Epiphone Les Paul Special vs Gibson vs Harley Benton - Which One Survives The Cut?

[@chicachicawahwah6032]

There you go m8 I'm your 1000th subscriber 😃 Just hope you keep up with the safe reviews & no nonsense musings along with the good tunes🎵 I 💚 the Robert Nesta Marley🎶 you laid down in this video. So stay safe & please Guitaristas now you're about to be monetized with this 1000th subscription don't sell out & start putting advertising & all that other crap that so many others do on/with their channels (💩 merchandise etc). It's been a refreshing change to come across a new 🎸channel like yours that doesn't have all that shit going down...unlike so many others on KZbin who seem to use their channels just to beg & pan handle for 💰. Keep keeping it real CD...nice one😄

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks dude!! 🙏😁 I can’t thank you (and the other previous 999 subscribers) enough 🙌🙌 I started posting again 6 months ago and forecast being able to hit that golden ‘monetisation’ target by Christmas… so to be here in early June is a massive boost to the channel! 👍👍👍 Unfortunately you may have to put up with pre-roll ads from here on to help pay for the guitars, but I’ve promised myself not to sellout any further and will avoid payola and begging bowls at all costs. Thanks again man, it means a lot and I promise to keep knocking out the same ill informed nonsense and dad rock tunes as always. I will pin your comment to the studio wall as a constant reminder as we head off towards the 10k target. Cheers!! CD 😎🎸✌️

[@johne1599]

I’m okay with them monetizing here, but I ask they that they also post on Nebula. We can’t comment or ask questions on Nebula, which is why I still come here, too.

[@ZombieXee]

This video right here convinced me to get an Epiphone Les Paul Special as my first P90 guitar. So, this last Christmas came around and the wife asked about a present this year. We went to Sweetwater and ordered it. It's sitting in my lap right now. Thanks Colin, for the fantastic review and shoot out of all these Specials. This channel is my favorite guitar channel.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!… happy Christmas that’s a great gift! 😁👍

[@catdaddy57]

Totally agree. I watched Colin's review on the Epi LP Junior with the single p90..that.sold me and saved me over a grand...I love that little guitar

[@theguitaristas]

Hope you like this more 'in-depth' comparison of the P90 Specials... we included lots more info and data for the guitar nerds, but if that's not your thing and you want playing and opinion we suggest just watch the intro and then jump straight to 9:10 Let us know if you like this kind of stuff! Cheers CD

[@drivenmad7676]

good choice

[@savage3960]

I've been buying used epiphones and upgrading the pots and wiring. They are damn hard to beat for the price . I love the older made in Korea models with the Gibson marked truss rod covers.

[@TheFairway8]

Great to hear the New York Dolls as a sound demo, very interesting review

[@johnwhitehouse2582]

It's refreshing to actually see someone on KZbin give a real honest review , many many thanks for your take on these guitars , totally agree with your final decision. 👍👍👍👍

[@mikehawke2172]

Love seeing that a guitar priced a quarter of the original counterpart being declared the winner. Good work Gibson lol.

[@nomojoe8150]

Winner for the beginner.😉

[@theWARMJET]

Well, good at low output, like most cheap guitars, unfortunately

[@slimturnpike]

@@theWARMJET That's a good point

[@treborikki]

I am infatuated with the P90s at the same time looking out for vintage Japanese made guitars. Found a Blitz and Grass Root they are real nice.I also just love how relaxed, chilled and candid your channel is! Thank you for having this channel. Great playing!

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks man! 😎👍

[@GabeHelma]

Aria Pro II are very nice Japanese guitars.

[@davidharding200]

Revisiting this 12 months later. The Epiphone of which I have one is such a good guitar. Like you Colin my only criticism of the Epiphone is the colour. It’s not quite right. I’m going to take it out and leave it in the Australian sun for a couple of weeks 😂 see if harsh sun can cut through some of that poly.

[@psychomafia]

I think this is the first time i've seen a guitar "shootout" with a good song played in it. cheers

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Damon! 😁👍

[@SeQFreQ369]

You just won yourself another sub. That was the best shootout ever, no contest. Your honest average players' perspective is actually really useful in making a good decision when trying first is not an option. Thanks man keep on rockin'.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Stevie!... glad you found us, thanks for the sub and support! 😎🎸👍

[@hoosierhifi5183]

It's really hard to beat the Epiphone for the money in my opinion. It just feels a lot higher quality than the price suggests, has a nice heft to it and other than a slight tuning adjustment, it came ready to play out of the box. It's play beautifully. They also ship with CTS pots installed. It's nice to see them upping their quality on parts and components to compete with other brands and I'd say they're moving in the right direction. You can get a whole lot of guitar these days for very little money. What a great time to be a guitarist.

[@RByrne]

I tried one the other day and it felt really nice. It should be mentioned that the difference in the neck measurements between the models is a tiny fraction of an inch, and pretty much negligible. I wanted a cheap guitar for when I don't want to worry about scratching up my Gibsons or whatever, like just bringing to a BBQ or something. I ended up finding one of the Epiphone custom shop LP special GT in the Pelham blue at a thrift shop today. It's awesome, more geared for metal with ceramic pickups, a trem system and kill switch in the tone knob but it sounds fantastic for rock too. For $50cad It was perfect!

[@auntjenifer7774]

@@RByrne the neck shapes may be negligible in measurement but the the feeling is dramatically different, trust me, I've got them all.

[@RByrne]

@@auntjenifer7774 I have/had them all too. The neck thickness measurements dont matter much, Its the profile. A 0.82" and 0.85" neck thickness will feel the same, but if you change the nut width and profile it will feel dramatically different.

[@alanst.4417]

Man this is a brilliant comparison of these exact guitars I wanted to hear side by side! Great that you cover all important details and add your honest opinion. I like the playing very much, too. Subscribed!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Alan that's very much appreciated!

[@alanst.4417]

@@theguitaristas cheers to you and rock on!

[@Earthstein]

This presentation helped me decide. I am getting the Epi. It's now $499 here in the USSA. Thank you sir.

[@theguitaristas]

Good choice!

[@jeremywooldridge5537]

I had the Epiphone for quite a while. Then was able to purchase either the Gibson Standard or Gibson tribute. I ended up selling the Epiphone and bought the Tribute. It was very close between the Standard and Tribute but I love that worn finish on the tribute. Really enjoyed this vid!

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Great shoot out! I agree with your decision, but I'm biased. I have the same Epi, got it a year ago, and it is simply a great guitar.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Jonathan! 👍😎🎸

[@joanmanor6361]

I recently purchased the HB SG 600 VI based on truly honest reviews. I really like everything about it. I had read that the Roswell p/ups were not very good . I am impessed with them . Not great but functional . I figured out that by putting on new NY XL strings, intonation setup and higher level pickups and pots changed out, a bone nut. You have about $450 in upgrades and a really well made platform & you have a professional level axe that still about comes in $750-$800. A savings of $1000. Bear in mind, its playable right of the box, and you can then over time add 1 project at a time. It'll sound great, especially with that $1000 in your pocket!!

[@wallyh24]

I just ordered the HB in TV Yellow...it pretty much came down to I liked the TV Yellow finish better on the HB than the Epi....and I like the bridge better on the HB...I’m a fan of their headstock as well, so aesthetically, it ticked all the boxes...plus, it came in $85 cheaper delivered from Thomann than the Epi does...its on backorder, but a lot of guitars these days are...should get here in time for one holiday or another...the obsession continues...

[@TexanUSMC8089]

I was seriously getting ready to buy the Gibson, but I watched so many videos where people said that Epiphone really nailed it with this particular guitar. The HB is great for the price, but not up there with the Epi in reality. The HB is a great guitar to put new pickups in, maybe new switch and pots. It's a mod guitar. No matter which one I bought, I would have to order. The Gibson was in stock for $999. The Epi only came in TV yellow and was out of stock. To get a HB guitar in the US you have to add shipping and customs and about 2 months wait time. It almost costs as much as the Epiphone after all that. I ordered the Epiphone from Sweetwater for $399. Great review. Thanks. I subscribed too.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers dude... the Epiphone is the right choice for so many reasons not least because it’s a great sounding and playing guitar at an incredible price 🎸👍 hope you love it! Thanks for the sub! 😎✌️

[@MikeAndersonvinyloldies]

I ordered my Harley Benton (B Stock) and literally got it in 4 days (was like $270 including shipping). I definitely replaced the pickups with Seymour Duncan Vintage p90s and a Gunstreet wiring harness. Tuners and nut are pretty solid. It’s honestly one of my favorite guitars to play!

[@MrSJPowell]

I'll second what Mike said. I think the period of 2 month wait time from Thomman is a thing of the past. Granted, so is the $20 shipping. It seems shipping for guitars from them starts at $60 now, but it stays that for 2 or 3 guitars as well, from what I see. When I got my HB hollow body, it was here 2 days after I received the shipping notice. So long as it's in stock, you're fine.

[@SionynJones]

Epiphone has stigma from not so great owners, that's now changed and what you have is an incredible guitar that's not cheep but affordable. Everything is better than old epiphone woods workmanship pickups pots capacitors. It's such good value you feel like you've robbed the shop they are that much of steal. You won't regret it.

[@jetjaguar72]

I'm waiting on my Gibson to arrive, this exact same model. Dream guitar to be honest and I love the raw sound, seeing how I just want to play punk and what not.

[@OliverAmberg]

The Epiphone is really great. I asked my guitar tech to remove the finish on the neck and apply a new nitro finish to it. Now it plays even better (for my taste). Great review.

[@geoffwhitemusic]

Thanks for the review. Been listening to your vids on sleepless nights. I’ve recently fallen in live with the P-90 sound. Your junior and special vids are awesome

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Geoff 😎👍🎸

[@rickrevoir1683]

The lp standard special is a phenomenal instrument. I love mine. You make them all sound great , thank you for the comparison & as always it's been a pleasure .

[@kaput450]

This video made me pull the trigger on the Epi. I also think Andertons smells their guitars on blindfold tests. Good job on all your videos.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one 😁👍 hope you love it and thanks for supporting! 😎🎸

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Pete really did love this TV yellow Epiphone with P90's though.

[@maekong2010]

Ha! The moment you began playing the Epiphone, I knew there was an attachment. Despite what you said about the beefier neck. It certainly seems to be the more versatile of the three, and the one that made you the most comfortable. The HB's weakness was the pickups. Though you never played the Gibson completely clean, it was obvious that it was too raw for most utilitarian purposes. That particular Epiphone _is_ special and, unless I am mistaken, has Epiphone's more forgiving headstock break-angle - which makes it a wash.

[@voiceofexperience]

Yep, 13 deg compared to 17 on the Gibson. Don't know why G never changed it on their stuff. Tradition, I guess.

[@maekong2010]

@@voiceofexperience Maddening, really. Nothing like a guitar with the potential to self-destruct just laying around in its case. It probably won’t, but hey, the fact that it could is what keeps things interesting, I guess.

[@jonkerr2050]

I’ve been eyeballing a Special for a few months now. Normally I hate yellow guitars. But looking at my Epi/Gibi collection, it’s the only thing really missing. I’m glad to see the Epiphone got such high praise.

[@dorianmoon]

Always enjoy your measured reviews - very calming - thanks. From a.n.other SG junkie!

[@theguitaristas]

@Eminor Fiend Thanks for supporting... SG reviews coming soon!

[@alanst.4417]

There's never enough SGs 😉

[@northernmonkey8652]

The yellow one has the mojo not suprised your keeping it. I love the fat neck on that epi junior i bought recently. The single pickup too is making me realise so much about my playing. Great vid👍

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, yes that one pickup junior really shows you how to start using the tone and volume controls and play around more with picking dynamics...it's all you need! :)

[@thomaspatrickmorgan]

I really appreciate the honest assessment and the earnest approach you take, unlike so many popular cheesy guitar channels I won't name. Well done!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Thomas, thanks for the support and kind words! 😎👍

[@LincolnCountyBand-st8yn]

Another brilliant comparison,, thanks once again!!!! Love your playing bro 🤟

[@RByrne]

I've tried these 3, looking for a cheap guitar I could just mess around with, so I didn't have to worry about one of my more costly ones getting damaged. I liked the HB a lot, and the finish felt great, almost like a nice piece of sports equipment or something. The Gibson was nice but I wanted cheap, and was ready 3 buy the TV yellow epi, as I actually liked the colour a lot! I ended up stopping in to a thrift shop and found a 07 Epiphone custom shop Pelham blue Lp special GT for $50cad. It was good enough! Looked great and has a factory kill switch in the tone knob, trem bar and ceramic pickups. perfect! And it should be said that the measurement of these are all within a tiny fraction of an inch of one another, and most people won't notice much difference.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice bargain Ryan!! 😎👍

[@23skidoo46]

always loved the tone of Eye of the Tiger and because he played an Explorer. Always been a huge fan of Explorers,Destroyers and Standards. Pete WIllis, Tommy SHaw, Matthias Jabs, etc...

[@resurrectthewitch]

Brilliant video. Honestly, Harley Benton have reignited my love for buying guitars. I’ve owned Gibsons and Fenders over the years but there was a point where I had no need for them. I mainly record and play around my house so I sold my small collection of expensive guitars and bought an army of Harley’s and have no regrets. It’s crazy how great they are for the money. I’m currently waiting on their PRS copy and for around £200 with Stainless steel frets, mahogany body/neck with a flamed maple top and a graphtech nut, it’s a steal. We truly are in the golden era of great affordable gear.

[@jamrackmusic2198]

I bought this Epiphone model 2 days ago. Love it! Needs no changes! I’m addicted to these fat 50’s necks. I have purchased 2 real Gibson Les Paul Standard 50’s models in the last year. Both are 2023 models, one a gold top, and recently a brand new one with the stunning new white top. Absolutely killer guitars, some of the best Gibson has ever made. When I picked up the Epiphone LP special a week ago at the local music shop for a test drive, there it was again. That great fat 50’s neck. I had to have it! I can barely play thin necked guitars anymore. I would argue that a 50’s neck is actually easier and more comfortable to play as your hand is always open and free ( no squeezing or pinching of the neck with thumb required). The newer inspired by Gibson Epiphone LP Special TV Yellow is a quality built guitar at a great price. 5 stars from me.

[@drippinglass]

I got the Gibson. A 2023. The finish is so much better, the color and the fact that you can see the wood throughout.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I am purchasing the Epi you decided to keep. I bought the ‘59 Epi IBG LP last year and love it. I also have the Epi IBG Hummingbird and a great guitar….Had the IBG J-200 but just could not get mojo on it so took back…Epi is knocking things out of the park with these IBG models. As usual, great common sense reviews and nice playing…Ganja Man…🥰🎶🎵🤓😎

[@MRoo1oo]

Great job! Your reviews are the most honest, and a valuable asset for those trying to find the right guitar for them. Keep up the good work!

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks that’s appreciated! 😎👍👍

[@miketripodo2879]

All I know is that I got the Epi SG Special w/ p90s and it's amazing.. I got it second hand on ebay for a steal. I love your reviews.

[@Mandobird1]

Yep, that Epi sure is sweet, especially in the TV yellow, but the HB is decent too, for the money.

[@Libra1059]

One of the best shootout videos I have seen. I own one of the Epiphones and really like it. I would love to get one of the Gibson models you want to get maybe someday I can. It would be great to see you compare the two.

[@theguitaristas]

@Libra 59 Thanks for comment!... that's definitely the plan now to compare the epi with the 'original' so watch this space!

[@bradleyclosson5042]

First video I've watched on your channel, dig it, different, quality, entertaining, great job!

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Bradley thanks for the kind words... glad you found us! 😎🎸👍

[@pascale-annedesaulniers9780]

Since months I am following you. And I must admit that you are one of the most gentlemen guitar I've ever seen. I really love your videos, bravo !!! Happy continuation...

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Subscribed.... well played, 😅, had a ironically similar conversation with my teacher on ytube yesterday.... sensing your clip to him today & talk about this terrific review. Mark's gonna love this as I did. Thank you!!💯🎸🍻

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Kris thanks for this 🙏 the support is appreciated! 👍😎🎸

[@krisstieghorst7415]

@@theguitaristas you bet!! You play remarkably!

[@hobiecat901]

I have been wanting a LP Special and am uncertain on which one. You do make all three sound so Good. I like the Mustard Yellow of the Epi. I do like the Gibson to but My pocket book is a Bit shy for it. You make the Best Reviews Ever. You covered every aspect and did not play with a Fuzz pedal and screaming so we could actually hear the pickup's tone. Thank You

[@stephenkennedy7347]

FYI I just bought a Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute in Vintage Cherry date of production 2021 - neck profile is called "round" - it is full in the hand but easy to play bar chords on. I had a double cut Gibson Les Paul Special and found it uncomfortable because of the body shape. The pick ups were high output and the neck pick up too dark! So I sold it. The pick ups on the 2021 LP Special Tribute have slightly less output to my ear and clean up easily with a small volume decrease. I compared it to the Epiphone Les Paul Special and the pickups on the Gibson were markedly better - both tone and character. Got a good price for the Gibson but still a good bit more than twice the price of the Epiphone. However the mojo of the Gibson with its thin nitro finish and faultless construction compared to the smothering thick polly finish on the Epiphone with minor quality issues here and there (fair enough at the price) won my heart and my head. My bank balance and shoulders will suffer somewhat - a bit over 9lbs and a one piece body!

[@nicolasmaurin182]

Your reviews are amazing. I like your honesty / judgement and dedication to excellent work. Congrats. Very helpful always

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Nicolas! 😎👍

[@richardsveum8452]

I really want that Epi, love the chunky neck . That being said my hands are 3x and I’m not really fond of thin necks.

[@GeorgeAbli]

What I am hearing; The guitar's tone matters but it's the player's soul that sets it free!! Great review!!

[@therifftones2198]

Rob Chapman sure has aged well. Great video! Love this channel!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers it’s the hair transplant but I guess that didn’t fool you eh?!... so best watch out for my VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT videos coming soon 🤣🎸✌️

[@tomrosa4248]

I think this is Epiphone is the best value for the price. I don't have this guitar but if I do get an Epiphone this would be the one to get. Thanks for an other great review.

[@jamiebriggs8277]

The finish on the Harley Benton looks absolutely great. At that price, I would very gladly buy that and swap the pickups rather than pay the exorbitant Gibson price.

[@scottycunningham1413]

It makes since, back in the day the specials and juniors were bough for just that reason. They could be aquired at cheaper prices than a standard les paul or custom.

[@DaddyWarbucksunlimited]

The Gibson is a grand. Not really exorbitant.

[@scottycunningham1413]

@@DaddyWarbucksunlimited both the Gibson Les Paul and special are priced closer to two grand then they are a meager thousand

[@jamiebriggs8277]

@@DaddyWarbucksunlimited more than twice as much as the Epiphone, and 5 times as much as the Harley Benton. For what you get, yes - the definition of exorbitant.

[@activese]

hi, hope you are well, I own and play 5 guitars on daily basis, and the one I love the most, is my 2008 Epiphone gold top '56, p90s, regardless of being the only one with the hum, and the chunky neck, thank you so much for your pleasant video, take care.

[@theguitaristas]

All good thanks!... yes we love a Goldtop with P90’s!! 🙌😎🎸 thanks for comment! 👍

[@noternunstoned]

I ordered the Epiphone 2 days ago used at a store in Ontario, get it in a few weeks, just couldn't pass up the price, thanks for this shootout

[@Krisunio]

Thanks for honest comparison and review!!! I hope your channel grow, so we can watch more videos like that!

[@stewdapples267]

I own the epiphone 2020 inspired by Gibson junior, and I have to say I’m absolutely blown away by it.... 3 piece body, sustains off the scale, plays amazing and looks beautiful.... a SERIOUS instrument never mind the cost

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Stew, that’s a great guitar.. have you checked out our reviews of it?

[@stewdapples267]

@@theguitaristas I have yeah and I just say I do like your guitar reviews, you know what you’re talking about from a players perspective and also as a tech... I bet you love that guitar as much as I do, I haven’t put it down since I got it!! I do however own a mint blue Ibanez artcore AS63 loaded with SD 59’s.... believe me.... that thing.... two words... BUY ONE 👍 (my real names Adam by the way 😂)

[@stewdapples267]

@@theguitaristas kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJnbdaWHeJWEgtk (The Ibanez playing through 25W 90’s Park amp would you believe it

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Adam, cheers man 😆👍... Ibanez on my shopping list for the new year!

[@stewdapples267]

@@theguitaristas you won’t regret it... the stock pickups are terrible though 🤣... did you watch my little Cream jam in it?

[@johnmaag9230]

I own both the Epiphone TV yellow Special and the Gibson Special Tribute but the humbucker model in vintage cherry. Both guitars are equal in quality. Import guitars have really come a long way over the years since I started playing. I'm actually surprised the Gibson is in the Modern Collection as it has a very vintage feel and tone. Well I'm in a good position as I'm able to keep both guitars.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks John, the tribute with humbuckers sounds like a different beast and very tempting! I played our P90 again yesterday and it’s going to be hard to part with... 🤔

[@semyonboyk0]

What a brilliant review, thank you!

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks! 👍

[@shroompicn-shrooman]

I love my Epiphone Les Paul Special.. that and my Squier Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster.. are to me the best bang for the buck guitars you can buy. Thanks for the video ✌🍄👍

[@Trial212]

I agree with your pick for the winner and just got lucky enough to buy a barely used one for $279USD. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to get it. Cheers!!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!... that’s a proper bargain dude! 😎👍🎸

[@toastedsandwich2474]

Thoroughly enjoyed that review 👏

[@Blueshack1871]

"We're Jammin". Great in depth review, thanks.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Peter! 👍😎🎸

[@ZachariahJ]

Got a Harley Benton SC-450 P90 GT a few months ago. It's my third Harley Benton, and the first thing I usually do is put Tonerider pickups in them. But honestly, the Harley Benton P90s are pretty good themselves. I did change the bridge pickup, more out of habit than anything else, but then I used the original bridge pickup I'd taken out as a neck pickup in another guitar, and it sounded great! P90 neck and humbucker bridge (Tonerider Alnico II in this case) is a great combo.

[@carlospenna]

I'm watching your videos from the past and the new ones, your music choices are great, Roots, Rock, Reggae... your reviews and reflections on price, quality are solid and your sense of humor even better. ✊✊✊✊

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Carlos! 😁👍

[@CastlesMadeOf...]

Wow! You're nearly doubled your subs in a month since that pinned comment. This is my first visit and I subbed. What a brilliant review/comparison of three very similar guitars. Love the stats on the neck dims. So important to know. I tried the Epi today and I have to say I was really impressed. Might have to bag one on the preloved market soon. I would probably remove the thick finish from the back of the neck to improve the feel. I loved the neck profile BTW. Cheers 👍

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Jimi, thanks for comment and sub! 👍😎🎸

[@jamieb7799]

Always the best reviews bar none. Thank you as always 🙏

[@MurphSA]

The best guitar channel on KZbin IMO. Thanks for great honest content!!!

[@theguitaristas]

Wow thanks for the kind words that’s really appreciated! ☺️👍🎸

[@purimuadmuang2259]

Finally! You're probably the first one that compares the epiphone with gibson tribute, everyone else keep comparing it to gibson original collection special - quite pointless. I think for a cheap looking finish plus a maple neck the gibson one has to sound real good to justify the price. It doesn't imo, I think so that the epiphone is a keeper. Thanks.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Puri! Yes the ‘tribute’ sits in similar place to Epiphone original now so difficult to understand pricing... these were / are £599 guitars at best. 🎸✌️

[@playingguitarforfun]

I'm just happy that good guitars exist at every price point nowadays. Enjoy your gibson or any brand that makes a similar model, whichever feels best and inspires the player.

[@ricardolandgrave2532]

I have one on hold already, I'll pick it up next week. I knew you'd keep the Epi. It's an outstanding guitar. Finish was better than the exact same model made by Gibson for some reason. Maybe they had a lemon at the store but seriously the Epi was flawless, the Gibson not so much and 4 times the price.

[@Dirge4july]

i recently got a gibson les paul special from the demo shop for $899. Binding, pearloid logo. I installed some bareknuckles, locking tuners. It plays flawlessly. My first p90 guitar too.

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Jessie, that’s a great deal... nice one! 👍😎🎸

[@catdaddy57]

Colin, fantastic playing young man...I wish I was 1/4 as good as you... very inspirational. Keep the great reviews coming...Always look forward to Friday's for your reviews...Cheers from Ohio

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks as always! 😁🙏

[@Remsterdam]

Great review, thank you! I went with the Epi too. I love the neck it belongs on this guitar. My only problem was with the pickups and i swapped them for SD antiquity, well worth the money, still cheaper and makes it unbeatable.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Remco thanks for support, I bet that sounds great with the antiquities! 👍🎸

[@TexanUSMC8089]

I have a set of Rio Grande P90's that I might put in the Epiphone.

[@edwinwise6751]

The real irony to all of this is 2 seconds into a song live or practice, you forget what guitar your playing and could care less … great piece , the most useful neck assessment I’ve seen in a review allows me to visualize what the action looks like,really illustrates how little difference there is . Most of your tone comes from your fingers and your brain

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Edwin! Yes that's so true... we shouldn't really be thinking about the guitars quite so much... just play the thing! Thanks for comment! 👍😎🎸

[@slowfaction7360]

So very true - I rotate my live guitars - Tokai MIJ Love Rocks....2 are poly, 2-piece backs and 2 are nitro, 1 piece backs....playing quietly at home I might be able to discern the slight jump in quality to the 2 premium guitars...live on stage, playing fast, sweaty punk rock under the lights, it just doesn't matter...the all sound great, play well and stay in tune.... :)

[@dragan4658]

Hb all day long is my opinion second is the Epi and the big G is 3rd.

[@erikelbers9447]

I have the Harley Benton to. My experience is that you need to raise the pickups or the polepieces. They are a bit far from the strings. After I put them closer to the strings the sound became much better. And it has much more power now. The bridge polepieces are 3mm from the strings when the string is fretted on the highest fret. The neck polepieces go from 4mm to 5mm(low E)

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Eric I will try that, these pickups not always so easy to raise as may be screwed to body... maybe they need shims underneath to lift them?

[@erikelbers9447]

@@theguitaristas I dit put some foam under the pickups to keep them high. But that was not enough so I raised all polepieces. It's an easy way to try out if you like the sound closer to the bridge. But a real shim could be a better option.

[@theguitaristas]

@@erikelbers9447 Thanks for confirming!

[@riff_radar]

Your videos are always excellent both in content and presentation, and your playing is fun and refreshing. Rock and roll, punk vibes. I dig it!

[@kralas111]

18:35 This guitar doesn't owe you anything for the money. Absolutely brilliant and truly said 👍

[@henryhunter5026]

Another excellent video! I can’t for the life of me understand why you don’t have far more subscribers. As I have a Gibson Les Paul 50s Tribute which has P90s I’m not really in the market for a Special but there’s always room for just one more guitar. For what it’s worth I think that your decision was the right one, a “real” Gibson Les Paul Special would be my ultimate choice but they do seem rather expensive for what is a pretty simple guitar.

[@theguitaristas]

@Henry Hunter I guess it takes a while but in the meantime we're very happy to have subscribers like yourself supporting the channel, and with more folk subbing every day it's encouraging. Thanks again it's appreciated! PS.. yes there ALWAYS room for one more guitar!

[@primitiveT]

Hey, you're onto a great amount of things here in this channel. Don't let your mind boggle. You got balance of the hand. Don't worry about a thing on this channel. I'll give you this: Feel as good as the good you do is doing.

[@primitiveT]

omg, do I have to buy that epi now? crazy. Youre the best. Keep up the good work.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks for the kind words and support it’s really appreciated! 🙏😎

[@richwagner3]

Kudos to you Sir, playing “personality crisis” by New York Dolls.

[@johnwalsh3826]

Love the channel and your choice of music for the reviews, playing is fantastic, any chance you could talk a little about your pedal choice you use for the demos

[@theguitaristas]

Hey John, thanks for the kind words! 😁 in recent months I do make sure I note the signal chain in the information box so you can see what I’ve used... but as far as getting into why I chose them, well that’’s such a massive subject it could be that basis for a whole channel itself (Oh hang on that’s been done! 😂) so at this point I’ve purposely steered clear of pedals and amps in order to focus on guitars... but it’s still early days for the channel so that may change if there’s sufficient interest so watch this space! Thanks for comment and suggestion dude it’s appreciated! 👍😎🎸

[@chasintone316]

nice trio of goodness! i think id of kept the harley benton but the mustard/grey poupon is a sweet one as well! well i went down the "rabbithole" with the butterscratch tele...swore id never go back in but after watching a "dylan talks tone" video i added a 3rd wire grounde to the backplate of the bridge pup after removing that short wire on the plate...then i grounded the 3rd wire to the volume pot...then reversed the other 2 wires that were already on the switch and volume pot... so now the former positive wire plus the 3rd wire are earth wires as the former earth wire is on the switch... shes now properly in phase and has the crickety chirp teles are known for! i did install a vintera clone alnico3 tele bridge pup too.... i guess it bothered me so much nearly driving me bonkers and finally sorted it out and shes "golden" now!

[@garyt123]

Honest non biased review. Luv it. Basically, the Gibson is way overpriced for what it is, ie not meeting the higher quantity that the price would lead one to believe it should have.

[@marcomostroso]

Amazing video, nice editing, quite objective and well done :) Subscribing.

[@theguitaristas]

@Marco M Thanks man!

[@hanlonkitto]

Soulful playing. Loved the jam. You got the touch

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks man that’s kind of you! 😎🎸👍

[@lurklingX]

it was really satisfying watching your pros/cons comparison as you were trying to decide what to keep. i knew you wouldn't keep the harley benton as your hands didn't seem as happy/inspired on it. the epi........... i lollll that you call the color ugly (kinda agree. wish they woulda made it more of a yellow). so... this epi i got is the dull mustard and all, like yours. but is a "worn" finish that actually feels like the harley benton. despite the color i had been really taken by the FEEL of the finish. it's like matte ceramic mug... love those. anyway it's a 2016 and has a slightly diff control config. it has the switch inbetween 2 knobs. the knobs are a clear cylinder with the black dial inside and i think is what you had on the gibson (and i actually love these knobs) can't find any info on permutations of this model from epi. like is the color always the same, when did control layouts or anything else change. is the wood the same throughout?

[@theguitaristas]

I think this 2019 one was new for the inspired by Gibson range… yours sounds like an older variation on this great theme!

[@lurklingX]

@@theguitaristas so the colors can change with the year? (thx!)

[@baguasrr]

Personality Crisis! Excellent review - subscribed

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Great comparison! Thanks for it. Love the sound of the HB.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@jamessutherington3471]

Witch beautiful vox is that in the background? God I love a vox! For me best sounding amp out there. Please please do a review of a les Paul going through that! Awesome demo again sir! Keep on doing it mate. Fantastic ❤️🎸

[@theguitaristas]

Hey James! They are probably my favourite amps so I have AC15 which I use a lot for these demos but also AC30 for when I need it really loud! Everything sounds good through a Vox! 😆👍

[@deanmccaskill5495]

Just brought the Epiphoney home today actually. Got a great deal. I actually had the Harley version which I didn’t mind at all or don’t mind. Anyway I’ll give that HB to my friend now. He has no idea so he will be happy I expect. I hope. I’ll get the Gibson when the right deal comes along.

[@user-jb4um9tl8d]

Good choice! I have both, and the Gibby wont stay in tune.....the Epi DOES!

[@totallyg1112]

Nice comparison! I got the HB in yellow (it doesn't have a satin finish but is pretty ok anyway after some fatty fingering). I changed to Groover tuners. Really love this guitar. Roll of the Tone to about 4 a little more on the bridge (5-6)

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man keep rocking that HB!

[@benallmark9671]

It’s fucking great guitar, absolutely rocks. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 !

[@garretazonsa]

This is what i was waiting for! 🍿🍺

[@theguitaristas]

@_cigarret_ Thanks man hope it's helpful!

[@garretazonsa]

@@theguitaristas i got the Epiphone Les Paul Special last week because of your review and this comparison! I am loving it!

[@hanovergreen4091]

I just got a H-B DC Jr and am beating the snot out of it. H-B is great value for money if you have all the guitars you want/ need and now just need a jam guitar or open mic night guitar. Need to be out of the "I need the right name on the Headstock" phase though. I'll get a H-B Special someday but I've seen the standard LP dual P90 model for less lately so who knows. Best Regards and Best Wishes

[@victorbeebe8372]

Waiting for mine to come. Not sure if the jr or special will come in first. The jr will kind of go with my epiphone jb treasure firebird 1

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one Victor. Can you believe I stupidly sold my JB Treasure!

[@victorbeebe8372]

@@theguitaristas sad to hear that. Epiphone does make a 2 pickup version. You into Johnny Winters?

[@victorbeebe8372]

Funny Phillip McKnight just up loaded gears I regret getting rid of

[@theguitaristas]

@@victorbeebe8372 Check out the video I did playing it on this channel a few years back... Johnny Winter vibe!

[@theguitaristas]

@@victorbeebe8372 will check that out!

[@michaelpond6386]

Excellent choice, I have one and like it very much. I can’t see paying for a name when everything about it is so equal.

[@scottdavidson6066]

It’s too bad they don’t make the Epi in any other colors. If I could get it in a Wine Red, Ebony, or Pelham Blue I would be much more tempted to buy one. As it is, the Ebony Gibson one is looking pretty sweet, despite the price premium. I also like that it sounds the most “raw.”

[@michaelanderson4747]

I dont know why I hate the pickguard on the Epi and Gibson so much. Might get the HB and do a few upgrades on it

[@dumptodreamhome2630]

I am Definitely "Cash Strapped" and I have Owned a Gibson LP & SG, but seriously looking at the HB's. Thanks for another great review. I think for myself I would do the HB just because I know I'm going to do a custom art design and I like thinks that look 'Warn In'.

[@anthonyglennmollicasr.425]

Great video, really enjoyed it!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Anthony!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Excellent playing, once again! I think your reasoning was sound in the decision to keep the Epiphone, save up and get the Gibson to compare. 👍 Cheers!