Is There Really A $10,000 Difference? Les Paul Special Shootout
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
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Yes, I realize these are Les Paul Specials, not Jr’s. I misspoke while filming, everybody relax!
Need to update the description which also refers to them as "Jrs". :-)
Rhett Shull was the old one 10.000 $ or the new one
The 1959 was $14,000 and the 2017 was $4,000
Rhett Shull people sometimes just want to argue lol
btw having the $$ I would totally buy the old girl over the new one!
and so would everyone else whether they admit it or not!!
you should do two JRs and call them.specials just for fun lol
They are JR's with double cutaway. A les Paul special is basically a single cutaway Jr w two P90's.
As a collector I’d buy the 59. As a guitar player I don’t hear a 10K difference.
THIS
Yep. Save the bucks and make your own memories.
Yeah, people are starting to come full circle and realize what some of us have known all along: lower output pickups sound much better than modern hot ones. For years I've been shaking my head at the overwound pickup madness that took people over in the 80s and for decades made so many people swap out all the wonderful vintage pickups in their guitars for sterile sounding characterless high output ones.
^ This
@mk win What's the highest output reading that you'll take, 8.0k?
@@MrEddie-gf3yg I actually just go by the sound of the pickup rather than seeking out specific output range, but it turns out that the ones my ears tend to favour are always less than around 9 or 10k, some very low. I mostly just buy cheap vintage guitars that have original pickups that sound good to my ears and leave those pickups in. The guitars I've owned from around the 80s that had hot pickups like Dimarzio Super Distortions just sounded like mud to my ears and I'd end up hardly ever playing them.
I dont really have an issue with ho pickups, but those active emg pickups on anything shy of a professionally produced metallica album sound like shit, and shame on james kirk kerry king and Jeff hanneman for pushing those shitty sounding pickups back when emg didnt have a stranglehold on the metal guitar market
Yes! As Curtis Novak always says: a pickup is an input device, not an output device
On the 59 the neck pickup sits directly on the Neck and the modern one has more space in between.
I think this makes the most difference in sound. (Just for Neck and both for sure) :)
100% this
The 59 sounds better for sure, but I would be curious to hear some lower output pickups in the 2017 to see if that makes up the difference. The 59’s pickups just sounded incredibly sweet and clear
The 59 definitely has an identity for sure. Tone is amazing! where the 2017 has more of a modern SG standard kinda tone.
Modern SG Standard also has an identity. If not, how can you say how does it sound?
The thing that stands out for me is that the 59 would have been a regular line production guitar. The 17 was a custom. Even relative dollars, the 59 wasn't a $4000 guitar
Same with a 1959 reissue. It's just what was made by Gibson USA that year. In fact, it's the same thing for any custom shop reissue
In 1970, I bought my Gibson Les Paul Standard brand new in a music store for $275!
Really good point
As about every 4th commenter has noted, the neck pickups are placed differently. My research shows Gibson's early placement of the neck pickup being almost at the neck's heel was because it sounded better the closer it got to the neck. But as units were sold, Gibson discovered some dissatisfactions with buyers because the neck tenon was pretty seriously cut into to accommodate the neck p/u placement making for noticeable instability (try playing a cowboy chord on any "close neck p/u") Special and you'll sound like you hit a chorus pedal; AND contributed to easy breakage where the neck meets the body.
The other thing to mention about the p/u placement and the routed tenon is that it subtly reduced sustain, but that's really splitting the hairs.
As far as the comparative tones go, yes, the aged/degaussed pickups on the 59 are (and I think this may be the word everyone's been searching for) more articulate. There's noticeable string separation in chords, a burnished top end, and detail that's just missing in the 2017. The 2017's are toppy, harsh, and hairy. As many have noted, there are quite a number of p/u winders who make an underwound P-90, and it's my guess that a pickup swap would put the 2017 a lot closer to the '59 in tone, gain, detail, yadda.
Can't really speak to the wraparound angle difference, since just about every Gibson I've ever owned or played had it's own specific placement. I'd LIKE to think that determining the proper placement/angle is a QC issue that Gibson makes an effort to address on every guitar that uses one, but who am I kidding? They're probably drilled by a CNC machine regardless of any hopeful exactitude, but I WILL say I've had a couple wraparound Juniors that were pretty much spot on, intonation-wise.
Yes
The microtonal differences aside, just the sound of P90s in either guitar through a nice amp is, quite simply to my ears, the sound of heaven. Mahalos for the demo!
Jon Komatsu P90s are where it's at!
there's a huge difference between the two guitars
SoKE DESTROYER maybe but one is not necessarily better than the other, just different.
neither i'm saying one is better, the pickups though is what i think makes all the difference
no man. It's the wood, not the pickups.
Great video Rhett! That '59 sounded spectacular...
Buck and Evans thanks man!
Yes and the 2017 sounded awful.
as did the 2017
Buck And Evans nice work YOU do mate!
The 59 definitely sounds better (it had a lot more bite and clarity to my ears), but $10000 better? Nope.
Thankfully '59s don't sell for anywhere near $10,000.....
Krausewitz. - the '59 here is $14k
Well, the '59 there could be $140,000 if the store wants.....no one is going to buy it for either amount. I was interested in buying a '59 a few years ago when I thought I had more money than I actually did. Going price seemed to be around $5,000....maybe $6,000 - $7,000 for a really clean one.
Krausewitz - Keep in mind that the market varies depending on your location.
Guitar tone doesn't have any cost at all.
No mention of neck pickup placement?
Nobody seemed to pick up on that. 1st thing I noticed. Also, they sounded so close to each other that the difference didn't matter!
The pickup location and the neck joint has been modified to be stronger. My guess is that the tiny neck joint is still a little iffy but that's the breaks. My guess is Gibson felt it could not responsibly construct these guitars and SGs as they did back in the 50s - early 60s. They were right.
Yeah... I noticed that too, and the angle of the bridge.
Later '59 and '60 Specials have a neck joint and pickup placement like the '17.
Bridge/neck angles in the 50's are all over the map. They were handmade, after all.
How much of that “mojo” is just a mental thing. Knowing it’s a 59 can just create preconceived feelings about it. If you hadn’t known it was a 59, would you have felt the same about it?
The 59 pickup magnet are degaussed. That what makes old pickups more "rounded".
They don't even sound like the same model of guitar. The vintage one sounds amazing and new one sounds stale, stiff and forgettable. I'd say the '59 is a $10k guitar, no problem.
Liar
The neck pup is in a different location on the 2017. I liked the tone of the '59 - if I had the money, the playability issue wouldn't bother me. I'd adapt my playing to it, if that makes any sense.
This is easy, just grab a friend and swing them both like axes at each other as hard as you can and whichever one cuts the other in half is clearly the better guitar.
Love how much darker the 59s fretboard is.
Righteous Guitars is a wonderful shop. Its about 20 min from my in-laws so I try to sneak over when we are up visiting family. Thanks for the demo. That '59 is a pretty sweet guitar...
Rhett, I bought a 2018 Les Paul Special yesterday based on your tones from this video. Amazing guitar and the P90s offer a completely different tonal palette than my humbucker equipped Gibsons or single coil Fenders. I forgot how much I enjoy the articulation, and growl, from a phenomenal set of Gibson P90s. This was a great video and I’m really enjoying your channel. Thanks!
This is killer! I’d love to see the same with an ES-335. That’s my dream guitar.
Tyler Southern see my post.
I have a 1961 re-issue that may be my next one if I can get my hands on a real 61!
What I really want to know is, does the benefit of the '59 truly justify paying $10,000 more, if you're just an average Joe? It's better, ok. Is it $10,000 better. Is that "mojo" worth 10K?? Would YOU pay 10K more for the ineffable mojo you feel? (I don't know how much money you have, but just imagine you're a middle-class guitar player/performer). Or even, if you're not actually planning on buying the guitar, would you, after playing both guitars, come away saying, "The '59 is completely worth $10,000 more"?
Sorry if I sound a little skeptical, but it seems to me that the premium placed on "vintage" gear these days is WAY out of proportion with any real or subjective benefits. People sell gear guitars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s for unbelievably high prices, even when the things are junkers.
I have a '67 ES-345. It stands up against any modern ES I ever played or owned. Gauntlet thrown.
Neither guitar is worth it's respective asking price by any stretch. Good lord.
Well said. This is the cheapest way to make a guitar. Thats why they created these models
The 59's pick ups are magical!!!!! No comparison!
Thank you for doing a really good comparison here. You’ve got the Custom Shop sounding great, but not as good as the 59.
I have multiple vintage P-90 Gibson’s, and yes, that mojo is real. I was a disbeliever until I bought my fist one. Watch out, because it gets addictive.
There is certainly nothing wrong with refretting a vintage guitar if it’s necessary. Generally, it doesn’t hurt the value much if the old frets are gone. I’ve had 2 of my Juniors pleck’d, and then set up perfectly afterward. Once they’re made right, they absolutely play as good as you could want.
I realize that it’s hard for a lot of people to have access to a vintage Gibson, but a good one is a truly special experience.
the diference is so big bro!! the 1959 is a monster!!!
I listened to the video while perusing the comments. To be fair, the subtle difference was just that, subtle. Possibly the 2017 needs a little break in.
I cant really fathom why the p90 pickup isnt way more popular than it is. Its wonderful for all styles in any configuration and works great in solid and semi hollows. I routed out my oldish Gibson for humbuckets in the 80s abd it didnt take me long to realise that 'the tone' I was aiming for was actually just a different amp. Ho hum.
The 59 and a 10k side order of Mojo bro!!!
Since I've been loving you sounded incredible on the '59
Indeed it did
Since I've Been Loving You, my favorite Zeppelin song... nice
More clairity in the 59, the new guitars sound more harsh and tinny sounding.
That is exactly my thought as well. I use to own a 59' Junior. Trading it was the biggest mistake of my life.
Same thoughts as well. 17 was tinier sounding
Can probably eq that out and you only notice it because they are being played next to each other.
Music Islife get that eq shit outta here haha
Darren Doxey that's what the tone controls on your amp are for, lol.
yeah they're definitely both really good, 59' just has that extra thing though. The pickups sound so much more bodied, warm, and rounded
Both sounded pretty close to my ears up until the 3rd riff you played and I could definitely hear the difference between them, the '59 had a certain airiness and clarity that made me smile. Good video my friend.
Yes, 2:14 -2:30 is a big difference in sweetness
59 had more character in the upper mids; 17 was too bassy
Yeah I agree the Fretboard on the 59 is definitely a treat to behold. The 59 has the Mojo for sure and the difference not noted is the Neck Pickup on the 59 is closer to the fretboard. I personally believe there is a sweet spot in that area the older P90's are also a bit fuller. Saying that if the 17 is played and maintained for 60 years I believe it will also kick some serioius arse.
Not really a collector type myself when it comes to solid body electrics, so I much prefer the re-issue. The new one could be dialed in pickup-wise to match the '59 and then would essentially sound identical to my ears. Age on acoustic guitars is meaningful, but on solid body electrics it's just not to my ears. - Save your money, buy the re-issue and dial it in if you want, imo.
Oh and by "dialed in pickup-wise" I mean... swapped or re-wound to match the tone and feel more of the '59.
I agree, age is much more important for acoustic guitars. And with a decent amp, like a Mesa Boogie or Hughes and Kettner, you can really shape the sound to be what you want.
Definitely the 59! I didn’t like how hot the pick ups were on the 2017. Guitar with good tone is always worth some TLC in order to bring it to a place where it’s playable. I also completely agree about being a player not a collector.
60 years... and about an inch difference in the neck pickup placement and the angle of the tailpiece/bridge...? Very cool guitars and fun demo though.
I feel like the 59 had more character
Definitely preferred the sound of the '59, but it's probably just a slight difference in pickup construction more than age. Both cool guitars!
The '59 has the original style more extended neck/higher neck pickup placement. So the Historic is a 60's reissue?
Or, to be more specific... a 1960 reissue. In 1961, Gibson changed the name to "SG" Special DC as a lead up to the 1963 SG model (which in 1961 was being called a Les Paul, which it clearly wasn't).
Just played the latest Special DC and it’s really really good. I thought the pups cut much better than on my 2006 Special. The DC brings the neck pup away from the neck which will have some interesting effect as well
And the pickups may be more tame on the 59 due to old magnets with decaying power
More beef in the 59' and crispy top end on those modern P-90's. Once set up though, the 59' will walk all over the modern Les, or at least skip to my lou. Actually they are both great and the modern one could be made to sound more like the 59' if you were inclined. I can wait to get this or a Jr.(Modern or Vintage) as I think they are a badass tool for Rockn'Roll. I accidentally ended(long story) up with J.Geil's 1950 Gibson ES-125 and the P-90 pickup on it is absolutely the sweetest pickup Ive ever played. Unbelievable! Thanks for doing such a bare bones, no-nonsense demo. Short and sweet and to the point in a world where all we do is burn time. Every-once in a while something valuable comes along and you nailed it. Thanks to Rick Beato for turning me onto you. Speaking of which, Ive reached out to him and haven't heard back on that new instructional platform he is starting. Is he just too busy? Love his content and he makes you feel like he's your friend(who just happens to have a book to sell) Ha!-Take care and love the videos-Scott
Mojo , what an explanatory understandable term . THe definition of sound is more distinct on the 59 ,each string stands out more individually when all strings are strummed.
Personally I’d get the mid 2000’s “1960 Reissue” Historic Custom Shop... best version of all.
The vintage one has a Brazilian rosewood fretboard - the modern one has Indian rosewood. Many say this makes a difference in feel and tone. YMMV.
The neck pickup position on the 2017 seem to be half an inch back, that would affect the tone a bit as well. The 50s sounds super good though.
Agreed - that's quite a bit of distance.
Yep they moved the neck pickup back after the first year of production because they kept snapping. The pickup placement on the original '59 is right where the neck tenon is, which weakens the joint. The pickup needs to be further back on a double cut as compared to single cut
with it being further north and natural degauzing, that would explain it being warmer. They may even have alnico 3 magnets too. Back then there wasn't much in the way of QC in pickup production leading some PAF sounding amazing and others being flat sounding.
My wife looked over my shoulder and said, "Blah-biddy-blah." lol!
These are both crazy prices when you could get a $200 Chibson, upgrade the pickups and you wont be far off. Outrageous pricing I say!
I noticed that the neck pickup is butted up against the fretboard on the ‘59 and on the ‘17 the neck pickup is moved further toward the bridge. I’m guessing that also affects the overall sound/tone.
Both of them are beauty’s.
Back in the 50s Gibson didn't have separate neck and bridge pickups, they were just pickups. They grabbed a couple of out of a bin and wired them up as they built the guitar. That's why the neck output seems higher. It might actually be higher output because pickup winders with counters on them either didn't exist or the plant in Kalamazoo didn't use them.
Thanks for teaching me "Slave"! Such a cool riff!!
Its all in your head. The only differences you indicate are the pickups. Which is understandable. Modern pickups are built better. Modern wire is made better. 50 year old magnets will be weaker than they were 60 years ago and therefore warmer. The 59 in your right hand did not sound the same 60 years ago as it does now. Probably much closer to how the 2017 sounds. Wood? Well wood will have zero effect on the tone of an electric solid body. It will be impossible for the most expert guitar player to visually and audibly know the difference between two exactly identical guitars that use different woods. owning a 59 is only worth it for nostalgia. You will not sound or play better on a 59 than you would a 2017.
Lol this guy. It would be impossible for an expert to audibly tell the difference between tonewood? What a joke dude! Sorry your ears don't work right! Lucky for you, you can save a ton of money on cheap guitars because you can't hear the difference!
Brian McEuen if there were a difference. Then one should see it on a scope. Show us.
Good luck trying to analyze the response of an electric guitar with even a DSO. An impulse response test will show a difference. Find a solidbody guitar model that comes a basswood body, and compare it to an identical model that has a maple body. If you can't hear the difference, then you can't hear the difference. That doesn't mean that there is no difference, however.
Are we going to start this debate again on tonewood in an electric guitar? Each camp is kind of right, and each one is kind of wrong. The density, quality, species, etc., of the wood contributes to the sustain of the strings and the primary/secondary harmonic interaction between the different frequencies, but so does the bridge, nut, frets, string material and construction, etc. The secondary frequencies (harmonics) generated by these components are introduced back into the strings where the pickups 'pick up' all of it. String vibrates wood -> wood vibrates string -> string re-vibrates wood -> wood re-vibrates string, etc. THEY ALL WORK TOGETHER. The unintended harmonic artifacts produced by these electric guitars and amps is what makes them so interesting to listen to. There's so much interaction between all of the components on a guitar. Sometimes they compliment each other, sometimes they don't. Sometimes the vibrating carbon atoms in the wood make the copper atoms in the pickups give up their electrons just right, sometimes they don't. Can you see secondary harmonics on a scope? I can, but it's a lot more fun listening to them. If we all spent more time playing, and less time measuring, reading, and typing, we'd probably enjoy music a lot more- myself included. Oh yeah, and cool video!
@@bryanellis130 well I dont see an electric guitar vibrating to the point where it affects tone. Your hands and body are absorbing whatever vibrations that could be happening. I still think no one could tell the difference between a genuine high dollar Les Paul and a plexiglass body and neck fake Les Paul. Provided everything else is the exact same. Besides, there is no such thing as "instrument quality wood". The wood guys will tell you that they just call it that to justify the price. As it's no different than the rest of the wood they sell.
There's a massive difference between the 59 and the 17. I had a 59 Junior... sold it in a moment of madness and mistakenly assumed that I would be able to get something close from either the Custom-Shop or Collings. I made a big mistake.
Massive!! I'd question your vintage bias.
I had two at the same time. I paid $50 for one. $75 for the other. Single p90's. Both in cherry, however.. one was SG body style. I smashed the SG on stage one night. Later.. I ran the other one up my arm.. after I pawned it back in '76. I played one in a store awhile back.. through a Twin Reverb. That was my rig. No extras. It made me cry. What a fool I am. Oh well. Easy come, easy go. - Joe Bob & the Grizzlers
The mojo i usually hear from vintage guitars is usually in the clarity of the notes and the punchiness of the tone (a more present mid tone). This probably only comes from the wood aging naturally over time which you obviously cant replicate with new instruments. That being said i still like the 2017 but and i agree the pickups were hotter than the vintage guitar and thats not necessarily a good thing but you can always change pickups.
Nick Spann I've owned a '55 LP and a' 58 LP Special. And played lots of newer ones. You can change out the pups. But it's more than just the aging of the wood. Those trees are Gone. The... Density... of the Mahogany and the Density of the Rosewood is nowhere near the same. The fretboard on the '59 is darker because it is Better Rosewood, not because someone played and sweated on it for years. Those Craftsmen are gone. I live here in Nashville for 28 years, have known many people who have worked for Gibson and the guitars, even Custom Shop are nowhere near the workmanship of the Vintage guitars. That's including the fact that now as then some are just better than others, just like Martins, Neumann, API, Neve. I'm sure you're aware of all this, but most who read this do not. The truth is that the Only real question is... Does anyone Have $15,000 to spend? Lol Also I've been a P-90 guy since the first time I heard them in the early '70's. They do not respond like Humbuckers and most people Don't know how to work them. Actually a good pair of P-90's have a Way wider range of tones than Humbuckers. Of course, if you are just going to run them into distortion pedals and heavy Amp distortion, they are wasted. Take care.
The neck pickup on the 59 looks like it is mounted closer to the neck. Also, it looks like the 59 has either an ebony fretboard or the rosewood is much darker.
Maybe drop the pickup height on the 17? I’ve never had that style p90 tho so idk if the height is adjustable
Max; Great comment. I wonder if those two guitars are even remotely set up similarly. Pickup height really alters tone. I wonder if both these guitar's strings are identical with identical play time on them. The old Gibby has had a lot of chances to be set up properly over its lifetime. The new Gibby may still just have its
A W F U L factory set up. Most off the rack Gibbys are damn near un-playable with nut heights so high a guy might as well just go to Wal-mart and get a First Act if they actually intend to gig on the axe. Makes me wonder: Do owners of these $4 grand Gibbys actually GIG nightly on these guitars? or are they just toys for guy's man-caves. The nuts look like they are cut for a slide player. lol...(over .050 on the big E)..lol..fret an F and see how sharp it is on a tuner.
The mojo came across on the 59 in the video. Both sound great because of your playing. The overall sound, tone, magic of the 59 is sick!
there’s something sweet about the neck pickup being positioned slightly closer to the bridge.
The '59 sounds like a broke in pair of shoes.
Hey, the first riff is from the song Slave of the Stones! Cool dude!
Wow! Love those models. I bought a 2019 honey Burst guitar center Gibson Paul Smith Special. P-90. My fave
Nicely recorded. To me the vintage has more clarity. The modern one is fuzzy and less “musical” but I have owned a 59 Junior and sold it because I too feel more comfortable with my Custom Shop Special.
I'd get the 2017 and find some old pickups to put in it.
Hey Rhett ,want to try a cheap Special that will blow your mind ? Musician's Friend carries an Epiphone Special with P-90's in TV yellow for around $ 140. ! I'm dead serious, these things are the deal of the Century.
Have one of those in black. Sounds identical to this 2017 in the video. Paid under 150 out the door for it. Sounds great and plays great. Love it. I'm willing to bet that a good fret job and pickup/harness replacement would place the Epi's around 700 (max) in total and it would rival (or best) this 59 model. Personally.... I'm sticking with it as it came at 150 bucks. Might even get a yellow one too. :-)
I got mine on sale from MF for $119. delivered ! $25.set of Kluson tuners and a Gibson wraparound bridge $30. from someone who took it off of an SG junior and it is killer ! I didn't change the harness or pots because it sounds so good the way it is .(The stock tuners worked fine but I didn't like the way they looked , the original bridge was getting grooved from the soft metal). I did my own fret level which was minor,so under $200. with upgrades.:-)
Todd Flowers ...that's how you do it. :-)
The 59 definitely sounds a bit warmer to my hear and i can hear that Rhett definitely enjoys playing the 59 more but they both sound fantastic
The neck pickups are sitting in different positions.The 59' is almost flush on the neck and the 17' is about an inch away from the neck! That will make a difference to the sound for sure!
Hey Rhett, I personally prefer my own 1959 LP Special I bought at a pawn shop on Harry Hines in Dallas in 1981 for $350... Oh Yeah!!! Put through my 1972 DR-103 Hiwatt it is mind blowing. I don’t play venues where I can really open that up too much anymore and the last time at home I thought I was going to lose the windows on my house! Try one as a slide guitar platform and hold on for your life.
I have a 65 Gibson melody maker. It has been modded so it wasn’t expensive. And it has a humbucker and a wrap around tail piece. It needs a refret but has serious mojo
One more reason I prefer the single cut. The neck pickup is up against the fretboard. As for tone, there has to be a reason why a vintage guitar commands the bucks. The question everyone who can afford one asks, is it worth it to me? P90 change on a new model might be interesting. Last non Gibson P90 set I had was SD on a Guild Blues 90, and they were pretty hot, but great sounding.
I like the clarity in the modern one
Modern playability vs. vintage tone; the dilemma stands... I play Ibanez and Taylor guitars for the playability.
The neck pickup looks closer to the fretboard on the 1959….is the pickup location different? Or is the fretboard longer on the 1959?
Both sound amazing. Great playing…as always!
I have the 2018 version and it's awesome. An econo model for $1500. Seriously great guitar for the money!
It sounds to my ear like to 59 has more harmonic weight within every note the 17 still sounds great but there's a definite difference the 17 sounds lesser somehow.. awesome video rhett you make some great points for both guitars
Both are Les Paul *Specials*, not Juniors. The neck PU placement differs and would affect the tone. I'm surprised you did not point this out.
Get the 2017 and Buy low output p90 pickups there are some guys that make them
In fact, there is some differences... Neck pickup is not at the same place. The bridge seems to be differently placed. And I can hear a minor difference in sound; maybe that the 1950 been upgraded with new pickups.
I see between the two, the neck pick is in a different location. and just the little about could make a huge difference in the tone.
The pickups on the 59’ are clearer and more “3D” to my ears. It seems in recent years Gibson has manufactured almost everything with extra hot pickups. I don’t know that to be fact but every new Gibson I’ve heard sounds like they’ve got just hotter than hell pickups. To me, a pickup is no different than an amp or pedal in that there are often sweet spots and you don’t necessarily need to dime them to get the best tone. The 59’ definitely excelled in that regard. I own a faded tv yellow 2006 special myself and when comparing to any of my fathers p90 Gibsons, his aren’t quite as hot and definitely have the “mojo” you speak of. I kinda wish Gibson would make their pickups a little less output/under wound than they currently do. But maybe modern day players are simply addicted to gain?
‘59 sounds much better. The price is due to the collectors appeal, so the fret dimension is a real problem (a refretting is forbidden). I’d rather change the 2017 p90 to reduce the gap...
First I need to thank you for the guitar lesson, I forgot how to play your opening Stones song. You do play very well. I understand what you mean with Mojo. I have a few Les Paul's and Strats, of all 20 plugs of my guitars I always got to my White Strat. I can't put it into words but it has a great connection to me. I'm am not a goofy kid.
I play professionally and repair my guitars and add creative wiring. The favorite Strat just has " IT " and words leave me at a loss. Thank you for a great video.
I just picked up a 2006 LP jr Custom Shop Historic with a ‘58 neck profile. Having owned both new and old LPs , as well as a few different vintage Epiphone Coronets, the guitar I just bought is as good as any of them. Sounds as good as or better than all of them, and plays like a dream. I love old guitars, don’t get me wrong. But it’s all about what happens when it’s in your hands and plugged in. They’re all great. Mostly not $14k great, though.
I scored a used Edwards copy of the LP Special with Lollar Sean Costello P-90s for $300. It needed a fret dress and setup, but totally worth it. I put in a compensated wraparound bridge and locking tuners. I don't think you could wish for a better LP Special.. Not many in the US. If you see one, grab it and don't let go.
Which brand is the copy?
The spacing between the pickups are different and the rosewood is different. You will notice a difference on clean, and a tiny little bit when distorted.
Old wood is old wood, and the 59 should have a Brazilian board as well. The p 90s sound different also, along with the pots and caps.
The neck pickup on the 59 is closer to the neck joint. Makes it weaker which is probably why the re-issue has it moved slightly closer to the bridge. And as these are painted guitars, is the 2017 one piece mahogany or joined and glued down the center?
From someone who mounted a second pickup on a 1959 Junior (and who wondered whether the neck would fail at the new pickup pocket; it didn't)
God that 59 ISSS Rock n Roll Incarnate!!! As usual the old wood and pickups mellow the guitar out without really losing frequency or anything. Similar to old vs new strats and teles. It is hard to describe the difference, like you say, but when you say the tone is "rounder" I hear exactly what you are talking about and I think maybe the wave is rounder. I'm sure you could get closer with after market pickups, or maybe if you stuck the new one under your bed for 60 years. Lol.
THe 59' has a lower output kinda thing going on, more headroom for the cleans to shine and pick up gain
Incredible video. Congratulations. I just think You should use the same riffs to compare the tone
For me, not an audiophile by any means, the sound of the '59 was significantly "warmer" - it purred more than it growled. Doesn't make sense, I know. Perhaps it was indeed the "Mojo" thing referred to?
I love these videos because I learn all the riffs you’re doing! Thanks
Yes Since I've Been Lovin You!
Great video. I got a 56 Jr. When I was 12 in 1956. I never had a Special but have a Collings 290 that I've been using for 3 years. Try one before you get a Gibson. Check out the UA-cam demos. Thanks for the video.
The ‘59 sounded like the aged pickups and neck pickup placement made the difference. If I was recording, the ‘59 would be it. But if I was gigging, I’d remember that 99% of the audience won’t notice the difference by the time the sound hits their ears through a noisy environment. They want the feel of the groove, and not the exact tone of the recording. So why spend an extra $10,000 for something that will not only be largely unappreciated, but also increase the risk for damage, theft, or depreciation through the repairs needed to play it every night?
If I am going to spend that kind of money I am going to contact Suhr and get something custom made to EXACTLY my specs. Or spend $3000-$4000 and get a Don Grosh, which are phenomenal instruments