Great video, my experience with the Les Paul has been very similar, always interesting to hear other people's thoughts about it. I played super-strat style guitar for the most part, ever since I started playing guitar in 2007. About a year ago I was in a music store browsing and decided to try out a Gibson Les Paul Classic (the one with the push-pull pots). I fell in love with the way it sounds, but all the things people say are very much true - it's heavy, it's not ergonomic, the upper fret access is limited, etc. But I bought the guitar on an impulse and "acclimated" to it over a few weeks. It's 100% my go-to guitar now days.
Once you become acclimated to one they are unbeatable... Of course there are other great guitars out there but none of them do what a great Les Paul will do.
Been playing for over 50 years and have always loved listening to and looking at Les Pauls. I've never owned one and never had the inclination to, but what a gorgeous instrument.
Since 2002, I’ve always had a Les Paul at one point or another. My first guitar was a cheap Epiphone LP100. Finally got my first Gibson standard (50s goldtop) this year. After owning various levels of Epiphones and Gibsons, the standard is 100% worth it.
I started out with a 74 custom when I was younger... It was a little rough and my uncle, the original owner ended up with it. Much later I got a 2016 Gibson V that was amazing but only owned it for about 6 months before it ended up in a fire. I then ran across a Epiphone Matt Heafy Custom w/ EMGs which I really like... And then it happened. I finally landed a Gibson Les Paul 60s Standard and it is absolutely amazing. I can't say enough good things about it. My guitar collection is pretty big but my Les Paul certainly stands out and holds it's own in a way that I believe only a Les Paul can. Cheers 🍻👊🤘
I rock two modified Epiphone Les Paul Standard guitars. They're not Gibsons, but they play nearly as well. The Les Paul is my #1 guitar. I'd like to try a 335 and a Telecaster.
I just turned 59 and decided it was time for my first real Les Paul. I got a 50's standard from Andertons based on the neck, weight and the top. It needed some finetuning, especially on the frets, but from there on it was ready. I love the Burstbuckers, because they are vintage sounding AND when it goes direct into my Marshall 1987X with a matching 1960X cab the sound is just right. It has a slight snarl with overtones that makes you go Yes, there it is! It is big in sound and sustain, really loud acoustically. So now I'm in the process of taming this beast. I will still be using my HSS Strats to have more flexibility, but when the LP sound is needed it's there. Why did it take me so long I wonder? Cheers 😀 P.S. Don't be afraid that the guitar is new, they obviously are using some quality woods now!!
I just looked up your channel after being introduced by Brother Williams and Five Watt World. I was absolutely blown away by your playing in the style of Gary Moore. I’ll be searching through your productions, hoping to find much more of that same style and maybe pointers, discussion about or related lessons. Can’t say enough, how very impressive that (way too) short segment of Keith’s Greeny discussion was.
Vintage Greco Les Pauls are where it's at. Climbing up in value these days, they were one of the companies that basically 1:1 copied Gibson in Japan in the 70s/80s and they are wonderful.
Since you asked about Maybach. I have a Lester '58. Bought it at some point when I didn't know what to do with my savings and it seemed to not be losing money as it was second hand and the price was okay. I'm strat guy, but it made me prefer the Lester over my (boutique-y) strat. I let a friend play it, made him but one too. They're that good! They really have the 'Tele on steroids' vibe. When comparing it to a LP Studio of another friend the Lester was a LOT better. The neck pickup had more clarity than the bridge pickup of the LP. The Amber pickups are incredible. A lot depth in them, and it mkes you want to play Led Zeppelin riffs when you play a single note.
Was waiting for them to make a satin finish one since I’m not a gloss fan, oh man do I love the quality Gibson has now on the faded series. Was very hard to find one but they’re like no other.
Got my "blendable" dual humbucker fix with a PRS Tremonti SE that I modded with pots and a cap kit. For me, having the trem was essential and a big part of the magic is the 4-knob control layout.
I bought a Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro II from Andertons in 2013 that they had on special offer and it's a great guitar. I don't find it too strange switching from a Strat, Tele or PRS to my LP or vice versa.
1st time here, I recently purchased the Gibson LP Studio Plus at 8.2 lbs and the EPIPHONE LP Standard weighing in @ 9.5 lbs. Both look and play fantastic!! They are a wonderful exploration of tonal beauty. The EPIPHONE Smokehouse burst has MUCH more sustain than the Studio. That may be common knowledge to some people. But for me it just nice to have both. The warmth and richness of the Studio is amazing as well.
Excellent music and playing, first of all. I’ve been playing a Les Paul for a long time, and I’ve tried to find something else that works for me, but I can’t get away from it. To me it’s the combination of tone and feel. The shorter scale length makes it extremely playable, in a way longer Strat-style scales aren’t. It also means less tension on the strings, which makes them more sensitive, articulate and bendable. It’s a pretty tight squeeze once you get up past the 15th fret or so, but for everything below that, it’s better. Then there’s the tone, which is unique, kind of indescribable, and not replicated in any other guitar. It is a jazz guitar at its origin, which should never be forgotten. The clean sound is very rich and deep. The pickups are a big part of it, and different versions sound different. But there is a core tone that doesn’t change. When you take that rich, complex tone to high gain, it takes on qualities that you can’t get elsewhere. The overtones and harmonics, and the interaction with the amp and feedback are something special. I don’t care much about how they look, or which vintage spec some people chase. That’s more a of a collector thing. As a player, the tone and feel are what matters.
Love my Les Paul's, my Gibson is a LP double cut also from 2002 and its awesome, although does more for taking the PRS spot in the collection. The LP I gig with is actually one I made myself from a Solo Guitar kit, with some time and real Gibson pickups / grovers etc. It has become my best sounding /feeling live guitar
I had a few Les Paul's. Now I have a Eastman, which quality wise it's superior and way cheaper. If you don't care about the name in the headstock, then there you should definitely check the Eastman
IMO low output pickups are great, because it's easier to add gain these days than take it away. Sure l, you can roll down the volume knob, but it's tricky to hit the same position every time, and I don't find it sounds as satisfying.
I got a Les Paul standard as a 16 year old who was a big Manics fan (albeit JDB played a white Custom...). the thing that suprised me most, coming from a Squier Telecaster was the neck angle, headstock angle. Felt, and still does feel, very different to the "flatness" of a Fender. I prefer bolt on Fender style instruments on the whole, and for the most part my 96 les Paul standard lives in a case but it will be an heirloom and it has huge sentimental value (not only early gigs, but the fact it took about a hundred paper rounds to pay for it!).
The High E that he hits at 8:26 and a few notes after is that CHIRPY sound, at least that is what I call it, Love that Sound, not all Humbuckers do it, Mainly PAF style ones, the Gibson Custombuckers at least some of the Demos I have seen GOT IT, the GREENY has it and Sustain too. Bet JOHN already moved that along. What about the HANDS of MERLIN CORDY, the special magician of the HELIX and FM9 World??? Do not sell YOURSELF short.
I used to think all guitars are damn near the same it's about what you want to do with them. Wrong, When I first picked up an ESP it felt like a kid's toy, I had been a big hammett fan once upon a time, I picked up a ESP KH-2, And it looked ridiculous on me. I tried to fret a chord in it feel like I was going to break the neck. It was them that I realized neck width, fretboard radius, neck profile, are actually things that matter and wouldn't you know it. Les Paul's are just the most comfortable thing I've ever held when it comes to guitar necks. No matter how many guitars I want to get because my favorite guitarists used to use it. When it comes to sitting down and just playing from the soul, I grab a Les Paul. It can be Epiphone, Greco, Tokai, Burny, Maybach, or just a Gibson. Just something about a Les Paul that brings a smile to my face.
So, I’ve played a lot of Les Pauls and I’ve never felt like they were “me.” At least not for what they cost. I love how they sound, the feel just isn’t right. Dad just got his “dream” 60’s standard, and while it’s a great axe, the same applies That being said, I have an epi 50’s gold top from the inspired by gibson range, and I think it’s enough of that vibe to do it for me…at least at that price point.
Great vid... your intro to LP's was akin to mine, always been a HSS Strat player, had an Austin LP as part of a 2 guitar purchase with an Austin Tele (the Tele was my focus) But the Austin LP was great to play... I eventually sold my Austin LP to a friend's kid, and later on as I missed that Austin LP but considered instead buying Gibsons... It took me a bit to find my faves (Classics)
Great video John and very timely. Love your playing and honest option as always. I have gently been on s quest for a Les Paul for some years, on and off. I had resigned myself to thinking that maybe they are not for me. However, a good friend of mine, who is a Les Paul lover and aficionado, kindly (ahem) lent me a Leap Paul Standard from made in 2000 to try and I have come to really like it.... so much that, it is mine (a small financial matter to be addressed). Will it replace my PRS...haha... no. They are very different beats and I think they both have a place in my arsenal. But, I feel very comfortable now with this lester that I look forward to getting to know more... Thanks!!
I like your observation that much of what makes those legendary guitars legendary was the legends that played them. I also agree that those legends would probably sound good on any guitar.
I own a Maybach Lester 59 in Pelham Blue. A well made beautiful looking and sounding guitar! Definitely worth checking one out, I would be interested in your opinion :D
I did a tour of the Gibson factory in Memphis some years ago, and after the tour in the showroom I picked up a single-cutaway guitar that had a maple fretboard, pretty unique among Gibsons. It played very well and I almost bought it but thought I was being too extravagant and I didn't really "need" it. In retrospect, I wish I had bought it!
I never wanted a Les Paul. It was always a bit of a "Dad's Guitar". Ibanez was my thing. However, I loved the tones from a friends 70's Les Paul Standard and decided to try one. I became especially interested when the HP range were available due to the Axcess Neck Joint. I bought a 2018 Les Paul Standard HP II and a 2016 Les Paul Studio HP. The Standard is a bit of a 'show pony' and tonally rather brighter than I expected. Much easier to get the 'Gary Moore tone' from the Studio (despite the hot bridge pup). I love them both but play the Studio far more. Both weigh a couple of Ounces under 9 pounds. I find the Zero Fret Adjustable Nut and G-Force Tuners work incredibly well and I have Ibanez levels of action/playability from both models. My most recent Gibson acquisition is a 2015 Les Paul Less+. 7 pounds weight and my absolute favourite Classic '57 pups. Needless to say that I appreciate the Les Paul far more now.
Seems like a lovely guitar and really enjoyed your playing, so thanks for that! I bought my 1968 LP Custom in 1974 and still have it. It was my only guitar till 1982 when I also got a Japanese made Strat, so happy with both! I like the slimmer 60s neck - I have been trying out some Standards recently - 2019 60th Anniversary, Custom Shop and Murphy Lab. All lovely but not really essential at this point. I did buy the Epiphone 59 Gibson hybrid and will be putting some Monty's Underspun PAFs in that one - it's a nice instrument. Played an Eastman SB59/v last weekend up in Shenzen (HK dealer doesn't carry their solid bodies!) and I am keen to grab that one - it's quite special - Lollar Imperials are a nice touch.
I played a 60s reissue from 2003 which sounded great but found out it has ceramic pickups so wondered if they weren’t as sought after as other models from around that time . Hmm 🤔
I always loved Les Paul's, as I was a massive Thin Lizzy fan, and I played Gibson's for years, but now I've kind of walked away from them, and I mainly play Fender's now.
I have a Gibson LP and to be honest... you can get equivalent guitars for much less money. People are only buying Gibsons for resale value down the road because they're the top 2 most famous guitar brands
A nice Gibson Les Paul is the main missing guitar in my arsenal. I have an ok '80s burny with Greco dry Zs fitted which gets the job done. Unfortunately where I am in my guitar collection journey, to get a Les Paul that would be worth having would require spending very large sums of money if which i don't have
I am one of that minority of maladjusted people who really dislikes Les Pauls and Gibson guitars in general. The exception is the single or doublecut Junior. I love those guitars despite their flaws. I love their minimalist simplicity and their P90s. Most Gibsons, however, drive me crazy through their clueless design choices. The string path over the nut of a Les Paul or SG is an insane friction point thanks to that stupid fanning out due to tuner placement. Les Pauls weigh a tone and have limited high fret access. SGs are lighter but suffer from neck dive and the same unnecessary tuning issues due to the bad headstock design. Both are prone to neck breaks just below the headstock. I also have a strong preference for bolt-on necks. I understand why people love them but they are so not for me. Not as a player and not as a repairer.
Curious to see if you ever get a PRS ZM or other single cut what your thoughts are. The voicing is different. Curious to see is it the shape and feel or the tone that you consider important in the LP type of guitar experience.
I would honestly put my Tobacco Burst Tribute up against a Standard any day. The neck pickup in particular on it is amazing. I've got a high end 335 and I still find myself reaching for the Les Paul more and this coming from a "Fender guy" overall. A Tribute is like a Les Paul for the price of a Tele to me. I make a lot of youtube shorts with it if anyone wants to hear it.
I saved some money. It piled up. Saw the price. The audacity!!!! How dare they charge that much.! Lemmie try it! Wow! I'll be right back. I ain't saying how many deep I'm in now, but a couple of humbuckers and P-90s later, my neighbors are very properly annoyed. It's the one thing left I have to be proud of.
Sounds amazing. I have a 59 reissue Epiphone Les Paul and it sounds great, however, it's too heavy for me as I have back issues. That's why I've been looking at the PRS SE McCarthy 594 as we discussed yesterday. I love the Les Paul sound, so do you have any recommendations for a good light weight Les Paul alternative? BTW, I really enjoy listening to you play.
You can think of alternatives but you can also just look for a lightweight Les Paul. Not all of them are so heavy, with luck you can find one under 4kg.
If you need authentic LP specs for the most part, the Modern or Matt Heafy custom have weight relieved bodies. If you don't mind some alternatives to the old school specs, the EC 1000 from ESP/LTD is one of the best.
Don't see myself ever buying one. I've owned two clones, a Vintage V100 and Tanglewood Baron. Both great sounding guitars but unwieldy. Up until a few months before I sold them, it would take me 20-30 minutes to acclimatise as I'm a tele/strat guy. I have a Yamaha AES620L which scratches enough of the Les Paul itch without breaking my back.
Les Paul Shaped Objects. I'm not jealous at all ... 🤥 As a life-long bass guitarist who decided to see what all the fuss was about with these little thin strings, I find it difficult to justify the cost of a ‘proper’ Les Paul for myself. I DO have a Gibson SG though. That will have to do in the satisfying G.A.S. department for now; or until I get a lottery win … Strangely, I now own more thin stringers than basses. That’s due to the adventuring aspect of guitaring I guess; trying out the different sounds and feels. I used to have just One electric, a 96 Strat MIJ. Her frets need some love now, after 28 years of abuse. As for LP shaped objects my current favourite is a P90 Gold (Copper) Top from Harley Benton. She came out of the box raring to go; more so than any other guitar I’ve bought since Shelly the Strat. No faults at all, a real winner, and her cheapo no-name P90s sound great; better that the Seymour Duncan I have in another guitar … The success of the HB P90 prompted me to get the humbucking version. That too is a respectable instrument and it’s ‘Roswell’ pickups are sufficiently bright and clean so as not to demand an upgrade just yet. IronGear Blues Engines would be my choice if I Did upgrade them. I replaced a pair of Wilkinsons in my 335 copy with those and they really made it sing. 👍
I’ve always liked the look and sound of a Gibson but have always hated the weight, the bad upper fret access, the tuning instability, the glossy neck, and the headstock with its badly positioned tuners. It’s imperfections, which Gibson embrace so vehemently, irk me too much to ever own one for the high price tag. I’ve got a cheap epiphone Les Paul which I never play, that’s as far as I will ever go.
Also a proud owner of an Eastman SB59v which is equivalent of custom shop Gibson quality. Friend has an R9 and prefers my Eastman. Ebony fretboard, one piece mahogany body and neck, 8lbs and lollar pickups, hand rubbed finish...what's not to love. Oh except name envy which still means i will most probably seek out a Gibson at some stage, idiot that I am...
Hey John, I've been watching a lot of your playing and gear demos. At 8:45, when you pushed it up with the neck pickup, your sound was by far the most beautiful match of guitar rig and your lyrical style I've heard you do. Very moving and soulful. As you said "Thick and juicy." What preset are you using? To die for.
LPs would be great if; they weighed less, their necks didn’t snap like twigs, the headstock design didn’t cause tuning issues, they weren’t covered in plastic binding, weren’t so expensive and had better top fret access. Guitarist nostalgia is the only reason they are so popular. They are iconic but the design is objectively flawed in many ways.
I didn’t get one and my life has fallen to sh|t
😂
Same. I'm not even joking.
Us. (Real)
@@rohindey Finally broke down and got an American fender...already got 3 gibsons. Gibsons are that much more important.
@@jasondorsey7110 dayummm
Great video, my experience with the Les Paul has been very similar, always interesting to hear other people's thoughts about it. I played super-strat style guitar for the most part, ever since I started playing guitar in 2007. About a year ago I was in a music store browsing and decided to try out a Gibson Les Paul Classic (the one with the push-pull pots). I fell in love with the way it sounds, but all the things people say are very much true - it's heavy, it's not ergonomic, the upper fret access is limited, etc. But I bought the guitar on an impulse and "acclimated" to it over a few weeks. It's 100% my go-to guitar now days.
Once you become acclimated to one they are unbeatable... Of course there are other great guitars out there but none of them do what a great Les Paul will do.
Hot damn that intro... When solo album?
Been playing for over 50 years and have always loved listening to and looking at Les Pauls. I've never owned one and never had the inclination to, but what a gorgeous instrument.
I’ve been a Les Paul player for a very long time. While I absolutely love my Strats, my soul’s voice really comes alive more with the Les Paul.
Since 2002, I’ve always had a Les Paul at one point or another. My first guitar was a cheap Epiphone LP100. Finally got my first Gibson standard (50s goldtop) this year. After owning various levels of Epiphones and Gibsons, the standard is 100% worth it.
I got my Epiphone Standard ‘60s for Christmas of 2020 and was so impressed, I got a Gibson Standard ‘60s 6-7 months later.
@@dionysusthemadgod it’s great to upgrade. Congrats! I may get a standard 60s eventually too.
I started out with a 74 custom when I was younger... It was a little rough and my uncle, the original owner ended up with it. Much later I got a 2016 Gibson V that was amazing but only owned it for about 6 months before it ended up in a fire. I then ran across a Epiphone Matt Heafy Custom w/ EMGs which I really like... And then it happened. I finally landed a Gibson Les Paul 60s Standard and it is absolutely amazing. I can't say enough good things about it. My guitar collection is pretty big but my Les Paul certainly stands out and holds it's own in a way that I believe only a Les Paul can. Cheers 🍻👊🤘
I love Stratocasters but the tones I get from my 60’s standard Les Paul can’t be beat.
I rock two modified Epiphone Les Paul Standard guitars. They're not Gibsons, but they play nearly as well. The Les Paul is my #1 guitar. I'd like to try a 335 and a Telecaster.
I just turned 59 and decided it was time for my first real Les Paul. I got a 50's standard from Andertons based on the neck, weight and the top. It needed some finetuning, especially on the frets, but from there on it was ready. I love the Burstbuckers, because they are vintage sounding AND when it goes direct into my Marshall 1987X with a matching 1960X cab the sound is just right. It has a slight snarl with overtones that makes you go Yes, there it is! It is big in sound and sustain, really loud acoustically. So now I'm in the process of taming this beast. I will still be using my HSS Strats to have more flexibility, but when the LP sound is needed it's there. Why did it take me so long I wonder? Cheers 😀 P.S. Don't be afraid that the guitar is new, they obviously are using some quality woods now!!
HHS ?
@@KozmykJ Typo error, wouldn't you guess it?
I hope The Captain took care of the frets for you. Guitars like this should be 100% when they leave the shop.
@@MoreMeRecording Nope, I did that myself but I should add that I live in Denmark. It should been done from Gibson at that price, but it is fine now 😉
Fewer things go so well hand in hand than a Gibson and a Marshall.
Yes! I can't wait to see your Eastman SB59 review. You are going to be floored at how good they are.
I just looked up your channel after being introduced by Brother Williams and Five Watt World. I was absolutely blown away by your playing in the style of Gary Moore. I’ll be searching through your productions, hoping to find much more of that same style and maybe pointers, discussion about or related lessons. Can’t say enough, how very impressive that (way too) short segment of Keith’s Greeny discussion was.
Vintage Greco Les Pauls are where it's at. Climbing up in value these days, they were one of the companies that basically 1:1 copied Gibson in Japan in the 70s/80s and they are wonderful.
Something special about a good Les Paul
Since you asked about Maybach. I have a Lester '58. Bought it at some point when I didn't know what to do with my savings and it seemed to not be losing money as it was second hand and the price was okay. I'm strat guy, but it made me prefer the Lester over my (boutique-y) strat. I let a friend play it, made him but one too. They're that good! They really have the 'Tele on steroids' vibe. When comparing it to a LP Studio of another friend the Lester was a LOT better. The neck pickup had more clarity than the bridge pickup of the LP. The Amber pickups are incredible. A lot depth in them, and it mkes you want to play Led Zeppelin riffs when you play a single note.
Maybach lester"s are incredible!
Was waiting for them to make a satin finish one since I’m not a gloss fan, oh man do I love the quality Gibson has now on the faded series. Was very hard to find one but they’re like no other.
Got my "blendable" dual humbucker fix with a PRS Tremonti SE that I modded with pots and a cap kit. For me, having the trem was essential and a big part of the magic is the 4-knob control layout.
I bought a Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro II from Andertons in 2013 that they had on special offer and it's a great guitar. I don't find it too strange switching from a Strat, Tele or PRS to my LP or vice versa.
1st time here, I recently purchased the Gibson LP Studio Plus at 8.2 lbs and the EPIPHONE LP Standard weighing in @ 9.5 lbs. Both look and play fantastic!! They are a wonderful exploration of tonal beauty. The EPIPHONE Smokehouse burst has MUCH more sustain than the Studio. That may be common knowledge to some people. But for me it just nice to have both. The warmth and richness of the Studio is amazing as well.
Excellent music and playing, first of all. I’ve been playing a Les Paul for a long time, and I’ve tried to find something else that works for me, but I can’t get away from it. To me it’s the combination of tone and feel. The shorter scale length makes it extremely playable, in a way longer Strat-style scales aren’t. It also means less tension on the strings, which makes them more sensitive, articulate and bendable. It’s a pretty tight squeeze once you get up past the 15th fret or so, but for everything below that, it’s better.
Then there’s the tone, which is unique, kind of indescribable, and not replicated in any other guitar. It is a jazz guitar at its origin, which should never be forgotten. The clean sound is very rich and deep. The pickups are a big part of it, and different versions sound different. But there is a core tone that doesn’t change.
When you take that rich, complex tone to high gain, it takes on qualities that you can’t get elsewhere. The overtones and harmonics, and the interaction with the amp and feedback are something special.
I don’t care much about how they look, or which vintage spec some people chase. That’s more a of a collector thing. As a player, the tone and feel are what matters.
Love my Les Paul's, my Gibson is a LP double cut also from 2002 and its awesome, although does more for taking the PRS spot in the collection. The LP I gig with is actually one I made myself from a Solo Guitar kit, with some time and real Gibson pickups / grovers etc. It has become my best sounding /feeling live guitar
Very happy with my Epiphone 59. not the same "prestige", not the most beautiful, but it's a keeper and a player.
I had a few Les Paul's. Now I have a Eastman, which quality wise it's superior and way cheaper. If you don't care about the name in the headstock, then there you should definitely check the Eastman
Oh by the way. Mine weight slightyl over 8 lb, has a long tenon and the body has no weight relief. The woods they use are amazing.
I'll second that. Their top-of-the-line model is cheaper than a Gibson Standard and is better than a Gibson Custom Shop
I love mine even though it weighs a ton. Classic with p90’s. I have never regretted my purchase.
Excellent playing !
I also found I had to wean myself off my Strat for a month or two before I properly bonded with my Les Paul
IMO low output pickups are great, because it's easier to add gain these days than take it away.
Sure l, you can roll down the volume knob, but it's tricky to hit the same position every time, and I don't find it sounds as satisfying.
I got a Les Paul standard as a 16 year old who was a big Manics fan (albeit JDB played a white Custom...). the thing that suprised me most, coming from a Squier Telecaster was the neck angle, headstock angle. Felt, and still does feel, very different to the "flatness" of a Fender. I prefer bolt on Fender style instruments on the whole, and for the most part my 96 les Paul standard lives in a case but it will be an heirloom and it has huge sentimental value (not only early gigs, but the fact it took about a hundred paper rounds to pay for it!).
The High E that he hits at 8:26 and a few notes after is that CHIRPY sound, at least that is what I call it, Love that Sound, not all Humbuckers do it, Mainly PAF style ones, the Gibson Custombuckers at least some of the Demos I have seen GOT IT, the GREENY has it and Sustain too. Bet JOHN already moved that along. What about the HANDS of MERLIN CORDY, the special magician of the HELIX and FM9 World??? Do not sell YOURSELF short.
My Maybach Lester is my favorite Les Paul! And i have some killer gibson les paul"s. Just a fantastic guitar!!
I've been looking at those Lesters - they look REALLY impressive
@@johnnathancordy Yes they play so good! They are also plek"d from factory. You wil love them
I used to think all guitars are damn near the same it's about what you want to do with them. Wrong, When I first picked up an ESP it felt like a kid's toy, I had been a big hammett fan once upon a time, I picked up a ESP KH-2, And it looked ridiculous on me. I tried to fret a chord in it feel like I was going to break the neck. It was them that I realized neck width, fretboard radius, neck profile, are actually things that matter and wouldn't you know it. Les Paul's are just the most comfortable thing I've ever held when it comes to guitar necks. No matter how many guitars I want to get because my favorite guitarists used to use it. When it comes to sitting down and just playing from the soul, I grab a Les Paul. It can be Epiphone, Greco, Tokai, Burny, Maybach, or just a Gibson. Just something about a Les Paul that brings a smile to my face.
I went with a gibson sg and i couldnt be happier
So,
I’ve played a lot of Les Pauls and I’ve never felt like they were “me.” At least not for what they cost. I love how they sound, the feel just isn’t right.
Dad just got his “dream” 60’s standard, and while it’s a great axe, the same applies
That being said, I have an epi 50’s gold top from the inspired by gibson range, and I think it’s enough of that vibe to do it for me…at least at that price point.
Still very much on my LP Standard hunt. Hoping to find the right one in time for my 40th next year...
I can’t deny that Les Pauls can sound great but the brief section starting at 3:39 explains it all. I don’t want to have to fight a guitar to play it.
of course we do.....but i haven't "found" the right one ....yet....
How in the frigg can he play so well!
I just got a Maybach Lester Goldtop and I can't believe I haven't owned a Les Paul sooner...
That framed top is so cool
Great vid... your intro to LP's was akin to mine, always been a HSS Strat player, had an Austin LP as part of a 2 guitar purchase with an Austin Tele (the Tele was my focus) But the Austin LP was great to play... I eventually sold my Austin LP to a friend's kid, and later on as I missed that Austin LP but considered instead buying Gibsons... It took me a bit to find my faves (Classics)
that intro was beautiful...
That was tasty playing. LPs are awesome, but the playing would sound good on any guitar!!!
This sounds beautiful.
Great video John and very timely. Love your playing and honest option as always. I have gently been on s quest for a Les Paul for some years, on and off. I had resigned myself to thinking that maybe they are not for me. However, a good friend of mine, who is a Les Paul lover and aficionado, kindly (ahem) lent me a Leap Paul Standard from made in 2000 to try and I have come to really like it.... so much that, it is mine (a small financial matter to be addressed). Will it replace my PRS...haha... no. They are very different beats and I think they both have a place in my arsenal. But, I feel very comfortable now with this lester that I look forward to getting to know more... Thanks!!
Have you tried D’Angelico? I don’t love the headstock, but i played one the other day and really loved it.
I like your observation that much of what makes those legendary guitars legendary was the legends that played them. I also agree that those legends would probably sound good on any guitar.
The SG is also very good even if overshadowed by the LP
Maybach are freaking awesome, custom shop definitely.
I own a Maybach Lester 59 in Pelham Blue. A well made beautiful looking and sounding guitar! Definitely worth checking one out, I would be interested in your opinion :D
Really tasteful playing. Thanks.
Love your demos John... superb quality. Subscribed.
I did a tour of the Gibson factory in Memphis some years ago, and after the tour in the showroom I picked up a single-cutaway guitar that had a maple fretboard, pretty unique among Gibsons. It played very well and I almost bought it but thought I was being too extravagant and I didn't really "need" it. In retrospect, I wish I had bought it!
Lol, no you didn't.
I never wanted a Les Paul. It was always a bit of a "Dad's Guitar". Ibanez was my thing. However, I loved the tones from a friends 70's Les Paul Standard and decided to try one. I became especially interested when the HP range were available due to the Axcess Neck Joint. I bought a 2018 Les Paul Standard HP II and a 2016 Les Paul Studio HP. The Standard is a bit of a 'show pony' and tonally rather brighter than I expected. Much easier to get the 'Gary Moore tone' from the Studio (despite the hot bridge pup). I love them both but play the Studio far more. Both weigh a couple of Ounces under 9 pounds. I find the Zero Fret Adjustable Nut and G-Force Tuners work incredibly well and I have Ibanez levels of action/playability from both models. My most recent Gibson acquisition is a 2015 Les Paul Less+. 7 pounds weight and my absolute favourite Classic '57 pups. Needless to say that I appreciate the Les Paul far more now.
Seems like a lovely guitar and really enjoyed your playing, so thanks for that! I bought my 1968 LP Custom in 1974 and still have it. It was my only guitar till 1982 when I also got a Japanese made Strat, so happy with both! I like the slimmer 60s neck - I have been trying out some Standards recently - 2019 60th Anniversary, Custom Shop and Murphy Lab. All lovely but not really essential at this point. I did buy the Epiphone 59 Gibson hybrid and will be putting some Monty's Underspun PAFs in that one - it's a nice instrument. Played an Eastman SB59/v last weekend up in Shenzen (HK dealer doesn't carry their solid bodies!) and I am keen to grab that one - it's quite special - Lollar Imperials are a nice touch.
I played a 60s reissue from 2003 which sounded great but found out it has ceramic pickups so wondered if they weren’t as sought after as other models from around that time . Hmm 🤔
There's no beating the sound of a Les Paul.
For me no other electric comes close.
lovely playing
I always loved Les Paul's, as I was a massive Thin Lizzy fan, and I played Gibson's for years, but now I've kind of walked away from them, and I mainly play Fender's now.
Just bought an Adam Jones Les Paul Standard.
Have you ever played an Edwards (by esp) LP? Japanese made and come highly rated. About 1/3 to 1/4 the price too.
Maybach Lester 59 ftw. 😊
I have an SG with p90s. Im good.
I have a Gibson LP and to be honest... you can get equivalent guitars for much less money. People are only buying Gibsons for resale value down the road because they're the top 2 most famous guitar brands
A nice Gibson Les Paul is the main missing guitar in my arsenal. I have an ok '80s burny with Greco dry Zs fitted which gets the job done. Unfortunately where I am in my guitar collection journey, to get a Les Paul that would be worth having would require spending very large sums of money if which i don't have
A Gibson Les Paul is like a gateway drug into more guitars. Can someone tell me what scale he was playing there? with the solo stuff.
You should be basing this off a new era model. They are pretty amazing.
I am one of that minority of maladjusted people who really dislikes Les Pauls and Gibson guitars in general.
The exception is the single or doublecut Junior. I love those guitars despite their flaws. I love their minimalist simplicity and their P90s.
Most Gibsons, however, drive me crazy through their clueless design choices. The string path over the nut of a Les Paul or SG is an insane friction point thanks to that stupid fanning out due to tuner placement. Les Pauls weigh a tone and have limited high fret access. SGs are lighter but suffer from neck dive and the same unnecessary tuning issues due to the bad headstock design. Both are prone to neck breaks just below the headstock.
I also have a strong preference for bolt-on necks.
I understand why people love them but they are so not for me. Not as a player and not as a repairer.
Curious to see if you ever get a PRS ZM or other single cut what your thoughts are. The voicing is different. Curious to see is it the shape and feel or the tone that you consider important in the LP type of guitar experience.
I would honestly put my Tobacco Burst Tribute up against a Standard any day. The neck pickup in particular on it is amazing. I've got a high end 335 and I still find myself reaching for the Les Paul more and this coming from a "Fender guy" overall. A Tribute is like a Les Paul for the price of a Tele to me. I make a lot of youtube shorts with it if anyone wants to hear it.
All the standards have those glossy necks. Tribute does a satin finish. I’d rather play the tribute any day.
Doug Demuro has a video about a Maybach
Since you're looking at Eastman can you review a T486?
Intro Music is becoming more and more interesting.
I don’t paly guitar…..should I still get one?
No - you'd need two for that use case
Answer is YESSSSSSS
I need one but i think for non-professional, any guitars that cost more then 900 is way too much for today’s situation
Yes..
I saved some money. It piled up. Saw the price. The audacity!!!! How dare they charge that much.! Lemmie try it! Wow! I'll be right back. I ain't saying how many deep I'm in now, but a couple of humbuckers and P-90s later, my neighbors are very properly annoyed. It's the one thing left I have to be proud of.
Sounds amazing. I have a 59 reissue Epiphone Les Paul and it sounds great, however, it's too heavy for me as I have back issues. That's why I've been looking at the PRS SE McCarthy 594 as we discussed yesterday. I love the Les Paul sound, so do you have any recommendations for a good light weight Les Paul alternative? BTW, I really enjoy listening to you play.
You can think of alternatives but you can also just look for a lightweight Les Paul. Not all of them are so heavy, with luck you can find one under 4kg.
If you are able to spend 2000€, Maybach Lester 59s are light (around 3.5 kg), outstanding guitars from the Czech Republic.
If you need authentic LP specs for the most part, the Modern or Matt Heafy custom have weight relieved bodies. If you don't mind some alternatives to the old school specs, the EC 1000 from ESP/LTD is one of the best.
That is a huge break angle between the bridge and tailpiece
I’d really like to know your thoughts on the DeAngelico guitars if you have any thoughts on them that Is. Great video👍
I've got one on my "wish list".
Don't see myself ever buying one. I've owned two clones, a Vintage V100 and Tanglewood Baron.
Both great sounding guitars but unwieldy. Up until a few months before I sold them, it would take me 20-30 minutes to acclimatise as I'm a tele/strat guy.
I have a Yamaha AES620L which scratches enough of the Les Paul itch without breaking my back.
Les Paul Shaped Objects.
I'm not jealous at all ... 🤥
As a life-long bass guitarist who decided to see what all the fuss was about with these little thin strings, I find it difficult to justify the cost of a ‘proper’ Les Paul for myself.
I DO have a Gibson SG though.
That will have to do in the satisfying G.A.S. department for now; or until I get a lottery win …
Strangely, I now own more thin stringers than basses.
That’s due to the adventuring aspect of guitaring I guess; trying out the different sounds and feels.
I used to have just One electric, a 96 Strat MIJ.
Her frets need some love now, after 28 years of abuse.
As for LP shaped objects my current favourite is a P90 Gold (Copper) Top from Harley Benton.
She came out of the box raring to go; more so than any other guitar I’ve bought since Shelly the Strat.
No faults at all, a real winner, and her cheapo no-name P90s sound great; better that the Seymour Duncan I have in another guitar …
The success of the HB P90 prompted me to get the humbucking version.
That too is a respectable instrument and it’s ‘Roswell’ pickups are sufficiently bright and clean so as not to demand an upgrade just yet.
IronGear Blues Engines would be my choice if I Did upgrade them.
I replaced a pair of Wilkinsons in my 335 copy with those and they really made it sing. 👍
Meh, I got an Ibanez '76 LP Standard in Wine Red what gets the job done.
Is that the one with which you had buyers remorse?
I’ve always liked the look and sound of a Gibson but have always hated the weight, the bad upper fret access, the tuning instability, the glossy neck, and the headstock with its badly positioned tuners. It’s imperfections, which Gibson embrace so vehemently, irk me too much to ever own one for the high price tag. I’ve got a cheap epiphone Les Paul which I never play, that’s as far as I will ever go.
The good old Les “Pole”
This or a Strat tho? 👀
These Monty's pickups have a gorgeous tone...!
Also a proud owner of an Eastman SB59v which is equivalent of custom shop Gibson quality. Friend has an R9 and prefers my Eastman. Ebony fretboard, one piece mahogany body and neck, 8lbs and lollar pickups, hand rubbed finish...what's not to love. Oh except name envy which still means i will most probably seek out a Gibson at some stage, idiot that I am...
I have a Eastman T486. If I wanted a Les Paul, I’d get the Eastman with no hesitation.
@@johnandre5558 I have the 59v too. If I ever get a 335, it'll be of the Eastman variety.
I don't need one unless its under 9Ibs. Most aren't, sadly.
Hey John, I've been watching a lot of your playing and gear demos. At 8:45, when you pushed it up with the neck pickup, your sound was by far the most beautiful match of guitar rig and your lyrical style I've heard you do. Very moving and soulful. As you said "Thick and juicy." What preset are you using? To die for.
EVERYONE NEEDS A QUILTER SUPERBLOCK US!!!
Awesome
LPs would be great if; they weighed less, their necks didn’t snap like twigs, the headstock design didn’t cause tuning issues, they weren’t covered in plastic binding, weren’t so expensive and had better top fret access. Guitarist nostalgia is the only reason they are so popular. They are iconic but the design is objectively flawed in many ways.
not really
Everyone needs an LP TYPE guitar.
I had a 2002 Studio for the last year (red wine), and it's the best LP I've played this far.
Heavy as all, but so easy to play.
Not for me, the most awkward and uncomfortable thing I’ve ever played
Can you make it play and sound as good as my Epiphone?......heard this a lot from UA-cam techs recieving the guitar for a set up.
Yes on the Les Paul!
2015 was a bad year for Gibson across the board.. (i do think the ES models survived the idiocy)
To tell you the truth, I think I'm done buying guitars. From now on I'm going to focus solely on stealing them