning can be frustrating, as to why I have locking tuners on all of them except my BFG's. Les Paul's need to be set up correctly to the gauge of strings you play and truss rod needs to be tweaked from time to time. Once set up, they just have that tone!!! John Sykes, Randy Rhodes, Gary Moore and Ace Frehley can't be wrong!! Love your videos!! Thanks again.
Just ordered a PRS SE Tremonti :) I was toying with Epiphone LP or SG for a while, but as they've had inconsistent quality issues, and were mostly out of stock, I turned my attention to other affordable alternative single-cuts in the £400-£500 (UK) price range such as the Gretsch G5220, Yamaha Revstar RS420, Ibanez AR420-VLS... but the PRS won. So my guitar collection of 10 is now complete (at least that's what my wife thinks). ;)
Hi Leon. I have a mccarty and just about to buy a sc245, Can you tell me the model of the locking tuners? I got a set of gotos sd90, mine didn't fit. Were loose in the sleeves. Did you have to change the sleeves? Thanks dude !
Thanks for this video! I have a 2007 PRS SC245, unlike your year, mine came with the original 245 pickups. They are decent, but have alway felt like they miss that special something. I’ve been on the fence over pickups… Bare Knuckle, PRS 57/08, Gibson (gasp!). Your 2008 SC245 will have come with PRS 57/08 pickups and it sounds positively glorious. My mind is made up. It’ll be 57/08’s for me. Thanks again!
@@LeonTodd Yeah… 2000 to 2007, PRS shipped the SC245 with #7 treble and base picks, aka 245 pickups. 2007 was a mixed bad as to what you’d get. Beyond 2007, all SC were supposed to ship with 57/08s. It’d be fantastic if you could check one of your pickups next time you have your strings off. If yours has 245 pickups, clearly my tone problems are not my pickups. LOL As an aside, your content is outstanding! For example, I’ve always been an analog kind of guy… tube amps and stop boxes. Your Fractal FM3 content has really challenged my perspective, in a good way.
I think you hit the nail on the head there Leon. Any priced PRS seems to be setup from the factory very well and are very consistent, not so much for Gibson. Which has always put me off from buying one. I go into a store to buy a Gibson and leave with something completely different. I don't see why a brand new 3K-4K Gibson needs to be setup to play correctly before purchase. Whereas a $1000 PRS, Fender or Gretsch plays perfect from the factory. For me, I've got a lot of Gibson ripoff's (Chibsons, epiphone, some unbranded) and bought my first PRS before xmas - an SE245. I actually prefer the Epiphone SG's over a Gibson for the simple fact the bodies thicker and helps with less neck dive. And they're setup well from the factory and 1/4 of the price doesn't hurt either;) BTW Slash played a clone of a Gibson when he started, then Gibson cloned that. Sounds like a bad Star Wars reboot. Maybe Disney made it for him....then again, it would have sounded bad, really bad.
Hey Leon! Was looking to buy a set of those pickups you have in your Les Paul and I was curious which ones they were? They offer the Classic, Eruption, Modern and Hot humbucker sets and just wanted to be sure I got the right ones! Cheers.
Being tax time, it it’s time for a new guitar and like you, I have played countless Les Pauls and some have been fantastic and some have been horrible. My current LP style is a Rock N Roll Relics Thunders and I doubt I will ever sell that as it’s fantastic to play. I had a PRS Mira a while back and I didn’t gel with it so have been on the fence about getting another PRS however I have seen a couple at good prices so they’re back on the list. One curveball I’ve been looking at is The Heritage H150 as they seem to have good reviews. Have you played any of the Heritage guitars? And if so, where do they sit in comparison to the Les Paul and PRS you have?
I love the sound of both, but for me the OG Les Paul does it all for me. Saying that i would be extremely happy with either. Thanks for the awesome video as usual man!
Cool channel man and just subbed. Thinking about putting those tuners on my tremonti single cut. Any issues with fitment or is it straight forward?. Regards.
LP has those lower mids, that could sound muddy w/ the neck pickup if you don't know how to tame it, but makes it FATTER overall. Whereas, the PRS sounds a bit more HI-FI, almost SG-like between 7th and 12th fret.
For me the straight string over the nut make the prs the winner but I go for the 594 for og vol/tone placement, until then the white Greco Lp custom has to do 👍sweet vid mate.
Tim Pierce did a similar comparison, and they really do the same job sonically in most applications. Just the refinements on the PRS make it a better tool for getting the job done. Sadly this does not sway me, as I felt Gary’s tone was off on Wild Frontier and have never outgrown favoring the Les Paul for that reason.
I liked the look of that hamer LP Special style guitar he had in the 80's but thought his LP tones were always supreme. That old red strat of his was a monster in his hands too.
Hey Leon, do you always play 10-52 strings on that 24,5" PRS? I went with that on my 25" CU22 and it feels good, for LP in that tuning I go with 11-56 for extra tension on the bass strings. You have to have a pretty light touch if you don't knock your low C out of tune with that gauge ;) I've always been a LP guy (have 3 of them at this point!) and I recently got a Cu22 (one with a rotary switch). I've since replaced the rotary with a regular 3way and redone the pots to be 2 volumes to get that LP functionality. Both guitars feel great, and I really enjoy how effortless the PRS neck is to play, how stable the tuning is. My right hand, however, is more at home with a LP bridge setup - my PRS has a trem, so my right hand sits completely different on the bridge and hence I have to work on my muting technique.
Me : "PRS or Les Paul?"
Guitarists : "Yes"
I had only ONE Les Paul. Since she's been gone, I can't even think about another. Shame was I had her "way too early" in my playing career. Looking back. Very hard to play. Don't know if it's a phase but modern necks are "SO MUCH easier " , smoother and fluid.
My 1992 Nuno Bettencourt Washburn N4 is my all # 1 favorite. Love the tone,sound,fit and feel!!!!! And why the Stephens Extended 5 bolt Cutaway neck joint never caught on for easy upper fret access is beyond me.
Choosing would be too painful for me if I could have only one
Haha exactly 😂
the prs is superior for gain tones
The PRS without hesitation. For sound, quality, and, quite importantly, they are company that genuinely respects their customers, and by many accounts, their employees too.
Big time!
I think people get to hung up on How enigmatic Paul is. I don’t own a PRS but it is probably next. They seem to give a shit about everything that leaves the warehouse . They aren’t scared to make changes to little things to make the guitars better even at the lower tier .
Bare in mind we are talking about two MANUFACTURING brands, not luthier instruments. It's like saying Nike appreciates their customers and sneakers more than Reebok.
Measuring customer satisfaction against Gibson brand is a very low bar to be setting anyway.
I've bought two Gibson Les Paul guitars (a Traditional and a Tribute). I still have the Traditional and having had an expensive Plek setup, a new GraphTech nut and Hipshot Locking Tuners it plays great. The sustain is incredible.
The Tribute Goldtop was a piece of crap IMO. The finish was poor, the neck had a slight bow just before the headstock and the fret work was pretty poor. I tried to get a good setup I was happy with but ultimately it was flawed and I sent it back.
I have four PRS guitars, USA Custom Vine 22 Artist package, SE Hollowbody II Piezo, SE Custom 24 & an acoustic Angelus AX20E). Honestly, I can't fault any of the PRS guitars, they're all superb and utterly flawless, yes even the SE models. I had a tiny bit of work done to the nut of The SE Custom 24 to get a slightly lower action but that's it.
I would never buy another Gibson without playing it first. I'd happily buy any PRS model over the internet in the confidence I'd receive a very good instrument.
I love Les Pauls when I don't have one. I've switched to PRS and have found them to be much more playable instruments and more consistent across the board.
How it feels is everything!
About time a flawless comparison video with less talking & more rocking! THANK YOU!
Thanks. the best comparison on youtube that I've seen.
I love my PRS and want to get a single cut for the same reasons you mention. this helps a lot!
I've owned both. Now have an S2 Singlecut and I just bonded with this guitar like I never did with my LP's. They both sound great but the PRS is just so comfortable to play
The PRS single cuts are one of the few I have little experience with. I'd say single cuts are probably my favorite style. Great video Leon!
I sold my 35th Anniversary PRS Custom 24 and did buy a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's in Dark Cherry Burst and couldn't be happier with that decision. The Gibby makes me work just a little harder for what i'm wanting to feel and express and for me that's a good thing. Cool vid here man, keep em coming !!
I've just got a PRS tremonti. Feels like a Les Paul; sounds like an SG. Flawless perfection, consistent build quality and tonal performance. A quick tune up and played straight out of the box. It didn't even need the action to be adjusted. Out of my 10 guitars this had the immediate wow factor.
I did a clinic in the states a few years back where I needed to borrow a PRS. Managed to arrange a loaner that was fresh out of the box - tuned it 5 minutes before the clinic started, played it for 90 minutes and had to retune once. Flawless instruments.
Indeed. Same here
Awesome playing !
ive played both, but Paul feels right at home to me. The neck, the weight, and the midrange bark is something to behold, especially when plugged in a Plexi type circuit....
The natural binding on the PRS is such a good look. It really pops.
So classy. I love it
Ah love the PRS! Sounds mean. Just got an ESP lesPaul body. It's great. With a nice cut out on the back so its comfy while holding it against your body. Thanx Leon!🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Wayyy back when I was still a gigging musician, I was all about Gibson's; I was actually a detractor of PRS guitars. Anyway, the Gibson's were giving me issues; the final straw was a fretboard that cracked on a new LP Custom. I sold my Gibson's and used the money from the sales and return on the LP Custom to buy two PRS's: a McCarty with a rosewood neck and a 20th Anniversary Artist package singlecut. Fell in love with PRS. So consistent, amazing build quality, playability....and man do they look good!
I have of course played some killer Les Pauls over the years, but if I had a choice, I would be taking your 245 in to battle; I know exactly what I would be getting. :)
Great video....I have an SC245 identical to yours except we installed the PRS open gear locking Phase III tuners. Love that guitar.
NICE!!! Great guitars hey
That was a beautiful solo there at the end! The PRS is always first choice for me btw
Thankyou! That's the solo from a Ragdoll song called Rust
Love the bite the Les Paul had but the PRS just sounds a little smoother to me, I would have to agreed with you , Playability is more important than small tone differences . Great demo, thanks
Hello Leon, nice video.
Although they are different instruments, thus different tone/character etc., I agree totally about the quality and sound differences you mentioned.
The only thing I would personally like to hear, at your Ragdoll example, both guitars Hard Left Hard Right in the mix!!!
I think they would combine really really nice (as far as the mid Freq)!!!!!
Anyways..... Thanx for the video , have fun....
i think you nailed this comparison on these two...i heard exactly what you did. For me the 10" radius on the PRS guitar is the diference. I just love that radius....for me the 25" length wins although neither of these are that i would still pick the PRS everytime.
Sweet tones on the Martin Smith pickups.
You said it Leon, you feel at home with the PRS.
It’s not a single cut, but I’ve been at home for almost twenty years with my custom 22, and other PRS guitars I’ve
played over the years have always felt very familiar, like a warm comforting hug from a loved one that picks you up and instantly makes everything right again.
I have several that are my go-to. First album I recorded was with a modded Ibanez RG5EX1, which is a very affordable guitar, but I changed the pickups and electronics some and it's just an absolute shred machine. Has Dimarzio Evolutions in it. My first Ibanez, the RG570 has my soul attached to it, but I'm too sentimental with it. I've retired it so it doesn't get any more damage. Has some chips in the paint around the input jack. Then I have 2 Ibanez 7 strings and I adore. I got to where I only played those for years and neglected my 6s. Then in an effort to get back to 6s, I fell in love with an Ibanez AZ224F. It sits by my Axe3 and has been what I've been playing recently. I have a G&L ASAT Classic Custom Shop in Himalayan blue, which is like butter. First G&L I've ever played or owned. Love that one. I have mostly Ibanez though. Mostly 6s, three 7s, one 8 and one 9. Love them all, but these above are my favorites.
I love the flame on your LP Leon, i see you got the wiring put back to normal (pickup selecta) 😊
I'm a LP guy as you know but your PRS is a beauty and sounds great. Great video mate 👍
Sunbursts are the best hey!
Got a 245 SC PRS dated 2001 and there's no guitar like that ...it's still with me today and one of my two favourites.
Your comments of the two guitars are spot on. I just can't find the right SC from 2007 or 2008. I have a 73 LP custom that is awesome. Changed out the tuners to schallers and put in a micro tuning bridge many years ago so it now stays in tune all the time. The original pickups are great. Most versatile guitar I've ever played. Bought it new and it is better than any reissue les paul I've played. I also have PRS guitars but I find their pickups a little brittle at high gain. But I've decided to go with the new S2 594 singlecut with fishman classics and I'm going to swap with the Gotoh tuners Just waiting for it to show up. Your video on those pickups is the sound I want to get off the PRS. Thanks for all your videos Leon. Rock on.
I have a PRS Core 22. Leon’s evaluation I think is right on. I own Gibson, Fender, Godin, PRS and by far the PRS is superior. Tones & playability. I watched this to learn about the 245. Thanks Leon. I’ve played 65 years
I was in the market for a single cut last year and I tried a Les Paul Standard in blueberry burst and I hated it - it was difficult to play and, for me, the pickups gave a tone that didn't resonate with or inspire me in any way. I found a used PRS S2 (about half the price) and traded for it and it's now my go-to guitar, it's fantastic to play and sounds amazing. 100% agree with this video
I don’t own a single cut but I have a 2017 Custom 24, a 2020 CE 24 and the ‘08 limited edition Mira in jet white with the gold hardware so it’s safe to say I’m all for PRS. After throwing a Mannmade on my CE 24, it’s hands down my favorite in all categories. The Satin Cherry Burst finish with the black satin neck is a huge plus. I’ve never held a stick of butter in my hand but I have a good idea because of that neck lol. Buttery is the only adjective I can think of to describe it.
From time to time I used to play a 90's LP Studio live. It had fell off a guitar stand on three occasions (none I did), each time breaking that fragile, angled headstock. After the last time, the luthier fixed it and said, "It will make a nice CLOCK." "Sell it and run away."
I sometimes miss that LP sound that nails classic recordings, but did not miss the bridge style. I like resting my hand on a tremolo. I have been looking into PRS for over a year now. It was you and another friend that sparked my interest. I discovered the PRS Tremonti model. It has almost everything I want in a LP style guitar. So I just ordered a 2019 SE model to get my feet wet in the PRS world.
Subbed n liked when the bluesy tones part started
5 of each, with the Les Pauls being Tokais :D
I have a high end Tokai and a korean PRS (albeit the Zach Myers model, semi-hollow), and like both equally. Same pickups (PAF style) on both and they still sound different and compliment each other really well. Actually putting together a comparison video
I like this way of thinking
Great video. I have a dilemma, though. I have an earlier PRS singlecut - no idea what the pickups are as PRS unhelpfully just give them numbers - and it's by far the best quality guitar I have and the nicest to play. However, I always prefer the sound of the Les Paul. It has a bit more bite, liveliness and character. (I don't do high gain shredding.) I can't justify the cost of having both, so should I swap for a Les Paul or is there another way I can get a more Les Paul sound, as you very successfully did, I think - perhaps a different amp set up, change the pickups, etc?
bought 2 prs without seeing them first. Both were perfect. Really gained a new fan in me for that.
I might have actually owned that PRS lol, it was that model with that color. I had 3 expensive to me used guitars going and up against a wall and a life change I somehow let the PRS go in favor of another of them and it was a stupid move. I then tried like 5 different les Paul’s over the next 8 years and none of them functioned properly all the time. I guess it’s time to get another used sc. I subd you today and look forward to seeing more of your videos!
I have 2 Gibson Les Paul Hps and 3 PRS guitars, 2 CE24s and a Tremonti Wood Library. I play them all and they all are all different tools in the toolbox. That said, the PRS Tremonti is the one I bonded with. The tuning stability, overall build quality, and ease of play make it my go-to live and rehearsal guitar. The Les Pauls are the ones I pick up at home and practice with since they are on wall hangers in my living room. The HPs have coil tapping also, for amazing single coil tones and blended sounds. Nice to have options when tracking too!
Great Vid. it is a golden age of sub 1k guitars .. the quality from the 300-500 range is just astonishing.. I love them all but i've jonesed for a Core PRS for 30 years at least lol
The most common remark I hear from honest gear junkies, musicians on this is of all the MFGS out there, PRS maintains the highest consistent quality levels across their Intl. production lines like their American production quality better than any other MFG.
I found a NOS 2013 SE 245 last year for less than $500 it arrived literally perfect. Its now a proper 1k guitar with adjustable PRS bridge, S2 locking tuners, pure tone, switchcraft, CTS parts and a set of SD Seth Lover PAF pickups ..HOLY CRAP.. it just absolutely blows my mind every time I pick up,.. its just .....Damn! In the end, I appreciate the time and effort that I put into carefully upgrading this guitar into what it has become, it waited 8 years for its chance to shine and now ive got it dialed in and ready to kill.
if i find a sweet deal on a nicely setup and well playing GLP id love to own one but the mystique is no longer there for me, the prices are off the charts, there are too many excellent options out there + too many reports of inconsistent quality across many years of Gibson's production.
When the primary bit of advice when asking about Gibson guitars on a forum is to "bring some one with you who knows guitars and preferably has experience with Gibsons specifically... that's a probably a questionable sign.
Need both ❤
Tough question. Love my Edwards LPs. Have my eye on a Tremonti SE Gray Black from Soundhouse Japan but... KHAN!!!!!
PRS S2 singlecut satin charcoal finish. It is lowest priced American made PRS at $1,050. I love it. Unfortunately, I don't think they make them any longer but you can find them used. Neck is a narrower profile at 1.65 instead of 1.68. It has a C shape and fits my hands best of my 3 guitars. I like the 57s humbuckers too. 2 vol, 2 tone and both tones are push/pull to split the humbuckers. Fun guitar.
I currently have three single-cutaway guitars: a ~1997 Epiphone Les Paul Standard in honeyburst, a 2002 PRS Singlecut (a "pre-lawsuit" model that would now be called an SC250), and a 2013 PRS SE Bernie Marsden.
The Bernie Marsden is my #1, mainly because it has an absolutely amazing neck feel. It's been modded quite a bit: Gotoh SD90 locking tuners, a Tone Pros adjustable wraparound bridge, pickups (Brandonwound 59 Clone neck/Wolfetone Marshallhead bridge), and a push/pull switch to flip the phase on the bridge pickup for Peter Green-ish sounds in the middle position. It lives in standard tuning. I got it for a song on Reverb on a whim and had it take over as my #1 within about a week.
The Singlecut is basically my grunge/riff guitar. It's stock other than a PRS adjustable wraparound bridge. It was my #1 until I got the Bernie Marsden, and now it lives in drop-C#; I tried putting it in drop-C at one point, but it became a scooped-sounding mess until I tuned it up a half-step to drop-C#. I did not leave the house intending to buy it; I picked it off the wall at the local Guitar Denter to try out an amp and ended up leaving with the guitar instead.
The Epi LP is a merely OK guitar; I've had it for >22 years, but it's always been my backup/experimental guitar. It's been through several different sets of pickups (currently Tonerider Alnico IV Classics) and wiring setups over the years, and it has a set of Sperzel tuners with a "D-Thing" on the 6th string that allows quick switching from standard tuning to drop-D and back. Even though it's a merely OK guitar, I'll never sell it for purely sentimental reasons: I bought it as a gift to myself after I passed the oral defense of my Master's thesis, which was a *HUGE* deal at the time.
The PRS is by far the best sounding, best playing, and highest quality between the two. I have had several of each over the years and I'd love to have all the PRS's back but only one of the Les Pauls. Amazing tone and the easiest and fastest to play as well. Great for any style music too!!!
I’ve been loving on Precision Guitar Kits out of Canada...best bones in the business...imo of course :)
I prefer PRS over everything! Having said that I own a Tokai Les Paul and a PRS SC Trem and consider them totally different guitars, so like you said: If I want that specific vintage blues sound, I go with the Les Paul,...everything else is PRS Pleasure 😅
Liked hearing both in Drop C. They would sound killer hard panned in that tuning. Any thoughts on the wrap vs the Tune o matic?
It's a Paul for me! Lp is Sweet, Prs is the Hot Younger Cousin!
Having both has contributed to my tonal palate! Nice comparison and demonstration, Thanks for sharing brother and Be Well All!
Oh ..Definitely the Flamed Masked 🤐 Headstock one ,don't know what it was 🙄..nice demo ✌️
You are absolutely right! Even though I went on a SC245 chosen after having tried at least 15 LPs, LP still has that LPish tone to my ears. You plug a LP into a Marshall, and it's immediately GNR and all that fellas you mentioned.
By the way, beside that, and for all the reasons you mentioned, I much prefer the SC245. And that's why I bought it!
Congrats mate, awesome guitars! They do have their own thing going on.
Late to the party, but thanks for the vid! I'm researching the PRS and found my way here. I still have my 68 LP Custom, bought it in '74, and I recently bought the Epiphone 1959 Tribute with Gibson electronics just because . . . but have been intrigued checking out the PRS Cutaway and also the Eastman SB59/v so let's see what happens there! Thanks again for the comparison!
Glad I could help!
Leon, I had known about PRS guitars since early 95ish ?? never played one again till last year or so, and have always loved my Les Pauls,, like you I have always had to massage the Pauls to get them just where I wanted them to be and sound, SO having said all that ! I've bought two PRS 594's not having played them, and you are spot on ! they both were amazingly perfect in every way ! after new strings and a slight set up, I fear that I may have to sell the Paul's cause I'm probably not going to play them much more !!?? I know that I'm going to get flack for having said this but its true.... I feel inspired every time I open the cases of the PRS 594 McCarty ! you have to go on the PRS plant tour some day !
Great comparison between the two. Extremely informative, thanks for putting it up.
Quick question: what is the guitar hanging behind you in between the other Les Paul and the Firebird, with the 070 next to the controls? Looks like I see boomerang inlays. Might that be a late 80’s Hamer Chaparral?
Correct, Hamer Chaparral! Well spotted
For performances and recording - PRS, for a photo session - Gibson. Great video!
😂
Exactly, you wrote what I was thinking
I have a Les Paul Standard from 1978 I love that guitar but next week I am going to order a PRS SE 245 charcoal gray cuz I've always wanted a PRS so why not so I'll have the PRS and my Les Paul what a good combination you have.
The correct answer is definitely both
I’m thinking after I do a few upgrades my 245 will be up there on the list for me. I love it now don’t get me wrong but I’ve had to Address a few things to get it where it’s at. Soon the bridge will be replaced and some frets gone over. Now considering this isn’t a American prs that’s not the worst thing in the world it’s been a great guitar overall. I definitely think once the bridge and bridge posts are replaced along with one day the pickups I’ll be a very very happy camper.
I have been playing a PRS SE Tremonti for about 3 years and I love it because it is not a Les Paul but I was in the music store the other day and fell in love with a Epiphone 1959 Les Paul reissue it is fantastic amazing shockingly good 😳 but when I got home and played them back to back the PRS SE Tremonti is the clear winner in the affordable world 💪
To me it sounds exactly like you describe. LP sounds great for the classic rock stuff and the PRS for anything that goes a bit beyond that.
Besides the slight eq differences it almost sounds like the PRS has a transparent compressor in the chain that keeps it a little more consistent and a little more focused when tuning down or with higher gain etc. What pickups are in the PRS? Also what are the prices like in comparison? Roughly the same?
I have both a beautiful LP traditionnal and a EBMM JP6. While I enjoy playing the LP very much, I like the Music Man a little bit better. It is such a well made and huge sounding guitar. On the other hand, the LP has that unique sound that my JP6 can't reproduce which is perfect for clean stuff or low gain crunch.
I don’t own a 245 but I did recently get an S2 McCarty 594 and it’s an awesome instrument. I’ve owned a Les Paul for over 4 years will never get rid of it. I love my Les Paul to bit. I would consider myself more of a Gibson fan. That being said PRS puts out some excellent stuff and I’m happy with my most recent purchase. With some of the QC issues that Gibson has when you get a good one and it ticks all the boxes and has no major issues hold onto it for dear life.
I like the PRS Single Cut and the ESP Eclipse because of their consistency in quality. I love the tonal characteristics of a Les Paul but the frets are too short for my liking but that’s personal preference. Les Paul’s are iconic no doubt but they just aren’t for me as a player is all.
You are convincing me to go towards a PRS. I have a Gibson Les Paul Traditional and am considering on trading it in for a PRS. I already have several Les Paul Historics so I don't need this one actually. Great review and analysis
Go for it!
I have PRS singlecut pre lawsuit 2001 with cherry burst flame top. In my opinion Its one of the best guitar. Sustain is fantastic, tone is thick and FAT with perfect intonation.
Excellent video Leon! I have both too, One Gibson Les Paul and PRS single cut, PRS is a little bit more flat on her character compared with the Gibson on my case. I use 09 on both.. PRS works better on different tunnings and feeling, Gibson is a little bit more difficult to play. But all the guitars are different, so you need to test a few ones before!
Very nice!
I have the same Martin A Smith pickups in my Ibanez , they definitely have a clear trebley bite to them. Particularly noticeable on plexi type sounds. The standard ibanez pickups were really dark in comparison.
They really opened this one up. Wonderful pickups.
I have both! Although my PRS is a semi hollow single cut s2. And its funny, my PRS is not stock at all while both of my Gibsons are stock. So safe to say, im a gibson guy. But, PRS does make an incredible instrument.
I just acquired a SE 245... Took a little while to get used to the shorter scale but I'm really digging it. I think my next guitar may be a higher end PrS. If the SE is this good then the UsA core models must be amazing. 🤘🏿🎸🤘🏿
The differences are pretty subtle but they add up IMO. The core stuff is phenomenal
Tokai HLS-160 custom shop 59 love rock!
Both superb ....great playing as well ..... but gotta be Les Paul for me 👍🏼
PRS all day long for me. Although I can't seem to get along with the ones with plastic binding. Ah well, plenty that don't have that!
You should check out the PRS SC250, since you enjoy heavy music. The longer scale makes it sound so huge!!!
got both but always gig the PRS it's just more consistant even with humidity and temp changes so the gibbo stays home or comes along as a spare incase of string breaks (touch wood never had a string break on the PRS )
I agree with this :D
I went with a Japanese made ESP Eclipse. I absolutely love that guitar. The build quality, playability and sound is the best of any guitar I have played so far.
Every eclipse I've played has been a ripper, great guitars
Like I always say, UK'ers love Fenders. The informed kid in NY is just like "Leo didn't EVEN Play" Bastage lol
Most excellent . I had the same on my list for quite a while.
Those are amazing. I've loved the Korean made LTDs and Chinese parts/Japanese finished Edwards, too. I still have an LTD Paramount.
Love my Edwards JP
PRS all the way! Like you I have owned a bunch of Gibson Les Paul’s. I think the most discouraging thing about them is they don’t hold Tune. In early 1996 I played my first PRS and never looked back. I also like you play McCarty Custom 24 and singlecut’s But I do also love custom 22s something about 22 to Frets versus 24 suits me more.
I love my PRS Mccartys and Gibson Les Pauls equally, and I’ll go through phases where I tend to use one over the other.
I ended up going with an Edwards E-LP-113LTC. They're an ESP offshoot brand and make incredible copies of classic Gibsons/Fenders for very sensible money. It's based on an old Les Paul Custom with yellowed binding and is the best guitar I own.
I love my Edwards JP
Im a prs guy. I love the 245’s in particular. The 594’s would be my second choice, but the 245 is my sweet spot.
I’ve got a PRS Singlecut and a Les Paul. The Singlecut sounds very beefy and dark compared to the Les Paul which has a more mellow vintage tone - definitely a little brighter and thinner sounding. Playability wise I think the Les Paul takes it. The PRS has a pattern regular neck with a gloss finish which is just that little bit chunky feeling particularly higher up the neck. My Les Paul has a rounded 60s profile which feels a bit slicker.
If would had to choose between the Prs se 245 vs Epiphone LP Standard 1959. Which one would you go for?
These are both under 1000 and I am considering get one. Thank you very much :)
I'm lucky enough to have a PRS Custom 22 and a Gibson Custom Shop R8. The PRS is hands down the better guitar despite being significantly less expensive. PRS Core models are the best production guitars you can buy in my opinion.
I got an ESP Eclipse with EMGs for the lets say modern stuff, and a czech made Maybach Single Cut with a Superdistortion for that classic metal sound.
Both are great, the biggest difference is the neck and frets.
The Eclipses frets are HUGE and the neck is quite small, whereas the Maybach has a chunky neck with medium frets.
Changes the feel massively.
Love em both.
I also think that locking tuners are a must!
Got any pics of that Maybach? Sounds delicious
@@LeonTodd I'll send you some on instagram Leon
I’ve had my Les Paul since 1978 when I bought it used. It was a 1973 less Paul deluxe cherry sunburst. I modified it with the first set of pick ups and head to route it for Dimarzio super distortions. Although it sounded good this guitar never really played correctly. I had it refrigerated which still didn’t fix the problem. Next I had the DiMaggio pick ups removed and put Joe Bonamassa Burstbuckers. Next I had the best Lussier I’ve ever met take the twist out of the neck. Now this guitar is a beast. All in all I probably put over $3000 over the years to finally get it to play right. I initially bought a guitar for $350 US. Because of its value I will not gig with it. So I bought the PRSSE 245 at the Guitar center on an impulse. They tighten up the truss rod and tuning knobs. This thing rocks. I’m totally sold on PRS. I can see many years of giving with it. I had another impulse and bought a PRS SE 24-08. Same thing a couple of tweaks before you take it out of the shop and this thing really rocks. I’ll keep my red star my Les Paul my Mexican Kelly and my two parts casters but I’ll never buy a Gibson or Fender again. These Indonesian guitars are 10 times the quality of the American made ones for a fraction of the price. This is my experience.
Hey Leon. I was wondering what Strings gouge would you recommend for a 24.5" scale with for Eb / Drop Db tuning settings.
Really appreciate your videos. Thank you so much mate.
I use 10-52's
Good thing you brought up the down tuning point. I have guitars of both brands, and the PRS has a bassier darker chunk, which is probably a better, more modern voice for lower tunings. The Gibson has a classic bite. Pretty much how you described, with pronounced upper mids. That's ideal for more traditional styles.
Well said!
Both are great, and like most guitarists I am a guitar pig..😂😜
That LP does have a beautiful top..
Of course I love every PRS I've ever played as well. Every one. I've not played the SC.
I of course love my LP Jr custom I put together which just has one volume knob / actually says tone, and a Dimarzio PAF pro pickup..Going to change it out to either a Duncan custom 5 or a dimarzio sd.
I just like the looks of the prs better too..
Locking machine heads or tuners are a must.
I want to see you play and describe your wolfgang.. Loved that neck on the purple USA special I had.
Love that backing track.
Does the LP have an ebony fretboard or just dark rosewood?
I like both!! They both have their strengths. Just like comparing a M16 and AK 47 assault rifle.
Loved this comparison. I'm a Les Paul guy all the way. However, your videos have peaked my interest in picking up a PRS SC 245, no SE because it has to be American made. Of the 5 Les Paul's I own, and love them all, I am amazed at how different they all sound. Mine are all stock pickups and wiring. Tuning can be frustrating, as to why I have locking tuners on all of them except my BFG's. Les Paul's need to be set up correctly to the gauge of strings you play and truss rod needs to be tweaked from time to time. Once set up, they just have that tone!!!
John Sykes, Randy Rhodes, Gary Moore and Ace Frehley can't be wrong!! Love your videos!! Thanks again.
I think you'll appreciate the slightly different flavour an SC would bring to your stable of singlecuts ;)
@@LeonTodd As if I need another guitar?!? LOL It's a disease all guitarists have!!
Both- Les Paul 1959reissue, PRS Chris Henderson signature w/Tremonti pickups... perfect duet :)
The Hendersons are a forgotten model! 3 pickups right?
@@LeonTodd two pickup version ;) LP&PRS pic:
ibb.co/9pFJTLn
Normally i am a PRS fan boy but in your sound comparison here the les paul sounds so nice and raw. I dont know mYbe my ears have problems ;)
Just ordered a PRS SE Tremonti :) I was toying with Epiphone LP or SG for a while, but as they've had inconsistent quality issues, and were mostly out of stock, I turned my attention to other affordable alternative single-cuts in the £400-£500 (UK) price range such as the Gretsch G5220, Yamaha Revstar RS420, Ibanez AR420-VLS... but the PRS won. So my guitar collection of 10 is now complete (at least that's what my wife thinks). ;)
"Complete" - I know the feeling :p
Hi Leon. I have a mccarty and just about to buy a sc245,
Can you tell me the model of the locking tuners?
I got a set of gotos sd90, mine didn't fit. Were loose in the sleeves. Did you have to change the sleeves?
Thanks dude !
Thanks for this video! I have a 2007 PRS SC245, unlike your year, mine came with the original 245 pickups. They are decent, but have alway felt like they miss that special something. I’ve been on the fence over pickups… Bare Knuckle, PRS 57/08, Gibson (gasp!). Your 2008 SC245 will have come with PRS 57/08 pickups and it sounds positively glorious. My mind is made up. It’ll be 57/08’s for me. Thanks again!
Pretty sure these are the 245 pickups as well.
@@LeonTodd Yeah… 2000 to 2007, PRS shipped the SC245 with #7 treble and base picks, aka 245 pickups. 2007 was a mixed bad as to what you’d get. Beyond 2007, all SC were supposed to ship with 57/08s. It’d be fantastic if you could check one of your pickups next time you have your strings off. If yours has 245 pickups, clearly my tone problems are not my pickups. LOL
As an aside, your content is outstanding! For example, I’ve always been an analog kind of guy… tube amps and stop boxes. Your Fractal FM3 content has really challenged my perspective, in a good way.
I think you hit the nail on the head there Leon. Any priced PRS seems to be setup from the factory very well and are very consistent, not so much for Gibson. Which has always put me off from buying one. I go into a store to buy a Gibson and leave with something completely different. I don't see why a brand new 3K-4K Gibson needs to be setup to play correctly before purchase. Whereas a $1000 PRS, Fender or Gretsch plays perfect from the factory.
For me, I've got a lot of Gibson ripoff's (Chibsons, epiphone, some unbranded) and bought my first PRS before xmas - an SE245. I actually prefer the Epiphone SG's over a Gibson for the simple fact the bodies thicker and helps with less neck dive. And they're setup well from the factory and 1/4 of the price doesn't hurt either;)
BTW Slash played a clone of a Gibson when he started, then Gibson cloned that. Sounds like a bad Star Wars reboot. Maybe Disney made it for him....then again, it would have sounded bad, really bad.
Hey Leon! Was looking to buy a set of those pickups you have in your Les Paul and I was curious which ones they were? They offer the Classic, Eruption, Modern and Hot humbucker sets and just wanted to be sure I got the right ones! Cheers.
Classics but best to email Martin and check!
Being tax time, it it’s time for a new guitar and like you, I have played countless Les Pauls and some have been fantastic and some have been horrible. My current LP style is a Rock N Roll Relics Thunders and I doubt I will ever sell that as it’s fantastic to play. I had a PRS Mira a while back and I didn’t gel with it so have been on the fence about getting another PRS however I have seen a couple at good prices so they’re back on the list. One curveball I’ve been looking at is The Heritage H150 as they seem to have good reviews. Have you played any of the Heritage guitars? And if so, where do they sit in comparison to the Les Paul and PRS you have?
I love the sound of both, but for me the OG Les Paul does it all for me. Saying that i would be extremely happy with either. Thanks for the awesome video as usual man!
Choosing one is not a bad problem to have is it?
Leon Todd MIJ LP clone. Gibson QC is terrible. Navigator - ESPs custom shop for the win.
Cool channel man and just subbed. Thinking about putting those tuners on my tremonti single cut. Any issues with fitment or is it straight forward?. Regards.
They popped straight onto this one
@@LeonTodd cheers man
I can pick up my USA PRS Tremonti at any given time, in any season and its in tune. Nuff said.
Are the 58-15 stock in the SC and you upgrade to 245? what are the differences on those sets?
Mine came stock with the 245 pickups
LP has those lower mids, that could sound muddy w/ the neck pickup if you don't know how to tame it, but makes it FATTER overall. Whereas, the PRS sounds a bit more HI-FI, almost SG-like between 7th and 12th fret.
For me the straight string over the nut make the prs the winner but I go for the 594 for og vol/tone placement, until then the white Greco Lp custom has to do 👍sweet vid mate.
Greco make some awesome guitars!
Leon Todd totally agree, I sold an "authentic" 335 and picked up the Greco and it plays/stays in tune, 10 times better than the Gibbo for me.
Tim Pierce did a similar comparison, and they really do the same job sonically in most applications. Just the refinements on the PRS make it a better tool for getting the job done. Sadly this does not sway me, as I felt Gary’s tone was off on Wild Frontier and have never outgrown favoring the Les Paul for that reason.
I liked the look of that hamer LP Special style guitar he had in the 80's but thought his LP tones were always supreme. That old red strat of his was a monster in his hands too.
Hey Leon, do you always play 10-52 strings on that 24,5" PRS? I went with that on my 25" CU22 and it feels good, for LP in that tuning I go with 11-56 for extra tension on the bass strings. You have to have a pretty light touch if you don't knock your low C out of tune with that gauge ;)
I've always been a LP guy (have 3 of them at this point!) and I recently got a Cu22 (one with a rotary switch). I've since replaced the rotary with a regular 3way and redone the pots to be 2 volumes to get that LP functionality.
Both guitars feel great, and I really enjoy how effortless the PRS neck is to play, how stable the tuning is. My right hand, however, is more at home with a LP bridge setup - my PRS has a trem, so my right hand sits completely different on the bridge and hence I have to work on my muting technique.
Yeah I'm with you on the bridge. The SC is surprisingly stable with 10s that low and I give it a good smack around live.