Epiphone 1959 Les Paul vs 2003 Gibson Les Paul Classic vs PRS 594 McCarty sound comparisons

[@TomPark1986]

I have the Epi 59. It sounds massive. I also love the headstock and the satin finish. They should make more guitars with satin finishes.

[@standingbadger]

That Epiphone was mighty all round. My fave 👍🏼 Great review. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@richardbrsdley8375]

Nice playing man. That Epiphone holds it's own but i like the Gibson it's a little bit smoother all around.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

It’s more of a pickup comparison than anything else.

[@kostas_guitarsession]

Great video, 👍👍🙂🎸🎸🎸🎸greetings from Olympus Guitars.

[@stricknine8623]

Nice video. It would make the most sense and be more realistic to compare a Gibson Les Paul Standard with Burst-Bucker pickups to the 1959 Epihone Les Paul Standard, since it also has the Gibson Burst-Buckers.

[@downshift00]

I agree, but unfortunately I don't have a LP with BBs😂

[@stricknine8623]

@@downshift00 How do you like the BBs in the 59 Les Paul ?

[@downshift00]

@@stricknine8623 they sound really good. Unfortunately I find the 59 neck too thick for me. I'm used to the slim taper necks, so I'm selling it now 🙁

[@stricknine8623]

@@downshift00 Is it going up on Reverb or are you doing local pickup only ?

[@downshift00]

@@stricknine8623 I have it on ebay currently shipping in the US. www.ebay.com/itm/2021-epiphone-les-paul-1959-outfit-with-Faber-ABR1-bridge-gotoh-tailpiece-/294345474466?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

[@monmixer]

They are not the same guitar. they will never be the same guitar. However, with a switchcraft switch, 500k CTS pot and mallory type caps along with actual gibson pick ups it will sound very good and the is a great value for the price. the stuff I just mentioned is likely a 400 dollar value alone in upgrade land if not more. so for 800 bucks with a hard shell case it's great value.

[@downshift00]

Correct, for 800 bux with all the stuff it comes with, it's not a bad guitar. It sounds great, but obviously it doesn't feel like a Gibson in your hands.

[@monmixer]

@@downshift00 It's priced well enough below a studio to get you to buy it though. It's a nice guitar for the price for sure and could certainly be played professionally and likely is by musicians that aren't making big money which is most of us. lol Nice video, thanks

[@adamwatson6916]

For clean tones the epiphone was my favorite and for driven tones it's a dead heat . The les paul classic sounded good but was ny least favorite of the three but I think that is down to the pickups. I have never really liked high output pickups like the distortion and have never cared for the duncan jazz. Maybe with different pickups I would like the classic better . I liked the clean tone of the epiphone the best becuase it had a slight twang and honk to it although the prs was not far behind . For the driven tones I cannot decide between the epi prs the epi sounds a touch more mid rangey and slightly warmer on the driven tones while the prs sounds slighty more open and firm with maybe a pinch more clarity on the drive but both sound killer . So I guess based on the cleans its epi by a nose

[@adamwatson6916]

Those old school les paul classics were amazing guitars especially the ones form the mid 90s . Jimmy page had a couple of les paul classics with the trans performance system installed and they sounded killer.

[@richardcron2395]

I've got one i bought in 90. It's dated 89 from the first run. Cool guitar.

[@DougZbikowski]

Ironically Jimmy had a tribute Gibson made in the 90s and he hated it.

[@congacartel]

I have a gibson tribute and the epiphone 59 and I have to say the epiphone Quality is amazing, the tribute came with some defects I had to call the store the gave me a discount.

[@thepatriot4355]

Epiphone Custom Koa Les Paul Les Paul Standards are now high end guitars and trust me the price will catch up with the price tags its already started

[@ronnie5129]

Great video, they all sound Great, i Favor the PRS, but it has to do with how much money that you have to spend, Rock on, , Cousin Figel

[@downshift00]

Thanks! Ya, the PRS does sound really good! The 58/15LT pickups are pretty amazing.

[@ronnie5129]

@@downshift00 INDEED

[@australier263]

I'll ever would take the Epi 59 with Gibson Burstbuckers! Flat 59 neck! Polish the frets and you'll be ever satified! The best way to play pure guitars! It sounds like a Gary Moore one!! Starts up at only 459€ in Net! Best buy! John Lennon loved EPI's!

[@Dawnseeker]

Please do a epi custom vs the 59!

[@downshift00]

I have a 2021 Epi custom but unfortunately I sold the Epi 59 ☹️

[@Dawnseeker]

@@downshift00 oof, which did you like better?

[@downshift00]

The 59 was nice, the 59 big neck profile with the thick LP heel is just too thick for me. Difficult to play on higher frets. Slim taper of my other LPs is more comfortable.

[@Dawnseeker]

@@downshift00 I have two Gibson’s with 60’s necks and they’re my fav. I don’t even like SG standard necks because of how they feel. However the rounded 50’s neck isn’t as bad as long as it isn’t too wide. I will have to try it. I just want something that looks good that I can take to a gig and not care as much.

[@downshift00]

@@Dawnseeker I hear ya. Ya the 60s necks are great.

[@Edward1312]

What is your view about the choice, if you are on a budget, between a 59 Epi against a Gibson Studio or Tribute, would you recommend the Epi 59 or one of the budget Gibson's?

[@downshift00]

Tony, I haven't played a studio since 2000 or so and haven't played a Tribute. One thing I never liked about the studios though is the lack of binding on the body and neck. I was about to buy a Tribute goldtop recently, but just missed out on it. That at least has that faux body binding (the maple top edges). I have heard the Tributes play really well. As I mentioned though, even though the sound is pretty close and the 59 plays amazing, the feel in the hand is still different than the Gibson or PRS. I think you are just feeling the little things like fret work and fingerboard edges. Is that feel a 2k or more difference, definitely not. I plan on keeping the Epi 59 in my collection. The faber abr1 bridge I installed on it makes it sustain better.

[@adamwatson6916]

Studios now have binding on the neck but older studios are better guitars becuase they had 9 hole weight relief and now they have ultra modern weight relief which is 9 holes plus chambers. Why not just get a 339.

[@10INCHCRUSHER]

I've got a 2018 Tribute, that thing is amazing, but I've played that epi also. Honestly, if you can score a 2017 or 18 tribute, do it, but if not that epi will more than satisfy.

[@stricknine8623]

@@10INCHCRUSHER The Gibson LP Tribute has the 490 pickups, The 59' Epiphone LP Standard has Burst-bucker pups. I have both of these guitars,.I prefer the 59. The neck feels better and the tone is better.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@10INCHCRUSHER The Tribute is amazing? Only if one is a Gibson fanboy, otherwise it’s a complete disappointment for the cost. The ‘59 needs no modifications, the Tribute leaves a lot to be desired. The Tribute is what one should consider buying if they want a piece of wood with the Gibson logo. Otherwise, it’s a lemon.

[@Edward1312]

After 9 months what's your view now of the 59?

[@downshift00]

I ended up selling it. Not because it didn't sound good, but because I couldn't get used to the 59 beefy neck profile. When playing up on the higher frets with the big LP blocky heel, it was just too uncomfortable for me unfortunately.

[@Edward1312]

@@downshift00 That's a shame but you would have the same problem if it was a Gibson 50's reissue LP which have similar neck profiles.

[@downshift00]

@@Edward1312 ya i had a 50s neck profile and that was even thicker. The 59 is a little thinner but jut not thin enough for me unfortunately. If the heel wasn't so thick I'd be good. For example the prs 594 SC heel doesn't give me problems at all playing up high and the neck profile is beefy.

[@robinmackey4102]

I liked: 1. The Epiphone 59. 2. The PRS 3. The Gibson. The tones on the Gibson seemed too muted to me. Of the three, the PRS is the prettiest to look at.

[@downshift00]

Ya i agreed the PRS sounds amazing. The 58/15 pickups are great.

[@i-tiyahman6519]

I have a plain top LP Classic but that Epi looks wicked mines a tobacco burst

[@wtfchuck6192]

Great video. Now I want a 594. 😁

[@downshift00]

😂 Ya the 594s are really really nice!

[@wtfchuck6192]

@@downshift00 I was looking hard at one of the S2's the other day. 😜

[@downshift00]

@@wtfchuck6192 they are nice, it's just the pickups in them aren't great. I was thinking about an s2 first, but I found my 594 used for a really good price.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

All sound killer! Not a PRS fan myself but I understand the draw. Gibsons and Epiphone '59s are sweet!

[@Michaelgracon]

I could never afford an actual PRE but their tops are gorgeous looking. In my opinion the best in the entire guitar market for book matched tops.

[@robinmackey4102]

I really like your picking style. You’re probably an instructor, right?

[@downshift00]

Robin, thank you very much. No, I'm not an instructor at all. Just been playing by ear for the past 34 years 😁.

[@drdoscacciato6555]

If the Gibson had Burst Buckers that would have been a better comparison. What is the point of this comparison?

[@tonyred...]

for me first gibson then epiphone, third prs

[@guitarsampsandcoffee]

I just don’t get it. Do they make the epiphone so ugly in comparison so that ppl will go for the real thing if they have the cash? Don’t get me wrong i have 2 gibson les pauls and love gibson but cmon, that hideous burst on the epi and that wierd binding that doesnt outline the guitar looking straight at it. I mean epiphones are not super cheap anymore. And if sound is all that matters then you are better off buying a used studio?! Anyways great video!!

[@downshift00]

Simon, ya I hate how the binding edge is covered up and is difficult to see when looking at the guitar straight on. They can't make it too much like the Gibson or else people will all just buy Epiphones instead. 😂 I recently bought a Epi 335 and compared to the gibson 335, they feel insanely similar in my hand. If you changed the headstock to the gibson one, people would just get the Epis I think.

[@PaulSter]

If the looks of the '59, you should check out the Lazurus LPs. It's a nice look. Still satin, but a nice (lightly) flamed maple veneer on top of a proper thick maple top over a two piece mahogany back.

[@Edward1312]

You don't really discuss the price difference at all which is a staggering omission when you consider the Epi 59 holds its own against the other two and they are approx 4 times more price wise!!

[@downshift00]

I slightly touch on that price point how amazing the 59 is. But ya, I didn't go into depth on the price differences. You definitely aren't getting a guitar that is 4x as good with the PRS.

[@milkandmeat]

It's pretty much implied when you're comparing Epiphone vs Gibson

[@adamwatson6916]

I think everyone understands that the epi is a far cheaper guitar than the other 2 although you can get an early 2000s led paul classic pretty cheap If you patient and the qc from that era was far better then today . An early 2000s les paul classic with the right pickups will stand up to any custom shop les paul . Does price really need to be discussed on a tone comparison video . Many of us prefer to hear actual playing and comparison than listening to someone stammer and yammer about price points like a salesman and then top it off bu playing an out of tune guitar for 3 minutes. More comparisons need to be done just like this one . You can google prices staggering omission. Little over the top there .people who do not know there is price difference between theese guitars dont watch videos like this .

[@downshift00]

@@adamwatson6916 ya I'm not a fan of trying to blab and not play much. 😂 The classics are awesome. Have 2 of them (03 and 06), actually 3 now. Just picked up a 2018 P90 classic that has no weight relief! Plays just as well as the 03 and 06. I was worried at first a out the newer Classics.

[@PaulSter]

Yep, as was said before, I think some folks dig the Seymour Duncans (aka, Hotrodded set) vs the Burstbuckers 2&3. For me, I have all three + a Standard with the BB 1&2. I'm having a grounding issue with the install of the Hotrodded set, but I can still hear them fine (just dealing with a hum), and my Singlecut is quite different than this 594 as it's a 1st gen with the 25" scale and wraparound bridge. For whatever my thoughts are worth (45 yr player with about 100 guitars I've owned. Down to about 30 now). In no particular order: 2000 PRS (mine) - For all around clarity, clean or overdrive. Great for modern rock, and clear clean tones. Doesn't cop the LP vibe very well though,but still a great tool for doing what it excels at. 2021 Epi Lazarus: Big, bold LP tones with the BB 2&3s. Absolutely a strong contender. Really comes down to how you like your pickups - a little hotter or a little more PAF sounding. As for feel, I dunno. The Lazurus has the one-piece mahogany neck. Probably in my head, but that, along with the carve and the satin back, make it hard to not play it all the time. I took the pickguard off, and I let loose on it. The more I play it, the better it gets and the more I like it. I think they especially need to be broken-in, and I remember the same thing with my Standard, though not as much so. And FWIW, I ripped into the Lazurus and I can confirm very clean routing, long-tenon neck, clean wiring, USA parts, etc. 2019 Standard w/ BB 1&2 - Best all-around LP tones and my #1. Round, clear distinctive LP vibe. (my favorite all around LP tones) 2021 Firefly with USA bits and the SD Hotrodded set. Love the Jazz neck. I would prefer a less-hot bridge pickup IF it were my only "LP", but I do love the push of the JB and love that set. My favorite tones are the neck, and the neck/bridge, with the bridge vol/tone rolled back to taste. And then for harder edged stuff, the bridge flat out. (p.s. I like them so much, I'm putting them in my 2021 Epi Korina V and into my 2021 Epi LP Custom. For this vid, I am absolutely torn. I like each one for their respective tones. For the LPs, I think I have to make the hard choice and take the LP with the Hotrodded set (prolly because I'm a confessed fan of the Seymour Duncans). The PRS is awesome, but though they have almost completely stepped into everything LP (as far as construction: two-piece bridge/tailpiece, knob placement & function) as compared to my '00 Singlecut, they're...hmnn..."surgical" is what I hear - just like mine. I guess I prefer a bit more rawness when I want Les Paul, tones.

[@thepatriot4355]

A lot of Gibson's can't complete with the 2021 Epiphone Customs Moderns and Prophecy Models its plain and simple

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

The camera is pretty Freaky/ lol

[@downshift00]

Lol, the intro shot you mean? Ya it's a wide angle shot

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

@@downshift00 Yea, I was just being snarky. I liked the video but me and my roomie were laughing about the warped looking neck. I'm glad it's just the camera or you'd have some major work to do. LoL

[@nuendo2496]

PRS ? Nope.

[@tankdarla637]

they are both ugly and extremely uncomfortable to play, and sick of sunburst just looks old and cheap

[@PaulSter]

Your comment makes no sense. "Both"? There are three guitars in the vid. If you're talking about Les Pauls in general (PRS SCs are virtually identical, save for a slightly different top). Now if you're just a close-minded troll who doesn't like Les Pauls, what are you doing here? Oops, I forgot - that's what trolls do.

[@tankdarla637]

@@PaulSter yeah i get you, I just do not like single cuts for the most part, my first guitar was a les paul custom and that ruined single cuts for me and I could never stand the shape

[@i-tiyahman6519]

Hate PRS 💩💩💩😂😂