Five Near Perfect Guitars & Affordable Alternatives

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I recently saw a video about "Perfect Watches" by Adrian Barker and I thought it would be great to make something similar about "Perfect Guitars and Affordable Alternatives" as well. Agree or disagree (but be nice) in the comments.
Thanks for watching,
Keith

[@michaelschneider7590]

Very enjoyable, Keith! I’m a 73 year old who took up guitar in retirement a year ago - first borrowing my son’s G&L Strat, then deciding on a PRS S2 594 for myself when it became clear my interest would stick! This video would be great viewing for anyone buying a first guitar, buying a second in a different flavor, or just wanting a whirlwind tour of Guitar World.

[@DrMurdercock]

You're fortunate to go from beginner strat to a PRS like that! Most of us started young so we had to work our way up from junk lol. Enjoy that PRS brother!!! Play it like it owes you money my man. Have a great day and glad you started playing. My dad recently showed interest. So I hooked him up with a starter strat, he now as a really nice LTD EC 331 (LTD Les Paul)

[@scottmacphee35]

It is a great thing to take up after retirement. My friend started playing upright bass when he was 73. He's now 81, and he plays out with me and the fellas all the time. He thinks learning a new skill has kept him mentally sharp, and that sure seems right to me.

[@Jeremya74]

G&L is an EXCELLENT guitar

[@scottmacphee35]

@@Jeremya74 Hear him! Every G&L I have had, from imports to USA custom builds, has been great. I love those crazy ceramic MFD pickups.

[@tannerbarsness9992]

You’re proof that you can always teach an old dog new tricks. I love hearing older folks not letting their brain rot.

[@PatrikWalzer-lt2qo]

I love my Ibanez RG's. Most people think it is only a Heavy Metal guitar and it is a fine rockguitar. But I worked as a hired gun and session player and did almost all jobs with an RG. It combines the power of a humbucker guitar with strat sounds.

[@ukguitarnoodle]

Exactly. People see the horns and think Metal, yet 3/5 sounds are Strat tones. I love my Genesis 550 .

[@rickeymitchell8303]

They have cheap hardware and electronics the ones from the 90s and 80s where best 500 dollar rg feels like a toy compared to a strat or Epiphone and they don’t hold their value worth a damn

[@PatrikWalzer-lt2qo]

The Genesis line is MIJ and has Gotoh tuners and an Edge double locking trem. By the way: I have a lot late 80s and 90s RGs. But I prefere the guitars around 2000. They had the bubinga stripe and the AANJ. They were really solid! I love almost all guitars... That is my problem 😂

[@AGENTELROND850]

Real hard to beat their vintage styled AZ models either. I have 2 and have played a few more. Damn they're nice guitars.

[@PatrikWalzer-lt2qo]

@@AGENTELROND850yeah, they are really nice and cool, if you like to have a bit more wood in your hand. I mean it's not a thick neck, but not as thin as the wizard is.

[@lewisclinton8080]

Great video! I’m always humbled and reminded when I see a guitar player walk in with a squier classic vibe, Princeton amp, and 2-3 simple pedals and absolutely crushes everyone around with their tone and chops.

[@MayorMcCheese2000]

THANK YOU! Finally a video that uses the word "affordable" appropriately! Those guitars are really the minimum price for a guitar of that quality made in a way that one could consider objectively ethical. This tells a story worth telling and paints a realistic picture of expectation! OUTSTANDING content!

[@tguit-fiddler5692]

You should get rid of your electronics if you really care about ethics. There's no escaping the exploitation of third world countries in anything you do, from your refrigerator, to your smartphone, hell I bet the electronics or the finish in MIA guitars come from a third world country.

[@MayorMcCheese2000]

@tguit-fiddler5692 incorrect assumptions across the board.... you can get ethically made anything if you care to look hard enough or make them yourself.

[@SSquirrel1976]

Yamaha Revstar is certainly a valid SG alternative as well. Been wanting one for awhile

[@johncollins5552]

Like the PRS I hear a lack of a distinctive tone, always good but never great.

[@williamolsen20]

I have been wanting a Revstar for years. Just have not had the extra coin. I could swap out the pickups if I wasn’t happy with them.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Same here. A Revstar will be my next guitar with P-90s. Need to go play one. I have the humbucker, and single coil as well as a couple of acoustic electrics. I have played several gigs in the pit and I think the Revstar would be great to cover a lot of that music.

[@michaelmitchell7]

I've got a revstar 620, once I replaced the bridge-its been pretty good. I replced the bridge pu with a Lace drop and gain- it has a great tone on bridge or neck! My Revered Warhawk DAW blows it out the water for fit and finish though.

[@SSquirrel1976]

@ the p90 colors all look great. I kinda want the bright ass green one if I went for a humbucker version tho :)

[@Captain_Yata]

The Squier classic vibes are actually incredible

[@gabeslaymaker708]

Having an American Pro II Jazzmaster as my only guitar, Squier has impressed me beyond expectation. The classic vibe series is way better than it has any business being at it's price.

[@Captain_Yata]

@gabeslaymaker708 I got a classic vibe Jag for my first guitar. Build quality, sound and feel are all absolutely top notch. I am thinking of exchanging it for something a little more modern, but not because there's anything wrong with the guitar I just want a different sound :) Edit: I've actually just decided to mod it so mine's more special. Probably put a dimarzio super distortion (single coil size) in the bridge and some kind of noiseless stacked pickup in the neck :)

[@obvious2886]

Epiphone inspired by Gibson guitars have been amazing in my experience. I have a 2019 339 that I’ve been gigging and practicing with every week since then and it’s held up perfect

[@bars4fd]

No kidding! I just bought a 2004 Epi Joe Perry Boneyard LP and it is AMAAAAAZING!!!!! I absolutely love this guitar!!!

[@bars4fd]

Loved this video!! I’m a fan 😊❤ I’ve owned a 58 strat all original, a 56 LP, 2 PRS both pre 95, and several other really incredible guitars! Due to life going wrong, i had to sell everything i had, including a 67 Marshall 100 wtt SL 😢 after selling my 83 LP deluxe, my last guitar, for rent 😢 ….i went to GC on Memorial Day and bought an epiphone LP special in TV yellow for $100 bucks on sale!! I played about 10-12 guitars that day and this one felt exactly like my 56!! I mean exactly! The neck was the same, weight, everything! I loved that guitar and still own it! I played the hell out of it for many years until i could finally buy another one. ( I’m now 64 and retired). Just recently bought a 2004 Epiphone Joe Perry Boneyard Les Paul that is completely 100% original, from the original owner, and it is a MONSTER!! It is a little heavy at 9lbs but i dont care! It is absolutely amazing and i payed $800 bucks for it. Loved this video and thank you❤

[@vintageswiss9096]

I just bought my Epi Les Paul Standard 60s Series for $300, and the shop spent over an hour setting it up and lowering the action for me. Best neck I've ever held in my life... Shop local...

[@Дядятычтодурак]

Yeah Gibson style necks are incredible! Recently got the chibson sg and oh my, it's neck just excellent, especially for the price of $120. I mean in comparison with vintage style wide/fat neck strat and modern style thin/slim neck tele (both are cheap as world too, but pretty good)

[@BasedHyperborean]

It took someone over an hour to lower the action on your guitar? Damn, that’s bad lol.

[@vintageswiss9096]

@BasedHyperborean Yeah, they had to cut a new nut, and the head luthier was using it to train his apprentice on. It was free, why do i care if it took an hour? Not like i knew how to do it... I've since upgraded to a 2022 Les Paul 60

[@thisistimwoods]

G&L's tribute line offers outstanding value in every model. I recommend the Fallout. What a guitar

[@JohnWhite-xc3md]

@@thisistimwoods G&L makes excellent instruments! I had an early '80s L2000 bass I regretfully sold back in the '90s. It had an ugly black crinkle finish on all the hardware, but was easily one of the best sounding and playing basses I ever had. Finally found found another one that is prettier, and plays and sounds the same. This one is staying with me!

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Yes for sure! But be careful, G&Ls seem to multiply in the closet. I bought an inexpensive G&L Tribute GT-90 on sale years ago. It quickly became one of my main players among SG, PRS, Rick..., vintage Fender and Dean. Never had to do anything except change strings on it. The next thing I knew, there magically appeared two more G&Ls, an ASAT and a GT3. Both also excellent.

[@JohnWDGTandTele]

Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster owner here. My story started with an Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Sport with MM90 pickups. Great guitar, but I longed for a telecaster as well as a humbucker guitar. So, I sold it and bought a Classic Vibe telecaster as well as an Epiphone ES-335. All was well until a few months and the Tele volume pot went bad, so I bought a complete electronic assembly by 920D from Sweetwater. Then, I decided that I wanted compensated brass saddles and bought inexpensive Wilkinson saddles. While owning it I noticed some rough fret ends and later noticed a “sitar-like” sound. So…I took it back to the shop I purchased it from. They worked on it and said that they had to hammer down almost all of the frets and had to glue one down. Also, and this is after working on it, they said that when looking down the fretboard it looked kind of like it was scalloped. (Big sigh) I was considering buying a new neck, but upon seeing that Fender offers a 2 year warranty, I was able to get a replacement free and the shop was great in the transaction. This one is MUCH better and I put the replacement electronics and saddles on it as well. Long story short, make SURE you know what you are getting and check it out THOROUGHLY (maybe even take someone with you who knows how and what to look for better than yourself). PS, the Epiphone ES-335 was really nice, but I sold it to fund the purchase of a PRS DGT SE which is a great guitar!

[@ralph_clay]

I'm so glad you included Anderson. I worked there for 10 years. Thank you.

[@JohnTole-g7m]

I have had a TA hollow T classic since 2002, It is beautiful

[@ocelotl23]

Snobs will hate me but, but Squier is a great alternative, it's Quality has increased so much in over the last years, the ones I have played feel nearly as good as my american select one

[@c.jarmstrong3111]

Squier guitars have always been excellent value. They are no different than a lower end fender

[@johne.1011]

Agree!

[@jordanpratt3821]

"Snobs" don't hate that squiers are quality instruments. What drives a Snob crazy is when people say that a squier is better quality than it's American counterpart.

[@ocelotl23]

@@jordanpratt3821 I never said squiers are better, I just said they are a great alternative to the real deal.

[@edpetrikk2027]

Squire and Epiphone …case closed 😊🎸

[@dasninjastix]

I don't know about perfect but I've absolutely fallen in love with the Sire J3. I like all my guitars and wouldn't trade or sell any of them, but something about the Jazzmaster shape, feel, and versatility that's been a revelation. My playing took a huge leap as a result of that emotional connection.

[@budgetguitarist]

Sire is killing it! Great value for the money.

[@Imnotthevillian77]

For me, a tele and gretch will cover every sonic need one can imagine. Great video 5watt.

[@bryantrockfield9865]

I totally agree with your sentiments

[@bolt4694]

1967 Es335. 1987 AM STD Strat. Original first issue 1952 Tele reissue. 2005 Les Paul Std Premium plus. All four are wonderful guitars. I play a different one every few months. Each time it's like rediscovering an old friend.

[@jakerobinson4401]

I took in a Squire CV 60's Tele Custom on the back end of a trade. It's a Chinese made from 2016/17 before they started production in Indonesia. It's (supposably) all original and this guitar is just different than most other Teles I have ever owned, currently own, or have ever played. It's one of those "Why is this so good?" and "Why can't I put it down?" kind of guitars!! If you have a chance to pick one up on the cheap, take the leap... If nothing else, at least you'll have a solid canvas for modding. 👍🏼

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

This may help. Supposedly is used to say something is supposed to be. "According to the former owner, it is supposed to be all original".

[@jakerobinson4401]

@WoodworkingforAnyone Thanks for the clarification, I'll be sure to let my autocorrect know! 🤣🤣

[@jkf9167]

I had a made-in-China Squier CV Strat that was similarly amazing. I traded it and regret it. Those Tonerider pickups in the early CVs had sounded more like vintage Strat pups than just about any OEM.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

@@jakerobinson4401 your autocorrect says supposably? That's weird. I wonder where it learned that.

[@tj10777]

I agree on those Chinese Squire Teles. I played a used one in Guitar Center once and it was inexplicably excellent. I should have bought it

[@mmpatriot2170]

Great video! I’m a part of the Five Watt World.

[@TechyTimM]

That's a really interesting look at these iconic guitars. I also appreciate that you gave credit to some of the other content creators - I love it when people are willing to work together! Great video!

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Been playing for over 50 years I love my squire 60s P bass and get a lot of compliments on looks and sound 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I can also recommend the G&L Tribute Series as budget alternatives to Teles and Strats. I'm blown away with my Legacy (S type). Of course the US versions are outstanding and still cheaper than the Fender equivalent.

[@DrMurdercock]

Anyone new, there are more affordable guitar brands than shown in the video. you DO NOT HAVE T O OWN A FENDER, GIBSON, PRS. You can play anything

[@martydibergi5228]

That’s a great handle doc

[@DrMurdercock]

@@martydibergi5228 Glad you appreciate that lol Its dumb,. immature, stupid, but its funny lol

[@martydibergi5228]

@ kind of similar to my handle it’s OK I’m old and in constant pain. Arthritic, spine surgery and still act like a four-year-old . have a massive love of guitar All my life. got to know the Hellecasters and Albert Lee my dreams have come true. If you appreciate clean tones, try a matchless amplifier just a suggestion happy picking. Thanks for responding.

[@DrMurdercock]

@@martydibergi5228 ill try one for sure

[@janzelf]

Fazley Maverick HH Plus for instance maybe I was just in luck with this 120 bucks guitar. But it's great and still holds up pretty well. It's fullblown computerized build, not handbuild but who cares? It's amazing, not even just for the money.

[@rkoblues24]

Another good one, Keith. I had an SG in the late 60s, didn't like the way it felt around my neck. It was a loaner from a friend. Then I got a Gibson Walnut 335 from Hays(Ks) Music in '68 and really loved how it hugged my body and it made me look like BB King. I was only 16, what did I know back then! It got stolen when I was in Golden Gate Park several years later. I had a '56 Les Paul that had been refinished, sold it in '76 to Caribou Music in Nederland, Co. They told me Joe Walsh bought it, he was living there back then, Barnstorm days. I should have kept that one. I now have an Epiphone 335, and some Squire Teles, and have settled down with PRS Custom 24 and an SE Silver Sky as my main working guitars. Take care of yourself my friend and keep those shirts freshly pressed!

[@miniguitarjams]

Just gotta hit pause for a moment to say how much I enjoy your vids. Thanks. Might grab a tee✌️😎

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks!

[@jbroutson17]

I was blessed enough to find a birth year strat. A 84. Not a highly collectible vintage like the 50s and 60s but I’ll keep it forever and pass it down to my son.

[@jeremythornton433]

Lucky you! I was born in 55. Nothing from then is affordable.Maybe I"ll get a 70th anniversary Strat next year when I hit 70.

[@joermnyc]

Thus far my quest for anything from my birth year (‘80) that’s actually worth acquiring is pretty sad. Those were the down years for the major brands (closest guess would be a Les Paul Deluxe, but those might all be boat anchors.)

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

That's awesome, 84 is my year too and one of these days I want to pick up an 84 Yamaha SG.

[@pabcrane]

I have played a couple of Tokai guitars from 1980 and 81 and they were fantastic. If you'd like a year-of-birth guitar it might be worth checking them out : )

[@IvorThomas]

My birth year is ‘57. I do like Goldtops but dang!

[@ldf399]

Eastman guitars are super quality, I own a T59V and couldn't be happier. Definitely scratches the 335 itch.

[@mcvideo5909]

A late 70s/80s Yamaha SG2000 goes a long way covering a huge range of sounds. Very well built. Has cut away body and great fretboard access. Single issue is its weight.

[@chriskethan5952]

Great video! The first guitar I bought was a 1987 ESP 400 series Strat. I still have it. It sounds and plays like a pre-CBS Fender…it sounds more like a Fender than any Fender I have ever played. The history of the ESP 400 is fascinating. Assembled from parts made from pre-CBS blueprints, and marketed to sell for $400…hence the 400 moniker. I loved it so much I bought 2 more Strats and a Tele. For decades you could find them used for less than $500. Recently they have started climbing in value as other players have recognized their sound and playability. Love the channel!

[@coleslawyum]

So true about the Les Paul. I have a 20 year old Black Beauty Custom and nothing I own sounds anything like it. It has the warmest and thickest tone and weighs a ton. I’ve switched the pickups three times but it still has that tone. Also you’re so on the money with the Telecaster. Something about that combination, the two single coils, bridge, and string through construction gives it such a singular sound. Even though i built mine as a Partscaster, it still retains that unique sound. Prince’s Madcat just sounds epic to me.

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

Don't forget the excellent Heritage H535, made in USA semi-hollow, figured wood and great workmanship. Mine even has a wood pickguard. The Heritage H150 is a great Les Paul alternative as well. I have one of those too!

[@WilliamBrauner-ie4yq]

Thanks for considering my suggestion. I subscribe and appreciate the content and the way that you put it together and present it. I just traded my 2010 CS 336 tangerine burst in to CME. Picking up a DGT SE and a Japanese Yamaha Red Label. Recently started playing again. So some “new to me” guitars can’t hurt. Your channel is a gold mine for me. My little Fender Champ is enough to practice with. Five Watt aficionado wannabe.

[@robertfoster1339]

I have an Eastman and I love it, great guitar

[@TommySG1]

I currently own 3 SG’s and each one plays / feels absolutely brilliant Keith. The Special weighs in at 5.9 pounds, my one Standard is 6.3 and I also have a white Sam Ash exclusive Standard from 17’ that’s right at 7 lbs. all three have significantly different neck profiles but all are super comfy. My all time favorite guitar hands down.

[@vv5179]

I watched this video a few hours after you posted it, I wanted to comment then, but I didn’t have time. I was happy to see that the PRS McCarty Thinline made the video. I’ve been playing an SG Special Minibucker for almost a decade, and I had my skepticism about the guitar when I first purchased it, but then, once I started playing, it all came together. it’s feather light, the neck and fretboard is fast, and like you mentioned, it does seem to go on forever. Mine has a little bit of neck-dive, but nothing drastic, I bought a good strap and it holds it up well. Regarding the PRS, I saw it when it first came out, it was being shown as a modern version of the SG, with a prestigious nod toward Ted McCarty, so I went into a little bit of debt and bought one. It’s an awesome guitar! It is everything an SG is and more; the neck sits upright naturally, and (imo) it’s a little better looking too. I have a Squire and some inexpensive Partcasters that I mess around with, and they play great too.

[@BJAntonio46]

I have an Ibanez RG6003FM with humbuckers, which was my first guitar - very hot pickups Next I got a Jackson JS32-7W, for my 7 string chugs on seymor duncan nazgul sentient pickups Most recently I just picked up a Squire Tele 40th anniversary for single coil jammin and I absolutely love it. - played for 2 years and a few months, mostly daily

[@steverolfeca]

Depreciation sucks. Patience and knowledge are key in any hobby! As a motorcyclist, I never bought new, but obsessively watched the market, keeping a mental list of favourites. With patience, I could grab clean low-mileage examples when prices bottomed out and sellers were desperate. This also cuts your cost on accessories, insurance, etc. Every couple of years, you trade up, maintaining a sense of progress while always paying pennies on the dollar. The same principles apply to guitar and amp ownership.

[@PedrSion]

Blackmore was 335 player of around 5 years. When he got a Strat from one of Clapton’s roadies in 1969, he was transformedas a guitar player. Nice to see the best player ever, Gary Moore, getting a name check

[@Tyrannocaster]

I've been playing since 1964, and I've owned several late 50s and early 60s Fenders and Gibsons. I recently bought a new Sire L7 LP clone and its a better guitar than any of my old Gibsons, and I'm reminded of it every single time I pick it up. It cost me less than $600 new and I wouldn't trade it for the old Les Paul Custom I used to play. Maybe, for once, I got lucky, but everything on it was done right - from the design concepts to the beautiful multiple binding; the satin finish, rolled-fingerboard neck, the cutaway handshake on the back, the excellent locking tuners, and even the pickups, which sound great. This guitar didn't need any setup other than lowering the bridge a little and the action is quite low with no buzzing. I don't need to tell you how rare this is. If this is typical, then Sire punches *way* above its weight.

[@CraigBourke]

Hey dude, Im curious about the Sires as I’m informed that Larry Carlton was involved in the guitars. Do you know if he owns the company, or was he a consultant, or did he design the Sire lineup? Thanks , & peace ✌️

[@Tyrannocaster]

@@CraigBourke I have no idea what sort of arrangement he has with Sire, but since they do so much stuff with Victor Wooten it seems obvious that they like to pair up with great players for their lineups. And while he probably doesn't literally design the LC guitars, he plainly has a working knowledge of what works so he's influencing the product. Like I said, I don't know if the one I got is representative of the entire line, but damn - it's one heck of a nice guitar. I would NEVER trade this for a Gibson or Epiphone Les Paul Custom. That said, you don't get a Gibson headstock and the cutaway is pointier than the original. For some people that's important, and I get it. But the guitar is so much nicer than its equivalent Gibson or Epiphone models I just don't care.

[@walkingtruck]

I’ve owned my Sire L7V for around a year and I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment. Mine is the P-90 version of your guitar and it’s a rock machine.

[@MaxBeatsGpoM]

I have Sire L7 Sunburst and build quality and finish are fantastic for the money. Pickups are not so great but pots and caps inside are real crap. I swapped them for original CTS 500K pots, TAD Mustard Caps and rewired it to vintage Gibson 50's style. Now this guitar is really great!

[@Tyrannocaster]

@@MaxBeatsGpoM I like the pickups in mine. If I ever have trouble with the pots (so far, I haven't), they're easy enough to swap out. As for the caps, the sweep is fine and I have no complaints. The earlier Sires had a bright cap which interfered with the tone control's action but mine is a later model without that.

[@Gene_Cali]

I love the sound of my Gretsch guitars, from my Jim Dandy to the Jet. They have a Classic sound.

[@pwlebrun4573]

Yeah, when I saw the video title, I did a mental list of what the 5 guitars would be. I matched them all (admittedly not a difficult task) but had a Gretsch instead of the SG.

[@paulbormann1398]

I agree with your position on this Keith. I have owned numerous SG, Les Paul, Strats, Teles and ES335's. They are all great guitars and each one can do a wide range of sounds. especially when you are covering Classic Rock material. I am really struggleing finding a keeper Telecaster though. The journey can be more fun than the destination.

[@TheCalmingForce]

Surprised at the omission of the Heritage H-150. I picked one up a few years ago for ~$1500. Great guitars built in the old Kalamazoo house. Great stuff, Keith!

[@stephenlawn159]

Thinking the same thing, regarding my wonderful H-535. The Heritage that Gibson left in Kalamazoo. Original factory, jigs, techniques, beautiful woods and at least $1k less, but not an alternative? Please.

[@samcurrey2442]

Dropping Don Rich’s name (10:41) got you a sub. That man deserves so much respect. Adored by his fans and ignored by the rest. Shame he was gone so soon.

[@carsgunsandguitars]

I always love these videos. I just got an SE 594 and swapped the neck PU to a SD Phat Cat and it is, honestly, one of the best playing and sounding guitars I've ever experienced. I'm blown away by the quality and look and feel and sound at any price, hard to believe it's $700.

[@richardmerriam7044]

I have a Classic Vibe Mustang Bass and the Jazzmaster. Other than string changes and fretboard oiling, there is nothing else to do. They are just that good. I've played semi pro bass for 50 years.

[@ptittannique5621]

13:56 "A 335 and a Telecaster could probably get you through most of the tones you'd ever need" ABSOLUTELY agree--I have a Sheraton 2 and a Vintera 1 50s modified Tele. I believe all of my bases are fully covered!

[@thomascomber3241]

I just picked up and played a Guild Polara, and was blown away! An absolutely incredible SG alternative.

[@briansilcox5720]

I just bought a 2010 Studio Goldtop 50s tribute with the faux binding on the body, P-90s. Nowhere as easy playing as my Carvin HF-2 with 25.5 in scale, but I really wanted that P-90 tone and Mahogany/maple combination. Achieved my sub 8 lb goal with Studio. Love it.

[@RandyLeonard-t1x]

Love these videos,just relaxing and informative...I'm just waiting for the New years ball to drop and watching five watt world.🤙😊

[@JPSixgunner-x4c]

The squire classic vibes are a great value and there are a couple of gems in the line. In regards to Fender, I almost always tend to prefer the MIJ models over either the MIM or USA line

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Keith, I laughed out loud at your "5' 10" / 150#" (15:28) comment. Those are my dimensions exactly, and all of the 335-size guitars feel absolutely HUGE to me, no matter the brand. As I'm sure you realize, the truly "perfect" guitar is the one that inspires you to pick it up and play, for whatever reason or reasons. Much to my surprise, a 2019 Squier Contemporary HSS Strat fits that bill for me. I've left it box stock except for some locking tuners, and out of a dozen or so electrics that I own, it's the only one that never goes back in the case . . . perfect!

[@jimicunningable]

5'7' 155 here, can't agree more!

[@smeagle3295]

I am glad he mentioned it too. I am 6’2” and bought a 339 on Reverb, but had to send it back because it was too small. The 335 is just right for me.

[@dianeduffcroop8158]

Great episode as usual but when you got to the es 335 section you left out the incomparable Heritage HS 535 aged Artesian! At 1,000 to 1500 cheaper than a Gibson es 335, and with a much better build quality and tone it's a no-brainer. I walked into a Guitar Center to buy some guitar picks, and saw a cherry red HS 535 Aged Artesian hanging on the wall and immediately went home and grabbed a couple of trade pieces which consisted of a Fender Custom Shop 61 Strat in Daphne blue and 100.00 got me my Heritage! I couldn't be happier!🙏💯💖🎸🎶

[@danstringer7610]

Thanks for the great video! I loved Tim playing Rick’s SG and Nathan’s Outro!

[@omni379]

I was given a brand-new Gibson Les Paul Studio (in Blueberryburst) as a birthday gift for my first guitar of any kind. It’s amazing and truly a marvelous guitar. I think there’s something to be said about a name. Yes, other guitars might be a better value, but for me what inspires me to practice is knowing that I own an actual Gibson-made Les Paul, like Jimmy Page does, that inspired my love for both the instrument and the type of guitar he played most often. Great video as always.

[@brcmiami]

Great range of high-low alternatives for each iconic model. More videos like this one please.

[@EFlo2000]

Great video! My Fender American Original 50's Telecaster has been my favorite so far. Every time I think about selling/trading it, all I have to do is play it and I change my mind. It's a keeper!

[@dangeorge809]

I love that you mentioned the Eastman SB-59V. An absolutely amazing guitar that's cheaper than a Gibson Standard and is Custom Shop quality. The price difference between the two could leave you with change even after buying a good tube amp and a versatile pedal rack. Best guitar I've ever bought. And so much lighter than any Gibson or Epiphone I've tried.

[@williamwild915]

K-Line makes some of the most impressive guitars I’ve played in a while. I have a Springfield and KL-90, both of which are incredible.

[@davemeshamsr6000]

Great informative segment…a lot of info on less expensive models of renowned guitars that would make anyone feel like they have an historic classic model with the sounds of our guitar icons ….thnx again for sharing and helping us to find that affordable option 👍🏼

[@badbob]

Love your vids Keith and love Ricks also. Have learned so much from them. Rock on.

[@Anonymous-o6t6p]

I’d recommend harley benton for everybody they have so many affordable classic guitars

[@itllkeal]

I started playing with 47 Gibson southern jumbo gifted from my grandpa and my buddies Martin d28, so I was spoiled starting out. Now I play a handcrafted Washburn while the Gibson hangs on the wall, but I ended up with an Oakland, and it was as good as either of those. I still have a Gibson strat style electric, and I love the way it plays because of the explorer style kneck, but I had a Maestro "toys are us" melody maker that I regret selling because I'd pick it over a Gibson LP standard. It looked to me like it was a real Gibson student model just named differently but was a real jem to play.

[@kenairockband]

I grabbed an Epiphone Sheraton 2 in a pawnshop many years back for a hundred bucks. That thing was fantastic. Wish I still had it. A real gem

[@Rockingruvin]

I have a '52 Tele reissue in butterscotch finish and caramel maple neck, 06 American Strat with J Beck noiseless pickups. 71 SG special with P-90s. Two LP Studios- one Wine Red, one a Goldtop. All great, all unique in their own way.

[@petersmith6098]

Great piece, Keith. My affordable alternatives are a 2011 MIM Nashville Tele ... and yes, nothing sounds like it ... and two late 80's/early 90's ES-335 (no f-holes) Studios ... both with headstock repairs and both with killer sounds. If I were to chase an affordable LP alternative, it'd be a lawsuit era Tokai or Greco.

[@norseman61]

As a proud Sire T7 owner, I was pleasantly surprised to hear you include it in your Telecaster segment. Mine is perfect, if there is such a thing. This is not hyperbole. I meant “perfect”, and I don’t mean “for the price”. I honest to God do not know how it could be improved… unless I could put a Fender headstock on it!

[@bigsby6bender]

I love seeing a new 5 Watt World video pop up on my feed!

[@EJH-jn6mo]

That Pelham blue SG in that recent Beato video sent me down a path of ending up with the green Antique Pelham blue version … arrives Monday :)

[@actionjacksondan]

Good for you! That blue SG has been taking up space in my head as well

[@imacmadman22]

Keith, thanks for mentioning Ibanez as an alternative to a ES-335. I tried several, including two of the John Scofield models and ended up with an Ibanez AS-93, it is the most played guitar in my collection and it's simpler appointments suit my style. I call it my "grown up guitar" because it is my first 335 style instrument at age 60. I've got just about everything else you mentioned except a Telecaster and an SG. I will get the Tele eventually, the SG will probably end up being the PRS S2 594 Thinline, I'm just not a fan of the SG design. Great video!

[@dalecoffing8655]

Excellent Keith! I play a Tele an Epi semi hollow, and a steel string acoustic guitar for musicals. Not much I can't cover with those three two amps and pedals. So what you say and I have heard for some time now is with a Tele and a 335 style there's not too much you can't cover. I have proven over and over. Even coving some mandolin parts with the Tele. There are some really good used guitars out there. Both my Tele and Epi were used. Find a good tech and you can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. You can have a very good working musicians guitar, without having a lot of money tied up. After all you don't mind getting dents and dings on a $500-$700 guitar. I buy a guitar to fill a need for the gig not to collect them. I'll leave that to Bonnamasa and others.

[@TheSavagederek]

Great video . We all have our favourite type or model and I think were pretty lucky these days , to have so much variety .

[@ajdungan9104]

Awesome stuff Keith! As usual… ❤ thank you for sharing.

[@hearpalhere]

Great guitars, really enjoyable as always Keith! There are so many wonderful, lower cost alternatives nowadays, it's really a golden age for playing guitar.

[@fendaman10]

I’m glad that G&L, Eastman, and Collings were mentioned as options! It should be noted that Heritage is also a great alternative to the Gibson models.

[@worthmoremusic]

Love my Sire T7TV thin line T shape...it's super lightweight, has locking tuners, compensated brass saddles, bone nut and those classic rolled fret edges. I originally wanted a G&L but I wanted something under 7lbs ! Also love my PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin...beyond happy Paul finally made a well made, and very affordable guitar...

[@CliffMcCauley]

I owned a real deal 64 SG chopper from 2020-23. Bucket list guitar for me. My friends were jealous, it got attention in club gigs, and it sounded wonderful. No neck dive, the wood was almost petrified and it “wanted” to stay in standard tuning. After 3 years of gigging, I sold it. I could just never bond with the “balance” issue. So much neck, so little body, felt like I had to consciously hold it towards my right for things to line up properly. I ended up buying a collings i35 LC vintage, pocketing the extra cash from the SG sale, and I’ve had zero regrets. Also my friends all thought (and still think) I’m insane for the swap, which keeps them on their toes.

[@DjDMA]

I have an Epiphone LP Custom (Alpine White, "Inspired by Gibson" line) and a Squier Telecaster Classic Vibes '50s, (Butterscotch) and they are both AWESOME, the tone, the feel, everything. All my life I wanted a real Gibson and was never able to afford it. I'm so glad I finally decided to go the economic way, the Tele was even better than I expected. My next purchase is going to be an Epiphone Sheraton Pro II.

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

Thanks Keith. So many good guitars out there. I don't have any Gibsons right now but I do have a couple of Epiphones I really enjoy. I spend a lot of time with my semi-hollow Telecaster and find so many great tones and just enjoy playing it. Peace

[@stickman55100]

Another terrific FWW installment. Definitely an excellent summary of the primary iconic guitars. Regarding Les Paul Style guitars, if you’re looking for that style that not only nails the classic 1958-1960 sound, but goes far beyond that in terms of flexibility, check out the Cream T Aurora model with swappable Guitar-X pickups. Absolutely incredible!

[@frankierodriguez8661]

As good as it gets! thanks a million Keith. I love the playing of this young fella with the Standard in the last part of the video. extremely sensitive fingering if you wish, and exquisite phrasing and tone. Very very good indeed to illustrate the extraordinary sounding guitar a Gibson Les Paul Standard is. Despite this is not always the same, like, say PRS because the guitar from Maryland sounds exactly the same always, whereas Mr. Orville's product can be one of the most inconsistent, if not the most of all time so you have to try a bunch before pull the trigger. However, if you fing the right one, there is no other guitar like a Standard Les Paul or a Gibson SG, which is truly fantastic in its own way.

[@prodigaljess]

Great video as always. One small criticism: A miss in the alternatives to the Les Paul and 335 are some great offering from Heritage guitars. They fly a bit under the radar these days. But they are made in the original Gibson factory by many of the original workers and made in USA. And their prices are competitive with Gibson‘s Custom shop prices. I always enjoy your videos. They’re very well produced, well lit, thoughtful and thoroughly researched. Thank you for all the hard work that you put into them.

[@MilitantOldLady]

If i had a dollar for every cork sniffer i've ever run into who can afford those custom shops and high end guitars but can't play at all, i could afford all of the guitars mentioned.

[@roberttosa2560]

I know a couple of people that fit your description of guitar elitists. As long as they aren’t elitist jerks I don’t care … just so long as they let me play their never played guitars. ✌️

[@pixelninja666]

@@MilitantOldLady tell me about it. I walk into our practice room.. I see these guys with too much money on an expensive guitar, million pedals... They sound like shit.

[@peterfriedman6022]

By cork sniffer I take it you mean wine enthusiasts? How does that relate to guitar skill?

[@MichaelKimball-s6w]

I have a variety of Strats and Teles, MIM, MIJ and made in the USA. I also have a Danocaster tele. The Dano is the best of them all, but my late 80's MIJ telecaster is number 2. Play a Bunch and pick out the one that feels best.

[@danmar007]

Big fan of Teles. :-)

[@mysteryshrimp]

Most of my guitars are some version of a tele.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

The commentary was pro pro pro, this quality belongs on television

[@Zoso981]

The new (Inspired by Gibson) Epiphone SG & Les Paul models have come a LONG way in the past few years. Definitely worth looking into. I've been a die-hard Les Paul player for 30 years, and I'm having a blast with these affordable alternatives.

[@Clown321321]

As always - I had tons of fun watching. Thank you!

[@f.duranleau4416]

Hi Keith! Thanks for this fun and interesting video. Some nice used guitars are affordable. A couple of years ago I was very lucky to find a used 90's Guild Bluesbird made in the USA at a bargain price. A superb high quality Les Paul style guitar, as good as any custom shop model. It features a chambered body and weighs 8 Lbs. The tone of these '90s Guild Bluesbird is somewhere between a solid body Les Paul and a ES-335. And older used Godin Core or Summit models might also be affordable alternatives.

[@DSAbbottstudio]

Thank you for another great video! I'm fortunate to have at least one example of all five in the collection except the tele, but have owned several telecasters in the past. I have humbuckers in most of my Gibsons but find myself gravitating more towards the P90's because of their versatility. Single coil sounds as well as fuller, humbucker sounds are available. If any guitar just under $2,000 can be considered a "best buy", both the Gibson SG Special and Les Paul Special fit that description. They have distinctive feels but both are great sounding and playing guitars and worth a look if you're in the SG or Les Paul market.

[@pabcrane]

What a well crafted video, great work yet again Keith. Thank you. I'm surprised to hear that the 61Les Paul/SG is the only Gibson electric guitar to have remained in continuous production since its inception or launch. I thought that the 335 had as well. While I no way argue with your decisions, for me a well set-up Jazzmaster is the perfect guitar. However I know that a lot of people don't feel that way (for a number of legitimate, yet surmountable, reasons) - thereby removing itself from contention. Yet I can also say that about the Gretsch Tennessee Rose and the Rickenbacker 330 6 & 12 which are also in my Favourites!

[@jamesc8563]

The Gretsch Electromatic series are pretty killer for the money, especially used. I’m still kicking myself for selling my white 5420. I love the used early-2000s Heritage 535 it helped fund, but I should have waited a few more paychecks for the Heritage and kept the Gretsch too.

[@lionscircle4700]

Big fan now as I just ordered the Plus pedal. Can't wait to explore the new soundscapes.

[@timelwell7002]

Excellent, well-researched and very informative video - many thanks. Here in the UK there is a guy called Dave Walsh (Eternal Guitars, based near Chichester) who will make SUPERB copies of all these guitars.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

If you’re looking at Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul’s and you’re not super precious about having Gibson on the headstock, I’d strongly recommend you check out Heritage Guitars. They’re built in Kalamazoo, MI in the same factory that birthed the fabled Bursts. They’re built as well and play as nicely or better than Gibson Custom Shop LPs at 2/3 the price. Definitely worth a try. Also, if you’re cool with trying a modern interpretation, go try out a PRS McCarty 594. I just picks up a double cut SE model over this Black Friday and am very pleased. It’s thinner than a standard LP and weighs ~7.5 lbs. The pickups don’t sound Ike Custombuckers or anything, but they still sound pretty nice. They also have a nice Gibson fat 50s neck, which is incredibly comfortable if your main focus isn’t shredding… for that iii should go looking for a super Strat from Ibanez or Schecter or Kramer. In any event… this was a nice video. Enjoy your guitars, folks.

[@bxsoup]

Heritage H-150 , Yeah what he 👆🏾said !

[@juanvaldez5422]

The best LP I own is a PRS McCarty 594 single cut… I am glad you mentioned PRS in a video about perfect guitars . I dont know how one could. They are the CONSISTENTLY the best guitars out there in my experience

[@Scaredycat-dad]

Thanks Keith, at some point I would like to get a PRS McCarty S2, the p/u’s are the 58/15 LT. I love the way SG’s sound but I can never seem get used to the short scale neck that goes on forever 😉. This summer I got an Xotic XTC1 (T style) guitar and I could not be happier. I’ve never played a vintage Tele but I had a sound in my head of what one should sound like and this guitar nails it.

[@davidwalter2282]

I have an early Santana PRS SE in transparent red, with the slash fret markers, and it always gives me SG vibes when I pick it up.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Great timing on this video, I am doing a Sweet 16 style whittling-down of my collection. Playing all of them until they eliminate themselves from the competition. The idea is to end up with one each great telecaster, stratocaster, Les Paul, SG. Wish me luck!

[@fivewattworld]

Excellent exercise!

[@guithawk-ij8is]

Always enjoy your videos Keith! I'm fortunate to own a 1967 ES 330 and a 1976 Les Paul that I picked up in 1978 and 1980 respectively, when they were just "used" guitars back in the day. I would never be able to afford either now. Both are a joy to play, although my Les Paul is a boat anchor at around 12 lbs. I am curious why you didn't mention Heritage as a cost effective option, I've never played them but I have heard good things about them.

[@kurtweiand7086]

Blessed because at 70 l have acquired 6 electrics and4 acoustics, all top notch guitars, and l play them all! It's worth the price if you can afford a good one!

[@Zoso981]

I was recently introduced to the Firebird. My guitar world changed dramatically.