Time for a correction, thoughts & addition comment! 1) The guitar shown at 18:42 is the Ibanez PIA, not the JEM. The guitars shown at 14:04 are obviously Mustangs! 2) Now I'd like to address a some comments saying I missed some models/brands. The idea behind this video is to zoom in on the most known models sold today. And what perspective is better than a history timeline? This gives the models I'm talking about a place in history. This timeline had to start somewhere and my choice was the first successful solid body guitar on the market: the Tele (Broadcaster). Yes, Rickenbacker was massively important. Yes, Steinberger was highly innovative. Yes, headless guitars are very much a thing. 7/8 strings guitars are popular today! Anyway, that just leaves room for more future videos, right?! 🎸Cheers and thanks for watching!
Very nice. Concerning what you did not mention; the 'fretless wonder', the 1954 Les Paul Custom with a low and flat wire. Also known as ‘the black beauty’. Somehow the oldies aren't as valuable as the Standards became. Owning a ’78 I think it is mainly because power chords and such tend to sound a bit 'woolly' and made them less popular for late sixties and early seventies heavy rock when LP’s were rediscovered.
Hi Paul, thanks for your always, very interesting lessons, and informational videos on YT. But what happened to Burns Guitars? I remember The Shadows using these, this was wayback in the 60s when I was a kid, and I was inspired to learn to play by them. So I got my first guitar when I was 11 then of course Brian May whom I haven't seen for a while but also uses Burns guitars and has a unique sound.
Honestly, this is not just a very good look back in history of electric guitars, it is also a very good buying guide. I didnt know what i wanted before, even with many videos watched about the differences. But the history makes it way more clear! And of course, your Storytelling is so amazing, i could hear you for hours. Thanks Paul.
You get a really strong feeling the electric guitar stopped evolving in the 1980's, we just seem to now get variations of previous ideas, models and styles. Hearing about the Gibson Explorers reminded me of how The Edge from U2 likes to collect those guitars. I think he has 13 now.
What can we say? Great and iconic designs often live for a really long time. Despite that, I think the ergonomic headless shapes of the Strandberg guitars are starting to become a trend. Ibanez also went as far as to make their own versions of headless guitars with a more accessible price tag. But still, headless guitars were still made in the 80s if I am not wrong. Its just not really popular at the time. But hey, the Flying V and the Explorer was also a "failure" but was later considered to be cool 20 years later.
@@JL-ef7bh those are just shapes of the guitar . there are innovations in electronics , and guitar materials , but just not affordable for the average Joe .
Bands like Devo used headless guitars, i believe Sting did too, as well as Andy Summers from the police. Some of these bands were just into different things like the keyboard/guitar which is a very unique instrument that could make a comeback, but probably not. I saw Loverboy recently using one of those. Probably a very specific custom one@@JL-ef7bh
It's just shapes, the actual tech and materials behind it evolve constantly. Like the classical guitar hasn't change shape since the XIX century Torres guitar but the actual techniques behind constructing construction evolved, also the materials used evolved.
I owned a mid 70's Les Paul Custom. WAY WAY too heavy, nothing special really. Ended up giving it to my son. Main problem with Gibson is they are overpriced and the quality is no better than other top brands. I now use Fenders. I own a Surf Green '88 Strat Plus and a blonde '52 Tele. The tele can do ALL genres as can the Strat but just a bit better. If I had to buy one more guitar I'd go for a PRS. I also have a '95 Candy Apple Red P Bass.
The flying v and explorer were so ahead of their time. I'm always amazed that they came out in the 50s. I played a 84 Gibson explorer bass years ago. It was too much bass for me to handle
I definitely see the fin design now that you point it out, but other contemporary guitar companies didn't come close to anything like that for decades. They don't really share any design DNA with the acoustic guitars that other electrics evolved from
No kidding, I got emotional watching the video... Just imagine everyone who saw all of those models for the first time and knowing we're still getting inspired by them. To be able to play guitar is something so difficult to explain with words but I only can say there's nothing better for me and for us. It's complete happiness.
As a Marylander, I appreciate you including PRS. That particular example of a PRS is just unbelievably beautiful. The guitar that wowed me the most in this was the Gretsch Duo Jet. Such a beautiful sound.
Brightest to Darkest(Pickup-Wise): @5:04 the Tele(SPANKY) @8:56 STRAT(a lil cleaner and/or tighter than the Tele) @20:16 PRS(Tighter than the Strat with the P90) @21:22 NOVO(similar to the P90 in the PRS but slightly Tele like do to Filtertron) @13:06 JAZZ(lives in the middle ground) @6:44 GRETSCH(the P90 sounds similar to the Jazz but slightly darker) @16:54 GIB SG(Classic muffle for darker tones in the PAF like the Les Paul) @18:29 IBANEZ(BRÖÖTAL; it's dark and tight)
I think you could have metioned Eddie Van Halen's influence on the birth of the Super Strat. His revolutionary playing style required the ergonomic Fender body, Gibson PAF humbuckers, the Floyd Rose tremolo and locking nut. During the 1980s, almost all guitarists tried to imitate Eddie (at least when it came to playing lead parts and solos), which would have been impossible without the mentioned specs.
@@rossforrest Absolutely true - but the guitar companies didn't really start producing what we now know as the superstrat until after the original Van Halen line up broke up and Steve Vai became widely known thanks to playing for DLR. But as you say, it was EVH who first put humbuckers in a strat body. It's ironic that in the end the Ibanez-type superstrat wasn't really associated with EVH (although well before the JEM, Kramer produced an EVH model for a while I believe, but for whatever reason it didn't catch).
This era of extreme guitar style is very important to guitar history. Jackson wasnt covered although it was mentioned. Gibson invented the V jackson perfected it randy Rhodes helped abit haha. 1980s was very significant because so many young people decided to pick up a guitar at the time no matter what brand thier guitar hero played.
Agree 100%. Was it Kramer that started putting humbuckers on the bridge back in 81,82? I know Jackson and Ibanez did later,I used to have a harmony from the sears catalog that I’ve put a humbucker on the bridge,it sounded like crap though.
I recently started learning guitar setup and guitar building with a local well know guitar luthier - the history tour that I just watched from Paul, was one of the first things we went through just to grasp the ideas and philosophy of these legendary guitars... Thank you for a great video..
I have a BC Rich that is just insane. Two hums with 3 regular knobs, one chicken head knob, 3-way selector switch and three mini dip switches for out of phase, parallel, ect. Literally has thousands of possible choices. One of my keepers for sure.
As a fellow BC enthusiast, it disappoints me to know that there were so many significant milestones left out of Paul’s “Everything you must know” list. Given, he did show a model or two that included a Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo, but it wasn’t mentioned at all. And what about neck through construction? Single coil vs humbucking and neck vs bridge vs triplet placement selection/ switches just barely scratch the surface of electronics milestones… push/pull Pots, Cap size and placement, emf shielded wiring and bay coatings to name a few.
@@brookebradford8009 Honestly, this entire video feels like a sellout promotion for PRS as if they're the final point in guitar evolution. For some reason I notice this "corporate shill" tendency a lot with PRS players. He skimmed over so many interesting facts and other guitars that it leaves somewhat of a really dishonest aftertaste.
@@peaceindarkness.darknessis3494 Yes, there was so much skipped over. He hit all the mainstream brands and types, but including some of the others would only have made the video slightly longer and satisfied all us who owned guitars like the BC Rich.
Thanks for that great history lesson and comparison between all those classic guitars. Guitars are an 'each to his own' experience through one's guitar life.
I've been practicing guitar for about half a year now and honestly, I find myself falling in love with everything about guitars more and more. Such an amazing video! Thank you so much for making such an awesome video :)
Great video, Paul. I loved surf rock and so the inclusion of the Jazzmaster was very gratifying. I also loved the sound of the Rickenbacker in the hands of Roger McGuinn , George Harrison and later, Mike Campbell. I just love the jangly clarity of that guitar. Hats off to Les Paul, without whom we'd probably not be having this same discussion.
Great video. I'm not even a guitarist but found this very entertaining to watch. I like how the video subtly started progressing faster as it went along. It felt very comfortable to watch.
My favorite super strat has to be a Jackson soloist (HSH configuration) it sounds so good and feels even better to play, not to mention it’s beautiful as well, Jacksons are definitely one of the most underrated guitar brands out there
Did soloists ever come in hsh configuration? HH (SL2, SL4) and HSS (SL1, SL3) were all they did for a long time with the odd SSS (though I think it was singlecoil-sized humbuckers) thrown in the mix. HSH was an Ibanez thing for a long time
The darkest day in guitar history was when Fender bought Jackson. A part of my soul died that day. Jackson (Charvel) was created to be like Fenders but superior in every way. Now, good luck for the average guitarist being able to afford one, and the quality isn't the same. Almost like a catch and kill.
@@perkristoffersson4153 There's been a couple of Dinky's over the years with HSH, but I've never seen a Soloist with anything other than HSS or HH, with the odd early/custom shop SSS. Edit: yes, the Jackson single coil pickups found on the higher end guitars of the mid 80's to early 90's were low impedance stacked coils, designed for use with the various active circuitry that Jackson/Charvel offered.
@@kurtbader9711 Yeah, someone on the Jackson forum said under Fender's ownership (and Jackson USA being incorporated into the Fender California plant), prices went up and up, the quality went down and down. Having owned multiple Japanese Charvel Model series, two high end Japanese Pro series Jackson's, which although not truly works of art, have all had very, very tidy build quality. I've got to say my USA SL2H is as BIG step down in terms of finish, and this particular one should never have left the factory due to multiple issues. But I got it cheap, so...
I've had a Strat for over 20 years and always loved the sound of the neck and middle pickups combined - warm but still somewhat bright and clear. Great video!
Harmony Company and associated brands certainly deserve a mention as they were very important in actually getting guitars into players hands at a more reasonable price in guitars early days. By the 60's they sold more guitars than anybody and over 350,000 in '64/'65 alone, according to wiki. In the 50's and 60's, the Gibson, Fenders and Gretsch guitars mentioned would start from around $2.5k in today's money - quite prohibitive!
Very true! and is never spoken of. around 1970 nobody really had a gibson, fender, or etc. us kids all had japanese copies, i remember the name "aria" for one, or guitars from sears, or like you said, harmony
After 30 years of playing of all these ladies I never realized they were released in just a decade. From Nocaster to Flying V … ☺️ In terms of tones and style over the last 20 years to me James trussart did really bring something new and beautiful. Thx for this great video, again 👍🏻
I think the only category missing is the electric 12-string. George Harrison's Ric lit a fire under E12s all through the 60s, inspiring offerings from Fender, Gibson and many others. As a side branch on the 12-string evolutionary line, there's the double neck. Jimmy Page, Don Felder and others certainly helped it earn a rightful place on the guitar development timeline. As ever, Paul, a fine video, thought-provoking topic and tasteful playing. Thanks!
When I was a kid all I wanted was a Strat. After seeing Tom Delonge's signature Strat I was a Strat fanboy for life. I finally bought a used standard Strat in 05. Still have it today. Still love it
Love this video! Very cool to see the timeline and learn what drove many of the designs and changes. Would love to see a similar video on the acoustic guitar! 🎸
I love that you mentioned superstrats! I think that these days, they're either exclusively marketed to metalheads or looked down upon as cheap toys made in the '80's. I own a Jackson Soloist, and it's one of my favorite guitars! I also love that no single brand owns the superstrat design like Fender owns the Strat or Gibson owns the SG, so there's tons of options available for anyone looking for a superstrat! Edit: Just added a Kramer Striker to my collection for Christmas, and it’s also an incredible superstrat!!
Hey Tomas. I own a Jackson Dinky and a Soloist. The Soloist is definitely my favorite of all my guitars, as well. But, like you said, people should buy what they like and what is comfortable for them. Everyone is different.
lmao superstrats literally are the most dominant guitar the rest are dying boomer guitars even the les paul is not as popular these days anyone who thinks SS are cheap toys are rotards
@@Ottophil lmao no,OLD ones do,nobody gives a shit about the new ones,a 59 les paul? sure...its historic and rare,but only made in 2005? lmao no one gives a shit about em,gibson rests on a musty legacy while other guitar companies are replacing them there is no reason to buy a les paul these days other than branding,the quality isnt there no more,you can get much more for much less from elsewhere also les pauls simply are not cool anymore,barely any modern chart music has them which means the kids aint picking them up the profits and creeping bankruptcy at gibson says otherwise
Love all the brands mentioned (personally I play an Ibanez from the artcore series) but as you said we shouldn't limit ourselves to them. One thing I would suggest to EVERY beginner is a Yamaha Pacifica. Incredibly well made and versatile guitars at a reasonable price.
Yeah, I bought a Pacifica, and a friend of mine lent me his Les Paul. I prefer the Pacifica. It's lighter and more comfortable. Also stays in tune better. Just doesn't look as nice. I love the LP look.
I've got a Pacifica 611 and it's just gorgeous with the flame maple top, it's loaded with good hardware that other brands can't compare to in price. Since they're unappreciated they also don't have a high resale value too, but it's awesome for a mid level guitar
What a great video. My dad, who suddenly got into guitars in his late fifties, would have found this fascinating had he not passed away before the internet age took off. It contains all the ingredients for guitar enthusiasts like my dad, and certainly worth watching before making a purchase, and getting the guitar with the right sound and one that feels comfortable to handle. Thx.
Dear Mr. Davids. I gave up learning/playing electric guitar back in 1992 and turned my hand at becoming an actor instead. In the years between I had an acoustic, but it was more an ornament than an instrument. Then on 6th October 2020 I decided it was time to pick up where I left off back in '92. It's thanks to 2 Dutch men that I am absolutely loving learning and playing electric guitar again. Thank you both.
Absolutely love this video! I'm pretty new to guitar, and as someone who plans to mostly play on electric, this was very informative! Plus your voice is absolute heaven, could listen to you talk guitars/music/anything for HOURS
Easily the most informative guitar videos mixed in with fun. By far the best guitar channel on TH-cam in my opinion. You put more effort, time and research into each of your videos than any others I've seen while retaining the integrity of the music we look for throughout your channel. Well done 👍
I finally managed to buy an older PRS Custom 24 10 top 2 years back and it's been everything I lusted after for 20+ years. It really is crazy well made and plays insanely well but in terms of sound it just doesn't inspire me like some of the other guitars I own. It sounds great but it lacks it's own personality somehow. Maybe that's a criticism of me and my playing rather than the guitar. It is insanely flexible in terms of tones you can get. Maybe that's it. It's meant to be one guitar that can do it all. I just wish it had a bit more a leaning to one sound. Still a dream fulfilled. Luv and Peace.
I love that Epiphone has taken those iconic designs and given us hotrodded versions of the LP and the SG with 24 frets and killer hot pickups. Tony Iommi SG (2nd gen) and the new LP Prophecy sit proudly in my collection. If all those guitars are yours then WOW, what a collection!
I remember when Paul purchased his first Gibson Les Paul. It was a huge purchase for him at the time! Love that this channel has grown, and now Paul can give us history of guitar, all from his own collection!
Oh man I'm thinking of my first electric and didn't know what I want but I think I fell in love with SG and can't wait to try one. Thanks for the video!
I learned more about guitars in 23 minutes and 18 seconds than I ever knew before. Just a wonderful introduction to the world of guitars. Beautiful music!
This video was amazing to watch no matter how much you know about guitars. Paul Davids explanation of these beautiful instruments plus his great playing and tone is a recipe for a great video!
This is a nice video. A company worth mentioning is BC Rich, they made very L.A. guitars that were their own, and still are. It would be hard to cover all the models and companies that have produced, but BC Rich was a big part of ushering in the 80's.
Absolutely amazing video here, Paul! Perfect blend of story, playing examples, and history. I would love to watch a video like this but for guitar amps-it would be fascinating!
The PRS brings back some memories for me, the last guitar my dad owned was a custom built PRS strat with gold hardware and humbuckers, sadly he sold it a few years before he passed away when his arthritis reached a level where he couldn't play guitar anymore.
for some strange reason, my cat enjoyed watching this video. I was just layin down with two of my cats, one walks over, looks at the screen, and pops a seat and watched like eight straight minutes worth of content
Man, I love the Jazzmaster pickup sound, and I find it baffling that there's almost no guitar made with them "out of the box" except for Fender and Squire. I would love to see other companies that make offset guitars using this kind of pickup design on their instruments instead of single coils or P90s.
Paul, one guitar that is in my opinion really influential, but wasn't mentioned in the video is the Strandberg Boden. Probably the latest breakthrough in guitar design, by trying to be an ergonomic guitar I think it has brought some major innovations in guitar design. Headless guitars are not a new thing I know but I think the Strandberg is innovative in comparison to previous headless guitars.
I'm always so impressed with the production value of your videos, Paul. Always such an absolute pleasure to watch - but this one blew me away. And I've always loved how you set your amp and effects so perfectly to get the most beautiful sound out of your guitars. I originally thought it was just the guitar you were playing, but I started to realize (as this video proves with so many different guitars) that it's your skill at not only playing them well, but shaping the tone perfectly.
At my age I teach.The first thing is for a starter is to understand history,andpickups,brands.and how they came into our lives..electrics since 1952,which isn't that long ago.You do a great job with your time ,just pumping out valuable info,while riffing.What a teacher,!!! YOU ARE GREAT FOR STARTERS ,REGARDLESS OF AGE,RELIGION,RACE, BECAUSE YOU TELL THE TRUTH,WHICH I FONDLY REMEMBER WHEN MOST EVERYONE DID.
I’m 28 years old, been playing guitar for years and considered myself pretty decent and knowledgeable. But ever since I found your channel during covid, I’ve learned SO much more and have really expanded my playing. THANK YOU
Used to play an SG in the 70's. Best guitar i've ever had. Allways in tune and sounded amazing on my VOX AC30. Traded it for a phenomenal stereo set, wich i still have. Now wishing i still had the SG 😥 Great guitar 👍👊😁from the Netherlands
@@edeledeledel5490 How unwise I was back in the day to sell/trade great guitars for petrol money, a box of beer and a leather jacket. If i were to shoot myself in the foot for my thoughtlesness , I'd have no feet left!!!
@@stephblankenaar1245 The only guitar I have ever sold was a £20 1966 Teisco SS-4L, which I traded in 1968 for an £30 Echo Ranger 6 acoustic when I was going to college. I still have the Ranger 6, worth about £100. If I still had the Teisco, it would be worth between £1000 and £3000. Ry Cooder rates the Teisco gold foil pick-ups very highly, and they alone sell for up to £200. The SS-4L had 4 of them.
its always worth considering the history of amplification alongside the development of the electric guitar. throughout the 50s and early 60s limitations in amplifier technology shaped the emergence of overdriven and distorted guitar sounds more than the design of the guitars themselves.
I'm a "big picture" kind of guy in everything I do, & this overview of the most popular guitars really helped. I'll never look at all the guitars in Guitar Center the same again! Always wanted to play rock guitar, started at 65, now 74. Still young at heart & playing in the grandkid's garage band! I can't tell you how much I appreciate & respect your ability, Paul. God bless, Dave:)
One of the most amazing videos on guitars I ever saw. Paul, your guitars (are they all yours?😲) are droolicious, your playing is impeccable, and your knowledge about guitars is praiseworthy. Overall, a fantastic presentation. I learned so much today.
It boggles my mind that Leo came up with the strat design that many years ago and it is still the benchmark for playability and comfort. For me personally, it is nearly the perfect design in terms of looks, sound and comfort.
That Gretsch is a work of art! And I love the style of the Explorer and Flying V. The “ugliest” and most primitive of the bunch is the humble Tele, but to this day it remains a versatile and dependable workhorse. So many great instruments here, and a nice overview 👍
My bucket list guitar, and possibly the best I’ve ever seen looks wise, is a 1970 Gibson Les Paul Cherry Sunburst. It looks like the makers took a sunset over the waters of California and made it into a guitar. Of the few three electric guitars that I own, my favorite has to be either my Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT or my 2011 Fender Stratocaster Deluxe. The Les Paul is a simple exposed mahogany wood, but my Strat is a sapphire blue with gold hardware.
@@thomashamilton9658 It looks nice but not what I’d want. Again the cherry sunburst is a bucket list guitar, but that doesn’t mean I have to have it now.
@@alexmartinez5859 Honeyburst. Unburst. Cherry Sunburst. All 3. For life. One thing I will not tolerate is somebody else's name on my guitar. No, Slush, I don't want your damn November burst. How tacky.
Great stuff as always. I get why it's not included (limited time, one-genre appeal, etc...), but the BC Rich guitars with their crazy shapes will always stick in my head as a special moment in guitar history. Crazy 10-strings, nearly-impossible to play sitting down, so many controls, silly graphics, etc... Fun if nothing else!
Great video Paul! I kind of wish you would have included Ken Parker's contribution to the "sacred timeline" of guitar (heh-heh), The Parker Fly. The Fly was one of the earliest (if not the first) guitar to use carbon fiber and stainless steel frets, piezo pickups in the bridge for acoustic tones, etc. It just has so many innovations (many would say "perfections") of the electric guitar. Maybe you just didn't have one handy to show? Pity. I would happily have loaned you one to use.
That was a fun video. I'm familiar with most of those guitars but it was fun seeing how they were released and I'm sure it was very helpful to newer guitar players who might not know the difference between a Jaguar and a Jazzmaster or whatever.
I just lost my '93 Gibson Nighthawk cherry burst custom, all the bells. I got a Harley benton Dullahan and I am loving it! I am actually playing way more, I guess I took my Gibson for granted, no more! Fantastic video, thank you!
Quite possibly one of the very best videos you have ever produced. That’s saying a lot. You put out great content. For instance, your acoustic videos featuring the work of Lindsey Buckingham are positively stellar! I’ve been a subscriber for a while now and I had watched your videos for years before then. Very well done indeed fantastic overview
Great content, learned a looooootttt of things.... Great editing and placement of video & audio segments.... Loved it.. keep on 'rocking in the free world' mate 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Really enjoyed this video; great overview! The only innovations I feel you also might have included are 1) active electronics 2) headless guitars (as pioneered by Steinberger), and 3) multi-scale guitars, which are becoming more and more popular. Otherwise, a very nice summary of the evolution of the solid-body electric guitar. Thanks!
Great video, thank you very much for sharing this great overview. Your love for these instruments and for music itself is so touching. You're such a great guy! I really appreciate your effort in making this video and making it seem so effortless to play the guitar. Love you man!
Paul, thank you so much for that! I've been wanting a "history lesson" to put all the different guitar models in perspective... And that's exactly what you delivered!!! How'd you know?! (I especially liked how you threaded Gretsh in there!) Keep up the good work! You're an awesome player, by the way.... 👍
This is one of the best videos I've seen. I've going through different guitar types to see what to get next, and this was exactly what I needed. Thanks!
I notice one Gibson you didn't mention was one I own. The night hawk, I own a S2 not a normal S3. I don't blame you because of the short life. But looking into way it was produced was interesting and the short life. (compare it to the PRS performance )
What makes this video even better is that you are playing period correct riffs to help correlate the original sound of the guitars to something familiar for idiots like me
Awesome video, man! I remember in the 90s the Parker Fly was very popular. What happened to it? Also, there are some 21st century brands that are setting new standards (headless, multi-scale, extended range, etc.). There's plenty of material for future videos!
I know it would probably have made the video too long but it was a shame the Rickenbacker Frying Pan from the 1930s wasn't mentioned, plus I would have loved to see you playing a pedal steel 😁. Also, have you seen the Yamaha silent guitars? They look an interesting development.
Time for a correction, thoughts & addition comment!
1) The guitar shown at 18:42 is the Ibanez PIA, not the JEM. The guitars shown at 14:04 are obviously Mustangs!
2) Now I'd like to address a some comments saying I missed some models/brands. The idea behind this video is to zoom in on the most known models sold today. And what perspective is better than a history timeline? This gives the models I'm talking about a place in history. This timeline had to start somewhere and my choice was the first successful solid body guitar on the market: the Tele (Broadcaster).
Yes, Rickenbacker was massively important. Yes, Steinberger was highly innovative. Yes, headless guitars are very much a thing. 7/8 strings guitars are popular today!
Anyway, that just leaves room for more future videos, right?! 🎸Cheers and thanks for watching!
Needs Rickenbacker
Another one: around 14:05 when talking about jags, there's 2 pictures of Mustangs
@@hellcrafter5965 that's right.or should i say, wrong? :)
Kurt is clearly playing a Mustang.
Very nice. Concerning what you did not mention; the 'fretless wonder', the 1954 Les Paul Custom with a low and flat wire. Also known as ‘the black beauty’. Somehow the oldies aren't as valuable as the Standards became. Owning a ’78 I think it is mainly because power chords and such tend to sound a bit 'woolly' and made them less popular for late sixties and early seventies heavy rock when LP’s were rediscovered.
Hi Paul, thanks for your always, very interesting lessons, and informational videos on YT. But what happened to Burns Guitars? I remember The Shadows using these, this was wayback in the 60s when I was a kid, and I was inspired to learn to play by them. So I got my first guitar when I was 11 then of course Brian May whom I haven't seen for a while but also uses Burns guitars and has a unique sound.
0:00 Hollow Body (1930)
1:00 Fender Telecaster (1950)
3:11 Gibson Les Paul (1952)
6:18 Gretsch Duo Jet (1953)
8:11 Fender Stratocaster (1954)
10:31 Gibson ES335 (1958)
12:07 Fender Jazzmaster (1958)
14:19 Gibson Flying V & Explorer (1958)
16:05 Gibson SG (1961)
17:49 Super Strats (1980's)
19:28 PRS (1985)
Thank you for the video!
thank you !
So just a list of old men with money can buy.
Appreciate it
No Rickenbackers...?
@@bassyey nah superstrats are pretty cheap and Squier and Epiphone offer nice affordable versions of legendary Fenders and Gibsons
Honestly, this is not just a very good look back in history of electric guitars, it is also a very good buying guide. I didnt know what i wanted before, even with many videos watched about the differences. But the history makes it way more clear! And of course, your Storytelling is so amazing, i could hear you for hours. Thanks Paul.
So what do you want now? 😃
Dooood, don’t leave us hanging like that, which one you going for?
Yeah, what are you buying! It makes no sense at all but we want to know now
Agreed I never even thought about the jazz master until now
@@myoriginalname one of each 😃
I guess people in 1958 weren’t ready for the Gibson Flying V, but their kids are gonna love it.
Johnny B. Goode
where we're going we don't need roads
@@Lunkik666 Or Rhoads if you so desire
This is the best comment I’ve seen in a while .
Lol back to the future
Thanks Paul, this video spoke to me in a special way. Love your work since years, keep it up! 🤘🏻
who used @everyone
@@kennysmellsofshite LOL
@@kennysmellsofshite lmfaoo
@kennysmellsofshite how do I leave the server 😂
who ping
You get a really strong feeling the electric guitar stopped evolving in the 1980's, we just seem to now get variations of previous ideas, models and styles. Hearing about the Gibson Explorers reminded me of how The Edge from U2 likes to collect those guitars. I think he has 13 now.
What can we say? Great and iconic designs often live for a really long time. Despite that, I think the ergonomic headless shapes of the Strandberg guitars are starting to become a trend. Ibanez also went as far as to make their own versions of headless guitars with a more accessible price tag. But still, headless guitars were still made in the 80s if I am not wrong. Its just not really popular at the time. But hey, the Flying V and the Explorer was also a "failure" but was later considered to be cool 20 years later.
@@JL-ef7bh those are just shapes of the guitar . there are innovations in electronics , and guitar materials , but just not affordable for the average Joe .
Bands like Devo used headless guitars, i believe Sting did too, as well as Andy Summers from the police. Some of these bands were just into different things like the keyboard/guitar which is a very unique instrument that could make a comeback, but probably not. I saw Loverboy recently using one of those. Probably a very specific custom one@@JL-ef7bh
@@bobcat3653 Yes but you cat any day get a great guitar for $200 from a major brand which is because of the constant tech improvement.
It's just shapes, the actual tech and materials behind it evolve constantly. Like the classical guitar hasn't change shape since the XIX century Torres guitar but the actual techniques behind constructing construction evolved, also the materials used evolved.
The sheer attention to detail Paul puts into his videos is truly inspiring
Ok Max 🗿
Agreed. I really enjoyed this. I’m gonna drag out my Les Paul 1972, give it a restring and have a play. I promise. Eventually. :D
You should do the same thing on the history of amps cause those innovations are just as important as the guitar innovations
Good idea, then do a third combining both on a time line.
Rett Shull has sole pretty good videos about classic amps
Something as simple as strings and picks could be done as well
How did pedals and their sounds evolve, I wonder.
Exactly! All the amp comparison vids I’ve seen seem to show a bias for the ones the creator prefers
I love how les Paul’s started as an alternative to a tele and evolved its way into so many different genres, from country to metal, it does it all
I owned a mid 70's Les Paul Custom. WAY WAY too heavy, nothing special really. Ended up giving it to my son. Main problem with Gibson is they are overpriced and the quality is no better than other top brands. I now use Fenders. I own a Surf Green '88 Strat Plus and a blonde '52 Tele. The tele can do ALL genres as can the Strat but just a bit better. If I had to buy one more guitar I'd go for a PRS. I also have a '95 Candy Apple Red P Bass.
The flying v and explorer were so ahead of their time. I'm always amazed that they came out in the 50s. I played a 84 Gibson explorer bass years ago. It was too much bass for me to handle
I definitely see the fin design now that you point it out, but other contemporary guitar companies didn't come close to anything like that for decades. They don't really share any design DNA with the acoustic guitars that other electrics evolved from
“I guess you’re not ready for those yet…but a selection of your grandkids are gonna love ‘em”
-Gibson
I love the explorer bass. A Thunderbird bass is my dream bass tho lol
God the Explorer is so fun to play
@@lazy_lefty i saw 1 in the local paper $400 with a hard case ! - epiphone made.
The amount of work that is behind this video is insane, and it was worth every second. You'r amazing Paul, thank you for all your videos
Ditto what you said.
Agreed
No kidding, I got emotional watching the video... Just imagine everyone who saw all of those models for the first time and knowing we're still getting inspired by them. To be able to play guitar is something so difficult to explain with words but I only can say there's nothing better for me and for us. It's complete happiness.
Well said. It really is complete happiness for me too.
Cheers, Jesus !
As a Marylander, I appreciate you including PRS. That particular example of a PRS is just unbelievably beautiful.
The guitar that wowed me the most in this was the Gretsch Duo Jet. Such a beautiful sound.
How far are you from Laurel?
@5:04 PAUL TO TELE
@8:56 STRAT
@6:44 GRETSCH
@13:06 JAZZ
@16:54 GIB SG
@18:29 IBANEZ
@20:16 PRS
@21:22 NOVO
Brightest to Darkest(Pickup-Wise):
@5:04 the Tele(SPANKY)
@8:56 STRAT(a lil cleaner and/or tighter than the Tele)
@20:16 PRS(Tighter than the Strat with the P90)
@21:22 NOVO(similar to the P90 in the PRS but slightly Tele like do to Filtertron)
@13:06 JAZZ(lives in the middle ground)
@6:44 GRETSCH(the P90 sounds similar to the Jazz but slightly darker)
@16:54 GIB SG(Classic muffle for darker tones in the PAF like the Les Paul)
@18:29 IBANEZ(BRÖÖTAL; it's dark and tight)
🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸👍👍👍👍👍
YES THANKS
Dude, your unbiased opinion and knowledge is priceless. I've shared it to my musician friends.
I think you could have metioned Eddie Van Halen's influence on the birth of the Super Strat. His revolutionary playing style required the ergonomic Fender body, Gibson PAF humbuckers, the Floyd Rose tremolo and locking nut. During the 1980s, almost all guitarists tried to imitate Eddie (at least when it came to playing lead parts and solos), which would have been impossible without the mentioned specs.
True! Important comment!👍
@@rossforrest Absolutely true - but the guitar companies didn't really start producing what we now know as the superstrat until after the original Van Halen line up broke up and Steve Vai became widely known thanks to playing for DLR. But as you say, it was EVH who first put humbuckers in a strat body. It's ironic that in the end the Ibanez-type superstrat wasn't really associated with EVH (although well before the JEM, Kramer produced an EVH model for a while I believe, but for whatever reason it didn't catch).
This era of extreme guitar style is very important to guitar history. Jackson wasnt covered although it was mentioned. Gibson invented the V jackson perfected it randy Rhodes helped abit haha. 1980s was very significant because so many young people decided to pick up a guitar at the time no matter what brand thier guitar hero played.
he did, quote: "a new genre started to erupt" - that last word is clearly an ode to Eddie
Agree 100%. Was it Kramer that started putting humbuckers on the bridge back in 81,82? I know Jackson and Ibanez did later,I used to have a harmony from the sears catalog that I’ve put a humbucker on the bridge,it sounded like crap though.
I recently started learning guitar setup and guitar building with a local well know guitar luthier - the history tour that I just watched from Paul, was one of the first things we went through just to grasp the ideas and philosophy of these legendary guitars... Thank you for a great video..
I have a BC Rich that is just insane. Two hums with 3 regular knobs, one chicken head knob, 3-way selector switch and three mini dip switches for out of phase, parallel, ect. Literally has thousands of possible choices. One of my keepers for sure.
As a fellow BC enthusiast, it disappoints me to know that there were so many significant milestones left out of Paul’s “Everything you must know” list. Given, he did show a model or two that included a Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo, but it wasn’t mentioned at all. And what about neck through construction? Single coil vs humbucking and neck vs bridge vs triplet placement selection/ switches just barely scratch the surface of electronics milestones… push/pull Pots, Cap size and placement, emf shielded wiring and bay coatings to name a few.
@@brookebradford8009 Honestly, this entire video feels like a sellout promotion for PRS as if they're the final point in guitar evolution. For some reason I notice this "corporate shill" tendency a lot with PRS players. He skimmed over so many interesting facts and other guitars that it leaves somewhat of a really dishonest aftertaste.
Love every one of my BC richs, will continue grabbing every one I find. Disappointing video Tbh
@@peaceindarkness.darknessis3494 Yes, there was so much skipped over. He hit all the mainstream brands and types, but including some of the others would only have made the video slightly longer and satisfied all us who owned guitars like the BC Rich.
Similar to the tone options of my favourite axe:
Ibanez AR series.
How to turn your guitar collection into a tax write off
Guitar tutors: first time?
😂😂😂
Start a bogus guitar lesson company 😂
This guy knows what it’s about
Thanks for that great history lesson and comparison between all those classic guitars. Guitars are an 'each to his own' experience through one's guitar life.
I've been practicing guitar for about half a year now and honestly, I find myself falling in love with everything about guitars more and more. Such an amazing video! Thank you so much for making such an awesome video :)
Once you're launched and in the momentum, passed your boredom point, nothing can stop you
It's an incredible journey. Have fun!
@@NihilistAlienI’m in my boredom part right now, but I’m gonna keep forcing myself to play
Want to collaborate on a music piece?
Great video, Paul. I loved surf rock and so the inclusion of the Jazzmaster was very gratifying. I also loved the sound of the Rickenbacker in the hands of Roger McGuinn , George Harrison and later, Mike Campbell. I just love the jangly clarity of that guitar. Hats off to Les Paul, without whom we'd probably not be having this same discussion.
Great video. I'm not even a guitarist but found this very entertaining to watch. I like how the video subtly started progressing faster as it went along. It felt very comfortable to watch.
My favorite super strat has to be a Jackson soloist (HSH configuration) it sounds so good and feels even better to play, not to mention it’s beautiful as well, Jacksons are definitely one of the most underrated guitar brands out there
Did soloists ever come in hsh configuration? HH (SL2, SL4) and HSS (SL1, SL3) were all they did for a long time with the odd SSS (though I think it was singlecoil-sized humbuckers) thrown in the mix. HSH was an Ibanez thing for a long time
The darkest day in guitar history was when Fender bought Jackson. A part of my soul died that day. Jackson (Charvel) was created to be like Fenders but superior in every way. Now, good luck for the average guitarist being able to afford one, and the quality isn't the same. Almost like a catch and kill.
@@perkristoffersson4153
There's been a couple of Dinky's over the years with HSH, but I've never seen a Soloist with anything other than HSS or HH, with the odd early/custom shop SSS.
Edit: yes, the Jackson single coil pickups found on the higher end guitars of the mid 80's to early 90's were low impedance stacked coils, designed for use with the various active circuitry that Jackson/Charvel offered.
@@kurtbader9711
Yeah, someone on the Jackson forum said under Fender's ownership (and Jackson USA being incorporated into the Fender California plant), prices went up and up, the quality went down and down.
Having owned multiple Japanese Charvel Model series, two high end Japanese Pro series Jackson's, which although not truly works of art, have all had very, very tidy build quality.
I've got to say my USA SL2H is as BIG step down in terms of finish, and this particular one should never have left the factory due to multiple issues.
But I got it cheap, so...
I've had a Strat for over 20 years and always loved the sound of the neck and middle pickups combined - warm but still somewhat bright and clear. Great video!
Harmony Company and associated brands certainly deserve a mention as they were very important in actually getting guitars into players hands at a more reasonable price in guitars early days. By the 60's they sold more guitars than anybody and over 350,000 in '64/'65 alone, according to wiki.
In the 50's and 60's, the Gibson, Fenders and Gretsch guitars mentioned would start from around $2.5k in today's money - quite prohibitive!
Very true! and is never spoken of. around 1970 nobody really had a gibson, fender, or etc. us kids all had japanese copies, i remember the name "aria" for one, or guitars from sears, or like you said, harmony
After 30 years of playing of all these ladies I never realized they were released in just a decade. From Nocaster to Flying V … ☺️
In terms of tones and style over the last 20 years to me James trussart did really bring something new and beautiful.
Thx for this great video, again 👍🏻
I think the only category missing is the electric 12-string. George Harrison's Ric lit a fire under E12s all through the 60s, inspiring offerings from Fender, Gibson and many others. As a side branch on the 12-string evolutionary line, there's the double neck. Jimmy Page, Don Felder and others certainly helped it earn a rightful place on the guitar development timeline. As ever, Paul, a fine video, thought-provoking topic and tasteful playing. Thanks!
When I was a kid all I wanted was a Strat. After seeing Tom Delonge's signature Strat I was a Strat fanboy for life. I finally bought a used standard Strat in 05. Still have it today. Still love it
Love that strat seafoam green looks incredible
Love this video! Very cool to see the timeline and learn what drove many of the designs and changes. Would love to see a similar video on the acoustic guitar! 🎸
I believe he's already done a video on acoustic guitar types. I've not seen it yet; it's in my watch later.
I love that you mentioned superstrats! I think that these days, they're either exclusively marketed to metalheads or looked down upon as cheap toys made in the '80's. I own a Jackson Soloist, and it's one of my favorite guitars! I also love that no single brand owns the superstrat design like Fender owns the Strat or Gibson owns the SG, so there's tons of options available for anyone looking for a superstrat!
Edit: Just added a Kramer Striker to my collection for Christmas, and it’s also an incredible superstrat!!
Hey Tomas. I own a Jackson Dinky and a Soloist. The Soloist is definitely my favorite of all my guitars, as well. But, like you said, people should buy what they like and what is comfortable for them. Everyone is different.
lmao superstrats literally are the most dominant guitar the rest are dying boomer guitars even the les paul is not as popular these days
anyone who thinks SS are cheap toys are rotards
@@random_an0n the les paul is so popular the prices only go up. You’re backwards on that one
@@Ottophil lmao no,OLD ones do,nobody gives a shit about the new ones,a 59 les paul? sure...its historic and rare,but only made in 2005? lmao no one gives a shit about em,gibson rests on a musty legacy while other guitar companies are replacing them
there is no reason to buy a les paul these days other than branding,the quality isnt there no more,you can get much more for much less from elsewhere
also les pauls simply are not cool anymore,barely any modern chart music has them which means the kids aint picking them up
the profits and creeping bankruptcy at gibson says otherwise
Superstrat is kind of an RG which steve vai designed. Since the Jem is the first pointy strat essentially, other companies do vary in body shape
Love all the brands mentioned (personally I play an Ibanez from the artcore series) but as you said we shouldn't limit ourselves to them.
One thing I would suggest to EVERY beginner is a Yamaha Pacifica. Incredibly well made and versatile guitars at a reasonable price.
Still use my PAC112J, the tuners suck but that's an easy upgrade
Or a harley benton tele
Great recommendation for a beginner guitar, probably one of the best choices. Yamaha bass guitars are great as well.
Yeah, I bought a Pacifica, and a friend of mine lent me his Les Paul. I prefer the Pacifica. It's lighter and more comfortable. Also stays in tune better. Just doesn't look as nice. I love the LP look.
I've got a Pacifica 611 and it's just gorgeous with the flame maple top, it's loaded with good hardware that other brands can't compare to in price. Since they're unappreciated they also don't have a high resale value too, but it's awesome for a mid level guitar
What a great video. My dad, who suddenly got into guitars in his late fifties, would have found this fascinating had he not passed away before the internet age took off. It contains all the ingredients for guitar enthusiasts like my dad, and certainly worth watching before making a purchase, and getting the guitar with the right sound and one that feels comfortable to handle. Thx.
Dear Mr. Davids. I gave up learning/playing electric guitar back in 1992 and turned my hand at becoming an actor instead. In the years between I had an acoustic, but it was more an ornament than an instrument. Then on 6th October 2020 I decided it was time to pick up where I left off back in '92.
It's thanks to 2 Dutch men that I am absolutely loving learning and playing electric guitar again.
Thank you both.
Thanks!
Absolutely love this video! I'm pretty new to guitar, and as someone who plans to mostly play on electric, this was very informative! Plus your voice is absolute heaven, could listen to you talk guitars/music/anything for HOURS
Easily the most informative guitar videos mixed in with fun. By far the best guitar channel on TH-cam in my opinion. You put more effort, time and research into each of your videos than any others I've seen while retaining the integrity of the music we look for throughout your channel. Well done 👍
Great video. And I love that you include PRS--they are great guitars and so beautiful. Also the B&G Little Sister--another really cool guitar.
I finally managed to buy an older PRS Custom 24 10 top 2 years back and it's been everything I lusted after for 20+ years.
It really is crazy well made and plays insanely well but in terms of sound it just doesn't inspire me like some of the other guitars I own.
It sounds great but it lacks it's own personality somehow.
Maybe that's a criticism of me and my playing rather than the guitar.
It is insanely flexible in terms of tones you can get.
Maybe that's it. It's meant to be one guitar that can do it all.
I just wish it had a bit more a leaning to one sound.
Still a dream fulfilled.
Luv and Peace.
I love that Epiphone has taken those iconic designs and given us hotrodded versions of the LP and the SG with 24 frets and killer hot pickups. Tony Iommi SG (2nd gen) and the new LP Prophecy sit proudly in my collection.
If all those guitars are yours then WOW, what a collection!
I remember when Paul purchased his first Gibson Les Paul. It was a huge purchase for him at the time! Love that this channel has grown, and now Paul can give us history of guitar, all from his own collection!
Oh man I'm thinking of my first electric and didn't know what I want but I think I fell in love with SG and can't wait to try one. Thanks for the video!
A really informative video on the evolution of the electric guitar from the 1950s onwards. Great playing too, Paul !
This video is absolutely stunning Paul! ☀️🎸 I loved it!
1:35 Tis ironic that Gretsch exerted prior claim to the Broadcaster name and now Fender effectively owns Gretsch.
I learned more about guitars in 23 minutes and 18 seconds than I ever knew before. Just a wonderful introduction to the world of guitars. Beautiful music!
This video was amazing to watch no matter how much you know about guitars. Paul Davids explanation of these beautiful instruments plus his great playing and tone is a recipe for a great video!
This is a nice video. A company worth mentioning is BC Rich, they made very L.A. guitars that were their own, and still are. It would be hard to cover all the models and companies that have produced, but BC Rich was a big part of ushering in the 80's.
Absolutely amazing video here, Paul! Perfect blend of story, playing examples, and history. I would love to watch a video like this but for guitar amps-it would be fascinating!
The PRS brings back some memories for me, the last guitar my dad owned was a custom built PRS strat with gold hardware and humbuckers, sadly he sold it a few years before he passed away when his arthritis reached a level where he couldn't play guitar anymore.
for some strange reason, my cat enjoyed watching this video. I was just layin down with two of my cats, one walks over, looks at the screen, and pops a seat and watched like eight straight minutes worth of content
Man, I love the Jazzmaster pickup sound, and I find it baffling that there's almost no guitar made with them "out of the box" except for Fender and Squire. I would love to see other companies that make offset guitars using this kind of pickup design on their instruments instead of single coils or P90s.
It's genuinely the most beautiful and unique sound you can get from a pickup imo
Paul, one guitar that is in my opinion really influential, but wasn't mentioned in the video is the Strandberg Boden. Probably the latest breakthrough in guitar design, by trying to be an ergonomic guitar I think it has brought some major innovations in guitar design. Headless guitars are not a new thing I know but I think the Strandberg is innovative in comparison to previous headless guitars.
I'm always so impressed with the production value of your videos, Paul. Always such an absolute pleasure to watch - but this one blew me away. And I've always loved how you set your amp and effects so perfectly to get the most beautiful sound out of your guitars. I originally thought it was just the guitar you were playing, but I started to realize (as this video proves with so many different guitars) that it's your skill at not only playing them well, but shaping the tone perfectly.
At my age I teach.The first thing is for a starter is to understand history,andpickups,brands.and how they came into our lives..electrics since 1952,which isn't that long ago.You do a great job with your time ,just pumping out valuable info,while riffing.What a teacher,!!! YOU ARE GREAT FOR STARTERS ,REGARDLESS OF AGE,RELIGION,RACE, BECAUSE YOU TELL THE TRUTH,WHICH I FONDLY REMEMBER WHEN MOST EVERYONE DID.
I’m 28 years old, been playing guitar for years and considered myself pretty decent and knowledgeable. But ever since I found your channel during covid, I’ve learned SO much more and have really expanded my playing. THANK YOU
Used to play an SG in the 70's.
Best guitar i've ever had.
Allways in tune and sounded amazing on my VOX AC30. Traded it for a phenomenal stereo set, wich i still have.
Now wishing i still had the SG 😥
Great guitar
👍👊😁from the Netherlands
I suspect that if you still had the SG, it might be worth a little bit more than your stereo set.
@@edeledeledel5490 i'm sure, Edeledele del 👍👊😁
Leuke naam 🤣
@@edeledeledel5490 How unwise I was back in the day to sell/trade great guitars for petrol money, a box of beer and a leather jacket. If i were to shoot myself in the foot for my thoughtlesness , I'd have no feet left!!!
@@stephblankenaar1245 The only guitar I have ever sold was a £20 1966 Teisco SS-4L, which I traded in 1968 for an £30 Echo Ranger 6 acoustic when I was going to college. I still have the Ranger 6, worth about £100. If I still had the Teisco, it would be worth between £1000 and £3000. Ry Cooder rates the Teisco gold foil pick-ups very highly, and they alone sell for up to £200. The SS-4L had 4 of them.
The exclusion of Rickenbacker is unforgivable.
its always worth considering the history of amplification alongside the development of the electric guitar. throughout the 50s and early 60s limitations in amplifier technology shaped the emergence of overdriven and distorted guitar sounds more than the design of the guitars themselves.
I'm a "big picture" kind of guy in everything I do, & this overview of the most popular guitars really helped. I'll never look at all the guitars in Guitar Center the same again! Always wanted to play rock guitar, started at 65, now 74. Still young at heart & playing in the grandkid's garage band! I can't tell you how much I appreciate & respect your ability, Paul. God bless, Dave:)
Please make more content like this! It is oddly comforting and I love it! 🙏🙏
You always Brighten my day Paul. I love acoustic and have started busking. I love you man thanks for leading me in my journey
One of the most amazing videos on guitars I ever saw. Paul, your guitars (are they all yours?😲) are droolicious, your playing is impeccable, and your knowledge about guitars is praiseworthy. Overall, a fantastic presentation. I learned so much today.
It boggles my mind that Leo came up with the strat design that many years ago and it is still the benchmark for playability and comfort. For me personally, it is nearly the perfect design in terms of looks, sound and comfort.
tele better
@@saulgoodman.exe_ not a competition. He said it's his personal preference.
@@BL00DYME55 it's called trolling pal
@@saulgoodman.exe_ Teles are ugly though.
Whatever sound competitions maybe, but strat looks sexy🤩
That Gretsch is a work of art! And I love the style of the Explorer and Flying V. The “ugliest” and most primitive of the bunch is the humble Tele, but to this day it remains a versatile and dependable workhorse. So many great instruments here, and a nice overview 👍
I’m so very happy that I found this channel. Amazing content. I think I’ll enroll in your courses soon
My bucket list guitar, and possibly the best I’ve ever seen looks wise, is a 1970 Gibson Les Paul Cherry Sunburst. It looks like the makers took a sunset over the waters of California and made it into a guitar. Of the few three electric guitars that I own, my favorite has to be either my Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT or my 2011 Fender Stratocaster Deluxe. The Les Paul is a simple exposed mahogany wood, but my Strat is a sapphire blue with gold hardware.
What you want is an Unburst.
@@thomashamilton9658 It looks nice but not what I’d want. Again the cherry sunburst is a bucket list guitar, but that doesn’t mean I have to have it now.
@@alexmartinez5859 Honeyburst. Unburst. Cherry Sunburst. All 3. For life. One thing I will not tolerate is somebody else's name on my guitar. No, Slush, I don't want your damn November burst. How tacky.
man, i really love your videos. the dedication you put in them really shows. Keep it up :)
Great stuff as always. I get why it's not included (limited time, one-genre appeal, etc...), but the BC Rich guitars with their crazy shapes will always stick in my head as a special moment in guitar history. Crazy 10-strings, nearly-impossible to play sitting down, so many controls, silly graphics, etc... Fun if nothing else!
Omg YES. BC Rich guitars are my favourite. I own a Warlock and its so badass
I watch this video every time I see it. It really helped me when I was a beginner and was overwhelmed by all the different variations of guitars.
I have played acoustic guitars for decades 1975 and glad I watched this I'm old and never plugged in to electric guitar
Thanks ✌💜
Great video Paul! I kind of wish you would have included Ken Parker's contribution to the "sacred timeline" of guitar (heh-heh), The Parker Fly. The Fly was one of the earliest (if not the first) guitar to use carbon fiber and stainless steel frets, piezo pickups in the bridge for acoustic tones, etc. It just has so many innovations (many would say "perfections") of the electric guitar. Maybe you just didn't have one handy to show? Pity. I would happily have loaned you one to use.
He's a smug jerk, sadly. :(
That was a fun video. I'm familiar with most of those guitars but it was fun seeing how they were released and I'm sure it was very helpful to newer guitar players who might not know the difference between a Jaguar and a Jazzmaster or whatever.
This is amazing doesn’t feel like a boring tutorial like others do👏🏻
This video is insanely well put together, the info, playing, script, and editing is on point man!
I just lost my '93 Gibson Nighthawk cherry burst custom, all the bells. I got a Harley benton Dullahan and I am loving it! I am actually playing way more, I guess I took my Gibson for granted, no more!
Fantastic video, thank you!
Quite possibly one of the very best videos you have ever produced. That’s saying a lot. You put out great content. For instance, your acoustic videos featuring the work of Lindsey Buckingham are positively stellar! I’ve been a subscriber for a while now and I had watched your videos for years before then. Very well done indeed fantastic overview
Great content, learned a looooootttt of things.... Great editing and placement of video & audio segments.... Loved it.. keep on 'rocking in the free world' mate 🤘🏻🤘🏻
I've been looking for a video like this
The Strat. has always been my favorite. Yet in this video, the warm honey tones of the Gretsch blows me away! 6:19
The black and gold Gretch is my favorite, a thing of pure joy and beauty. Awesome video as well! Thank you!
Really enjoyed this video; great overview! The only innovations I feel you also might have included are
1) active electronics
2) headless guitars (as pioneered by Steinberger), and
3) multi-scale guitars, which are becoming more and more popular.
Otherwise, a very nice summary of the evolution of the solid-body electric guitar. Thanks!
Grat points. I was hoping Paul would mention the Floyd Rose tremell (Whammy Bar) system... maybe next time.
why are multi scale guitars becoming popular? ? and what kind of music?
Great video, thank you very much for sharing this great overview. Your love for these instruments and for music itself is so touching. You're such a great guy! I really appreciate your effort in making this video and making it seem so effortless to play the guitar. Love you man!
Paul, thank you so much for that! I've been wanting a "history lesson" to put all the different guitar models in perspective... And that's exactly what you delivered!!! How'd you know?!
(I especially liked how you threaded Gretsh in there!)
Keep up the good work! You're an awesome player, by the way.... 👍
This is one of the best videos I've seen. I've going through different guitar types to see what to get next, and this was exactly what I needed. Thanks!
Informative, entertaining, professional and polished; nobody does it better than Paul Davids!
I think it would have been worth mentioning the innovations on guitars like Steinberger or Parker.
I notice one Gibson you didn't mention was one I own. The night hawk, I own a S2 not a normal S3. I don't blame you because of the short life. But looking into way it was produced was interesting and the short life. (compare it to the PRS performance )
I'd love to see a part 2 going into modern innovators like Strandberg, Kiesel and Abasi Consepts
Maybe Steinberger, too. Something really innovative and 80's when there was an explosion of guitar innovation.
16:31 love how you subtly notified the neck dive.
What makes this video even better is that you are playing period correct riffs to help correlate the original sound of the guitars to something familiar for idiots like me
Fascinating. Super informative. Thank you
This video was very informative and I liked the fact that you allowed us to hear the difference of the different models ! Now I need a Jazzmaster !
The original Gretsch was always a dream of mine
This should be the best guitar content I ever enjoyed on TH-cam.
I had no idea the V style was so old. Way before its time I guess. Definitely looks like something from the late 70's.
Awesome video, man! I remember in the 90s the Parker Fly was very popular. What happened to it? Also, there are some 21st century brands that are setting new standards (headless, multi-scale, extended range, etc.). There's plenty of material for future videos!
I know it would probably have made the video too long but it was a shame the Rickenbacker Frying Pan from the 1930s wasn't mentioned, plus I would have loved to see you playing a pedal steel 😁. Also, have you seen the Yamaha silent guitars? They look an interesting development.
I think you should have talked about Brian May's red special as well
The opening shots looked like they came from The Ring. You're the Man, Paul. ❤
What a great video explaining the history and types of electric guitars. I love all the great information in a single video. Well done.