Gibson Doesn't Qualify: What I am looking for in a Premium Guitar

[@thayerross7975]

i love this man so much

[@hotcakesman]

loving this journey, excited to see what and where it ends!

[@bobwasmycat]

Danny, take a look at Gretsch. And also don't discount the idea of building a partscaster strat. You have the skill to build a killer partscaster, and save a ton of money. And I can't say enough about split post tuners (Kluson Supreme are fantastic). No need to lock them and no more poking your fingers with sharp string ends. Just a thought.

[@danielstryhanyn7278]

Hey man, I respect your journey for a premium guitar. Japanese les paul like FGN, Edwards LP are great. Maybe a Tokai Rock Love might work...Prestige has a nice single cut as well. I hope you find what you are looking for.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

thanks, I am about to just give up on the idea of a premium guitar and just enjoy whatever I happen to have

[@What_If_We_Tried]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic 'Enjoy what you've got'. What a incredible idea! In reality, there are three things that affect electric guitar tone, (1) amp circuit, (2) guitar PuPs (3) the guitarist. Everything else is mythological dogma.

[@GoldSeals]

Good Information.Thanks for sharing.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

So nice of you

[@maddadrants]

Have you checked out any Hamer models? Some of those are what I call "top notch"

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

woah.. like PRS with gibson on top....

[@TheRealDealBobbySteele]

Checkout Mitchell MS 450 it’s a nice single cut has locking tuners has push pull for coil split string through has flame maple binding on the neck and low priced also has dual action trus rod it’s a set neck though

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

I'll check it out

[@dieselgoinham]

I think you should take a look Warmoth.

[@jillsteffes735]

Just what I thought. I own two. Love them. Check out Warmoth. I would add a few cons to a warmoth parts guitar, after you put it together, it going to need a from scratch set up including final fret finishing. If you’re not capable add the cost of a good setup to your bill, or just have your local trusted luthier build it for you. You can also easily end up spending quite a lot on premium parts for a guitar with no resale value, if that matters to you. Getting exactly what I wanted, for me that is priceless. (Ok around $2k on my last one.)

[@PM-wc1lp]

Look at a Kiesel. The CS3 and CS6 are their single cuts. They can be custom built using their online tool builder and are made in the USA.

[@AnimalJohn85]

You need to see a luthier sir, if you're after premium they'll tailor everything to you and probably with a slightly less heafty price tag too.

[@easystreetwithjen]

You pulled all kinds of stuff out of that purse!

[@paulkwan2881]

Very good ideas Danny and it makes sense too, vintage is for bygone days, and we should move forward to the modern stuff.

[@robmurrah3224]

LOL omg the Seymour Duncan beef stew comment. Love this channel.

[@peterschmidt9942]

I don't know why people who own Gibsons change out the pickups - probably because they can. Personally that's the sound that made rock'n' roll so no use messing with it. Great if you've got a few spare Gibsons laying around the house for something different - I don't. But Duncans are great too. First pickup I ever bought was a '59 and still have it to this day - 30 years later. Been in heaps of guitars throughout the years. But going off your want specs for a guitar - I really think you should have a look at Texas Toast Guitars. They'll make you whatever you want for a reasonable price and without all the mystic bullshit that goes along with guitars. As you say "No Boloney" there. High quality finishes, high quality components, hipshot hardware and truss rods. They've been known to do their Challenger with a screw on neck I believe. Have a chat with Matt over there.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

I just discovered the texas toast channel! thanks!

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic They make some really awesome looking guitars and share a lot of info on how they build them. Hopefully they can build you a guitar you want.

[@benoitdufresne3288]

Please check Texas Toast guitars. 7 degree headstock instead of 14.

[@00big_chungus00]

not for that price lol

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

I just discovered the texas toast channel! thanks!

[@shepp7988]

I am a retired engineering combat vet that's devoted all of my time since I've been retired comparing all of these brands together and the way you simplify things and break them down it's such a perfect assessment of a guitar that a lot of brand snobs look over...... If you really want a quality Gibson like guitar.... Heritage is the way to go they are the original Kalamazoo Gibson factory in Michigan that stayed at that plant because they was local older generational workers that had started when Gibson started but these people couldn't leave their family when Gibson thought they was moving on to bigger and better things...... Heritage is there grassroots where they came from Heritage is the true authentic brand

[@shepp7988]

And with your knowledge and connections and with my skill set of my background I would love to hash over some ideas with you I've been mulling over some things that just don't exist in the guitar industry that I know I could build

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

sounds like you should make youtube videos!

[@shepp7988]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic I've been wanting to for a long time I've got everything but the cameras...... If I could get the government to compensate me for my injuries during service I would have it made but an IED changed my living completely

[@shepp7988]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic I promise you there ain't a whole lot that I don't know about any brand of guitar not being able to work I've been doing this since 2012 since I came home from my last appointment

[@Xaltar_]

100% agree, Heritage is what Gibson used to be. Now you need to fork out $8k+ to get a "quality" Gibson and even then, it could still be trash. The custom shop makes what the standard line should be and charges a disgusting premium for what was once simply Gibson quality. Eastman is another good alternative if "made in the USA" means nothing to you.

[@andolf1686]

Dude! I love your videos!

[@Floodland-bn3ol]

Have you seen the ESP EC-256 in purple burst? You might like the specs. Light weight in a single cut and a decent price. For more high end the Kiesel might be a good choice.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

ihave. i feel they a bit pointy

[@Floodland-bn3ol]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic Yeah, the ESP head stock can poke your eye our but the Kiesel offers three diff. headstock choices.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

@@Floodland-bn3ol thank you

[@mikeshweeng]

Totally agree, a good pot of beef stew is crucial!

[@3days2retirement]

Hey Danny, you the man. I have a recommendation for you. Guild Bluesbird. Single cut, chambered mahogany body, flamed maple top, Paul ferro fingerboard, Seymour Ducan pickups. Under $1000. The reason I recommend it is because I owned a starfire iii and LOVED IT. very professional. Made in Korea.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

ooo pretty close!

[@3days2retirement]

​@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic yeah Seymour Ducan 59 sh-4 in the bridge and a Seymour Ducan JB sh-1 in the neck! Mahogany neck though... Grover tuners and tone pros hardware. I think this is your unicorn! Lol ha ha

[@zoomzoom3950]

Gonna have limited options for a bolt-on neck single cut.

[@beckmanspeedmachine1012]

This doesn’t 100% fit your criteria, but have you looked at a Duesenberg? Love your videos man.

[@stevenmcclanahan3335]

I got a Gibson les paul standard 50s and haven’t looked back or worried about anything. You got more money than me but I love rockin my standard! You would love it.

[@stevenmcclanahan3335]

Everything about it including the nitro is top notch. Believe what you want but I’m loving mine.

[@stevenmcclanahan3335]

For the money you got in the guitars in your background you could’ve had a Gibson and been done with it.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

many people love their standards! I do admit

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Eastman is a great brand. I have 3 Eastman instruments and they are super high quality.

[@fordhammie]

Excellent point re: writing down the specifics. My thing is to have a volute, however in your assessment, will a three piece neck hold up vs a one piece? I want to get a PRS Custom 24-08 in Verde, however theres no volute or scarf joint but it does have a three piece neck; was this done to combat any weakness at the neck joint? Thanks

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

no volute OR scarf joint in a 3 piece neck? I never seen that before.. scarf joint saves wood, a cost cutting measure good for them. scarf joint happens to put the grain straight where it breaks on gibson type angles, good for everyone else. one piece is fine, just dont drop it backwards with strings in tension.

[@DreidMusicalX]

What about stainless steel frets?

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

Oh I dont mind either way... my frets dont stain easily, I dont sweat as a hobby

[@shanewalton8888]

Get a Sahana guitar from Nepal. Made with premium Himalayan woods.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

premium Himalayan woods.??? side: have you tried 2PM noodles from nepal? they killed me

[@acefan2trekninja]

Have you considered a heritage brand guitar.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

I did, it just also isnt for me.

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Have you looked at Godwin?

[@MeekSith777]

Danny, you should choose your pickups based on the type of results you desire, you always mention that people throw out the Gibson and replace with Seymore Duncan, those are the rockers looking for much more crunch/high output and the such to include the people that copy the rockers that do not even gig. You may be surprised many people like the OEM pickups. There are many custom winders out there with a plethora of options of fit/finish and tones.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

i have no desires really. as long as it works i am good to go.

[@joehahn8817]

BurstBuckers are just fine with me!!! Especially since they're in my $799 Epiphone '59 Les Paul... more proof that Gibson is an $800 guitar with a $2000 headstock!!!

[@marclove1159]

I love all your videos. You speak plain, honest truth.

[@AlwaysExtraCrispy]

Take a look at Kiesel CS6 (figured tops) or CS3 (solid color) - Made in USA!. They are basically your perfect single cut that you described. You have a plethora of options in terms of body/neck woods including multi piece laminate necks, flamed and roasted woods and a few exotic choices.... (all their necks are carbon fiber reinforced - so no neck breaks.). They use the best quality hardware either their own brand or tonepros. The neck joints are all access on the CS6 and CS3. They have an online builder that you can play on to build your perfect guitar. They have options for every part of the guitar, even down to the color of the pickup pole pieces! My dream CS6 build total was just over $2850 (Just under $2750 with promo free options as of today with their soft case - yet to order this). They have a promo now that will let you get the chambered body option for free. Check it out! Edit : If Kiesel fails, look into something European like Deusenberg 59er or Starplayer or check out a Maybach Lester. Schecter Solo ii Supreme / Solo ii Custom might be your thing too! Your final option if you really want a bolt-on single cut, warmoth Regal + Hombre neck will be your best bet.

[@nussekuddenxxx6564]

I don't think that the mics is part of the guitar. Once you find a guitar, then you start to looking for mics that will suite that wood and the shape that is the guitar.

[@ltgray2780]

I'm in line for the beef stew.

[@Greatdaim]

Why not try Kiesel?

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video

[@MajorUpgrade]

Look at Reverend, Sire, and ESP guitars. 🤘🏻

[@sometimesdimneverthin]

Clearly you need a Firebird. Great front strap lock location, balance, strumming hand position, not flashy, easy to swap out neck and strong head stock. Johnny Winter versions are very cheap and even have dings included for free. Love the look and sound of them but for some reason I have not bought one.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

the one that looks like a gummy bear?

[@sometimesdimneverthin]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic Yes or you could try it's ugly sister the Explorer.

[@_rafael_b]

Hi Danny, it's the guy who didn't see the Gibson video until last night.🙂 You might want to consider seeking out some custom builders since you know the specs that you want. There are a few out there who are excellent. Also, you could interact with them on every step of the build and it would still be much cheaper than a Murphy lab Gibson. Not cheap at all, but still much less than Gibson's custom shop.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

cool.

[@picksalot1]

Remember to get a suitable fretboard radius for your playing style. I suggest avoiding 7.25 inch, as it usually makes string bends difficult. Also get a neck width at the nut that accommodates the size of your hands. Ball fret ends are better than beveled, and make sure the 1st and 6th strings are not too close to the edges of the fretboard. Avoid heavy guitars, and ones with neck dive. The neck strap pin should not be on the heel or any part of the neck - That's just dumb. Get a guitar that feels good, and has a long sustain when plugged in. Try before you buy, or make sure there is a good return policy if you don't it. Good luck.

[@KanonKenneth]

PRS 245

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

I got one of those, very nice..

[@robertstan2349]

just get a 2x4 and stick what you want on it, then

[@robertmeyer6977]

Collings for you probably- never seen any criticism on Collings Guitars.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

until yesterday, I never heard of collings

[@marchowardsinisterexaggerator]

buzzo standard aluminum its under 3000 dollars all aluminum killer sound super thin neck and its made of aluminum the whole guitar its better then wood no truss rod there beautiful

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

but does it breathe?

[@marchowardsinisterexaggerator]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic its the future of guitars check out there stuff i dont know if you ever heard of travis bean guitars but ...just check it out electrical guitar company

[@qwerty6789x]

there's a Conspiracy that some gibson guitars nowadays are made from the Epiphone factory in china slapped with "Made In USA" then the final touched like inlays, fret dressing etc etc are done back in USA. Labor cost wise sounds true maximizing profit

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

that could sound true, labor costs, but then again, there is barely any labor done in the gibson usa factory, its like, in the terminator when machines took over the world, that is how it is like in that factory, so many machines.. so many machines

[@fzdreaddy]

You want a 'premium' bolt-on maple necked Les Paul....? Good luck my friend. Have a feeling you'll be searching for some time....

[@hustlinc3540]

my best bet is that you need to practice more

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

Its just a hobby, I do when I have free time :)

[@hustlinc3540]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic id love to hear what you got

[@flrpitflrp1965]

Bourne pots

[@NicholasANappiNick]

I mean Godin

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

wow, so many companies I never heard of being suggested, thank u

[@banesovilj]

After all said and done, buying original and expensive Gibson, Fender and Ibanez guitars makes me feel ecstatic. Under no circumstances will I buy any Eastman, Harley Benton or products of other similar brands made by underpaid workers from Indonesia or otherwise and put that disproportionate excess of my money straight into the pocket of unscrupulous greedy investors from abroad and/or of the workers' nationality to support their injustice and exploitation of the poor, just because it's been suggested as more "rational" to me. No way on earth is it more rational, let alone a variety of ethical considerations thereof. I enjoy splashing out my money on those lovely USA made Gibsons or original Japanese Ibanez axes whose designs are protected by law as it should be. Once my guitar gets a crack, it's a wonderful thing, the happiest day in my life, the real pleasure and joy, because I have a rare opportunity to spend even more $ on new great guitars whose magic actually works as always making me feel exhilarated, which in case of Eastman et al. won't be the case even when I get such a guitar as a present for free (which happened once, and hopefully will be never repeated, since I gave it away the very same day). Put simply, there was no magic. For those rational minds who can't feel the magic, I'd never suggest playing music and/or with music. They may prefer to get involved into math or business, philosophy, marketing, whatever works for their rational minds. A musician who has never owned and broken an original Gibson has actually never lived the real life of a musician, and most probably - a life in general. Such a life is worth living, instead of a fake and miserable "rationalized" life. Last but not least, whenever I need a real piece of art or something very special to satisfy my bizarre needs, there are always great small guitar luthiers available in the neighborhood ready to jump in and do the miracle. I enjoy paying an extra buck to those wonderful yet underestimated local craftsmen who will tailor the guitar you want and make your dreams. The closer to my city they are, the better IMO. Again, I always suggest going for the real McCoy. You live only once, you deserve it, as everybody does.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

check out the PRS SE indonesian factory video of Cortek. Americans usually think America is the only place that have nice society and stuff, but the world does not work like that, good and bad exists in ALL countries!

[@banesovilj]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic I don't dig PRS, but I like guitar videos in general, so I will check it out. I am not American, I don't know what Americans think, how anyone can know who thinks what, and how these political/national/metaphysical observations are connected to the guitars I loved all my life. It's like buying a car, a house, t-shirt, or food according to your preferences. At least, I do it this way. Nice to hear peoples opinions, especially if they differ and are well-argued, best!

[@Tekenduis98]

Eastman is the way to go, far more superior than Gibson or PRS!

[@josephkemler4488]

Ok a Gibson Dragon .. fantastic!..50.000$..(oops!)

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

is that the one where trogly got ripped off on a fake?

[@garcdonald]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic yep

[@blaness13]

Check out Halo Guitars, you might be able to get exactly what you want.

[@omgdisfunny4852]

get a kiesel or halo guitar

[@JohannesLabusch]

I think you found a real niche with your hilarious anti Gibson stance. But the truth is, the Les Paul as a concept is still one of the two, if not THE most popular guitar design. So it might be worth checking out those boutique makers who try to give you a great Les Paul without the Gibson BS: Heritage, Maybach, Macon, Tokai, Gustavsson, Panucci ...

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

u know, the stance comes partly from being hurt, Before I looked into the possibilty of purchasing, I just knew they were famous, and I wanted one... then the more I find out, the more disgusted I feel about them.. a total dissappointment... I was like... awww mannnn I wanted one!!!!

[@JohannesLabusch]

@@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic Rhett Schull has this video where he goes to CME to find his perfect Les Paul. And he and Tim Pierce play dozens of guitars, until he buys the magical one. The joke of the video is, I think his dream guitar was from the 80s, and if you have to play 30 or so to find a great one, what does that say about the average quality? (And this is a luxurious cork sniffer store, not some dinky Guitar Center.)

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

i'll look for that video

[@bernardm3066]

I really tried to justify very expensive guitars and for that matter very expensive gear but it really seems you are just paying for the brand in many cases. Honestly I am not against it though as long as you are at least semi conscious about it. Besides, most of the very expensive things are bs in one way or another. The saddest thing in all these for me is that nobody even knows the real guy that made the Les Paul.

[@LocrianDorian]

Oh great, another Gibson hating video, as if we didn't have enough. Yes, they aren't great value for money, we all know this.

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

oh... are there other gibson hating videos? I havent looked.

[@ShamanicSavant]

Fake drama :)

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

nothing fake about it!

[@riggin3749]

EASTMAN 59 or check out warmoth and build what you want ! WARMOTH