Getting the MOST Out of Your New Guitar

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Hey y'all, its Uncle Ben Eller here celebrating my favorite day: New Guitar Day!! I just got this amazing Gibson Les Paul Standard 60's in beautiful Lemonburst from ‪@sweetwater‬ , and i am IN LOVE! I wanna take you all through my entire setup and bonding process i take every one of my guitars through when i get them, from inspection to tones to setup to action to nut height.... everything you need to make your new guitar AWESOME! Happy NGD!
I'll be using my Diezel VH2 and Marshall 1987X Plexiglas amps in this video. Enjoy!

[@BenEller]

Thanks for joining me for a glorious NEW GUITAR DAY! Learn even more setup tips in the extended Patreon cut here: www.patreon.com/posts/79437300?

[@laudnivek-k9]

Thank you. Your channel is entertainment, educational, and a brief relief from a strange world.

[@rikshredder]

Hey Ben were you playing through the Marshall at the beginning of the video? Then at 17:03 too. Which model Marshall is that? Is it stock? Modded?

[@BenEller]

@@rikshredder hey man that’s a new 1987X 50 watt Plexi. Dead stock. MONSTER amp.

[@rikshredder]

@@BenEller Wow. Impressive. Didn't think it would sound that good. Any attenuator? Was it cranked?

[@BenEller]

@@rikshredder I record my amps through the Suhr RL/IR. Let’s me record at any volume. The Plexi is the most brutally, violently loud amp I’ve ever owned, it’s NUTS. Sounds so good.

[@andrewbecker3700]

Can we just appreciate for a minute, uncle Ben's no bullshit breakdown of how simple new guitar set up can be. I'm really dig'n eveyones seemingly newfound love of the LesPaul. IMHO they're a nearly perfect guitar. The few things that some people complain about with them, are easily forgotten when you hit that first crushing note. Long live the Les Paul!

[@caydespliff181]

the clean opeth riff @11:25 almost made me tear up, just like the original, well done.

[@n.a.fgaming3038]

is that hope leaves ?

[@Damaged262]

Sweetwater has never let me down. They can have my money anytime. Especially when buying gear sight unseen, they couldn’t be more professional and downright friendly.

[@woofmanblack]

Everyone says this but I had four purchases from Sweetwater and all four were bad experiences. Last attempt I bought a Yamaha acoustic and when I opened it you could park a bus under the strings where the neck meets the body. Yet there in the box was a signed 55 point inspection card. It became a running joke in the band I was in because the other guitarist and bass player would get calls from their sales reps about every order and I never got one until I complained. Asked them for a new sales rep and yet its the same guy even now if I look on their website and this is after their President called to apologize personally.

[@Damaged262]

@@woofmanblack From my experience, it went well each time, but every business has ppl collecting a check, standards be damned. The stores I ran (Corp pet stores, mostly) and I’ve had my own hiring regrets though my customers were loyal, following me to the new stores. Despite this, I’ve given more than a few apologies and gift cards because of some dipshit who was already there or a bad hire on my part. All I can say is that all of my experiences with Sweetwater have been great. I won’t and don’t need to apologize for your experience, except to say that it’s a shame it happened. Wish you better luck with who you go to now. We’re it cheaper, I would do all my shopping at a mom and pop, and I often do. Take it easy.

[@lasv155]

100%

[@enricopallazzo2987]

Yep, I wouldn't buy a brand new guitar from anywhere else online. Not worth the gambale. See what I did there? 🤣

[@Damaged262]

@@enricopallazzo2987 lol, yep. Everyone has their own experience with any company or any organization that interacts with ppl. I won’t bother citing examples, other than to say Sweetwater never did me wrong, I can’t and won’t speak to anybody else’s experience. There was another company that I loved that went out of business, ZZZSouunds maybe, it’s been years but when they went under, that’s when I switched to Sweetwater, they were hated and I had nothing but great luck. The internet, it’s often a roll of the dice. Welcome to the 21st century I guess.

[@Connoryt2]

When you hit that first chord running it through the Plexi, I made a non voluntary sound of pleasure. Lucky dude, might’ve convinced me to pick me up a brand new Gibson next time I’m in Nashville.

[@BenEller]

That's awesome!

[@BasedHyperborean]

"Less clickin', more pickin'" is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks, unc. 👊

[@steezorteez9829]

I played a les paul once at the store and i really loved the chunkyness and richness from a big slab of wood i still recall that baby man i should buy one.

[@HendersonGuitar]

Hey Ben, I'm at a stage where I know all my pentatonics and arpeggios etc. but I missed the stage of my development where I learned Blues Licks and how to apply them. Could you do a lesson where you teach some essential licks that can be transformed into other licks and used to target 3rd 7th 9th etc of the chord as it changes? Maybe a "This is why you Suck at guitar... you can't USE Blues Licks". Thanks bro

[@fretsy3216]

Guitar Gallery inspector tuning in... I'm stoked you like it as much as you do. I'm always thrilled to check out any Gibson on the job, so I finally bought one of these in Bourbon Burst just this week and no one can rip it out of my hands. First new Gibson I've ever owned and I could not be happier. That top on yours is godlike too, enjoy it!

[@RizoftheDead]

The fact that you said so many variations of "Nut Cut" without cracking up shows how much of a professional you are. (Joking aside, that is a beeeautiful new axe, kudos!)

[@BenEller]

I had a few giggles while editing the video, can’t lie hahaha

[@tonekilltech]

NGD is the best day! 🤘😈🎸

[@peterclarkaitv]

Sounds amazing, also I love when you play “A Train Of Angels”, criminally underrated song by one of my heroes Joe Satch!!

[@BenEller]

What a riff, right?!

[@peterclarkaitv]

@@BenEller Hellyeah it is

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

Beautiful top. I had the exact same situation. Just browsing guitars, and I saw a standard 60s with a top that absolutely HAD to come home with me. Turned out to be my #1 even over the standard 50s p90 gold top. Hope yours becomes as special to you as mine did for me. I think those 61 burstbuckers are absolutely incredible and will eventually become sought-after.

[@ameralameddine]

The outro from Dirge for November sounded majestic on this. So good to hear all those riffs on this guitar, congrats on the new ax mate!

[@BenEller]

Thanks a ton!

[@StefanTarras]

I have this same guitar. It was a Long & McQuade exclusive in Canada. I love, love, love it. It's my best playing guitar. Gotta say, your top is mucher morier flamier than mine. That thing is nice. But I'm so stoked on mine. First thing I did was take of the pick guard.

[@nick39]

Loved the Super Contra 3 at the beginning! Guitar sounds great! But let face it, Uncle Ben can make any guitar sound great with his nothing-less-than-BRUTAL talent! Love your videos! Keep rocking’ brother!

[@paulcasilio1119]

I never liked lighter colored Les Paul’s. Then I saw the Joe B Lazarus with quadruple A top (veneer, but still) and I had to have it. Now, it might be my favorite Les Paul coloring, above and beyond the cherry burst, tomato, bourbon burst and ice tea burst. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Standard, 2019, in sea foam (great deal), but more forest green than sea foam…again, it is a very nice top for what it is and a deal I simply could not pass up. Ben’s guitar here is utterly and completely stunning. Not enough superlatives. I love it. Congrats, brother.

[@Brumms_]

Glad you mentioned the nut. My version of a video of me checking out my last two online purchases (an Ibanez and a Charvel) would be exactly just bitching about the nut being installed/cut too high. This is a very nice Gibson indeed.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

I just started messing with truss rod adjustments recently. I put a straight edge on one of my SE's when I had the strings off the other day, and made a quick adjustment. I ended up getting my Floyd dead flush with the body and the guitar now plays better than any guitar I've ever played. Don't fear the truss rod!

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

I'm not even a Les Paul kind of guy usually., but that there guitar is easy on me peepers. Beautiful to gawk at and sounds fantastic!! Congrats dude!

[@lisaferrara8120]

Now I need a Gibson Les Paul Standard!! I usually adjust the truss rod and string height at the bridge, but I have not adjusted the nut yet. Thanks for showing us how you set up your guitar.

[@tonymcnamara9368]

That's a beautiful guitar! I love the LP, my favourite guitarists play LP, Zakk Wylde (originally LP), Jimmy Page, Slash, Jimmy Page, Kirk Hammett (when he plays greeny), Jimmy Page.

[@mikeivey8471]

Beautiful fiddle there , Ben !! Loved the video !! Giving players a "here's how" video is a great Idea ... Especially the way you explained it !! Great job !! Can't wait to see new videos of you simply tearing it up on that new Gibson !!!

[@BenEller]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mightyquickin1984]

Ben, I resisted for decades buying a Les Paul, even though my various band mates had them and wouldn't play anything else. After watching a few videos on you tube, I finally bit the bullet and sought one out in the local Albany NY area. I quickly found a barely used 2022 LP Classic. If someone would've told me it was brand new, I would've believed the. Now on rhythm, through my Blackstar HT5R on the gain channel its luxurious. It had the burstbuckers with zebra coils. But when playing leads on the 12th frets, it sounds ice pick bright. I then opted to get a bridge position Lollar pickup. That sounds a bit better but not nearly like yours. Your LP sounds amazing. I'm going to get a eq box to see if I can attenuate the treble spectrum.

[@megatodd707]

Good golly. That LP is GORGEOUS. ❤

[@runningwithscissors0911]

Thenks Uncle Ben. Always love your vidoes. The info about nut action, the cut of the nut and how to check for whether the nut has been cut too high or too low is VERY helpful. 👏

[@HardbrasH1]

Most of the times adjustment is more important than hardware itself. Great video, learned some stuff

[@area859]

Uncle Ben...we need a Break Down of the New Extreme song Rise....NUNO CRUSHES!!!!!

[@grimmdaigon2345]

Sweetwater is awesome, i live an hour away from there so i can order something while im at work and go pick it up afterwards and be using it that night. Congrats on your new git-fiddle, been thinking about getting a Les Paul myself.

[@kaizen209]

Glad I caught your video Ben, my 50s standard in Bourbon Burst is arriving any minute now! I suppose I can jack up the thermostat a little bit more. 😁 Transitioning from various Cordoba and Yamaha classicals I actually appreciated the big neck. The fast necks on most of the superstrats and even the 60s standard I tried was a bit too small. And for anyone who was wondering, yes, this is my first electric, and NO, I DIDN'T EVEN CONSIDER A STRAT! Liked and subbed!!

[@ericmorris6068]

11:24 yayyyyyy Opeth!!! guitar looks super sweet too

[@StuPedassol]

Gollllllly... that's a stunner! Congrats, Uncy Bang!

[@iduncanw]

Dam that's a good looking guitar, great find Uncle Ben. Sounds balls to the wall amazing as well. Thanks for the setup tips 😎 There's a shop here in Australia that does PLEK on all their guitars for you as part of purchase. They fit your preferred string gauge and ask how you like the action. It plays beautifully. Also, whilst they don't have all their stock photographed online, when I asked about the flame maple top, they were more than happy to photograph them on a couch next to each other so I could pick 🤘

[@majorlee1]

Nice! Beautiful guitar! Your LP custom is beautiful too. I have a 60s model and I love it 😎🤘

[@akrmfk]

Tante Kate must've LOVED this Lp...seriously though, 60's neck are awesome

[@jasondobie6739]

Awesome video! New guitar day will be Monday for me. I found myself a mint condition charvel DC 1 FR. That was mismarked as a ST. For less than what I could buy the real Floyd Rose and emgs. I wasn't there to buy a guitar just to listen to Pa speakers but I picked it up and I would have regretted not buying it later. I couldn't leave with it because of a local law with used stuff they have to hold it so long until it can be sold. I'll be once again using your "make your guitar play great" video for my setup!

[@garysullivan3113]

Just watched the video, and I love your Les Paul. I just got a 60s in Bourbon Bust this past May, and I see what you mean about the frets. Love your videos.

[@VegaMaiden95]

9:30 Really good info here on nut height. I got an Epiphone Les Paul Modern a couple months ago and I think it feels wonderful, even at a very low action, though I tend to set it up a bit higher. I'm not knowledgable on these kind of details and now I realize why it feels a bit better than my other guitars: because the nut is also cut perfectly!

[@lucasgastondiez4080]

we need a 40m video of you playing this one thank you for the setups tip, will def try then with my les paul!

[@skinnygumbo9555]

Got my Les Paul Classic from Sweetwater last year in Smokehouse Burst, which is way more gorgeous than Plain Brown. Rich color and rich tones, it's my main guitar now. Enjoy!

[@richard66754]

Bought two Gibson this year, 61 SG, and iced tea burst LP. Both were perfect out of the box. IMO, Gibson has upped their game considerably from the two guitars I owned ten years ago.

[@amyredford7158]

Wow, perfect, earlier this morning I went out for strings and came back with another Yamaha SG.

[@hotblackdesiato3451]

Excellent choice of guitar. Maybe you could do a brief follow-up on how you can adjust string tension on a Les Paul by raising or lowering the tailpiece.

[@Moistflap]

grats on the new guitar man. i watched a video of you playing old whitechapel stuff the other day and it made me orny.

[@peterprice5896]

Got the exact same guitar exept I put THROBAK double white PAFs in it it’s the greatest guitar I’ve ever owned.

[@JRWhite-wi5jf]

Interesting. I got one of those Lemonbursts from Sweetwater two days ago too. Love it. Even better, my wife loves it! So I get to keep it.

[@crusin65]

Hi Ben I enjoyed your review. A few weeks ago I bought the lemon burst that was on the Sweetwater sight that this one replaced. It is an amazing instrument. I’m an older jazz, classic rock player who was looking to replace the Les Paul that got away I had back in the 70’s in college. Needless to say it’s even better than I had hoped it would be. Great video and great playing as always.

[@timothythompson6549]

That top is shockingly beautiful, Ben!

[@rayfabris2512]

mine has a similar flame so I took the pick guard off and it's staying off, it's a cherry burst with a 50s neck Gibson is making a good guitar now nice guitar and congratulations

[@joeykimble62]

That's a gorgeous lemon burst Ben!

[@pagl3120]

WoW, nice top!! A tour video of your guitar collection would be awesome

[@BenEller]

Maybe one day!

[@bozeeke]

First thing is remove that pickguard and fill the two screw holes with crayon shavings matched with crayons out of the box in a finish as close as possible to the guitar. Then she's ready to rock.

[@fredericadda]

Amazing guitar! Thanks for sharing your setup tips!

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

I was just looking at the same gutairs at Sweetwater. You got a nice one.

[@grantstewart5453]

The chatoyance in that top is awesome.

[@Blue_3rd]

Congratulations! What a beauty, the finish is stunning. I like the slimmer necks too (I have a 1997 LP Classic). Thanks for an interesting video.

[@BrianLeverett]

Thank you for taking the time to show us this stuff! I learned and enjoyed!

[@BenEller]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MyGuitartime]

Yep that color is great man good choice!

[@doyouluvit]

10:58 yes!!!!!!!! I see Bill Paxton speeding through a corn field when I hear this

[@caseylee12]

I've got 2 Les Paul studios and 1 SG Standard. I'm hoping one of these days I'll get a Les Paul Standard. But after growing up in poverty, I feel incredibly lucky to have the guitars I have!

[@chucksaeger7500]

Thanks man! This is just what I needed to set up my Gibson correctly! You’re the best!

[@wendelllaffin240]

6:00... Satch "Train of Angels" ... sick riff man!!

[@Dustinchugs]

Going to pick up an Angel Vivaldi 7 today 😁 this video is right on time!

[@BenEller]

Use that sweetwater link in my bio!

[@TomSlickery]

That's a sweet git-fiddle. I got a Les Paul classic in smokehouse burst last year from sweet water ( I believe it's only available through them) Anyway...I have a pretty decent pile of guitars and my Les Paul was surprisingly high quality. I was prepared to be let down but it was flawless .Plays and sounds awesome. It's actually a really awesome Metal guitar.

[@ryand1984]

Lovely guitar! If you like the 60's also check out the custom shop 1960 60th anniversary (v3 for slim neck profile) love mine in washed bourbon.

[@thatjacksondude858]

The timing of this honestly couldn't be better because I just purchased a new Charvel from Sweetwater and I'm expecting it here in just a few days.

[@bigfatengineer]

Of course, now I also have the Sweetwater app installed on my phone and I'm a little behind on work because of "window shopping". :P

[@Weshopwizard]

That book match is fire!!!!!!!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@maf579]

No way, I bought my first 7 string and it should be coming in this morning! Thanks for the super timely video, Uncle Ben!

[@jaxn13]

Really enjoy these new guitar set up video’s. Ever since I started doing my setups uncle Ben style it’s been smooth sailing. Cheers.

[@BenEller]

Great to hear!

[@heavyjoechipman3594]

I can tell you from personal experience. When you buy an expensive guitar or cheaper guitar from Sweetwater, they get them to your door inspected, set up, tuned up mostly, and ready for business. Sweetwater is the best. So are you, Uncle Ben. Enjoy that new standard. ❤☺🎸👍

[@lemac3200]

Wow! Congrats on this awesome acquisition! I know, gear shotouts aren't your main type of content, but could you do a shootout against your other LPs? Especially your older burst LP has THE most beautiful firelike burst pattern I've ever seen. Would be great to hear them all side by side!🤘

[@kmajor44]

Love it Uncle Ben!! A “to die for” top for certain. Very 😎

[@nathancloud6344]

Stunning top!!!?? For sure!!!! Sounds great man and happy for you and the new purchase!!

[@BenEller]

I love it! Thanks!

[@shaharbar]

Please teach us the beautiful Opeth song!

[@hangtite87]

Love it! The guitar, your'e playing, your'e knowledge. Thanks.

[@BenEller]

Thank you kindly!

[@adiecummingsshredguitar9306]

It looks incredible

[@deerslayeraudio2441]

I have that exact same guitar from SW..... absulutely amazing axe!!

[@josephezell2817]

It's Aaah niiice frickin love Lemon burst oh man. Beautiful axe mayn

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I almost did not buy one of these 60's standard's due to some negative comments from owners i had read but truth be told the one i bought is flawless! Plays and sound's incredible! Has a hand picked AAA top in the Iced tea burst finish. The only things i have done to mod it are installed Kluson style tuner buttons to replace the horrible kidney bean shaped Grover ones and replaced the reflector knobs with Gold 50's top hat knobs.

[@BenEller]

I gotta say, even though the stock tuners are great, I just know some tulip knobs would set this thing OFF.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@BenEller Hipshot makes ones that fit on Grovers, that is the ones i bought. Just make sure to get the 18mm screws. the shorter ones will not work.

[@vocecaiunocontodomalakoi7541]

Blessed with another video from my favorite uncle, god is good, uncle ben, could you make a breakdown of Megadeth's song Good Mourning/Black friday? i swear, every single time i see a tab or cover from the song, they are played differently (mainly verses and dave's and poland intro), and the original mixes are kinda muddy, so it's hard to hear what's really being played, specially on the verse riffs

[@PC85X]

Holy moly, the reverb lead tone on the bridge sounded so full and juicy 🤤

[@dorianaguayo9542]

Congrats on your new axe! I'll take that "Pepsi challenge" the top on my Les Paul-Slash November Burst vs. uncle Ben! 🤣I also bought mine through Sweetwater...was super impressed with the current Gibson QC.

[@nc1969]

That top alone can sell that guitar. Congratulations!!

[@joeywilder9708]

Great set up tips man pretty much exactly how I like to set up mine. Pickup height will have a pretty big impact too. There’s been guitars I was unhappy with in the past that just changing the pick up height changed my mind about. Axe sounds great though totally nails everything you expect from a Paul.

[@johngregory7329]

Hello Ben, I really have to admit you picked a very beautiful sixty's Les Paul. I never thought that lemon burst could look so elligant but with how the book match flame maple top is Wow. Also besides you excellent playing she sounds awesome 😎😎😎😎😎. That's a keeper. I really enjoy you channel even though I am a Bass player. Someday I would like to meet you BS & just Jam. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking. Signed John ( Zepbass) Gregory from Munster Indiana.

[@BenEller]

Thanks dude! Man, I really need to do more bass content. You know I’m a bass boy myself

[@mrk4510]

Congrats!! It is Beautiful! Love that flame top. 🎉💥💯🔥

[@eddiejr540]

The Les Paul is nice, but the star of the show is that Diezel…gosh dang what a killer crunch👍

[@rb4158]

I waited for the full 24hrs before opening my Silverburst LP. I figured I had waited all that time; what's another day? Definitely not worth the risk

[@gmusik3488]

Wow !! this is a stunning one! sound incredible, stable and in your face. :) love it

[@brainpaint]

Great sound with the guitar and amp. First piece was like hot knife cutting through butta

[@roger1475]

Nice guitar. Sounds great. Thanks for tips on setup with the truss rod and bridge.

[@theanarchistcook]

It's good for playing Wonderwall AND Free Fallin'.

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Nothing better than NGD!!🎸🤘🏻

[@h1strat]

That lengthwise grain on that top is awesome

[@seamdye147]

Dude, that's a sweet LP! I got a similar 60s in 'unburst', love these un- and lemons.

[@ArtistformerlyknownasBret]

Just "rewatched" your "Humans Being" last night 🤘

[@tomlarosa6647]

She’s lovely, I got a Slash Anaconda Burst from Sweerwater. It’s great. Fun fact, they sometimes have more guitars than shown online. The sales guy showed me a few that weren’t on the web site, and I dove on one.

[@BenEller]

Good to know! How’s the Anaconda? My Slash Victoria is one of the best sounding guitars I’ve ever heard!!!

[@thomasheroux3146]

Congrats on the new Guitar! 🎉

[@highernoon]

That Diezel ha sweet cleans