I'm addicted to Japanese Les Paul copies. Primarily, ones made between the late 70's and the early 90's. Tokai, Greco, Burny and Orville to name a few. Usually affordable, superior build quality and quite often, amazing sounding.
Excellent choice. I'm a Strat guy and my most favourite Strat is my 1995 Japanese Candy Apple Red maple neck Strat with Fender 59 pickups. MIJ > MIA Tokai is the way to go too, both Strats and LP.
as pricey as the Gibsons, but much better QC, a tad lighter and comfy. But different look and feel, anyway, they are real instruments, built for musicians, not the market target of todays Gibson shareholders.
Boomer guitars were fine. We don’t need all this modern mumbo jumbo. I don’t want steel frets. I never want an evertune. Sure locking tuners help restring faster, but i don’t need them for any musical reason.
@@Ottophil That’s my point. Nothing has changed in the guitar world, outside of digital algorithms for pedals and IR plugins. I like more modern pickups and I like when people come up with new body designs, even if they’re ugly as sin. It’s just fun to see people be creative. I still love the Tele and Jazzmaster styles. Hard to beat.
I don't see why you *wouldnt* want stainless steel frets, dont get me wrong, frets are a consumebale/wear item that will eventually need to be replaced, but who would say no to slower fret wear?@@Ottophil
@@Ottophilyou don’t want steel frets? Why? They don’t look very different and they’re objectively better in every way. It’s not a gimmick, it’s just a more durable fret.
Epiphone Les Paul Classic is where it is at for the neck alone, I mean I put Gibson pickups in it, but still my favorite guitar. I have the Korean made one.
As a Strat lifer, I also wrestled with LPs for a long time. Many I tried never really felt or sounded right until I found ones that suited my taste AS A STRAT PLAYER. Lower output pickups helped to mimic the response of single coils, as well as the pickups themselves. I have a Goldtop that I experimented with different pickups at length until I found ones that felt to me like the sound was matching my own dynamics - again speaking on the strat vibe, they were these very scoffed at Dimarzios that incorporate single coil windings as well as humbucking windings. I regularly get laughed at when I tell people what they are, but then they hear this Goldtop and are rendered speechless. LP Jr’s are almost a different beast entirely but realistically much closer to what the strat player wants in an LP generally speaking.
Loved this video. Walked by a plugged in Sire semi-hollowbody at my local GC and was very impressed. Fit, finish, and all, were top grade. LC’s name on it means a lot, because he’s the king of that model of guitar. And it’s so reasonably priced.
Mike, there is also the PRS McCarty, single cut. You won't have the P-90's, but it's a great alternative to the Les Paul. Leslie West of the group Mountain played an old Les Paul Jr. If you're not familiar with the song "Mississippi Queen", check it out. It was the heaviest song of it's time, imo, and the P-90 absolutely screams.
that thing you said in the intro almost happened to me with my gretsch streamliner. couldn't get it to sound as good as i wanted. until something just clicked. i was days away from selling it but quickly changed my mind. the les paul though, it clicked with me immediately. similar to how the strat did. those are my babies. i love my strat more still, but my les paul i love a lot too. ol' reliable.
My Affinity Tele is my 💕 it probably helps that it was the first one my wife bought me. Same with the Squier Jazz Bass, she bought me that as well so special place in my heart.
I had a Larry Carlton. I sold it because the neck didn't fit my hand. That said, it's a fine guitar. They are VERY well made and the prices haven't blown up yet. Great deal for pro and hobby player alike.
I used to look at the headstock first, and if the name wasn't right, I'd put it down. Thank God I grew up a long time ago. I have some great guitars that aren't considered "popular," but they'll run rings around any Gibson - or Epiphone, for that matter. I've had two Les Pauls that I couldn't "bond" with, and sold them. For the record, I'm a Yamaha man - guitars and amps.
I haven't played any of the Sire guitars, but I used to own a Sire V3 5 string bass, and currently own a Sire M7 5 string bass, and man they are fantastic sounding and playing instruments across the range. I'm even thinking of getting one of the Sire strats based off my experience with their basses, I've played a few and they feel fantastic each and everytime. If anyone is on the fence about them, my two cents is that they're absolutely worth the money.
its so strange to me that people will dislike a guitar based on how much people enjoy it. never understood the term "Boomer Guitar" because to me, personally, they just feel good? they were designed for comfort and they nailed it. I get being excited about modern builds but i feel like you should care a lot more about what feels good and sounds good vs what other people think.
I bought a Sire S-7 about 6 months ago and love it. The build quality is great, the tone is fantastic and the playability is superb. I have played guitar for over 40 years and this was the first Strat style guitar I've ever purchased and was not disappointed. In years past I have tended to gravitate towards the Les Paul style guitar and have two Gibson Les Pauls which I love to play as well. I play on our Praise Team at Church and also play in a Praise and Worship band. Love your channel you are very real and honest and I appreciate that.
To me, the SG is my perfect guitar. And yes, I know a lot of people don't like them because they're unbalanced meaning they're neck heavy and as soon as you let go of the neck it dives to the floor. I have a Gibson Les Paul Studio, and as much as I love the sound of it, it's the heavy weight of the body that has me playing my SG more than the L.P. Also I prefer double cutaway bodies, for my hands with short fingers it's easier to reach the upper frets.
I’m not a boomer and my humbucker LP Standard is my absolute favourite guitar. Nothing sounds better and nothing feels better. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Strat, my PSR, my Jackson style Larrivee, and others. But no way anything ever out does my 50s profile LP. I always gravitate back to it. Best connection of anything. Took me 35 years before I bought it , so I have played many different guitars since I was a teen in the 80s. Does this make the LP and a gen x guitar?
30 year player who sold my last Les Paul 7 years ago and never looked back. Yes to the Strat, Tele, 335, PRS CE24, and especially the Ibanez AZ series. The Les Paul is the most gorgeous guitar to look at, the proportions and shape just look amazing, the bursts look amazing, but not to play. P90's help, but Leo and then Paul really got it right.
Have a 2012 tobacco burst LP standard that plays great, sounds awesome but weighs 13 metric tons. It's become my old man wall art. I play a Cjhapman ML1-RS that is like putting on a old pair of slippers. Amazing guitar.
I've had the same love/hate relationship with every strat I've ever bought, and subsequently sold. My Les Paul is my go to, and I'll never look back. I do think you're right though, only having humbuckers limits a bit, so the P-90 versions have been calling to me for a while. Want to get my hands on the new Fender Ventura II Mustang, that might be my next weakness.
I can't wait for him to discover guitars made for shredding. Once you go down that metal rabbit hole, it's hard to get out. Evertune bridge alone will blow his noodle. But yeah, the Sire L7 is the best Les Paul variant IMHO. Especially for a strat guy and for satin neck lovers.
Taking care of a Les Paul is like taking care of a Harley. You got to fiddle with it, adjust it, and learn how it works to really get the best out of it.
I'd say the same thing about any guitar with a Floyd Rose. I just changed the strings on such a guitar, I went down a string gauge ... lots of tweaking involved.
I don't understand all the hate against certain brands. I love my Gibson Les Paul Studio '60s Tribute: it gnarls, it resonates, it stays in tune (yep). But I don't understand Strat's positions 2 and 4: it doesn't sense to me. Whether you like one type of guitar rather than another is above all a question of taste: which one sings to your ears, which one your hands love to play, which one catches your eye... Which one keeps the passion alive.
I own a few Les Pauls and have owned several Strats. Let me just say that my PRSs are my favorites. The look and feel, the sound, the weight and playability. They have it all. One with a hardtail and one with a Floyd Rose. Everything else is expendable now...
I have a Fender Flame from 86’, sold to me as their version of a Les Paul. It was a very short run on these guitars, Robin Ford had one and it was brought back as the Robin Ford Signature series. It’s a heavy guitar but amazingly well made.
I play an Epiphone les Paul with a clean tone, no pedals through an orange amp. Other local guitarists are amazed at how I’m doing everything completely opposite of the stereotypes. But I just love the tone and feel for all the chords that I play.
ive always been a strat guy. My go to has always been my highway one hss strat, i played i learned everything I know about guitar from that strat. but during covid, I got my hands on a harley benton les paul, it showed up with a broken headstock. I asked them to give me store credit instead of returning it. I decided to fix it the headstock and more. I learned how to solder, changed the pickups to EMG's, changed all the electronics to american made CTSs. I figured, hey "go big or go home", so I changed all the hardware to gotoh, hipshot tuners, and schaller s strap locks. and man it was all coming together. But I decided to take it further. I changed the nut to a graphtech nut, then took out all my frets and switched them over to jumbo stainless steel frets. When it was all said and done, I probably spent about $800 on the guitar including the tools (fret clamps, soldering station, etc). Yeah, I couldve shopped around and find something with the same specs if I tried hard enough, but I can truly say that this is MY les paul, and Its been my go to ever since.
I love my Eastman LP! If you’re looking for an alternative to the originals Eastman makes great guitars. Not as budget as Sire, but a lot cheaper than Gibsons.
The PRS McCarty 594 is a great LP alternative. Including the SE model. Named after the man who designed the LP in the first place and who also played a role with Paul in the design of his PRS namesake. I have a PRS SE 245 (discontinued now), which is like a "JR" of the McCarty 594 with its one-piece wraparound tailpiece. I've played the new SE McCarty's, and they're incredible. The core models are works of art, but IMO, they're overpriced for a production line guitar. To each their own, though.
I love how smooth that thing sounds. Great find. I would like to add that I gave up on les pauls until I found one on accident while looking for a beater guitar. Sometimes a certain guitar can just do a thang, and you connect with it. It can be any brand.
For years I’ve always loved The Les Paul . . An ultimate classic . . Now I’m actually a bass player and actually discovered a Gibson Les Paul Bass Guitar I have waiting for me at the local music shop ! Can’t wait to dabble with it once again 😁
I'm more of a punk rock and blues guy. I love my les paul. Strats are just too bright and chimy for me. If you love strats I get it. But lest pauls just do it for me.
Well....Les Pauls are my favorite guitars, and I love my Gibson. But, I am curious to play an L7v at some point just because. I still think I'm more likely to buy another Gibson first. I literally just don't agree with any of the complaints people generally attack them with. FWIW, I've still mostly played strat style guitars. And I do on a good 80s MIJ strat that's one of the best I've played. But, they're really just not going to be my #1.
The LP makes no sense the way it's used by most guitarists. When you go back to it's inventor and the way he played it, it makes perfect sense. It's a good guitar for what it's designed to do, not what we are doing with it.
I have had many les pauls--including R8s and R9s. They are great, but every time I've owned one, it has collected dust while I played my teles and strats. I moved all of them down the line.
They are heavy bro. Cool video. This baby first hit the scene in 1952, thanks to some guitar nerd named Les Paul. He’s a guy who took one look at the state of guitars and said, “Nah, we can do better.” And thus, the Les Paul was born, and it’s been making rock legends out of mere mortals ever since. Think Jimmy Page, Slash, Duane Allman, and Joe Perry - they all signed their names in the holy book of rock with this six-stringed wonder! Now let’s talk design. The Les Paul has got this single cutaway thing going on, so it looks like it’s ready to punch you in the face with one hand tied behind its back. It’s got a solid feel, like you're holding the very essence of rock 'n' roll in your hands. We’re talking a mahogany body with a carved maple top - because why settle for just one kind of wood when you can have two? Add in a mahogany neck and a rosewood fretboard, and you’ve got yourself a guitar that’s as smooth as a single malt scotch. The pickups? Two humbuckers. You know what that means? No hum, no buzz, just pure, unadulterated power. These things churn out a thick, warm tone, like hot chocolate on a winter’s day, but with a shot of whiskey to make sure you’re paying attention. It’s the sound of a Les Paul, folks - rich and full, with lows that rumble in your gut and mids that make your spine tingle. And don’t forget the fixed bridge. This isn’t some flimsy tremolo setup; this bridge stays put. It’s solid, it’s stable, and it’s got sustain for days. You hit a note on this thing, and it’ll sing until you tell it to shut up. The tone? Oh, man, the tone! It’s like biting into a piece of dark chocolate - rich, full, and a little bit naughty. Those humbuckers give it a thick, powerful sound, perfect for everything from hard rock to heavy metal, to jazz, to blues. This guitar doesn't just play music; it makes statements. It tells the world, “I’m here, I’m loud, and you’re gonna listen!” So, there you have it - the Les Paul. A guitar that’s not just an instrument, but a lifestyle choice. It’s got soul, it’s got character, and it’s got enough power to knock you on your ass. And that, my friends, is what rock 'n' roll is all about! stratvslespaul.com
Didn't read the description before watching the video and when you started going on about all of the different styles of Les Paul I immediately thought about commenting "This guy needs to try a Sire" and lo and behold look what happened next XD L7 with the humbuckers is my next pickup, been getting into Derek and the Dominos and Allman Brothers so I'm hitting the Strat and LP train hard.
My Godin Summit Convertible CT is the best of all worlds. Les Paul Goldtop style with Seymour Duncan P-Rail pups so I have the choice of P-90s, humbuckers or single coils. Add a silky smooth neck, great build quality, a price that was half a Gibson LP and North American built (Canada) for those it matters to and you can’t go wrong!
Hey Mike. I am a Gibson guy through and through and own 4 Gibson Les Paul’s. I would recommend the Inspired By Gibson Epiphones for a true Les Paul that competes with its bigger brother. I purchased a white custom and I am blown away by what you get for a fraction of the price of my others. GC has a black version with P90s if that’s what you are looking for. Give it a go and make a cool video!
Epiphones and Gibsons are identical. Peopke perceive a difference because one is more expensive and made in the US but there's nothing special about the. they're the exact same product.
My wife couldn’t stop laughing at how excited I was when this video came up on the TV 😂 I bought the gold top L7V from Sweetwater 2 weeks ago and have already put in 20-30 hours of rehearsal and performance time with it. This is my 2nd Sire (after the H7 2 years ago) and 1st with P90s and I could not be more impressed with the quality and value for the price. Very little pickup hum, really comfortable neck joint vs a Gibson, and the fretwork from Sire makes it feel high end like my core PRS models. I hope you try out some more Sires in the future!
I’ve got a MIM Nashville Deluxe Tele and a semi-hollow Epi. No other tonal options required, as far as I’m concerned. (Although a Dano would be a nice addition. They do have a unique sound.)
If you want a Gibson you will buy a Gibson! If you want a Les Paul Style guitar there are so many excellent guitars on the market in any price range - you surely find the right one for you! The Les Paul is MY guitar! This guitar inspire my playing the most. The look, the feel, the sound and all its little deficiences - I love it. Even the weight! Just bought a Les Paul Junior! I´m using the tone and volume on my guitars quite a lot, because it makes a massive difference. And if you never used them and keep them on 10 for the whole time - on a Junior you will learn to use it and dial in the different sounds. Could not imagine how many sounds you get from a 1 P90 guitar! Have fun with your guitars, play and be inspired - I for myself will never give up on Les Pauls! Greetings from Germany!
It's the muscle car of guitars. For every bit of it that is unwieldly and dated, it's equally part timeless and classic. I started out on Strats. Picked up my first LP 16 years ago and that's all I've ever wanted to play since.
It’s funny, Strats and Teles are the guitars I don’t connect with. Les Pauls for life. Also, i just turned 30, so I’m pretty sure I can’t be a boomer lol
I’ve been playing over 30 years, always a Strat/Super Strat guy. I just didnt get the LP thing at all. Four years ago I bought an Epiphone LP, then a 2nd one (the modern). I liked them, but I just didn’t bond with either. Nothing wrong with them, just no “wow”. Three years ago I got the Sire L7 (with the HBs) and immediately bonded. Suddenly I got the LP thing. Both Epiphones got sold. The L7 has not missed a gig in 3 years. Only mod is I put a push/pull coil split volume for the neck pickup, making it crazy versatile for the Classic Rock covers we do. I have since bought a real LP, and love it, but it doesnt see regular gig duty. I always have the L7 and a Strat-type at a gig. For $700 there is nothing better.
@@danherrick5785 I don’t own anything with a P90 so I have nothing to compare directly. I love humbuckers, especially rock/metal. I do not know if you can still get the original L7, but look around on some of the used gear sites.
Embrace the guitars that inspire you to play. Dig the different sounds but I always say there are certain guitars that feel the most comfortable in your hands for whatever reason. Those are the guitars you will play best and they will sound the best. Love your videos. The journey never ends. Enjoy the ride
The Les Paul Custom is my favourite "heavy" guitar - if you're into that kind of thing! The old cliché seems to be true that you really need to demo a Les Paul before you buy. When I thought I needed a Sunburst, it turned out I was really looking for the Custom. Gibsons aren't always perfect but that's rock'n'roll, isn't it?
All in all I agree with you. But unfortunately paying above 3k for a Instrument that is not all perfect is not rock'n'roll at all at least not for my wallet ;-)
Sire Les Paul is a bit out of my current price range. I'm a new player and still trying to figure out what sound I want. Thank you for sharing your insights and explorations in sound.
Mike, I'm wondering: You mentioned a few of your guitars (and even sold one)....do you still have your Jazzmaster? If so, are you still into it or has it gone to the back of the line as far as your collection goes? Cheers!
Gibson Les Paul, period. You have to search and play them, but once you find the right ones they will warm your heart. I am a lefty so the search can be a tedious. I currently have a 74' custum & a 91 Standard.
I’ve always loved Les Pauls My first electric was a copy I later modded, and I love it I later got a Gibson, and later an Epi LP Special I play the Epi more than any of my guitars, because it feels great, and sounds great. ( well the others do too, but there’s something about it)
It really doesn't matter what type of instrument you play. The never ending chase for the perfect guitar is a fools errand that takes away from actually mastering the guitar by practice. As a gear review channel I appreciate the products you demo. The overall feel is a perception that you are never fully happy with any guitar you acquire. I know that is an oversimplification but it may apply. Don't get me started on your video thumbnails either. Sorry Mike, this is just one man's opinion.
I love the Gibson Les Paul Junior and the Gibson Les Paul Futura . Now on Reverb there's an elephant in the room like anything you will ever play the Ibanez AR725 VLS. Yep ! The Ibanez AR725 VLS . Of course you won't get paid for the review of the guitar but you will get a unique serious professional guitar a one of a kind . Yes i know is not USA made and all bla bla bla but one day will be a very desirable collectors guitar because in reality plays better than anything out there and the quality is far better than a Gibson Les Paul Standard or PRS . The 80's Flying Fingers humbuckers are just sonically beautiful to listen .
Rocknroll Relic had the best single cut with an humbucker in the bridge and a P90 in the neck. Also, great made LP’s etc. Gibson started in with them. They can’t make them now yet Nik Huber still does. I guess they pick n choose who they’re going to sue.
The thing is as far as I know Rock n Roll Relics are made in the US aren't they ? Gibson can't do jackshit about Nik Huber cause we're in germany here and good luck trying to sue over some mumbo jumbo ;-)
I got an Ion, a Strat copy. It was given to me. I've spent countless hours sanding the frets, shimming the neck, cleaning electronics, moving volume pot, shapping a new nut. Im pretty sure those hours in overtime would have given me a much greater guitare but i'm playing jazz chords on this one with flat wound and i dig it! Is this interesting? Anyone?
I've definitely become a P90 fan over my GAS career. I was looking at these Sire singlecut P90 as well but trying to hold off on buying anything new (I already have a lot of these types of guitars)😂
I bought a sire, Larry Carlton and I compared it to the 335 by Gibson I’m telling you if you pulled the pick ups out and swapped them the sire was a better guitar hands-down they rolled their edges they really take care of their guitars man. their quality is really crazy, however I recently just bought a TV, yellow 55 Gibson Les Paul issue. Murphy Lab always wanted a less ball style guitar and this thing just sings and plays great the irony is I don’t really play. P90 what did you learn how to use the volume to tone with they were the most versatile pickups out there
I'd consider myself an LP player, and my 2 go-to's are my Mitchell LP & Michael Kelly Patriot. They were each around the $300 dollar price range, but man, they hit so far above their weight class. I've tried a bunch of Gibson's but it's not really my vibe; though the Epiphones, ESPs, etc. are killer too.
Got the Squier Stratosonic a couple months ago. P90’s and short scale length with a Strat body. Haven’t been able to dial a tone in yet, but it’s in there somewhere!
So. I’ve tried. Had several and 2 Custom Shops which were light weight. And with distortion they sound great. Otherwise. Couldn’t do it. These are all Gibson Les Pauls btw.
Nice looking guitar for the money, I'd like to try one. I have a couple of Gibson LP's.. Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst and Custom Silver-burst for me.. they aren't my go to for playing, just the weight, thickness, and lack of forearm contouring, but I love the look, always have had at least one in my collection and of course the American name on it.
I think it’s interesting in a way that you come in and out of the Les Paul. I have a real one and have had clones and the sound is unique. P90’s vs. Humbuckers is a whole other issue. Both have benefits and drawbacks, but I think you need to have one or both in your toolbox. I can get close with an explorer or a V but it’s missing something. But they are a lot lighter so I use them more. But I won’t give up the Les Paul.
“Joshua Tree” era U2 seems to be the blueprint for that type of music, apparently. And that was mostly Strat I believe. I suppose it has an ethereal, uplifting sound. Not a regular churchgoer so 🤷🏻
I'm addicted to Japanese Les Paul copies. Primarily, ones made between the late 70's and the early 90's. Tokai, Greco, Burny and Orville to name a few. Usually affordable, superior build quality and quite often, amazing sounding.
Excellent choice. I'm a Strat guy and my most favourite Strat is my 1995 Japanese Candy Apple Red maple neck Strat with Fender 59 pickups. MIJ > MIA
Tokai is the way to go too, both Strats and LP.
I recognize that guy with the blue double cut. My two cents, the best Les Paul is made by Vigier.
I recognized you too! I appreciate your videos :)
IYV LP $200
as pricey as the Gibsons, but much better QC, a tad lighter and comfy. But different look and feel, anyway, they are real instruments, built for musicians, not the market target of todays Gibson shareholders.
Tina S on UA-cam she shreds and plays those.. She could play any brand but chooses those.
“This is a guitar for the boomers who can’t let go of 1967” That’s literally every guitar you play.
actually not wrong tbh, the strat is only two years younger than the lespaul, the tele and the jazzmaster are also within 10 years of the lespaul
Boomer guitars were fine. We don’t need all this modern mumbo jumbo. I don’t want steel frets. I never want an evertune. Sure locking tuners help restring faster, but i don’t need them for any musical reason.
@@Ottophil That’s my point. Nothing has changed in the guitar world, outside of digital algorithms for pedals and IR plugins.
I like more modern pickups and I like when people come up with new body designs, even if they’re ugly as sin. It’s just fun to see people be creative.
I still love the Tele and Jazzmaster styles. Hard to beat.
I don't see why you *wouldnt* want stainless steel frets,
dont get me wrong, frets are a consumebale/wear item that will eventually need to be replaced, but who would say no to slower fret wear?@@Ottophil
@@Ottophilyou don’t want steel frets? Why? They don’t look very different and they’re objectively better in every way. It’s not a gimmick, it’s just a more durable fret.
Epiphone Les Paul Classic is where it is at for the neck alone, I mean I put Gibson pickups in it, but still my favorite guitar. I have the Korean made one.
I’ve always heard good things about Sire, it’s been great to see how much they’ve expanded since their inception.
As a Strat lifer, I also wrestled with LPs for a long time. Many I tried never really felt or sounded right until I found ones that suited my taste AS A STRAT PLAYER. Lower output pickups helped to mimic the response of single coils, as well as the pickups themselves. I have a Goldtop that I experimented with different pickups at length until I found ones that felt to me like the sound was matching my own dynamics - again speaking on the strat vibe, they were these very scoffed at Dimarzios that incorporate single coil windings as well as humbucking windings. I regularly get laughed at when I tell people what they are, but then they hear this Goldtop and are rendered speechless. LP Jr’s are almost a different beast entirely but realistically much closer to what the strat player wants in an LP generally speaking.
That was the mistake you were making. A Les Paul is never going to sound like a Stratocaster, and thank god it doesn't.
I never tried one for any length of time, but I probably would have been happier with a gold-top fitted with P90s
You got the gas so bad, my guy
What does this mean
@@NightPwnGaming gear acquisition syndrome
Loved this video. Walked by a plugged in Sire semi-hollowbody at my local GC and was very impressed. Fit, finish, and all, were top grade. LC’s name on it means a lot, because he’s the king of that model of guitar. And it’s so reasonably priced.
yes we need to hear the marcus miller story!
There aren't many alternatives because Gibson has taken everyone to court.
Mike, there is also the PRS McCarty, single cut. You won't have the P-90's, but it's a great alternative to the Les Paul. Leslie West of the group Mountain played an old Les Paul Jr. If you're not familiar with the song "Mississippi Queen", check it out. It was the heaviest song of it's time, imo, and the P-90 absolutely screams.
that thing you said in the intro almost happened to me with my gretsch streamliner. couldn't get it to sound as good as i wanted. until something just clicked. i was days away from selling it but quickly changed my mind.
the les paul though, it clicked with me immediately. similar to how the strat did. those are my babies. i love my strat more still, but my les paul i love a lot too. ol' reliable.
Sire guitars also are Squier Killers 😉
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is the best $400 guitar period.
@@blastofo- Squier Paranormal Offset Telecaster too 😊
My Affinity Tele is my 💕 it probably helps that it was the first one my wife bought me. Same with the Squier Jazz Bass, she bought me that as well so special place in my heart.
I had a Larry Carlton. I sold it because the neck didn't fit my hand. That said, it's a fine guitar. They are VERY well made and the prices haven't blown up yet. Great deal for pro and hobby player alike.
I used to look at the headstock first, and if the name wasn't right, I'd put it down. Thank God I grew up a long time ago. I have some great guitars that aren't considered "popular," but they'll run rings around any Gibson - or Epiphone, for that matter. I've had two Les Pauls that I couldn't "bond" with, and sold them. For the record, I'm a Yamaha man - guitars and amps.
Funny. I had Teles, Strats, LPs, SGs, etc... But i always back to LP. It's something "mojo" on the LP that other guitar doesn't have
I haven't played any of the Sire guitars, but I used to own a Sire V3 5 string bass, and currently own a Sire M7 5 string bass, and man they are fantastic sounding and playing instruments across the range. I'm even thinking of getting one of the Sire strats based off my experience with their basses, I've played a few and they feel fantastic each and everytime. If anyone is on the fence about them, my two cents is that they're absolutely worth the money.
I have a Revstar with P90’s and I’ll pick it up before my LP every time.
its so strange to me that people will dislike a guitar based on how much people enjoy it. never understood the term "Boomer Guitar" because to me, personally, they just feel good? they were designed for comfort and they nailed it. I get being excited about modern builds but i feel like you should care a lot more about what feels good and sounds good vs what other people think.
I bought a Sire S-7 about 6 months ago and love it. The build quality is great, the tone is fantastic and the playability is superb. I have played guitar for over 40 years and this was the first Strat style guitar I've ever purchased and was not disappointed. In years past I have tended to gravitate towards the Les Paul style guitar and have two Gibson Les Pauls which I love to play as well. I play on our Praise Team at Church and also play in a Praise and Worship band. Love your channel you are very real and honest and I appreciate that.
I absolutely LOVE my Larry Carleton L7 Gold Top! Great playing guitar.
To me, the SG is my perfect guitar. And yes, I know a lot of people don't like them because they're unbalanced meaning they're neck heavy and as soon as you let go of the neck it dives to the floor. I have a Gibson Les Paul Studio, and as much as I love the sound of it, it's the heavy weight of the body that has me playing my SG more than the L.P. Also I prefer double cutaway bodies, for my hands with short fingers it's easier to reach the upper frets.
I’m not a boomer and my humbucker LP Standard is my absolute favourite guitar. Nothing sounds better and nothing feels better. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Strat, my PSR, my Jackson style Larrivee, and others. But no way anything ever out does my 50s profile LP. I always gravitate back to it. Best connection of anything. Took me 35 years before I bought it , so I have played many different guitars since I was a teen in the 80s. Does this make the LP and a gen x guitar?
30 year player who sold my last Les Paul 7 years ago and never looked back. Yes to the Strat, Tele, 335, PRS CE24, and especially the Ibanez AZ series. The Les Paul is the most gorgeous guitar to look at, the proportions and shape just look amazing, the bursts look amazing, but not to play. P90's help, but Leo and then Paul really got it right.
Man I’ve been wanting to sell my LP for years, but I just can’t do it. I really want to trade it in for a 335. But I just can’t do it.
Just built a Solo LP P90 kit... and it has already become my #1.. this is after my G&L ASAT and my Music Man Cutlass.... Love this thing.
I think it would be neat if Rhett and you got together to compare gear and playing styles!!
Have a 2012 tobacco burst LP standard that plays great, sounds awesome but weighs 13 metric tons. It's become my old man wall art. I play a Cjhapman ML1-RS that is like putting on a old pair of slippers. Amazing guitar.
I rather stay authentic 😉 I wouldn't give away my Les Paul Standard.
I've had the same love/hate relationship with every strat I've ever bought, and subsequently sold. My Les Paul is my go to, and I'll never look back. I do think you're right though, only having humbuckers limits a bit, so the P-90 versions have been calling to me for a while. Want to get my hands on the new Fender Ventura II Mustang, that might be my next weakness.
Collings 290 is an amazing p90 guitar inspired by the les Paul special
Les Paul Standards will forever be the best looking guitar EVER. Will always be the gold standard in my opinion. Do love a Strat too though!!
I can't wait for him to discover guitars made for shredding. Once you go down that metal rabbit hole, it's hard to get out. Evertune bridge alone will blow his noodle.
But yeah, the Sire L7 is the best Les Paul variant IMHO. Especially for a strat guy and for satin neck lovers.
Taking care of a Les Paul is like taking care of a Harley. You got to fiddle with it, adjust it, and learn how it works to really get the best out of it.
Benton or Davidson? 😆
I'd say the same thing about any guitar with a Floyd Rose. I just changed the strings on such a guitar, I went down a string gauge ... lots of tweaking involved.
Only for it to sound the same as every other guitar
All this tone nonsense... Do some science
Wow, when he mentioned Jonny Lang as a LP player I was like, YES! Exactly!
Jonny needs to come back. He as one of my favorites.
I don't understand all the hate against certain brands. I love my Gibson Les Paul Studio '60s Tribute: it gnarls, it resonates, it stays in tune (yep). But I don't understand Strat's positions 2 and 4: it doesn't sense to me. Whether you like one type of guitar rather than another is above all a question of taste: which one sings to your ears, which one your hands love to play, which one catches your eye... Which one keeps the passion alive.
Thank you for the intelligent break down. I love P-90 sound and this is a great insight.
It sounds exactly the same as every other guitar do some science
Glenn did say musicians arnt exactly the most clever of people
I own a few Les Pauls and have owned several Strats. Let me just say that my PRSs are my favorites. The look and feel, the sound, the weight and playability. They have it all. One with a hardtail and one with a Floyd Rose. Everything else is expendable now...
Ok. But did you like the guitar?
I have a Fender Flame from 86’, sold to me as their version of a Les Paul. It was a very short run on these guitars, Robin Ford had one and it was brought back as the Robin Ford Signature series. It’s a heavy guitar but amazingly well made.
I play an Epiphone les Paul with a clean tone, no pedals through an orange amp. Other local guitarists are amazed at how I’m doing everything completely opposite of the stereotypes. But I just love the tone and feel for all the chords that I play.
ive always been a strat guy. My go to has always been my highway one hss strat, i played i learned everything I know about guitar from that strat. but during covid, I got my hands on a harley benton les paul, it showed up with a broken headstock. I asked them to give me store credit instead of returning it. I decided to fix it the headstock and more. I learned how to solder, changed the pickups to EMG's, changed all the electronics to american made CTSs. I figured, hey "go big or go home", so I changed all the hardware to gotoh, hipshot tuners, and schaller s strap locks. and man it was all coming together. But I decided to take it further. I changed the nut to a graphtech nut, then took out all my frets and switched them over to jumbo stainless steel frets. When it was all said and done, I probably spent about $800 on the guitar including the tools (fret clamps, soldering station, etc). Yeah, I couldve shopped around and find something with the same specs if I tried hard enough, but I can truly say that this is MY les paul, and Its been my go to ever since.
What's to "understand"? It's a guitar - if you don't like it it's your fault not the guitar.
Bingo
Mike please talk about the resonator on your wall, would love to know the story behind it!
You should check out a Gretsch Jet, especially with P90s
I've played a lot of those in stores and they're very nice.
I love my Eastman LP!
If you’re looking for an alternative to the originals Eastman makes great guitars. Not as budget as Sire, but a lot cheaper than Gibsons.
The PRS McCarty 594 is a great LP alternative. Including the SE model. Named after the man who designed the LP in the first place and who also played a role with Paul in the design of his PRS namesake. I have a PRS SE 245 (discontinued now), which is like a "JR" of the McCarty 594 with its one-piece wraparound tailpiece. I've played the new SE McCarty's, and they're incredible. The core models are works of art, but IMO, they're overpriced for a production line guitar. To each their own, though.
Funny to throw up Johny Lang fora reason to keep a Les Paul, given he's famously plays a Telecaster Deluxe
I love how smooth that thing sounds. Great find. I would like to add that I gave up on les pauls until I found one on accident while looking for a beater guitar. Sometimes a certain guitar can just do a thang, and you connect with it. It can be any brand.
Mike time for a Gretsch "59 White Falcon!! Try it you'll like it!! "Mikey even liked it!!"
I have a Les Paul Goldtop, but I am very interested in picking up all Sire L7! Thanks for the vid!
My LP is an SE594, but I seriously need an L7V.
For years I’ve always loved The Les Paul . . An ultimate classic . . Now I’m actually a bass player and actually discovered a Gibson Les Paul Bass Guitar I have waiting for me at the local music shop ! Can’t wait to dabble with it once again 😁
I'm more of a punk rock and blues guy. I love my les paul. Strats are just too bright and chimy for me. If you love strats I get it. But lest pauls just do it for me.
Les Pauls, although not necessarily “cool” at the moment, are always cool.
I love them. Lest Pauls and Teles are my absolute favorites.
Well....Les Pauls are my favorite guitars, and I love my Gibson. But, I am curious to play an L7v at some point just because. I still think I'm more likely to buy another Gibson first. I literally just don't agree with any of the complaints people generally attack them with. FWIW, I've still mostly played strat style guitars. And I do on a good 80s MIJ strat that's one of the best I've played. But, they're really just not going to be my #1.
The LP makes no sense the way it's used by most guitarists. When you go back to it's inventor and the way he played it, it makes perfect sense. It's a good guitar for what it's designed to do, not what we are doing with it.
I have had many les pauls--including R8s and R9s. They are great, but every time I've owned one, it has collected dust while I played my teles and strats. I moved all of them down the line.
They are heavy bro. Cool video.
This baby first hit the scene in 1952, thanks to some guitar nerd named Les Paul. He’s a guy who took one look at the state of guitars and said, “Nah, we can do better.” And thus, the Les Paul was born, and it’s been making rock legends out of mere mortals ever since. Think Jimmy Page, Slash, Duane Allman, and Joe Perry - they all signed their names in the holy book of rock with this six-stringed wonder!
Now let’s talk design. The Les Paul has got this single cutaway thing going on, so it looks like it’s ready to punch you in the face with one hand tied behind its back. It’s got a solid feel, like you're holding the very essence of rock 'n' roll in your hands. We’re talking a mahogany body with a carved maple top - because why settle for just one kind of wood when you can have two? Add in a mahogany neck and a rosewood fretboard, and you’ve got yourself a guitar that’s as smooth as a single malt scotch.
The pickups? Two humbuckers. You know what that means? No hum, no buzz, just pure, unadulterated power. These things churn out a thick, warm tone, like hot chocolate on a winter’s day, but with a shot of whiskey to make sure you’re paying attention. It’s the sound of a Les Paul, folks - rich and full, with lows that rumble in your gut and mids that make your spine tingle.
And don’t forget the fixed bridge. This isn’t some flimsy tremolo setup; this bridge stays put. It’s solid, it’s stable, and it’s got sustain for days. You hit a note on this thing, and it’ll sing until you tell it to shut up.
The tone? Oh, man, the tone! It’s like biting into a piece of dark chocolate - rich, full, and a little bit naughty. Those humbuckers give it a thick, powerful sound, perfect for everything from hard rock to heavy metal, to jazz, to blues. This guitar doesn't just play music; it makes statements. It tells the world, “I’m here, I’m loud, and you’re gonna listen!”
So, there you have it - the Les Paul. A guitar that’s not just an instrument, but a lifestyle choice. It’s got soul, it’s got character, and it’s got enough power to knock you on your ass. And that, my friends, is what rock 'n' roll is all about! stratvslespaul.com
Didn't read the description before watching the video and when you started going on about all of the different styles of Les Paul I immediately thought about commenting "This guy needs to try a Sire" and lo and behold look what happened next XD
L7 with the humbuckers is my next pickup, been getting into Derek and the Dominos and Allman Brothers so I'm hitting the Strat and LP train hard.
Everyone forgets Godin. They make great Fender and Gibson-esque guitars for some great prices (especially used)
My Godin Summit Convertible CT is the best of all worlds. Les Paul Goldtop style with Seymour Duncan P-Rail pups so I have the choice of P-90s, humbuckers or single coils. Add a silky smooth neck, great build quality, a price that was half a Gibson LP and North American built (Canada) for those it matters to and you can’t go wrong!
I love my LP Junior. That one pu forces you to think about tone, and makes you so much better.
Hey Mike. I am a Gibson guy through and through and own 4 Gibson Les Paul’s. I would recommend the Inspired By Gibson Epiphones for a true Les Paul that competes with its bigger brother. I purchased a white custom and I am blown away by what you get for a fraction of the price of my others. GC has a black version with P90s if that’s what you are looking for. Give it a go and make a cool video!
Epiphones and Gibsons are identical. Peopke perceive a difference because one is more expensive and made in the US but there's nothing special about the. they're the exact same product.
No they are not the same. I have both an can say they are both great but there is a significant difference.
@Soldano999 in terms of feel, they are different. Especially when it comes to nitro. As far as sound ya you won't be able to tell with gain.
Thank you for the laughs, funny stories; all Les Paul’s are fun to play for me.
My wife couldn’t stop laughing at how excited I was when this video came up on the TV 😂 I bought the gold top L7V from Sweetwater 2 weeks ago and have already put in 20-30 hours of rehearsal and performance time with it.
This is my 2nd Sire (after the H7 2 years ago) and 1st with P90s and I could not be more impressed with the quality and value for the price. Very little pickup hum, really comfortable neck joint vs a Gibson, and the fretwork from Sire makes it feel high end like my core PRS models.
I hope you try out some more Sires in the future!
I’ve got a MIM Nashville Deluxe Tele and a semi-hollow Epi. No other tonal options required, as far as I’m concerned. (Although a Dano would be a nice addition. They do have a unique sound.)
Great video. The last couple of years, I’ve totally embraced the tone of my 2 single-cuts w/P90s. A Heritage H-137 and LP Goldtop. They are exquisite
Thank you very much, have a fantastic day as well!
Had a les paul, both gibson and epiphone, i will stick to strat and tele. Personal preference
If you want a Gibson you will buy a Gibson! If you want a Les Paul Style guitar there are so many excellent guitars on the market in any price range - you surely find the right one for you!
The Les Paul is MY guitar! This guitar inspire my playing the most. The look, the feel, the sound and all its little deficiences - I love it. Even the weight!
Just bought a Les Paul Junior! I´m using the tone and volume on my guitars quite a lot, because it makes a massive difference. And if you never used them and keep them on 10 for the whole time - on a Junior you will learn to use it and dial in the different sounds. Could not imagine how many sounds you get from a 1 P90 guitar!
Have fun with your guitars, play and be inspired - I for myself will never give up on Les Pauls!
Greetings from Germany!
It's the muscle car of guitars. For every bit of it that is unwieldly and dated, it's equally part timeless and classic. I started out on Strats. Picked up my first LP 16 years ago and that's all I've ever wanted to play since.
It’s funny, Strats and Teles are the guitars I don’t connect with. Les Pauls for life. Also, i just turned 30, so I’m pretty sure I can’t be a boomer lol
I’ve been playing over 30 years, always a Strat/Super Strat guy. I just didnt get the LP thing at all. Four years ago I bought an Epiphone LP, then a 2nd one (the modern). I liked them, but I just didn’t bond with either. Nothing wrong with them, just no “wow”. Three years ago I got the Sire L7 (with the HBs) and immediately bonded. Suddenly I got the LP thing. Both Epiphones got sold. The L7 has not missed a gig in 3 years. Only mod is I put a push/pull coil split volume for the neck pickup, making it crazy versatile for the Classic Rock covers we do. I have since bought a real LP, and love it, but it doesnt see regular gig duty. I always have the L7 and a Strat-type at a gig. For $700 there is nothing better.
I don't know shit about electric, but when you said (HBs) you mean humbuckers?
@@danherrick5785 yes the version he bought has P90s. The original L7 has humbuckers.
@@robertaugustine5350 More questions! please! Which is best. Which sounds like the LP. And can you buy the humbucker version today?
@@danherrick5785 I don’t own anything with a P90 so I have nothing to compare directly. I love humbuckers, especially rock/metal. I do not know if you can still get the original L7, but look around on some of the used gear sites.
ESP makes the coolest Les Paul's and I definitely love Gibson's customs.
Embrace the guitars that inspire you to play. Dig the different sounds but I always say there are certain guitars that feel the most comfortable in your hands for whatever reason. Those are the guitars you will play best and they will sound the best. Love your videos. The journey never ends. Enjoy the ride
The Les Paul Custom is my favourite "heavy" guitar - if you're into that kind of thing! The old cliché seems to be true that you really need to demo a Les Paul before you buy. When I thought I needed a Sunburst, it turned out I was really looking for the Custom. Gibsons aren't always perfect but that's rock'n'roll, isn't it?
All in all I agree with you. But unfortunately paying above 3k for a Instrument that is not all perfect is not rock'n'roll at all at least not for my wallet ;-)
Sire Les Paul is a bit out of my current price range. I'm a new player and still trying to figure out what sound I want. Thank you for sharing your insights and explorations in sound.
Google Harley Benton guitars.
You’re welcome.
Have you tried the Revstar with the p90's? Different guitar I know but would be an interesting comparison.
Mike, I'm wondering: You mentioned a few of your guitars (and even sold one)....do you still have your Jazzmaster? If so, are you still into it or has it gone to the back of the line as far as your collection goes? Cheers!
Gibson Les Paul, period. You have to search and play them, but once you find the right ones they will warm your heart. I am a lefty so the search can be a tedious. I currently have a 74' custum & a 91 Standard.
I’ve always loved Les Pauls
My first electric was a copy I later modded, and I love it
I later got a Gibson, and later an Epi LP Special
I play the Epi more than any of my guitars, because it feels great, and sounds great.
( well the others do too, but there’s something about it)
It really doesn't matter what type of instrument you play. The never ending chase for the perfect guitar is a fools errand that takes away from actually mastering the guitar by practice. As a gear review channel I appreciate the products you demo. The overall feel is a perception that you are never fully happy with any guitar you acquire. I know that is an oversimplification but it may apply. Don't get me started on your video thumbnails either. Sorry Mike, this is just one man's opinion.
I love the Gibson Les Paul Junior and the Gibson Les Paul Futura . Now on Reverb there's an elephant in the room like anything you will ever play the Ibanez AR725 VLS. Yep ! The Ibanez AR725 VLS .
Of course you won't get paid for the review of the guitar but you will get a unique serious professional guitar a one of a kind .
Yes i know is not USA made and all bla bla bla but one day will be a very desirable collectors guitar because in reality plays better than anything out there and the quality is far better than a Gibson Les Paul Standard or PRS . The 80's Flying Fingers humbuckers are just sonically beautiful to listen .
I like Les Pauls, but I’m a guy who likes to play a lot of emo and pop punk from the 00s. Most of the bands back then used LPs and SGs.
Rocknroll Relic had the best single cut with an humbucker in the bridge and a P90 in the neck. Also, great made LP’s etc. Gibson started in with them. They can’t make them now yet Nik Huber still does. I guess they pick n choose who they’re going to sue.
The thing is as far as I know Rock n Roll Relics are made in the US aren't they ? Gibson can't do jackshit about Nik Huber cause we're in germany here and good luck trying to sue over some mumbo jumbo ;-)
When Peter Green got older (huge Les Paul player), he only liked one pick-up on his guitar too. Simplicity is sometimes better.
You should try the Maybach Lester 59. Only Les Paul I've played that feels and sounds the way I always imagined one should sound
I got an Ion, a Strat copy. It was given to me. I've spent countless hours sanding the frets, shimming the neck, cleaning electronics, moving volume pot, shapping a new nut. Im pretty sure those hours in overtime would have given me a much greater guitare but i'm playing jazz chords on this one with flat wound and i dig it!
Is this interesting? Anyone?
I've definitely become a P90 fan over my GAS career. I was looking at these Sire singlecut P90 as well but trying to hold off on buying anything new (I already have a lot of these types of guitars)😂
I also think the discontinued PRS SE 245 with p90s is a great option if you can find one.
I'm like, if I buy the Sire, will I be able to save enough for the Boden Essential by when it's actually in stock?
I bought a sire, Larry Carlton and I compared it to the 335 by Gibson I’m telling you if you pulled the pick ups out and swapped them the sire was a better guitar hands-down they rolled their edges they really take care of their guitars man. their quality is really crazy, however I recently just bought a TV, yellow 55 Gibson Les Paul issue. Murphy Lab always wanted a less ball style guitar and this thing just sings and plays great the irony is I don’t really play. P90 what did you learn how to use the volume to tone with they were the most versatile pickups out there
I'd consider myself an LP player, and my 2 go-to's are my Mitchell LP & Michael Kelly Patriot. They were each around the $300 dollar price range, but man, they hit so far above their weight class.
I've tried a bunch of Gibson's but it's not really my vibe; though the Epiphones, ESPs, etc. are killer too.
Got the Squier Stratosonic a couple months ago. P90’s and short scale length with a Strat body. Haven’t been able to dial a tone in yet, but it’s in there somewhere!
So. I’ve tried. Had several and 2 Custom Shops which were light weight. And with distortion they sound great. Otherwise. Couldn’t do it. These are all Gibson Les Pauls btw.
Nice looking guitar for the money, I'd like to try one. I have a couple of Gibson LP's.. Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst and Custom Silver-burst for me.. they aren't my go to for playing, just the weight, thickness, and lack of forearm contouring, but I love the look, always have had at least one in my collection and of course the American name on it.
Thanks Mike, love your attitude and thoughts.
I "gave up" on my Les Paul when it fell maybe a foot and a half, and the neck snapped clean off~ My heart was *_also_* broken on that day.
“Listen to King of Oklahoma” by Jason Isbell on Austin City Limits. You will understand what P90’s can bring to the table.
I think it’s interesting in a way that you come in and out of the Les Paul. I have a real one and have had clones and the sound is unique. P90’s vs. Humbuckers is a whole other issue. Both have benefits and drawbacks, but I think you need to have one or both in your toolbox. I can get close with an explorer or a V but it’s missing something. But they are a lot lighter so I use them more. But I won’t give up the Les Paul.
Great Video! I was wondering what type of desk you are using , or where did you purchase it?
Only Les Paul worth owning is an SG. Don't @ me
Or what?
uRgay
@@MarcKuban I donno... I didn't think that far ahead 😕
This is the way, thank you!
Could not agree more!
I too prefer the SG and I own both
As someone who doesn’t play worship guitar I find the implication P&W requires a certain tone fascinating. Does Jesus prefer strats??
“Joshua Tree” era U2 seems to be the blueprint for that type of music, apparently. And that was mostly Strat I believe. I suppose it has an ethereal, uplifting sound. Not a regular churchgoer so 🤷🏻
I sorta split the difference here; I have a tribute and put Bare Knuckle Nantucket HSP90s. The feel of the tribute is just a cut above for me.