Les Paul vs PRS - Which Guitar is Right For You?

Today, two of the BEST "Les Paul" guitars go head-to-head!
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[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Have an interesting Single-Cut comparison cued up for you guys this week! Some unusual shared history between these two models too Let me know which guitar you guys thought sounded the best! Enjoy :) Guitar links: Epiphone 1959 - sweetwater.sjv.io/baO0bx PRS McCarty SE - sweetwater.sjv.io/21aJkO

[@robertlucas9867]

Idk, both are very close. If I had money I’d buy both. 😅 But I’m partial to PRS because of consistency, modern clarity and looks but I love both.

[@russellzauner]

FGN Neo Classic

[@joeformayor]

Even though I agree the PRS is stunning. Les Paul wins on just being CLASSIC…. To me I will always remember being a kid and seeing Slash play on this goddess of a guitar and being hooked ever since. I associate certain times in music history and it makes me think of Les Paul. Just like to me a Fender I associate with Eric Clapton. Anyway great video as always!

[@henrymrowicki7004]

The epiphone edges it out clean, little closer dirty. I have the epi 59 and an older 2014 se custom 24, im probably going to put a set of the burst buckers in the prs. I still like that McCarty quite a bit, wouldn't toss it out the bed.

[@JayDoge]

Hey Darrel, can you do an epic PAF shoutout with Epi 59', Sire L7, PRS Starla, PRS McCarty SE, Schecter Jack Fowler, Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 2PT etc?

[@srwaite7]

Hats off to both companies for delivering great value. I love my Epi ‘59 - been playing for 45 years and still can’t believe how good it is for the money. 👍🏻🎸🖖🏻

[@chancemiller9340]

Poor Country Labor = “Great Value”

[@DMSProduktions]

@@chancemiller9340 China is NOT a 'poor' country!

[@j_freed]

@@chancemiller9340 Poor QC Standards = another USA Gibson you send back.

[@fr3ak1shh]

@@j_freed Returns are a time (and sometimes money) inconvenience.

[@Sloozer45]

​​@@DMSProduktionsIf you read his comment more carefully, you might notice his includes the word "labor", your's does not - you haven't yet addressed his comment. Though, China's Supreme Court ruled that the "996" work schedule is illegal in August of 2021, it's doubtful that it is being enforced. So, a highly competitive "good job" in many industries in China where a version of USA's "hustle" culture exists, workers commonly work 9am to 9pm, six days a week/72 hours. Btw, it was similar conditions in USA until "labor" revolted enough and fought to get "organized labor/unions" founded. In 1955, 33% of the USA workers were union members. The unions in USA brought many quality-of -life benefits to families - 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, paid sick-leave, vacation time, etc. You may be old enough to notice that over the last 40 years, increasingly, workers are working longer than 8 hours and more than 5 days; this trend has been the result of the success that the Republican Party has enjoyed destroying labor unions over the last 43 years, starting with Reagan Administration and continuing ( keen observers noticed that in October '23, during the USA Auto industry workers' strike that when Trump went to visit the workers, he went to a subcontractor's shop that was non-union, his campaign put a few people in the crowd holding "UAW" signs; these sign-holders were later determined to be the non-union-shop owner's family members. Of course, Fox News went along with the lie). Republicans' efforts to destroy the labor unions have resulted in ~6% of the private sector being union currently, down drastically from the peak of 35% in ~1953. Back to Chinese labor conditions: the U.S. Dept of Labor has officially placed 6 Chinese products on list that is produced by forced child labor. More recently, the same dept, issued a report noting that the concentration camp conditions by Chinese govt of the Uyghur people includes more than 100,000 of them being used as forced labor and that there is new evidence that this is no longer occurring ONLY in Xinjiang province, but instead the workers are being delivered elsewhere in China to be put to work in other industries. This new development has me wondering about the very recent trend in budget guitars (0ct '23) where all the best "bells and whistles" most sought-after features in guitars liked stainless- steel frets, compound-radius necks and locking tuners can be acquired for $200 US dollars; the refrain I keep hearing from KZbinrs guitar reviewers, "I don't know HOW they can sell this for only $200 ( they have been saying that when these guitars are/were being sold for $300-$400). I want one of these guitars badly. I'm worried about what I'm supporting and encouraging.

[@masonbuckleyoffical]

Darrell, it’s been super neat to watch you all these years and see you progress as a guitar player and content creator! Keep up the good work.

[@wickeRstick]

So happy you did this comparison as I’ve been looking at both the last month. Already have my heart set on the PRS do to the comfort of the belly cut but it will be nice to here the tones

[@stevefielding8324]

Awesome as always Darrell! Your demo riffing deserves lessons for us! Thank you.

[@WattchomanBrandySavage]

Love the classic inspiration behind the Epiphone, but that PRS is just so beautiful.

[@BrentAdams]

Both are great guitars. I'd go for the PRS SE McCarty for the looks & refinements (I like the feel and playability better....That makes all the difference, along with a little more clarity in the sound). Loved your comparison. THX!

[@caleb7107]

This video has really been helpful. It's the McCarty all day for me, thank you for the great content!

[@tonyverastudio]

Both are great!. Thanks for sharing this.

[@clivematthews95]

I also wanted to say thank you for the history lesson 🙏🏾 Love you Darrell ❤

[@rickbullock4331]

I personally like the satin look on the Epiphone. As far a sound goes, I found both guitars were vey similar. I’m not a guitar player myself but just love listening to people who can. As always, great review.👍👍🇨🇦

[@SubutaiTuul]

Agreed, personally happy its a satin over a poly, but of people want it to be more shiney, they can always Polish it.

[@clivematthews95]

I enjoyed the video 😊 There’s not much between these, they sound so similar. Both of them are so good, so pleasant to the ears ❤. But prs kills in the looks department no question, I think they’re both really good value for money

[@joshuakincheloe]

Tonally you got to have both. The stereo width double tracking with one of these on the left and one of these on the right would be amazing. The Paul Reed Smith has a lot more mids and highs and there’s so much more chonk in the 59 Les Paul, that it would just sound superb together, I say, get both! I would definitely use the Paul Reed Smith more for lead tones too. Yep you got to have both.

[@tazman4103]

The Allman Brothers, Shades of two worlds. Track 5 "get on with your life" is the example you're looking for. Dicky Betts is playing a PRS And Warren Haynes on a Les Paul

[@MJScrivens89]

Both sounded fantastic. You really couldn’t go wrong with either of them. To my ear, the 58/15s had more highs in the neck pickup and sounded warmer in the bridge compared to the burst buckers, but I’ll need to listen again with headphones to be sure. It could just be me hearing what I’m expecting to hear. Over the last few years, I’ve become more of a PRS guy. I love how they play, love how they sound, and they just look phenomenal. But Gibson and Epiphone will always hold a place in my heart as I played them for so long beforehand. I’ve always favoured an SG over a Les Paul personally, but who doesn’t love that iconic Les Paul sound.

[@shanethackeray1988]

Both are fantastic, there are subtle tonal differences between them, nothing bad just different. I’d own both if possible.

[@dj_tmc]

They both are amazing. But, the tonal differences are so subtle and space is at a premium at my house. Annnnd, since I already have a CE 24, I don't think i can justify another PRS in the house at the moment! (yes, they sound even more different than these two. But, I need to save room for a tele and another bass, as mine's fretless)

[@dmarlan]

I've had the '59 epi for a year. It's a great guitar I love it.

[@Robbie63]

I have an Epiphone 59 and it is a fantastic guitar. Great value for money and sounds absolutely amazing.

[@mikepj1025]

This was awesome. Epiphone has really launched itself to a new level with this guitar and pretty much most of what it puts out today but these ‘59s are incredible. ThESE PRS SE are the best SE PRS has put out to date IMO. At these price points, buying both is an option. Great comparison.

[@allanflippin2453]

Thanks for the great comparison video. I especially appreciate how you do the A/B comparisons with everything being equal except the guitar. I put the headphones on, but could only hear the slightest difference between PRS and Epiphone. The Epiphone sounded a little "brighter" and the PRS a little "darker". Looking at the comments, I see other people heard an opposite effect (PRS brighter, Epi darker). All I can say is the PRS would win for me due to the coil splits. I can only handle so much humbucker sound :D Which is probably why I don't own any guitar like these yet.

[@ramilrodriguez8340]

Liked more the sound of the Epiphone on all your clips. Rounder and warmer with enough clarity. The high gain bridge sounds so good, so much better to my taste.

[@activese]

Hi, thank you for all your work, I do prefer the sound clean of the epi, not so dark more articulated or mellow notes, but the prs with distortion sounded more open with more headroom.

[@CB-wi3vc]

I love my Epiphone 1959 LP. I upgraded the tuners with Grover’s (look like the originals), tusq xl nut, and Tone Pro Bridge and end post. Perfect!

[@user-sp7rx2qk9v]

That bit of history in the beginning really separates this video from others'. Well done.

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

Great video as usual Darrell and at the price point on these, I picked up one of each! Thanks for sharing.

[@monstermilkman1411]

which one do you prefer?

[@IamMusicNerd]

The traditionalist in me wants to pick the Les Paul, and I do like my older Epiphone Les Paul a lot, but I have to give it to PRS on this one. Their SE line build quality and sound is just spectacular for the price.

[@tomstegall1346]

I agree but both are fantastic guitars,wow guitars actually

[@garyb1036]

Just bought the epiphone 59 in lemon burst,couldn't be happier with it,its a beast

[@belgo40]

I chosen the McCarty last month, thanks to your previous video, and I'm very happy with this one, I never played on a guitar like this. If I had to do it again, I'll take the same, with another color :)

[@fjcaracap]

I own two of the 59 Epi Standards and they are fantastic sounding and the necks are great! I use one as a backup.....They sound way better than some of the higher end Gibson's I currently own or owned in the past.

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

I got that guitar and have the PRS S2 McCarty . Love both of them . Well made no complains so far ....

[@mikecarreca7864]

They each have their own tones. It depends on what you want to hear. I don't have a McCarty but I have several PRS models, including an SE silver sky. Gibsons and Epiphones, I have multiple ,including one with collaboration from Saul Hudson, based on the 59, has a beautiful gold top and run through the shop at Sweetwater where I had them do multiple upgrades. I love the tones from both you had. Thanks Darrell

[@barrymiller2272]

@Mike Carreca I purchased a Slash Victoria goldtop myself! A great guitar/heavy beast. I don't like the Gibson branded Slashbuckers though. Have another Slash Anaconda with the Seymour Duncan's Alnico pro's in it. The Anaconda has a thinner neck carve. So does my Epiphone Slash Rosso, although the pickups on the Epiphone are the real deal. I bought the goldtop on a whim...the administrator of our guitar forum demoed it for the channel and then said first 2k takes it. It's not my favorite but my friend thinks it's the best electric he's ever played.....

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

I have both of these guitars, and very much enjoy playing them. Can't gp wrong with either of them. The Epi sounds a tad fuller. At 8.5 lbs it's heavier and also has a thicker neck. Satin or gloss, I like them both wqually. The 594 is lighter & feels modern & is easier to play with the thinner body & nice fret finishing. Ssounds a bit brighter too. Thumbs up to both.

[@lestermobley1551]

Hey Darrell great comparison as usual. I'll go with the Epiphone. I'm drawn to the vintage classic look and to my ears it has a smother cleaner tones and seems heavier n' dirtier when overdriven. Coil splits? I have three guitars with that feature... don't want anymore. You did a comparison with the Gibson LP Tribute and this very Epiphone. That comparison convinced me to purchase the Tribute. But I'm really liking the Epi. Maybe one day. Darrell, can you maybe do a review of baritone guitars. The D'angelico Atlantic Baritone has drawn my attention.

[@larsfocken3456]

I polished the Epiphone 59 with Music Nomad Guitar Polish. It is quite glossy now and the maple veneer even shows a nice 3D movement. It looks a thousand times better now!

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I got the epiphone 59 Monday and love it.

[@tomneil6830]

I have the Epi 59 and set it up with 9s. Really like it and in this video it sounds warmer but that’s probably due to amps and pedals. Another to try is the Fender FMT HH which Daryl and I both have. It has the coil splits and is defiantly worth the money.

[@jcguitarvibe]

Hard choice! Thanks for the video I am between these two...probably I'll buy them both but first the Epi! More classic LP sound but the PRS sounds and looks awesome!

[@omegad7674]

Both sound great, but dirty PRS se pulled ahead for me. Great vid.

[@thomasdempsey4870]

Got both! I have 3 epiphone 1959s and the doublecut mccarty 594.

[@richardho5955]

As an owner of a ‘99 Black Epi Made in Korea Les Paul standard, I think the heft and the mellower tone of the ‘59 takes it from the PRS…both brilliant guitars! 🎸💪🇿🇦

[@barrettflorida]

Played them both recently at the local store. Both sounded great, but to me, it's all about how the guitar feels in your hand. I actually walked out with the PRS Hollowbody II Piezo SE, because it just felt right when I picked it up. Anyway, you can't go wrong with either of these, they both played great

[@MelodyMaker218]

I have the McCarty SE and a Epi Standard Pro and they both are sweet and sound great but the McCarty is my favorite out of the two.

[@JamesGreenbaum]

McCarty crushes Epi in overall appearance, gloss, nicer top, deeper contours, 2-tone wrap around tailpiece and bridge. PRS seemed to have more clarity and chime which comes through making dirt tones better too. EPI wears a semi solid stain to disguise all the grain filler that is no doubt part of the reason why the guitar appears the way it does. Great review as always.

[@vickysquires972]

Love the Epiphone, sounds incredible!

[@vlada71bg]

I was literally yesterday in a music shop comparing these two guitars! What a magical coincidence :). I concluded similar - PRS is lot lighter, prettier, screams with quality in every touch while 1959 was almost too heavy. Still I somehow choose 1959 whenever GAS starts!

[@wesboundmusic]

Both awesome, I guess my preference would be for the McCarty, because of the coil splitting option and replacing the tuners for e.g. Kluson locking tuners would be an easy and affordable mod. (and personally, I'd prefer the classy, albeit maybe less vintage-y design of the PRS). But that case coming with the Epiphone is definitely an added bonus.

[@deckert618]

The Epi sounds marginally better to me when compared back to back with the SE, but individually, either one would work just fine for me. I do like the improved ergos and the addition of coil splitting on the SE. Plus, the tuning stability on the SE is way better.

[@ww8wv1]

Loved the sound of the Epi once you added gain, clean they both sounded similar. I’d say put the burstbuckers in the PRS and have a pretty darn nice instrument.

[@JachPot]

I bought an SE 594 a while ago, I think in the future I might throw in Seymour Duncan 59/JB combo. I'm waiting to see some videos from other people doing it. I'm also still learning so I'm trying to keep from going overboard.

[@ww8wv1]

@@JachPot that would be an excellent pickup combination.

[@partyxplays]

I own a epiphone les paul classic with coil splits and a out of phase push pull knob. It rocks 🤘

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Those newer inspired by Gibson Epiphone are really good now....but man! That new PRS se McCarty is something really special

[@stevenpipes1555]

I don't have a Les Paul in my collection yet unfortunately. I do, however, have an SE custom 24 08 and i love it. It plays and sounds excellent and the trem is buttery smoothe. Plus, It does the "Les Paul" thing pretty well u ntil i find mine!

[@chris.honeycutt]

I have owned both the PRS core model 594 Singlecut (and the S2 version) and have had several Gibson R8's and Epiphone 1959's. The only one I haven't owned is the SE 594. Best bang for the buck: the S2 594 Singlecut (actually liked it better for some reason than the core model). Close second the Epiphone 1959 Lazarus. My favorite of them all, a 2013 R8 VOS. Incredible guitar! But the one I currently play the most is a new Epiphone 1959 in Southern Fade. Beautiful guitar and the Burstbuckers just sound fantastic. You really can't go wrong with the guitar. 90% of the R8/R9 feel and sound. I have played the SE 594 in two different shops and while it plays fine, the flametop on both I've seen looks a little too fake in-person (a thin veneer) but also just felt cheap and sounded thin. I would still be fine with owning one, but it wouldn't be my first pick to play. I would buy an SE DGT for the same money instead.

[@mortonwilson795]

Great comparison and backstory, thanks! I bought the Cherry Epi 59 a year ago and really like it - actually prefer the satin finish. The PRS sounded just a little 'brighter, cleaner' but both are excellent - it'a buyers market with these 2, and the PRS 594 also looks pretty cool! I'm actually looking at the earlier PRS Tremonti SE with Tremolo in black these coupla weeks. I have a 1968 Les Paul Custom and always wondered what a whammy bar might do for it (I also play a nice Strat and like the trem option) and the Tremonti looks like it offers best of both worlds - 'Gibson' shorter scale slim rosewood neck + PRS Trem, which I much prefer to Bigsby or Duesenberg (I have both on other guitars). Cheers!

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

The satin finish on the 59 is very comfy

[@DOESlab]

I feel like PRS SE generally have better quality through out all the models. SEs also somehow feel so m uch better when you hold them, and play them, and very inspiring

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Though the difference in tone was mentioned, the other thing to discuss was weight and playability. I found playing higher up on the neck is eaiser and not as clubby above the 14th fret on the PRS. I would also be interested in knowing which one has longer sustain. 😊 The headstock on the PRS allows the strings to stay straight which helps it stay in tune better. But on the flip side, I like the warmer sound of the Ephiphone with clean. For distortion the PRS may cut through a little better

[@xriz8409]

great comparison... to me the PRS always have more treble in them, if you lower the tone knob they are quite alike. so just take what u like to hold in ur hands more...great time to to play guitar nowadays :)!

[@manbearpig2164]

I like the Epiphone clean sound, the PRS distortion, the PRS looks

[@jperryfan]

Have the Epi 59 and really like it. You actually get a really good Les Paul for a great price. Thought they both sounded great. It also shows that an Indian Laurel fretboard is absolutely fine & makes no difference in sound as they both sounded similar enough

[@kilofireb8584]

I want the se prs double cut mccarty but in the s2 mccarty burst finish, maybe next year. Great gear. I don't think you can go wrong here.

[@wesleymorris1]

I love the vos finish on Epiphone 59, I think it does look vintage, I wish it was lacquer. But for a poly I love it.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I agree. However, when they first came out i didnt like it.

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

The satin finish on the '59's neck is so sleek and effortless to play.....

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

@@poodleguiderpeyes7388 I love mine and I havent picked up my epi 60s standard since I got the 59.

[@MB57]

I love them both, which is a great problem to have at these price points.

[@colbytaylor9805]

The Lemon Burst version of the '59 Standard is my white whale...I fell in love when I first saw it and fell in love again when I played it in person

[@bobjohnson7908]

I was surprised by how good the Epi sounded.

[@stevehuffman1495]

Yep. I wanted to like the PRS at least as much, but I think the Epi has better tone.

[@cameronclark595]

Epiphone has really upped their game in the last few years. I have a couple of their 1961 Tribute Plus models. They look great, play beautifully and most importantly sound as good as any Les Paul coming out of Nashville.

[@pads-zr9ln]

That's the burstbuckers

[@jonathanstrand2474]

These days, if you dry the wood properly, CNC is extremely accurate, there really is no reason for it not to be good, the manufacturing process is well known, that why we see the ERT’s and the AIO guitars for well under $500. I bought a 335 copy with a gorgeous flame top, gold plate hardware & gold plate Grover pegs for $465.😳 I installed SD Picks ups and switchcraft parts, a cloth covered wiring kit with CTS parts. Plays like a dream, sounds fabulous well set up in the showroom before sale. Bone nut! Wow! I almost spent more on the case!

[@MrPhotonjockey]

@@cameronclark595 I have one as well and I second that opinion.

[@adityalakhwani3335]

Hey man love your content, I've been watching your videos since a couple years now. I have request, maybe you should review a budget guitar from "NEWEN" guitars. Theyre made in Argentina.

[@maxhighstein]

I just purchased the PRS, and am looking forward to it. I greatly prefer the appearance of the PRS, but I actually preferred the sound of the LP in your demo. It sounds warmer and more beautiful, whereas the PRS sounded thinner by comparison. I always wonder in situations like this if a bit of EQ would bring them together to the point where they would be indistinguishable.

[@iused2bfast153]

Hats off to both companies here, same old story though, the Epi for sound and the PRS for playability/comfort but I find the super short scale and somewhat cramped upper frets on the McCarty an issue. I think the McCarty is the PRS model that gets you closest to LP sounds. Both are really well built, the SE line is super consistent, more so than the EPI's, off the rack ime 95% of Epi's need a setup bad, PRS SE's are pretty much ready to go. I haven't found anything yet that can replicate a LP exactly, that huge sustainy deep spanky sound with some tele qualities. Its the scale, pickup location, body/top wood combination and bridge that all come together.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

Feel in the hands is going to be way different. As far as tones, there was no difference that the slight turn of an eq knob would even out and I'm perplexed by these comparisons because I think you could make them sound indistinguishable with just an eq tweak. Both SE's and high end Epi's have excellent fit and finish in my experience. For me the SE smokes the Epi in looks and my body would prefer it's comfort cuts over the Epi, but you can't go wrong with either. If it's the case that puts you over, just know that SE gig bags are awesome and you can unzip and pull out your guitar from vertical storage and put itback without moving the bag, which I really like. Cases you have to pull out and set flat, but there's something magical like Xmas when you lift the lid on the case of a great guitar. Both awesome, and both had for the price of one Gibson Studio. That part is a no brainer.

[@user-sk8bs3kn8k]

I have the PRS and will say I had to dial in my amp when it came to distortion. The bridge pickup is less hot but can be tweeked.

[@GearGasms]

I did the 59 a couple of weeks ago on my channel and was super impressed. The PRS sounded better to me though

[@geraldpasion3378]

was deliberately choosing between this McCarty SE or SS SE.. 5 mins later. you posted this review.. now im more torn. hahaha

[@timwhite5562]

I definitely prefer the Ep's pickups. Even with the low winding on the 58/15LTs they're pretty compressed. The BB's are much more open sounding. They sound the way a PAF should. Are they set-up similarly? Are the heights similar relative to the strings? I wonder if you lowered the SE's if they would open up a bit. I have a single McCarty S2. I replaced the 58/15 (originals, not the low-turns) with a set of Wagners, paper in oil caps, vintage tapered pots, etc. It sounds great and plays phenomenally well, but it's a pretty specific tone. I've been wanting a double-cut that I can throw a set of Fluence into that gives me a few options and that will be a bit more 🤔…cooperative with higher gain amps and pedals. Something that can be a grab-&-go, Swiss army "sessions" type thing, and something that, while not cheap, i won't be as apprehensious about playing out. I played one of these and the DGT, and I'm going with the DGT. The SE is a great guitar and worth the price and then some. That said, the S2's differences with the Core 594 in regards to tone and the feel of the neck are negligible, whereas the SE & S2 are definitely more pronounced. If I hadn't been already playing the S2 for a number of years, more than likely would have went with the 594. It really came down to deciding "if it's going to be different, then just get something different." Also upon further reflection I think the 25" scale of the DGT puts it more in that in-between zone for my purposes. *You should be able to buff out the finish to a bit of a gloss. I had a Gibson ES335 with a satin finish that ended up getting glossy where my forearm would rub against it. Although that was a nitro finish, I don't think the SE is nitro. I honestly wish my S2 had a matte finish. I actually really like that on nitro finish guitars. They tend to have thinner finishes and resonate more. I didn't think I'd like them as much on a really highly figured AAA/AAAA top, then I saw a Core line with them and completely changed my mind. I think they look better with a matte finish. When I saw it I was compelled to touch it. I was sure I was going able to feel the flame because it makes it look so three dimensional.

[@MrTPF1]

I've been drooling over a PRS SE McCarty for months now. I love my Gibson LP's, but the SE McCarty is very hard to pass up. I thought they both sounded very close to each other.

[@drumstrings726]

I think the epiphones tone was slightly clearer and more refined. Both sound great though.

[@elwynsmiles]

I have the Epi ‘59 and it’s awesome 🤘

[@user-sp7rx2qk9v]

The satin finish on the epi will show more scuffs and marks over time, as mine does. And I quite like that! Gives it its own soul after a few tours. Gloss finish seems to protect bodies way better against dings and beer.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

The burstbuckers sound tremendous. I thought EPI had a more define tone. The PRS is very nice too, but I would go for the EPI.

[@cart4574]

They both sound identical to my tin ear. The PRS though to my eye is perfectly gorgeous.

[@lunarneptune4006]

There was something about the McCarty that reminded me of active pickups

[@thomask9577]

I got the double cut McCarty and I like it. The bad parts: The tuning machines are terrible (need to replace ASAP). I can do a full half turn without any movement. The push pull pots feel super cheap. I am afraid I’m going to snap one off. I will probably replace these too at some point.

[@paschalisantoniou974]

I like the sound of Epi more.... \m/ Thnx for the video!

[@fightforfreedom5193]

Didn't care about coil splitting. That's why I picked up the Epi '59. Very impressed with the fit and finish. I have Strats for single coil tones.

[@JTroskaTV]

I would go for the refined ergonomics of the PRS. But I’ve got to admit, I think I prefer the pickups in the Epiphone. What amp or model are you using for those neck pickup checks? I struggle with my neck pickup sounds and really like what you’ve got.

[@stonerjoe21]

The 594 has more crispy mid to high tones where the Epi has more low end chuncky. I can find a use for both in my collection!

[@terrat3048]

Darrell, you make all guitars sound good.

[@TVsBen]

McCarty Core guitars also have plastic buttons on the tuners. I think they're meant to look like Kluson vintage tuners, and you can actually swap them out with the vintage style Klusons. The Epi has a bit more bottom end which I like. The McCarty sounds great, though. Hard to choose.

[@nohero178]

Both are great for the money. I have a very old (mid-90s) Epi goldtop and have owned PRS guitars in the past, but neither really can compare to my Gibson LP 60s Standard. Some people don't mind not having the "real thing" but I have long been a buy once, cry once kind of guy.

[@kevinkerekes]

I hear a brighter presence from the PRS, and I hear that classic LP chug from the bridge with dirty tones. I guess for me it’s gonna be down to the neck profiles… Epi LP Custom is my favorite neck profile for most but I never had a chance to play a Standard

[@jimmyjames2022]

Both my Gibson Tributes and my Studio LPs all have vintage style plastic tuner buttons, they're fine. PRS McCarty SE wins for splits, quality parts and build quality. Epiphone 1959 Les Paul wins for classic Les Paul tones from those awesome Burstbuckers. Never been a fan of PRS SE pickups but I'm a total fan of SE build quality. I'd get the McCarty SE and just throw other pickups in. For example I put Seymour Duncan P-Rails and the parallel/serial and coil split switching, in one Korean SE Singlecut I have and very happy with all the tones.

[@joecoach7268]

The cleans were almost exactly the same between the two guitars but the Epiphone ran away with the crunch/rock tone hands down. I agree - I dont like the finish on the Epiphone. The PRS SE looks more expensive. I actually wanted the PRS SE, but now I'm not so sure. The difference was pretty significant in favor of the Epiphone with the heavier rock tones and thats what I like to play. Thanks for the vid as always Darrell!

[@yeti1002]

Great demo , I'll take both guitars. They both sounded great

[@The_Beautiful_People]

It was amazing how similar the clean tones were on both the guitars. The Epiphone shined through once the gain kicks in with more definition in the sizzle. Both were beautiful guitars and anyone would be proud to own either. Great video👍

[@rhendrickson886]

The differences are super subtle. Maybe a little more definition in crunch mode with the SE.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Epi sounds ever so slightly warmer, but with distortion, it has more midrange, nice Pick ups! the PRS has a bit less midrange but more bottom end, and slightly thinner top end, pick up height is critical, tilt up the high E side, on the PRS and they are very close to identical clean, the EPI shows it’s sound heritage, definitely sounds more Gibsony 🤣. And that iteration of the Epi headstock shape is the best one by far, tough choice! But I like the wrap around bridge PRS makes for 90% of their Hardtails, very wide & comfortable, great palm foundation to mute and use distortion same brass saddles.

[@TimMilliken]

I owned a couple LP studios and then a CE24 25-30 years ago. Bought my dream Custom 24 about 15 yrs ago and a gold top LP 3 years ago. PRS improved everything about a LP and a Strat unless you truly love and want an LP or Strat. If you don’t know then get a prs.

[@donrepcon7704]

To my ear, throughout your demo, the PRS was brighter. I could here each note as you played well defined. The 59 was a little warmer but muddier. PRS hands down.

[@davidsogeti]

Agree, on the middle position PRS won quite easily to my ears (mix of both pic-ups worlds)

[@matt79hz]

That could even come down to strings though..

[@doylestownhuskies9624]

Would be interesting to hear those compared to the PRS SE Zach Myers 594.

[@moejoe4654]

One sounds like a Les Paul, the other doesn't 😊. I personally prefer the epiphone (I have the cherry version). I agree on your comment about the finish, It would have been awesome if they'd gone with a glossy one.

[@pcatlanta7801]

I have that exact epiphone. i keep looking for a lighter replacement because the epiphone is quite heavy to play for long periods and doesn't fit well in my lap. I have tried a number of the PRS SE mccarthy's in local guitar shops but they just don't match up when I want the classic Les Paul sound that I love.

[@BuckFlicks]

Man, I bet that satin finish on the LP saves at least a pound over the thick poly that Epiphone puts on all their other guitars. One of the issues I've had with all my Epiphones was that the buckers were too hot and/or muddy for my taste. Those Gibson Burst Buckers sound excellent. I think the LP sounded better in every example, but they were close and both sound excellent.

[@tomstegall1346]

The 59 looks like I painted it is my only head scratcher, the prs is absolutely stunningly beautiful

[@tomstegall1346]

I will be changing the tuners on the McCarty the only thing that is cheap feel and stability is weak

[@Tryggvasson]

like the prs sound for the cleans, and the epi for distortion - that low end bump on the prs doesn't help it much there. the epi definitely sounds more "vintagy", and true to the part, but i like the top end on the prs. looks wise, i like the epi more - except the satin finish, of course. but those frets on the prs - maan!