2013 Gibson Custom Les Paul Standard 1959 Reissue R9 review demo

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Mick Taylor and Neville Martin play and discuss the 2013 Gibson Custom R9, reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 373.
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[@Stratblooz]

To be a guitarplayer with the name Mick Taylor must be a challenge :)

[@kevinericsongs]

great review those LPs are gorgeous!

[@ks-mf7dq]

Chaps, this is an excellent review. I'd love to see more like this. Perhaps for similar high end guitars. Very in depth, great playing and lovely tones.

[@Guitar19774]

This is my favorite les paul video! Mick and Neville covered it all!

[@embreesmith7613]

the R-9 is so expensive that you may as well look at a custom maker .. when I started playing, Gibson was about it, these days there are many great alternatives..great playing, Mick!!

[@rrackman]

I own three les pauls. My old 'work' 1972 standard - a 2007 R6 gold top and a 2013 R9. Neither of them compare to the R9. The R9 is a magical combination that sounds and plays incredible.

[@BlueRIff63]

What a great, warm sound these guys have! I think any Paul they play - it will sound cool.

[@p_1210]

Great demo guys!

[@gman6107]

really great review guys... you work well together... thanks

[@boozoochavis7506]

Play 'em for 40 years and they should look about right! I do have to say seeing Mick playing a LP does my head in a bit, so used to him doing the Blues Lemon thing with a strat it just looks odd to me. Good work, and Mick didn't much bat an eye when he relic'd that headstock on the amp - good 'un mate, well done!

[@ralphpuckett4016]

Great sounding rig! Thanks for sharing.

[@spartanworria]

I would like to say I could hear the subtle difference that was the pick-ups. They both sound great but the custom pick-ups had a better sound to me, very close though.

[@s1914]

Good review. I have one and it's a fabulous guitar. The custom buckers are night and day better than the burst buckers

[@raymondsmith6494]

I have 3 Tanglewood signatures str1’s and they are they very same spec, built in Japan and they resonate for ever and the build quality is amazing. I’ve bought all at 300 quid each, there was a Gibson lawsuit in 2004 and only 1200 made and I’d say you’re lucky if you get one coming up forsale and there probably 650 now if you find one and they are really worth three times that........ and more.

[@madgeniusmusic]

Great video, thanks guys, keep 'em coming.

[@silviodilalla3093]

very nice warm sound... i think it's also for that marshall... amazing.... and... les paul + marshall combo... amazing

[@CosmicXRay]

a pleasure to watch - thank you!

[@liontone]

At 2:30, it becomes a "used" R9, haha.

[@_marcopalomo]

“Other than a cracked headstock, in mint condition”

[@moisesedwin6715]

i realize I am quite off topic but does anybody know a good site to stream newly released series online?

[@danieltatum6560]

@Moises Edwin i use FlixZone. Just search on google for it =)

[@augustusgregory1748]

@Daniel Tatum Yup, been watching on Flixzone for months myself =)

[@moisesedwin6715]

@Daniel Tatum thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it !!

[@reviewforthetube6485]

That is probably the nicest sounding marshall amp I have ever heard I dont usually like marshalls all that much just not my tone now this marshall is so bluesy I love it I usually go for vox and fender but man thr tone of that amp is amazing

[@Ernaldinho1993]

That intro sounds very nice!

[@sangreyagua1871]

Beautiful LPs, I own a 2012 studio with chrome hardware, love it.

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

I own a Les Paul Standard from 2016 with handmade PUPS. It's my baby and nothing plays or sounds like it

[@kdawg2a]

Cool guitars but, there were a lot of 'I think' and 'apparently'' in the review. Let's face it, we've been conned into believing this 'ultimate' tone will only ever come from a guitar that only 1600 were ever made. Realistically, most of us would (blindfolded) very easily get what we want from a lesser Gibson or a Tokai or a Vintage. There are a lot of very cool guitars out there, most of them are pretty cheap, and we can all make some amazing noises with them all.

[@garymrgarydry6991]

kdawg2a well said its the player mostly with a good guitar , i have a samick ln which is just fantastic after i tweaked it to my liking . i do have a few merican gaytars but mostly yamaha SGs and SAs

[@Panic42000]

G. V. Quinn PRS is the future? Hahahaha!! You must be drunk!!

[@Dagger_323]

It’s about far more than just the way something sounds on a recording. It’s about the way the guitar plays, the way it feels, the way it responds, etc. All these things affect the way you play. I started off on an Epiphone LP and since progressing through different models and finally ending up with a Custom Shop LP my playing has improved for the better because the level of inspiration from a guitar like this for me personally is far greater than what I got out of that cheap Chinese Polyurethane Les Paul several years back.

[@benforsey]

I agree! It's all about finding gems, and they can be at any price! But, I would absolutely love to have a burst reissue one day. They may be massively expensive, but they're right up there with the best guitars I've ever played

[@faniespies7662]

while i 100% agree with you. As long as we are not blindfolded its still fun holding one of these beasts. Resell value also still great on these and so as long as the con continues im in :)

[@julianobacker]

Great review! Thanks!

[@simpleone1989]

You two sound incredibly alike! Hard to tell if I'm not looking :P

[@tom27j]

Would be helpful to know what strings/gauges you both are using as well? That makes so much difference... On any Gibson I personally prefer 12. or 11.s, anything below is too weedy.. and there is no excuse to the seasoned player because the scale length makes it so easy to bend...

[@tidepoolbay]

Nice work Gentlemen!

[@LJG781]

Great review.... Just bought a Gibson Les Paul, Custom Classic lite, last week...I can't put it down.....I must have played it 6hrs a night.... for the last 6 nights....

[@patrickromero5365]

LJG781 hey man I just. Bought one too I can't put it down either. You should hear it with a Mesa boogie Mark 2 it sounds amazing. Enjoy. Peace. My name is pat Romero. I'm from Denver Colo

[@tidepoolbay]

They both sound great! Woof!!

[@rodmclean2066]

I like that 1974X Nice tone

[@ericld11]

Of course they are humbuckers and you said you were playing "straight in", but was there any noise cancelation or compression in this demo? The lack of incidental finger noise is apparent. Great video thank you.

[@tlgs63gmail30]

What model of Bare knuckle hum buckers do you have on your guitar? What type of Alnico was used and what are the OHMS on the Neck & Bridge? Great tones.

[@MarshallAmpMan]

excellent demo.... how does this compare to a '58 Historic?

[@obicross]

mick's one sound a little bit cleaner. nev's one although sounds thicker, it sounds a little bit muddier on the lower strings. both are great, i just prefer micks one a little bit more, to each of his own i guess

[@PanamaJack666]

The top carve looks much better and perhaps more accurate on the Les Paul on the left borrowed from Andertons. However, the one on the right sounds much better!

[@jasfiona]

Thoroughly enjoyed that review. Brilliant tones all over the shop. I want one, but they are well overpriced. If I was nit picking for the sake of it, I wasn't entirely sure when they were talking about turning the tone pots down because they only touched the volumes. Sure, rolling the volume pot adjusts the tone because without a treble bleed the top end goes, but they didn't say that. One guy said there would be a massive drop in volume if I did that on a Strat, and there was on the Paul....and if they're so good, how come he'd had 5? Why would you sell guitars if they were that good? Upgrading is one thing, like swapping 2 for the one, but you'd keep one surely?

[@MasKistershi]

Original 58's,59's & 60's were between 8-10lbs.What do these weight?

[@danpeabody5687]

I bought a 2014 r9 it cost stupid money. But I have wanted one way to long. I replaced the parts I felt were lacking. I have played shows with it for about 2 years no remorse. it is my third new les paul. got my first one in 77. These are very nice.

[@orlandomorales5423]

Why would you need to replace anything on a guitar that costs that much? I would think with that price tag the guitar would be perfect.

[@danpeabody5687]

I would say that comes down to personal preference and the fact that nothing is ever perfect and then perfect is subjective but yes. You're pretty damn close to perfect I changed my pickups pots and capacitors to 2014 R9 it cost way too much money

[@tomfoolery2082]

Is the neck width still 1 11/16" at the nut?

[@tiborrisko7349]

I think most people have a misconception about Chunky necks. I think that if you have big hands like I do, chunky necks are FAR MORE comfortable to play than thin necks.

[@cardbored_]

Tibor Risko yeah, my hand pain went away after switching from thin necks to chunky necks on my Custom shop Tele and my R8.

[@tiborrisko7349]

Cool man, I remember the day I picked up a fatneck strat and I also realised that it is far more less stressful on my hand :) Rock on man!

[@buddyollie7400]

Tibor Risko Muh Carpal tunnel...

[@i-tiyahman6519]

hey I practice with my thick Dingaling so im used to LOL HAHAHAH

[@spinalmuppet]

I own the one Neville is playing. Great guitar

[@rafaelvitor2064]

the arm of this les poul is thin or round?

[@j.r.wishmire6459]

Absolutely superb

[@ChuckNorrisCutsMyLaw]

Pretty impressive sounding guitars I didn't think they would sound as good as my 2003 LesPaul LPJ but they sound pretty close, almost as good. If my LPJ got lost or stolen and I couldn't find another one, I'd consider getting one of these for sure.

[@philfrank9226]

What would a guitarplayer do,jamming with Gary Moore or working?

[@bigboss6568]

My dream guitar. What a beauty

[@Mistergibsonsg1]

MoshGremlin And with in a week Buyer's remorse will rear it's ugly head.

[@cardbored_]

MoshGremlin have you bought one? Because I have and every day I am happier than the day before having bought mine.

[@sylvainalain6637]

Awesome tone :)

[@vinterterroristen]

Proper tones!

[@Tonetwisters]

I thought I would like the Barenuckles best. The Gibson PUPs actually sound fuller and more harmonically richer. I am surprised and impressed. Love both looks, but prefer the Paul on the right.

[@DanieleGiannattasio]

Do you mean on the left? :D

[@Tonetwisters]

Daniele Hi, Daniele! Yes, I prefer the LPaul sound on the left; I prefer the LPaul LOOKS on the right. Both are GREAT guitars, though. I would be very happy to have either one! Thanks for asking!

[@TerriblesPhiladelphia]

Are those Bareknuckle pickups available? The Paul with the BK sounds much fuller and sweeter. I want those pickups!

[@mazen2928]

r9 comes with custombucker

[@patrickromero5365]

The 2013 Les Paul custom sounds better plus you have more options to choose from. I just bought one it sounds amazing through my Mesa Boogie Mark 2B amp I use a Boss Mega distortion I get the Santana sound I have been looking for. I think these are the last of the great Gibson guitars. I seen one of the new models and the workman ship was terrible.i am so glade I bought mine before it was to late. Cheers to this video. I liked both guitars but in my opinion the the 2013 Led Paul just sounded better.

[@flip3213]

great vid

[@benink5690]

Mick lol! Long ways from here mate!

[@tommyboyce]

The older dude's one (the tea burst) sounds better.... sweeter

[@BadMotivator66]

are these pickups in production by bare knuckle, or were they a one-off jobbie?

[@THINCOVER]

I think they where a one off, which is a shame :(

[@green323turbo]

They are just hotter than the stock. Hotter isn't better, you loose high end.

[@angrytroll27]

How many times have Gibson repackaged the 59?

[@petera.michaelsen4657]

+Aaron Mifsud since 1985 i think, but the late 60s were supposed to be pretty much the same, since the return of the Les Paul, Gibson has tried to recreate the bursts’ sound until 2001, when they knew that the R9 would sell much more if they were better than the regular USA models, so since 2001 they Les Paul has been losing quality and more until the ugly and disappointing 2015 Line Up.

[@KRT61]

Why doesn't Gibson simply make their regular guitars to the 59 spec? Wouldn't they sell a lot more?

[@diddymies]

Kirk Tingblad been asking the same question all my life. If the 58-60s lp are the perfect ultimate lp which everyone is praising, why havent they changed the production for a vintage spec guitar. But the customs shops guitar real price comes from the time the make, it takes weeks to make one. The standard production makes +1000 guitars/per day when custom shop makes 56. its inc all the handwired pickups, the accurate handcraft from the luthiers etc. Not like factory line guitar.

[@victorpassarella7069]

I've been saying that for years.

[@jaycorbin6145]

Because 59 spec is expensive enough to make, it’s not worth cutting into their profit margin apparently.

[@holmes1978]

Very cool !

[@RH-5482]

I think they both flat out sound like the Blues Breaker.

[@gmarcosheavy]

where can i get the backing track of the beggining?

[@zviadnikolaishvili4905]

i want it too

[@dogfalcon]

I love'em all. But this is not a fair comparison. Because Neville is not Mick and Mick is not Neville. Both players sound good but in their own ways. Their hands, fingers and soul/passion/feeling is translated to a guitar in different way. They should exchange the guitars to be more fair. Btw: what really matters is not how hard we see a review/test but your own review, in the music shop or (much better) at home/gig, That really counts. But..if I had the money...I'd buy a '59 reissue without hesitation.

[@jorgex9789]

So what? if you or I played either one of those guitars neither you or I would sound like any of these guys.

[@bigjohnnygee123]

As a Tele guy, I definitely prefer Neville's guitar's sound!

[@intrsoul]

Perfect aside from the white plastic nut. Gibson couldn't spring for a vintage-tint TUSQ nut or bone? C'mon.

[@aadityakiran_s]

you guys should do a podcast man! seriously! Like you should play guitar and all in it. not just talk around

[@MrEmohdee]

ROCK ON

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Its a tough call: MIck and Neville? the Doug and Pat Show? Mike Burns? Greg Koch? Anderton's Demo's? who is the best? maybe I should consult with Wild Ciencias' site "who would win? a wolverine or a honey badger?..... All provide great demos....

[@bradh6185]

Just before "Back in the real world", was when they both had the biggest smiles. 23:32

[@GLMusic12]

I see that Gibson has made many reissues every year. Which was the best Year and why? Why are the 2014 reissues worse than 2013's ? Are there major differences, or is it all about image?

[@hastyberford]

You won't find the answers on KZbin. Try guitar forums like The Gear Page or MyLesPaul.

[@adam614ce]

GLMusic And why would you ask why the 14's are worse than the 13's? SAME spec guitar except they added another improvement in 2014 with glue for fretboards along with the 2013 hide glued necks. No better or worse... 13' and up Reissues are best ones since 2003 if you ask me.

[@cardbored_]

GLMusic 2014's are better than 2013's. 2015's are worse than 2014's. And 2016 went back to the 2014 spec. Confused now? :P 2014's have improved by adding Long Neck Tenon and Hide Glue Fretboards in addition to neck set.

[@Ti-kg7vp]

Merci !

[@lokotron1]

they don't sound like they cost AT ALL. and its not the amps fault, is a great amp.

[@leandrolimeres]

Bonamassa said once his best 59's were heavy!

[@Voxboy876]

You can't A/B guitars with two different players. I prefer Neville's LP but a lot of the tone is coming from his technique as well. I prefer his more aggressive attack more than Taylor's. Equally killer players though.

[@jeremiahmountain2460]

Nice little smash at 2:30 haha whoops

[@green323turbo]

I think the real Mick Taylor ( ex rolling stone) plays one of those now. He's still playing dates in 2016

[@Stefan-Van-der-Pulst]

So, this Mick Taylor is not real?

[@green323turbo]

@@Stefan-Van-der-Pulst , no, He's a android

[@sccloser]

Woops...banging the headstock around at 2:30... careful!

[@TheMickkcim]

WHY DID HE PAUSE AT 2:30 IS IT BECAUSE you smashed the head on the amp

[@TheMickkcim]

u can see after he like omg hope the captain isnt watching

[@hawg427]

Mick, watch that headstock, LOL. Your dangerous waving that thing around. I own yable right out of the box.3 Gibbys and I had to send 2 of them back to Gibson a week after I got them. One had a warped neck. LOL Angus Young SG had a poorly cut nut & neck binding that caught the High E all the time. The only Gibson that came perfect was my Custom Shop ES-335. Played perfect out of the box. I personally think Gibson has shot themselves in the foot, or maybe the head with their 15-20% price increase.

[@Za7a7aZ]

Gibson should hire Doug Aldrich for reviewing such guitars..and give him a gold top too, I bet sales wiill soar through the roof..

[@euroguitar7670]

+Za7a7aZ 12 year old boys cannot afford these guitars

[@Dartheomus]

I love the look of the aniline, but that material is a carcinogen, and it's low enough in molecular weight that it can volatilize. That's why the color leaches into the binding. It's also constantly subliming and you are breathing it, particularly when first open the case that you store it in. For that specific choice, I would rather have something that "looks like" aniline but doesn't cause cancer. On a separate note, I don't think it makes much sense to demo/compare a guitar that doesn't have the original pickups in it unless that is the point of the video. And why would you spend that much on a guitar that isn't what you wanted in the first place?

[@garyjford1981]

You big have the same voice (0:42!?)

[@garyjford1981]

*both (not big)

[@Schlumbucketreturns]

It's misleading to compare two guitars when they are being played by different people. Something as simple as your pick selection and how much you are choking-up on the pick can dramatically alter the perceived "tone" of the instrument.

[@tomm7354]

You guys look like you're a couple of middle school kids giving a presentation. Each waiting for their turn to talk, with a voice like you're reading it from a little card.

[@niptodstan]

You don't need to spend money like this. I got a mint 78 Hamer Sunburst last year for £900. it's as good as an original 59 LP. younger players don't really know about them. if you want a tremendous, get a Hamer Mirage. I thought the one on the left sounded better in this video. I don't think the pick up change on the right one was worth it.

[@aadityakiran_s]

U guys don't have to explain everything u know!

[@buddyollie7400]

Aadityakiran S. Well, yeah they kinda do....

[@davidburge4755]

"Stock apart from new pickups" heheh!

[@StrumVogel]

Animal glue?!?! Gibsons are no longer vegan?!?!

[@michaelholmes9153]

Some of the comments here about these guitars being a waste have NOT tried these reissues. A guy I know spent thousands on a 59 burst years ago and it didn't sound that great yet everybody craves the originals thinking they all sound fantastic. It all depends on previous owners and how they maintained their guitars. NO ONE in the 60s drooled over the originals because they had no idea they would be worth anything. I suppose get a reissue, leave it in a closet for 50 years and will it sound like an original does now? Don't know but I am certain the reissues are built to more exacting standards than the originals. When I went shopping for a Les Paul, I was looking for the same look, but without the price. I bought a 2014 Standard after trying a few others like a Traditional and a few 58 and 59 reissues. I can't justify spending nearly three times as much on a guitar that does not sound three times better. The reissue was a bit warmer and had a slight bit of aging as they all do yet the sparkly shiny new 2014 standard sustained just as well. But then a friend buys Epiphone and I am surprised that at one tenth of the price you do get bang for the buck still. I almost bought the reissue but I can't see them going up in value like the original. Besides, expensive guitars don't resell unless they are proper vintage and are sought after whereas a new LP in a popular color and good condition will resell quickly.

[@zbillster]

Actually I would prefer the option of skipping the playing demo and just hearing the chat about them. Because ... internet sound quality.

[@richardparker6279]

So Neville your guitar sounds MUCH better live with your unique pickups custom wound by Tim Mills one of the best pickup winders in the world. You're reviewing a guitar that no-one can buy.

[@Stefan-Van-der-Pulst]

I actually preferred the sound of the other one.

[@smalltown4855]

In the yard is a pair of penguins wellingtons filed with dries peas.

[@davidstupple]

PAFs weren't ever scatter wound were they? I think I heard that from seymore duncan. Informative review but a shame its so dull and serious, and smug too! the only chuckle they have is about how many R9's they own!

[@guitarman3968]

I’m a sucker for marketing, so I’m going to drink the Kool aid on these babies. And they certainly aren’t too hard to look at!

[@philfrank9226]

Now u can buy a made to measure.

[@okavipra]

i strongly doubt that someone will come up with better pedal than clone kentaur , tried numerous boutique pedals , and my friend made me kentaur for about 40$ , (he said it costed him 15$) and its just kills everything else , its just that good

[@cedrickaraguilian6041]

???

[@timlilly]

People always bitch about Gibson guitars! I have USA, custom shop and a Kalamazoo guitar. The custom shop r7 is the one though. its just got something about it.

[@mauimikey7361]

buy a collings

[@marsattacks7071]

Love the Bare Knuckles !!!

[@vypyrr]

i have a godin redline hb that will sit with those guitars any day. because it just got lucky with the wood. it cost me 215 euros. Now go into any music store play all the feckin guitars till one grabs you, you will know the one, if its dear its dear save for it, if its cheap happydays. but the wood has to resonate, even without an amp. i have picked up expensive strats and les pauls and they where dead flat bad wood. name means nothing, schecter have a les paul style models i heard beats anything, sooooooooooooo happy hunting.

[@Mistergibsonsg1]

Gibson might have their house in order because they are pricing their guitars like a down payment on a house! LOL! I still love gibson. SG That is!