Two things; you can wear an SG all day and not feel fatigued. Second, the neck joint on the SG requires that the neck pickup be shifted slightly toward the bridge. In my opinion this is the sweet spot and makes the SG sound better in rhythm setting. Love my SG the MOST!!
Wow... Great comparison (one amp, one player), great hosting (entertaining, yet to-the-point), great editing (one immediately after the other)... great video! Thanks!
Great camparo. You showed why they each exist. The SG couldn't replace the LP when 1st introduced because it was/is too different and vice a versa. They each have their place and I'm glad they both are still around. Thanks again.
Agree... I aways considered them skinny necked devil looking toy guitars until I played one with a proper '59 style chunky neck and P90s. Now it's right up there with my favs.
SG has always been my favorite. My first good guitar in high school was a gold top Les Paul but i never bonded with it. Got an old double cut Melody Maker shortly after and fell in love with it. Progressed to the SG and just love the way they feel and sound. I've owned a few. Always regret when I get rid of one, I will never get rid of my SG Standard.
Great work guys! Love how sincere, natural and great your presentation is! I've been a thomann customer since 2002 :) when I lived in Germany! Great stuff guys
Glad to see Chris mention not just that wood makes a difference, but that the SG has more woodiness in the tone. That is how I've always described it and one thing I love about SG's. It's just that little bit closer to a resonant acoustic instrument. But then I tend to favor woody sounding acoustic guitars over tinkly, stringy ones. Les pauls tend to have more of a rounded tone with less woody harmonics. It's kind of a warm fat polite sound, v.s. the biting aggressive SG sound. But to me LP lacks a little in character. I think most tend to focus on the quantitative aspects of more of this or that frequency, but I think part of the magic of SG's is the more qualitative and about the harmonics created by the thin mahogany body. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the LP is a barbie doll stepford wife and SG is a fun, raspy voiced party girl, but...
Sg: unparalleled access to the frets, can get the action lower cuz the truss rod all outside the body, snappier, neck can be used as a tremolo, cheaper. Closer to a V, Explorer, or Junior in tone, definitely more midrangey. Evil sounding mids to go with those devil horns. Les Paul: Fuller better acoustic tone, heavier, less comfortable but more balanced, prettier... sounds better with aluminum tailpiece than an SG. My vote goes to the SG.
@@wiseguy9202 well just because you dont hear it doesnt mean its not there. IME every little thing makes a difference. But for the record, Id rather play the damn thing than tinker, wish I wasnt OCD.
The SG's neck pickup is located a little further down than on the Les Paul. Sure, it's a slight difference - but a profound one. They will never sound the same in either the neck or middle switch positions.
Well we wouldn't want to claim perfection, @@FachryZulfikar There are lots of things we edited out because otherwise the video would have been a LOT longer. Maybe I will upload the unedited version one day or do a PART 2! //Andy
I think the position is the same as on my 2008 Epi SG, and between the 22nd fret and the neck PU there is enough space for the frets 23 and 24, so 24-fret SGs have the same position for the PUs.
I loved this video. I’m currently in the market for Gibson guitar. I’ve had an epihone Les Paul forever. However, I think it’s time to upgrade. This video told me pretty much everything I need to know. Which guitar do you think I’m going to get it?
Im totally a SG fanboy! That is for sure!!!! Have a Sg std from 2012, and it is an absolute monster Although , really appreciate de LP (specially in the hands of someone who can play them right!) cause not every player can grab a LP and make it sound the best! It’s all in the fingers ! It’s all in the soul!
I love both the SG and the Les Paul, but I gotta go with the SG. I played a les Paul for years and it was for sure a solid guitar, but I instantly fell in love with the SG the first time I played it. The sound, playability, and look of an SG is perfection to me. I definitely love the Les Paul’s very much though and would love to have a nice one someday
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Sorry but the pickgaurd does NOT fit properly! Easily fixed with a file but it's not good to come out of the factory with such a poor fit. Edit: You also used two different SG models!
Mine has the Angle wing pick guard on it also, I wanted the bigger one but it didn't come with it. come to think of it mine didn't even come with a doughnut. It's a 2017 LE SG standard Pelham blue and I don't think they came with any frill's at 1500.00
@@TheSectric he never said he was tony iommi he said he idolises him and therefore likes the sg because his idol uses it so dont act like youre better than anyone
Great video guys! I was always a LP fan but lately I started using a Tele and love it also because of its character. SG is also a guitar with character and indeed a very rock n roll guitar. LP doesn't have such distinct characteristics but that's what makes it perfect. I definitely prefer the cleans and heavy sound on a LP compared to SG. But for several rock sounds you need those SG mids.
I got myself an SG Standard from you guys last year, and you didn't even tell me it has a built in whammy, i tried it, and it worked. Totally cool video.
I own a SG, and love it, it was almost as if some guy secretly measured me up one day and built this particular one especially for me. But the LP sounded really good. Your right, a definite difference between the two. Thank you for the vid, well put together and very informative..... Might have to think about window shopping for a LP as well now.
I owned a very fine Les Paul, full fledged ebony/gold fixtures about seven years ago, but after a year sold it because it just didn't seem like the right fit or sound. I'm a solo acoustic/electric (Gibson SJ200/Epiphone EJ200) gigging musician who plays those acoustic guitars as if they are solid body instruments. I don't shred, no heavy metal, but some jumping classic rock and roll, and I have been flirting with getting another fuller sounding solid bodied guitar for the faster R&R and even grungier things i do. Just got the Boss ME80 pedal system which has opened doors. Right now all arrows point toward the SG Standard 61. Your vid helps to confirm that move, and for that, kind sirs, I thank you. You play faster than my ears can hear. Incredible!
I have an Epiphone LP standard and an EPI SG with Coil Split pickups and I luv em both. But I have to admit that sometimes I do hit the wrong note when switching from one to another because of the neck length, takes a minute to get used to the longer and shorter neck... as good as they are I would never recommend either as a starter guitar. The LP because of the weight & the SG because of the length
I have a Les Paul and SG and I love both. They offer some difference in sound and both are great! But I like the feel of an SG neck over a LP. Easier access to the higher frets, and just the overall positioning of the neck when standing and playing feels better to me.
this video was super helpful!! i'm looking into buying an electric guitar (my first one) and i needed a way to compare the sounds of different types so i wasn't so lost. thank god for this
Excellent vid. One thing though, the SG's neck is EXACTLY the same length as that on a Les Paul Standard. It's the position of the neck at the very end of the body that puts it slightly out to the left when playing. Of course, this also gives the SG player unlimited access to the upper frets which the LP does not. It might also be well to mention that the construction of the SG puts its neck pickup a bit closer to the bridge than the LP’s neck pickup. As you know, a pickup’s position relative to the bridge greatly changes its tone. This greatly changes the tone of the guitar when both pickups are selected as well. Also, a few things: One,- Solo demonstrating guitars does not inform us how it will sound in a band mix. Small nuances that seem to pop right out when it is heard solo often disappear and become irrelevant in a mix. Two - Every player has a different touch and feel. This will intimately and significantly inform the way the guitar sounds. An accurate demonstration of two or more guitars would have only one player playing the as you did at the end of the vid. Three - No two guitars sound exactly alike, even if they are of the same type with identical wood, hardware, pickups, etc. That these particular guitars sounded as they did in this demo does not mean that others of the same type will sound alike. Some LPs sound brighter and some SGs sound darker. This information ought to be a part of the demonstration. Four - The particular amp used in this demo and how it has been set might be favourrig one or the other guitar. Simply serially plugging more than one guitar into an amp without tweaking the amp to get the best sound for that particular guitar will not result in a true comparison of them. For example, perhaps the pickups on one of the guitars are slightly stronger or brighter than another. Adjustments to the amp would set things right. If you agree with the foregoing, I look forward to future demos that consider it.
What about the tuning stability? Rabea from Adnertons & Chapman mentioned that SG’s fall out of tune really easily. Is that true for all SG models or just the epiphone version? My LP had the classic G string issue but a tiny file to the nut cleared it up.
Presently,( within the past year sold a Fender Strat, a Gibson SG faded and a Epiphone SG 400) I have two teles(one with a mahogany body I made) two fender strats, eight les pauls(one Gibson, one Edwards, two Epiphones, two Harley Bentons, two Vintages) and a mid 90's Epiphone SG with the alnico pups. I love everyone of them for each thing that each does best.
Awesome comparison and the audio came through perfectly! Of course, the playing is world class. Kudos. I own both, but the turnoff for me initially was the Les Paul weight and girth, so I originally bought an SG 1961 Re-issue in 2008. So much fun to play. When Gibson did the ES-Les Paul Memphis in 2016 (got it in Pelham blue), I just had to have it because it addressed my weight concerns by being a semi-hollow with f holes, but it's admittedly its own tone animal. Recently, I came across a 1987 Les Paul Lite Custom in a limited run Ferrari red (not a fan of the cherry or tea burst), and I also couldn't resist. Awesome guitars, all 3 of them. I also have some Fenders. In terms of tone, I'd put my guitars in this order: Gibson ES-Les Paul, LP Light Custom, Gibson SG, Fender American Strat and then the Tele single-coil. That tone continuum takes you from bluesy clean tone to the twang and bite that's perfect for country. Of course, you get everything in between. If you can, get them all. Music is everything.
I have both a Gibson sg & a Greco lespaul.......I was always a lespaul guy until my back started giving me jib so I started to play the sg more and now love it, it’s my first preference guitar now.
I have LP and SG but I also have a Wildcat. Every time I play I play on each for a bit. I've had lots of different guitars and my favorites have been the ES and Wildcat but when I want to crank it I have to go with either the SG or the LP. All are fun to play.
The ultimate secret I've only recently confirmed is that if you play either of these - an SG is one of my main guitars - try it through a Fender (or similarly voiced, 6L6/6V6) amp. Throughout early guitar life we were brought up to go straight for the Marshall, but it doesn't have nearly the clarity needed to articulate humbuckers.
The most important reason of the different sound is the different location of the pickups. On the SG bridge pup closer to the bridge. On the LP neck pup closer to the neck.
No way. It's the body and the thin necks. I have SG and LP with the bridge pickup in the same spot. It's the mass and shape of the wood and how that adds to the overall vibration of the string. Waves are additive. Just like how it sounds different if you use a one piece bridge (better actually, imo) it changes how the whole thing vibrates with itself.
I'm a Les Paul guy. My goldtop has always been the recording, playing, rehearsing and just all around the most versatile sounding guitar in my arsenal.
I have both, but the SG makes me feel like the whole scale lenght is shifted to the left by 6 inches. Makes you fully extend your left arm to hit the lower frets. Superior upper fret access but it always feels funny to me
None. Jr. double cut all the way. With just one set of magnets pulling the strings, the body resonates that much more. Excellent video by the way. Short riffs A/B'd as identical as possible. You should do more. Maybe a range of similar pedals or something.
I'd bet a cookie it's the lack of neck pickup cut that changes the sound - if anything. Try taping a bar magnet there one day and report back. I personally prefer specials. I love the neck pickup and I dont' notice this so called tone drain relative to JRs.
Great demonstration! Personally I prefer the SG, the LP is REALLY bass heavy and I imagine it would be difficult to make it fit in a mix without going crazy with EQ:ing.
Surprised by the difference in sound! I wasn't convinced before this. I'd still go SG for pure playing ergonomics. I tried the two side by side in the store and couldn't get comfortable with the LP.
Hearing them back-to-back, I have to say I like the SG's tone better. Not the the LP is bad, I just prefer the SG. It sounds a little more PRS-y if that makes sense. Now I have to go buy an SG. :)
This vid is spot on! I own both. Everything mentioned is exactly my findings. I prefer my cheaper SG than my fancy Les Paul. Im a very tall person and the neck just feels right. Im also a hard rock fan. My Les Paul is great and I keep it around for delicate passages, or when I just want that gorgeous tones. LP definitely has more top and bottom to its tone. My SG however, has a more bold and 'dirty' type tone. The SG does sit really well in a mix, but the LP shines when playing more alone. IN the end, both are great, but my SG wins for my tastes and it makes my LP feel like a brick around the neck.
Although the guitars I love the most presently are the PRS, they are superb ( and the eternal Fender Stratocaster ), and I almost don't play my Les Paul ( by Epiphone ) anymore, I thank you very much for the very good demonstration and careful analysis. I never had an SG, but I think Mike Oldfield is the great guitar genius who can speak the most about SG's in comparison to LP's. Before moving to PRS as his main solid body-two humbuckers guitars about 1990, Mike played on his old SG Junior for many, many years, and I imagine he almost never professionaly used a LP for a long time. Best regards to you all !
I own both and each has their strengths in sound and playability. In general, when sitting down, I prefer the SG's comfort and tend to use the LP when standing because of the body to neck balance.
Was he saying the SG has 'less bite and is more mid-range'? Sometimes he's hard to understand. I kind of had the opposite experience, and thought the SG was more biting.
Good demo! I have the custom shop SG you had out at the beginning of the video and love it. Would also like a CS Les Paul but between the two, i'll take the SG.
I like the SG more because it feels more comfortable when I’m sitting and playing with it in my lap. The LP feels more heavy in the behind, and it hasn’t the balance like the SG.
My first guitar was an SG. I absolutely love my SG. I have tried a few LPs, but haven't been able to find one that calls to me yet. It's how I picked my Strat & Tele. (Fender & G&L respectively). My local GC is actually getting in a couple PRS Singlecut, so I hope to find one I love soon. Actually looking forward to trying the Tremonti; I've heard great things, but haven't put my hands on one yet. Here's hoping! ✌🏼
There is only one way to settle such a complex problem with so many variables. Get a well known SG player, say Angus Young, and a Well known LP player, say Zakk Wylde, and have them fight 12 rounds in the death cage. And then to see if Gibson is better than Fender,....
Great video ! Great sound , but no sound difference at all for me - for me it‘s just that they look different and feel very different when I play‘em! Just my 2 cent . Cheers, Steve
I have a 2018 SG Standard that is my go-to guitar, and I recently picked up a Les Paul Junior, so between the two I can get whatever sound I am looking for.
Love both guitars for what they do, as I love my fender Stratocaster for what it does. Best of worlds I would have all 3 for different sounds on different songs. Thanks guys!
@Thomann Music - I'm 65 and I weigh 107 pounds. Back in 69 I hefted a Les Paul - once. Why would I play a guitar that weighs as much as I do? I play an Epi SG (two-hunnert bucks) - I wired the tone and volume into just two knobs because four knobs confuses me. I saw Clapton in 67 playing the Fool (not Eric the Fool, fool, the psychedelic guitar) and yes, go listen to Crossroads - that is an SG and I know the Beano album represents ultimate sustain, man. SG for ol' fools like me. I played this contest a half-century ago so thanks, boys.
I’m a Jazzmaster player myself. Of these two I like the neck pickup on the LP and the bridge on the SG. I’ve thought often of picking up an SG- but I’m still finding that Jazzmaster comfort and those crazy pickups hard to beat.
I really liked the sound of the SG comparatively. Both very good but would, based on this demonstration, favor the SG. Interestingly I'm awaiting an Epiphone Prophecy SG with Fishman Fluence pickups running the show. I know it'll not be of any comparative value other than the body and neck but should be a treat. (You guys made me wish I had my '61 Reissue SG back). Astounding guitar playing! Yeh
I am an SG fan. Goooood I love the playability of SG! But finding a good SG can be a difficult journey. I bought and sold many SGs until I found a good one. Finding a decent LP is much easier. But if you can find an SG of your dreams, that's a great victory moment!
I've always been a Les Paul guy. At least, I thought I was. However, last year I was invited to join a Black Sabbath tribute band and I bought my first SG (after having 5 Gibson Les Pauls at the same time) to do it the right way. I spent last year playing my SG way more than my Les Pauls. Today, I think I can't live without any of them. An important thing, I think you forgot to mention, is the neck access on the SGs. It's wonderfull. This is the main reason I think I can't live without my SG anymore. It's never been so easy for me to play solos high up the neck as it is with my SG. I always used my Les Pauls on my main band (on wich we play our own music) but, today I'm using my SG instead. The only thing that bothers me on the SG is the neck dive thing. I always have to be carefull not to brake it and it's a pain in the ass. Anyway, I wonder if I put EMGs on them both they would sound the same? lol Cheers from Brazil!!
I have a 2013 Les Paul Standard Traditional Pro that is great. Also 1969 SG Standard, and a 1969 SG Special with the P90s and out of all of those my favorite to play in is the SG Special because of the tone it has. However I like all 3 of those guitars but always gravitate to the SG Special LOL
Years of LP, always wanted more 'presence'. Bought a US standard strat. Put 10's on it and 4 Raw Vintage trem springs. Lowered the pickups, rolled off vol to 9. Job done. (saved several thousand dollar-pounds)
Gibson Les Pauls are perfect in my opinion. I really dig the tone and chunkiness of it. Personally, I prefer heavy-weighted guitars more than lighter ones.
One more video idea....is it possible that at some point there can be a test comparing the sound of V30s and the Bugera Turbosound speakers in a 2X12 and 4X12 shootout? The prices are very different but it would be nice to see if the Bugera cab are a good value for money
I Play Fender Stratocaster :-)...in 22 Years i had a lot of Les Paul's and SG's..awesome Guitars, but I always prefer the SG, i'ts like a Strat meets a Les Paul with his own Charakter. SG always No1 for me. As a Strat Player.
I have both and love both. For different reasons. The Les Paul feels like it loves me when I play, the SG fights me a little that just makes me love it more
Always thought I wanted a Les Paul --until I got an SG.
Same here! I actually picked up a second SG with P90s, just because.
Sweet! You got me thinking now. Not a bad idea at all.
And same here
Always thought I wanted a Les Paul until I got a Stratocaster.
A few tweaks at the amp's eq and they sound the same. But SG is lighter, better balanced... Just feels more comfortable. So, yeah, SG all the way.
Two things; you can wear an SG all day and not feel fatigued. Second, the neck joint on the SG requires that the neck pickup be shifted slightly toward the bridge. In my opinion this is the sweet spot and makes the SG sound better in rhythm setting. Love my SG the MOST!!
Interesting. How much work does it take to shift a pickup? Just getting into guitar, trying to figure this all out...
@@andyscott5277 Quite a bit. You would have to re-route the guitar body to make the change.
Wow... Great comparison (one amp, one player), great hosting (entertaining, yet to-the-point), great editing (one immediately after the other)... great video! Thanks!
This has to be the millionth video I’ve watched comparing guitars in general & I cant get enough of it! Damn I love guitars.
So do we!
//Andy
SG all the way !!!
I gotta get both, gonna get an sg with p90s though, should give them a look! Great snappy sound
I love the SG, I'm not that big of a fan of the LP, but I love to listen to it.
LP for me personally
@@nicknoce3715 Yea they sound amazing. But they are a bit noisy even more than a Strat. But i want one too.
With that red cable, it looks like you’re giving that SG a blood transfusion.
I see it as the opposite way, just the SG bleeding through a cranked Marshall.
as a medical provider...I agree
SG has more agressive rockandroll design, i like that!
8:09 he was about to play Call of the Ktulu but didnt wanna get sued...
Nice ear dude!
Great camparo. You showed why they each exist. The SG couldn't replace the LP when 1st introduced because it was/is too different and vice a versa. They each have their place and I'm glad they both are still around. Thanks again.
You are welcome! We had a great time and we will be back very soon.
//Andy
Agree... I aways considered them skinny necked devil looking toy guitars until I played one with a proper '59 style chunky neck and P90s. Now it's right up there with my favs.
SG has always been my favorite. My first good guitar in high school was a gold top Les Paul but i never bonded with it. Got an old double cut Melody Maker shortly after and fell in love with it. Progressed to the SG and just love the way they feel and sound. I've owned a few. Always regret when I get rid of one, I will never get rid of my SG Standard.
Got a brand new SG in 1991. Still playing it.
Who cares...buy both!
Always the correct answer!
//Andy
I agree, thats why I'm looking for an LP faded, to compliment my SG faded.
Yep when I came into money a bit back I bought both at same time. Neither one is better or worse to me.
Then sell both, buy a Telly and from the rest of the money take her on a vacation :P
That's what I did.. You can't have just one.
I enjoy the sound of the Les Paul a little more. The playing was really good and made it easy to hear the difference. Thanks for the demo!
Kris rules. I showed him a few things that we cut out. Maybe I get to play next time.....
//Andy
Great work guys! Love how sincere, natural and great your presentation is! I've been a thomann customer since 2002 :) when I lived in Germany! Great stuff guys
Glad to see Chris mention not just that wood makes a difference, but that the SG has more woodiness in the tone. That is how I've always described it and one thing I love about SG's. It's just that little bit closer to a resonant acoustic instrument. But then I tend to favor woody sounding acoustic guitars over tinkly, stringy ones. Les pauls tend to have more of a rounded tone with less woody harmonics. It's kind of a warm fat polite sound, v.s. the biting aggressive SG sound. But to me LP lacks a little in character. I think most tend to focus on the quantitative aspects of more of this or that frequency, but I think part of the magic of SG's is the more qualitative and about the harmonics created by the thin mahogany body. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the LP is a barbie doll stepford wife and SG is a fun, raspy voiced party girl, but...
Hahahah great analogy
I was a LP guy til I first played a SG... but on the other hand I love both models. Thanks for the video!
You’re welcome! A lot of people have said this. I love LPs but something about an SG....
//Andy
Sg: unparalleled access to the frets, can get the action lower cuz the truss rod all outside the body, snappier, neck can be used as a tremolo, cheaper. Closer to a V, Explorer, or Junior in tone, definitely more midrangey. Evil sounding mids to go with those devil horns.
Les Paul: Fuller better acoustic tone, heavier, less comfortable but more balanced, prettier... sounds better with aluminum tailpiece than an SG.
My vote goes to the SG.
i went back and forth with my tail pieces and don't hear a difference at all.
@@wiseguy9202 well just because you dont hear it doesnt mean its not there. IME every little thing makes a difference. But for the record, Id rather play the damn thing than tinker, wish I wasnt OCD.
I prefer the SG. Lighter weight and easier access to the upper frets. I bought one just for the sake of having one now I'm on verge of buying my 5th.
That 61' version with the sideways bar, or that way too sexy blue special with the p90s. Choices, choices!
The 61 with the sideways trem is my goal for 2019
The SG's neck pickup is located a little further down than on the Les Paul. Sure, it's a slight difference - but a profound one. They will never sound the same in either the neck or middle switch positions.
Eric Kleefeld I was thinking the exact thing
even the bridge pickup position on SG is a bit closer to the bridge. don't know why they are not including this in the video.
Well we wouldn't want to claim perfection, @@FachryZulfikar There are lots of things we edited out because otherwise the video would have been a LOT longer. Maybe I will upload the unedited version one day or do a PART 2!
//Andy
I think the position is the same as on my 2008 Epi SG, and between the 22nd fret and the neck PU there is enough space for the frets 23 and 24, so 24-fret SGs have the same position for the PUs.
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Yesssssssss please!
I loved this video. I’m currently in the market for Gibson guitar. I’ve had an epihone Les Paul forever. However, I think it’s time to upgrade. This video told me pretty much everything I need to know. Which guitar do you think I’m going to get it?
So, how do you like the SG? Have you noticed that the more beat up it is, the better it gets, or are you still trying to avoid knockin the new of her?
Im totally a SG fanboy! That is for sure!!!! Have a Sg std from 2012, and it is an absolute monster
Although , really appreciate de LP (specially in the hands of someone who can play them right!) cause not every player can grab a LP and make it sound the best! It’s all in the fingers ! It’s all in the soul!
I love both the SG and the Les Paul, but I gotta go with the SG. I played a les Paul for years and it was for sure a solid guitar, but I instantly fell in love with the SG the first time I played it. The sound, playability, and look of an SG is perfection to me. I definitely love the Les Paul’s very much though and would love to have a nice one someday
boy, how that pickguard doesn´t really fit on the sg`s contours drives me somehow mad
No WAY!!! That SG is close to perfection :)
//Andy
I think this one might be a fairly close attempt in the scheme of things... Though the point where it meets the neck pickup ring is pretty cruddy.
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Sorry but the pickgaurd does NOT fit properly! Easily fixed with a file but it's not good to come out of the factory with such a poor fit.
Edit: You also used two different SG models!
The Futura's pickguard miss vs the contour is the one that really bugs me:
goo.gl/images/vJhnKP
File time!
Mine has the Angle wing pick guard on it also, I wanted the bigger one but it didn't come with it. come to think of it mine didn't even come with a doughnut. It's a 2017 LE SG standard Pelham blue and I don't think they came with any frill's at 1500.00
I just sold my LP and picked up an SG. So light and great ergonomics. Sounds killer too!
Same I never could get comfortable with how the lp sat in sitting position, while sg is perfect, also standing my les was too heavy after a while.
SG all the way because of Tony Iommi.
Les Paul because of Randy Rhoads
Caleb Grill And Angus Young
Why not fanboy and buy what guitar fits you, you arent Tony Iommi, sorry.
@@TheSectric he never said he was tony iommi he said he idolises him and therefore likes the sg because his idol uses it so dont act like youre better than anyone
Same dude im using a japan brand sg matte black im planning to put a cross around the fretboard
Great video guys! I was always a LP fan but lately I started using a Tele and love it also because of its character. SG is also a guitar with character and indeed a very rock n roll guitar. LP doesn't have such distinct characteristics but that's what makes it perfect. I definitely prefer the cleans and heavy sound on a LP compared to SG. But for several rock sounds you need those SG mids.
I have both and I like the SG sound more. It cuts through better than a LP when jamming in a band with your buddies.
I got myself an SG Standard from you guys last year, and you didn't even tell me it has a built in whammy, i tried it, and it worked. Totally cool video.
I own a SG, and love it, it was almost as if some guy secretly measured me up one day and built this particular one especially for me. But the LP sounded really good. Your right, a definite difference between the two. Thank you for the vid, well put together and very informative..... Might have to think about window shopping for a LP as well now.
I owned a very fine Les Paul, full fledged ebony/gold fixtures about seven years ago, but after a year sold it because it just didn't seem like the right fit or sound. I'm a solo acoustic/electric (Gibson SJ200/Epiphone EJ200) gigging musician who plays those acoustic guitars as if they are solid body instruments. I don't shred, no heavy metal, but some jumping classic rock and roll, and I have been flirting with getting another fuller sounding solid bodied guitar for the faster R&R and even grungier things i do. Just got the Boss ME80 pedal system which has opened doors. Right now all arrows point toward the SG Standard 61. Your vid helps to confirm that move, and for that, kind sirs, I thank you. You play faster than my ears can hear. Incredible!
Just when I’d convinced myself that my LP was enough and I didn’t need an SG you go and make a video like this !
I Dig em Both! Great video, and I play both depending on the sounds I need.
I have an Epiphone LP standard and an EPI SG with Coil Split pickups and I luv em both. But I have to admit that sometimes I do hit the wrong note when switching from one to another because of the neck length, takes a minute to get used to the longer and shorter neck... as good as they are I would never recommend either as a starter guitar. The LP because of the weight & the SG because of the length
I have a Les Paul and SG and I love both. They offer some difference in sound and both are great! But I like the feel of an SG neck over a LP. Easier access to the higher frets, and just the overall positioning of the neck when standing and playing feels better to me.
Having both, SG all day... For blues to rock.. Soooo light and that sweet tone.
this video was super helpful!! i'm looking into buying an electric guitar (my first one) and i needed a way to compare the sounds of different types so i wasn't so lost. thank god for this
Given the choice, I'll take the ES335 any time. I would consider an SG as a backup, but only with splitable PUs.
Excellent vid. One thing though, the SG's neck is EXACTLY the same length as that on a Les Paul Standard. It's the position of the neck at the very end of the body that puts it slightly out to the left when playing. Of course, this also gives the SG player unlimited access to the upper frets which the LP does not. It might also be well to mention that the construction of the SG puts its neck pickup a bit closer to the bridge than the LP’s neck pickup. As you know, a pickup’s position relative to the bridge greatly changes its tone. This greatly changes the tone of the guitar when both pickups are selected as well.
Also, a few things:
One,- Solo demonstrating guitars does not inform us how it will sound in a band mix. Small nuances that seem to pop right out when it is heard solo often disappear and become irrelevant in a mix.
Two - Every player has a different touch and feel. This will intimately and significantly inform the way the guitar sounds. An accurate demonstration of two or more guitars would have only one player playing the as you did at the end of the vid.
Three - No two guitars sound exactly alike, even if they are of the same type with identical wood, hardware, pickups, etc. That these particular guitars sounded as they did in this demo does not mean that others of the same type will sound alike. Some LPs sound brighter and some SGs sound darker. This information ought to be a part of the demonstration.
Four - The particular amp used in this demo and how it has been set might be favourrig one or the other guitar. Simply serially plugging more than one guitar into an amp without tweaking the amp to get the best sound for that particular guitar will not result in a true comparison of them. For example, perhaps the pickups on one of the guitars are slightly stronger or brighter than another. Adjustments to the amp would set things right.
If you agree with the foregoing, I look forward to future demos that consider it.
What about the tuning stability? Rabea from Adnertons & Chapman mentioned that SG’s fall out of tune really easily. Is that true for all SG models or just the epiphone version? My LP had the classic G string issue but a tiny file to the nut cleared it up.
They both are great for different reasons , and those reasons are why I bought both lol.
I own a Gibson Les Paul, and I'm looking for an SG, this is the best comparison I have seen in months. They're both great.
Presently,( within the past year sold a Fender Strat, a Gibson SG faded and a Epiphone SG 400) I have two teles(one with a mahogany body I made) two fender strats, eight les pauls(one Gibson, one Edwards, two Epiphones, two Harley Bentons, two Vintages) and a mid 90's Epiphone SG with the alnico pups. I love everyone of them for each thing that each does best.
Why are the toggle switches missing on both? Do they take them off to stop theives?
Awesome comparison and the audio came through perfectly! Of course, the playing is world class. Kudos. I own both, but the turnoff for me initially was the Les Paul weight and girth, so I originally bought an SG 1961 Re-issue in 2008. So much fun to play. When Gibson did the ES-Les Paul Memphis in 2016 (got it in Pelham blue), I just had to have it because it addressed my weight concerns by being a semi-hollow with f holes, but it's admittedly its own tone animal. Recently, I came across a 1987 Les Paul Lite Custom in a limited run Ferrari red (not a fan of the cherry or tea burst), and I also couldn't resist. Awesome guitars, all 3 of them. I also have some Fenders.
In terms of tone, I'd put my guitars in this order: Gibson ES-Les Paul, LP Light Custom, Gibson SG, Fender American Strat and then the Tele single-coil. That tone continuum takes you from bluesy clean tone to the twang and bite that's perfect for country. Of course, you get everything in between. If you can, get them all. Music is everything.
I definitely need both! Both are cool in there own way. I have a Les Paul but a nice SG additional to my collection... Oh man! You triggered my G.A.S!
Whoop Whoop! Ours too. We both loved that SG. So much so that I went home and gave mine a whole new setup and new pickups.
//Andy
Do you send guitars (bass guitars) to Ukarina? Are there problems with sending a polisander (rosewood) neck?
I have both a Gibson sg & a Greco lespaul.......I was always a lespaul guy until my back started giving me jib so I started to play the sg more and now love it, it’s my first preference guitar now.
I have LP and SG but I also have a Wildcat. Every time I play I play on each for a bit. I've had lots of different guitars and my favorites have been the ES and Wildcat but when I want to crank it I have to go with either the SG or the LP. All are fun to play.
The ultimate secret I've only recently confirmed is that if you play either of these - an SG is one of my main guitars - try it through a Fender (or similarly voiced, 6L6/6V6) amp. Throughout early guitar life we were brought up to go straight for the Marshall, but it doesn't have nearly the clarity needed to articulate humbuckers.
The most important reason of the different sound is the different location of the pickups. On the SG bridge pup closer to the bridge. On the LP neck pup closer to the neck.
That definitely is huge, but I'm not sure it's the biggest thing. I actually had never noticed that before this video
No way. It's the body and the thin necks. I have SG and LP with the bridge pickup in the same spot. It's the mass and shape of the wood and how that adds to the overall vibration of the string. Waves are additive. Just like how it sounds different if you use a one piece bridge (better actually, imo) it changes how the whole thing vibrates with itself.
I'm a Les Paul guy. My goldtop has always been the recording, playing, rehearsing and just all around the most versatile sounding guitar in my arsenal.
I have both, but the SG makes me feel like the whole scale lenght is shifted to the left by 6 inches. Makes you fully extend your left arm to hit the lower frets. Superior upper fret access but it always feels funny to me
None. Jr. double cut all the way. With just one set of magnets pulling the strings, the body resonates that much more.
Excellent video by the way. Short riffs A/B'd as identical as possible. You should do more. Maybe a range of similar pedals or something.
I'd bet a cookie it's the lack of neck pickup cut that changes the sound - if anything. Try taping a bar magnet there one day and report back. I personally prefer specials. I love the neck pickup and I dont' notice this so called tone drain relative to JRs.
Great demonstration! Personally I prefer the SG, the LP is REALLY bass heavy and I imagine it would be difficult to make it fit in a mix without going crazy with EQ:ing.
yeah, Im in the SG camp. Altho, you can eq out the bass on a Les Paul, but you cant eq IN the creamy top end on an SG.
Surprised by the difference in sound! I wasn't convinced before this. I'd still go SG for pure playing ergonomics. I tried the two side by side in the store and couldn't get comfortable with the LP.
I love SGs, but I love Les Pauls more! The SG can't compete with the Les Paul's depth of tone.
valid.. im an sg fan, but you're correct.
Hearing them back-to-back, I have to say I like the SG's tone better. Not the the LP is bad, I just prefer the SG. It sounds a little more PRS-y if that makes sense. Now I have to go buy an SG. :)
Interesting video. I don´t own a LP-Style Guitar. From the demo i would say that i am in the SG-Camp ✌🏼
This vid is spot on! I own both. Everything mentioned is exactly my findings. I prefer my cheaper SG than my fancy Les Paul. Im a very tall person and the neck just feels right. Im also a hard rock fan. My Les Paul is great and I keep it around for delicate passages, or when I just want that gorgeous tones. LP definitely has more top and bottom to its tone. My SG however, has a more bold and 'dirty' type tone. The SG does sit really well in a mix, but the LP shines when playing more alone. IN the end, both are great, but my SG wins for my tastes and it makes my LP feel like a brick around the neck.
Although the guitars I love the most presently are the PRS, they are superb ( and the eternal Fender Stratocaster ), and I almost don't play my Les Paul ( by Epiphone ) anymore, I thank you very much for the very good demonstration and careful analysis. I never had an SG, but I think Mike Oldfield is the great guitar genius who can speak the most about SG's in comparison to LP's. Before moving to PRS as his main solid body-two humbuckers guitars about 1990, Mike played on his old SG Junior for many, many years, and I imagine he almost never professionaly used a LP for a long time. Best regards to you all !
I own both and each has their strengths in sound and playability. In general, when sitting down, I prefer the SG's comfort and tend to use the LP when standing because of the body to neck balance.
You need both, of course you do! They go together, of course they do! The Allman Brothers discovered it 50 years ago... 🤘🏼😜
At LEAST one of each
//Andy
Was he saying the SG has 'less bite and is more mid-range'? Sometimes he's hard to understand. I kind of had the opposite experience, and thought the SG was more biting.
Good demo! I have the custom shop SG you had out at the beginning of the video and love it. Would also like a CS Les Paul but between the two, i'll take the SG.
I like the SG more because it feels more comfortable when I’m sitting and playing with it in my lap. The LP feels more heavy in the behind, and it hasn’t the balance like the SG.
It is. But SG neck dives. Not a problem, as long as you're playing.
My first guitar was an SG. I absolutely love my SG. I have tried a few LPs, but haven't been able to find one that calls to me yet. It's how I picked my Strat & Tele. (Fender & G&L respectively). My local GC is actually getting in a couple PRS Singlecut, so I hope to find one I love soon. Actually looking forward to trying the Tremonti; I've heard great things, but haven't put my hands on one yet. Here's hoping! ✌🏼
I own both. My Les Paul sounds better than my SG but the SG is so much easier to play.
the riff at the end... really ... with that kind of skill even a crap guitar sound like a beast.... RESPECT Love it. Great work with channel too...
Kris is the man!
//Andy
Every time I pickup an SG I just go for all out rock and roll. But with a les paul I seem to be able to tame it easier ☺
There is only one way to settle such a complex problem with so many variables. Get a well known SG player, say Angus Young, and a Well known LP player, say Zakk Wylde, and have them fight 12 rounds in the death cage. And then to see if Gibson is better than Fender,....
I have many LP Customs - but now - I need an SG! SG is the rockin' guitar! Thanx Chris!
I've always been a Les Paul guy, but I'm totally gravitating towards SG now.
Two great guitars, two great sounds but for me I'm going with the Les Paul
Do all SGs come missing the plastic on the pickup selector?
Great video ! Great sound , but no sound difference at all for me - for me it‘s just that they look different and feel very different when I play‘em! Just my 2 cent . Cheers, Steve
I have a 2018 SG Standard that is my go-to guitar, and I recently picked up a Les Paul Junior, so between the two I can get whatever sound I am looking for.
Love both guitars for what they do, as I love my fender Stratocaster for what it does. Best of worlds I would have all 3 for different sounds on different songs. Thanks guys!
Keith, don’t you think you should buy a telecaster as well?
Keith, don’t you think you should buy a telecaster as well?
@@smelodies4076 , actually, that same thought crossed my mind as the distinctive properties the telecaster present.
Finally someone who is full range and this I can totally feel!! Best answer yet. (I like my SG but my Stratocaster too!!)
@Thomann Music - I'm 65 and I weigh 107 pounds. Back in 69 I hefted a Les Paul - once. Why would I play a guitar that weighs as much as I do? I play an Epi SG (two-hunnert bucks) - I wired the tone and volume into just two knobs because four knobs confuses me. I saw Clapton in 67 playing the Fool (not Eric the Fool, fool, the psychedelic guitar) and yes, go listen to Crossroads - that is an SG and I know the Beano album represents ultimate sustain, man. SG for ol' fools like me. I played this contest a half-century ago so thanks, boys.
I’m a Jazzmaster player myself. Of these two I like the neck pickup on the LP and the bridge on the SG. I’ve thought often of picking up an SG- but I’m still finding that Jazzmaster comfort and those crazy pickups hard to beat.
SG sound is better, but LP is also good. Both legendary!
I want to choose between a Les Paul studio 2009 ($750 dlls with hardcase) and an SG faded 2006 ($500 guitar only).
Which would you choose???
I really liked the sound of the SG comparatively. Both very good but would, based on this demonstration, favor the SG. Interestingly I'm awaiting an Epiphone Prophecy SG with Fishman Fluence pickups running the show. I know it'll not be of any comparative value other than the body and neck but should be a treat. (You guys made me wish I had my '61 Reissue SG back). Astounding guitar playing! Yeh
The SG barks ferociously, that's for me.
I am an SG fan. Goooood I love the playability of SG! But finding a good SG can be a difficult journey. I bought and sold many SGs until I found a good one. Finding a decent LP is much easier. But if you can find an SG of your dreams, that's a great victory moment!
I've always been a Les Paul guy. At least, I thought I was.
However, last year I was invited to join a Black Sabbath tribute band and I bought my first SG (after having 5 Gibson Les Pauls at the same time) to do it the right way.
I spent last year playing my SG way more than my Les Pauls.
Today, I think I can't live without any of them.
An important thing, I think you forgot to mention, is the neck access on the SGs. It's wonderfull. This is the main reason I think I can't live without my SG anymore. It's never been so easy for me to play solos high up the neck as it is with my SG.
I always used my Les Pauls on my main band (on wich we play our own music) but, today I'm using my SG instead.
The only thing that bothers me on the SG is the neck dive thing. I always have to be carefull not to brake it and it's a pain in the ass.
Anyway, I wonder if I put EMGs on them both they would sound the same? lol
Cheers from Brazil!!
Ótimo comentario Tadeu!
Good comparison. Two different but great sounds.
Very very nice. That definately deserves a thumbs up
Love the PRS wall at the back!
I have a 2013 Les Paul Standard Traditional Pro that is great. Also 1969 SG Standard, and a 1969 SG Special with the P90s and out of all of those my favorite to play in is the SG Special because of the tone it has. However I like all 3 of those guitars but always gravitate to the SG Special LOL
P90s kick ass. 😸
Years of LP, always wanted more 'presence'. Bought a US standard strat. Put 10's on it and 4 Raw Vintage trem springs. Lowered the pickups, rolled off vol to 9. Job done.
(saved several thousand dollar-pounds)
I have lots of both but I have learned to like a SG for the sound and the lighter weight.
I own a 61 reissue 08 SG which I love. So for me SG for sure. Cheers from Paris.
Great video chaps!!
Gibson Les Pauls are perfect in my opinion. I really dig the tone and chunkiness of it. Personally, I prefer heavy-weighted guitars more than lighter ones.
One more video idea....is it possible that at some point there can be a test comparing the sound of V30s and the Bugera Turbosound speakers in a 2X12 and 4X12 shootout? The prices are very different but it would be nice to see if the Bugera cab are a good value for money
I Play Fender Stratocaster :-)...in 22 Years i had a lot of Les Paul's and SG's..awesome Guitars, but I always prefer the SG, i'ts like a Strat meets a Les Paul with his own Charakter. SG always No1 for me. As a Strat Player.
I have both and love both. For different reasons. The Les Paul feels like it loves me when I play, the SG fights me a little that just makes me love it more
I have an LP Standard 60's and and SG Standard. I love them both. They are 2 different tools for painting 2 different colors.
Does an SG neck drop down when you let go of it like the Epiphone version does?
Not in my experience. The epi isn't as balanced.
Got both guitars..... and love both of them for their differend sounds!!!!!!!