Gibson Les Paul R6 - Is This The Ultimate All Rounder Guitar?

Its new guitar day for me at The Studio Rats HQ, and today iveve taken stock of a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul R6.
If you are a regular on this channel you'll know what a fun I am of single coil guitars but I also love a Gibson Les Paul, Although a dual humbucker guitar is an awesome rock machine I would never use one for any clean guitar work. Enter the Les Paul R6 with P90 pickups, but is this great for driven and clean tones?
Here is a Reverb link where you can see if any are for sale.
reverb.com/mar...
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[@micwalt]

I've never been a Les Paul guy--I'm much more Strat/Tele/Charvel. But there's something about a gold top LP with P90s that makes me tingle in my naughty places.

[@TheStudioRats]

Nothing wrong with a little tingle.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

😂

[@thomassmith7608]

The reason that Gibson places "pick guards" on Les Paul guitars has to do with their name for the device, the "finger rest." I'm one of those weirdos who use the finger rest as a support for fingers as I play. It keeps the oil and finger 'smutz' from eating through the nitrocellulous lacquer of the arched top. Some people are not using the pickguard to keep from touching the lacquer, but it serves that purpose well. BTW, that is a beautful sounding guitar.

[@bryancollins6796]

P-90 Les Pauls do something PAF ones don't quite do. They're a bit more defined with a slight more chime in their tone. That's partly why Teles are loved.

[@sundroppunk1280]

“Paul Les Paul” has a nice ring to it 😊 As a subscriber to this page/channel, I appreciate the professionalism, content, authenticity, humor and personality PD and his Rats delivers. 🤙

[@blomberganders]

Funny you bring this up. I play in a cover band and typically bring a Strat, a 335 and a les Paul style axe to cover a lot of ground. Recently decided I was just sick of lugging it all around and changing guitars mid show and just brought my R6. It really did work very well for most types of sounds.

[@ces69]

We guitarists are a funny bunch, I bought a Les Paul without a pick guard but fitted one as I felt it looked naked without it!

[@hegartyj1]

Love this video. Your clean tones are just so wonderful Paul. That reverb!

[@chrisdrake447]

What a pair! Given just the right amount of time, love and use, these two golden siblings are gonna grow old and green beautifully. Happily jealous ...

[@davidwoods358]

No disrespect to anyone but .. I can't imagine anyone wanting to sell that guitar. Seems to be an absolute keeper !! Those P90's sound fantastic.

[@robertleslie2467]

Sweet video flick, playing, and sound. I must say I prefer my R4 as it just feels and sounds better to me. I don’t know why and can’t really explain it. On another note….I have small hands and was worried about the baseball bat thick neck on it but worry went away after about 10 seconds when playing the guitar through a cranked tweed champ. It absolutely roars through a tweed deluxe. I love it!

[@joeschlicht]

Fantastic! I have an '07 R6 and it's probably my best guitar.

[@billgreen3629]

Beautiful. I think this is the guitar I’ve been looking for.

[@philippehendrickx1109]

I bought an R6 a few years ago. It became my number one guitar in no time. Top guitar!

[@Tonetwisters]

Yes. You can play everything from blues to rock and roll, to jazz to folk and country riffs on these things. In the early '70s, they made this in a cherry sunburst, and it was a wonderful axe!! My brother had a brand new one in his Tallahassee music store, but even at wholesale, I couldn't afford it back then as an FSU student! Now I have a B&G Little Sister original that I am thinking of putting ThroBak '55-'56's into if I can get over the thought of THAT cost! And I have no problem with that "scratch plate." Needs something to tone down all that green "gold" top!

[@NINEWALKING]

My only P90 guitar currently is my SG 63 lightning bar reissue. I gave it proper harness as soon it came into my place. That did make a nice difference. Though, once I got a new pickup set from Sunbear, that changed that guitar into a monster. I took staple neck and classic P90. It's just sounding so much richer and refined now. More details and harmonics. It's worth every penny.

[@etrax7007]

I didn't really like them initially... but I have changed my mind. A beautiful versatile guitar... probably the best! I'm getting an Artist LP gold top with P90s.

[@jamiebriggs8277]

Beautiful. I picked up a cheap guitar with P90s in it about 6 months ago, and swapped in some higher quality P90s, and I find myself playing the P90s way more than my other guitars (both single coils and humbuckers). They handle such a wide range of sounds so well. If I had to pick only one pickup style to play forever, it'd have to be a P90

[@bigbromiki1]

p90’s are they way

[@insanbiasa8780]

What p90 are you using sir?

[@jamiebriggs8277]

@insanbiasa8780 Iron Gear Pickups out of the UK. I've used their P90s, several of their humbuckers, and some of their strat pickups. They're affordable and I've been very happy with everything I've gotten.

[@insanbiasa8780]

@@jamiebriggs8277 thanks sir 🔥🔥

[@frankquinn1296]

Finally someone else that removes the guard. I just got a P90 Gold Top, the guard was my"first adjustment", I am not 100 % sold on the hum. But I have a set of Joe Barden P 90's that will likely get installed, despite the look, which I admit makes me uncomfortable with that but, I really cant stand the constant hum of the P 90's.

[@Telewest792]

A friend here in Adelaide just bought one of these guitars we are yet to a/b his with my 59 50th anniversary les Paul i have replaced the bust buckers with a set of Monty’s custom paf’s and now it just sounds epic especially the articulation great playing you do a great job in your reviews quite refreshing to see ,must be something in the British air

[@otisotis5016]

I’m down in Albury and have Monty’s in a Navigator LP, they’re brilliant!

[@Telewest792]

@@otisotis5016 probably the best humbuckers ive ever had he did a custom set especially for my les paul low output just awesome

[@skeres01]

Sounds amazing. I'd take the R6 over the R7 any day. As a burst it would be my ultimate guitar.

[@DarrylKirby]

I have a 2011 60s Tribute. the p90s I fitted from Sanford Magnetics are so .. tranparent, airy, firey, bloody awesome! It is the cheapest LP I've ever bought, and the best by a long way.

[@thomasfischerandersen8758]

Very good guitar + Very good guitarist = Beautiful sound/ music !

[@StringTension]

Gorgeous guitar and great playing, you yank off your pickguard and I'm sitting here waiting a month and a half for one on order 🤣

[@fitnesslibrarian9013]

Just got a Gibson les Paul 60s with p90s it’s my favorite thing ever.

[@chrismundayguitar]

Tasty intro jam Paul... I love the tones, the licks the whole performance piece!!

[@timhopkins3810]

After over 20 years of owning one you’ve finally given me the motivation to remove the scratchplate 😂 LP’s look so much better without! Lovely sounding “new” guitar! Want to grab a P90 guitar myself and looking at the Revstars as a potential 😊

[@mraycgz]

Never!! Lol

[@jerrytang9514]

That is a beautiful sounding guitar.

[@Richard_Lush]

Just bought a 54 CS. Got a subtler compensated bridge. Mojoaxe I think so won’t have intonation issues with the wraparound bridge. Put one on my 60s CS LP special and makes a big difference. Nice playing and good quality video. Thanks.

[@neilevans6229]

Nice guitar 🎸🎶 and great playing as always 🎶🎶🎶🎶🍀🍻

[@lineboss58]

My first LP was a 79 pro deluxe fitted with P90s sold a long time ago, i bought another a few years back same colour same year. I just love the clarity and cut you get from these pickups, not for everyone they do tend to be unforgiving bit like a telecaster so be warned.

[@CosmicNed]

Very Nice! Proud owner of a ‘57 CS myself, but love those P.90’s - great job!

[@samjonez4854]

Beautiful playing and tone!

[@surfboy7]

The custombuckers clean nicely and become thinner once you roll both volume and tone to around 6-8

[@mikemalone9404]

Good comparison. I'm really considering one of these.

[@josegallegosdds]

Beautiful guitars, beautiful sounds, beautiful playing!!!! Cheers

[@dannywoody5497]

Wow wonderful sounding and great playing tks

[@johnmckenna4256]

Such great playing my friend

[@TheStudioRats]

Many thanks!!

[@christopherguzzi1316]

Good for you for letting go of some things to get this beauty. Interesting that you took off the pick guard straight away. I prefer having the pickguard on.☺☺☺

[@IamMusicNerd]

The only Les Paul humbuckers I have ever found that sound as good as P90s with pristine clean tones, are the Tradbuckers. However, Gibson doesn’t sell them by themselves for some reason. You can only get them on the Traditional series Les Pauls, which they don’t make anymore in their main lineup, but they do still make as special run guitars for some retailers. (The Trad Pro V has them)

[@Youngster543210]

Glad to see thus. I just picked up a Trad PRO V on Reverb a couple days ago.

[@Jabbaerwocky]

A Gibson in a Fender shipping box? Sacrilege!! Love your show, mate. Do darken the fretboard with MusicNomad F-One. Works a treat.

[@Tonetwisters]

What a sound. I still love this video. The articulation and dynamics of this critter just assails my ability to resist lusting! STILL prefer the "scratch plate." You guys got a wrong word for everything. What language IS THAT that you're speaking? Oh yeh ... It's "Les Paul." You can get country sounds with P90s ... good luck trying that on humsuckers.

[@garycoates4987]

My Les Paul is an R4 P90s with the wraparound stop bar bridge, it's surprisingly versatile yes but, these p90 Les pauls sing out with high gain like no other guitar, just like Les said you can literally hold a note forever, get it right on the edge of feedback and it's the sound of angels singing

[@tomrosa4248]

Great choice! I would prefer the R4 over an R6. Something about a wrap-around tailpiece makes it a little more special.

[@hollywoodactress]

Great review and the guitar sounds fantastic. I have had a p90 loaded guitar on my bucket list for a while The one thing that will make the guitar better is a darker fretboard. That could be achieved with something like Monty’s Montypresso, but it is a stain wax so when applied got to be sure you like it.

[@scarcam]

Big P90 fan too, had SG's LP's Casinos including an R6 which was a mint '99 model bought in 2003, sold it a couple of years later as it just wasn't hitting the mark for some reason. Now have a 2015 LP Deluxe, put a pair of Bare Knuckle Nantuckets in, now at last I have the sound! that brick wall low end bellow that all good Les Paul's should have with the extra treble and grit that only a good P90 can provide, but the biggest suprise, it sustains like clappers!

[@techlaw997]

I have a 59 custom shop but am itching for a 56 to add to the collection. Sounds great.

[@johngreen3704]

That’s a true Gem Paul. Great sounding P90s not at all flabby in the bottom mids with drive. Quite different sounding to your PRS. Over all sounds lush liked your nod to man of the world at the start.

[@chemo86]

Paul, how does it compare to the PRS McCarty? Better, worse, different? What are the differences? Thanks in advance and thanks for the great video's, keep it up!

[@dansboutique26]

Sounds remarkable

[@hakangokhan8474]

Great guitar, great playing! 👍

[@NUNUA]

I lean my pinky on the Les Paul pickguard as an anchor. I don’t think I can play without it.

[@seanvine39]

Yep

[@telecasterbear]

I used to be a les paul deluxe man. That started in the late 70s. Now it is just the telecaster for me.

[@vazon69]

What is the reverb you’re using? It just blooms beautifully!

[@juzzybassgrove4354]

Great playing Paul

[@Gerbinger]

I'd like to hear a comparison of the R6 and R7 (your 57 you displayed at 3:21)

[@bewusstsein3527]

my 2 dream guitar.. i have gibson classic with p90 arriving soon.. next is the goldtop custom shop with humbucker.. and im set.. ❤ oh wait and 1 esp or dean

[@Adventuresingearland]

Sounds lovely. Bring it to the gig!

[@fretboarder4752]

Nice R6 one of these will be my next guitar to go with my R8.. P90s can be great yours sounds perfect..

[@bogarbill6331]

Fantastic playing!

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks a lot!

[@cbaten2]

You make a clear case, coinciding with me more and tending towards my prs se, semi soap bar. The semi adds some more warmth to the neck pu while there is still plenty of edge in the bridge. It is also coinciding with me acquiring more control over tone and dynamics (and over ground loops etc).

[@mortenchristensen3607]

Wauh - I like your playing. Very emotionel.

[@dreamscuba]

This is my dream Les Paul... I love P90s... I think my kidney is in danger! This sounds amazing.

[@sroelit]

I was a little amazed at how much I preferred the P90s.

[@BradRocker]

The perfect all around guitar

[@MRxr400]

oh no, the pick guard adds sustain. you can go have a coffee and return to it still sustaining. seriously, love p90's, really find they sit nicely in a band mix. this guitar sound beautiful

[@ggp1516]

생각보다 개인도 잘 먹고 힘있는 소리가 나네요. 54 골드탑 p90 깁슨 보고 반했는데 단점이 많다고 해서 다음 모델 보고 있는데 참고영상 감사합니다~

[@mikebarnard2689]

Early Freddie King tone… magnificent!!

[@robsthedon]

Liked for the Cameo!

[@robertocadow8634]

Hi,,,,VERY nice sounding Les Paul....by the way, what amp are you using?.....Greetings from Lima, Perú.....

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Roberto, it’s a Matchless Independence

[@mikeblue385]

p90s. lovely.

[@tennesseelondon4623]

You really get some great tone from that guitar. When I've saved up, it's my next purchase. May I ask, what are you start playing around 3:24? Really shows off the clean (barely pushed) tone.

[@EternityRecordsUSA]

great video thank you

[@DaveyW6985]

Sounds great. some Montepresso on the fretboard would darken that a treat :-)

[@ilmisxx2]

A pickguard on a les paul is like a pocket square on a suit, it completes the look and without one they look like any other single cut P.S: Everyone knows that being a goldtop adds another 5-8% to tone and having a pickguard on adds another 5-6%, why would you take that away...🤔

[@TheStudioRats]

My lack of strap is compensating for the tone loss.

[@ilmisxx2]

@@TheStudioRats no it isn't for that to happen your strap buttons would need to be made of aviation grade aluminum produced before 1973 because mid 1973 the technology changed and they started using a slightly different alloy and the tone preserving capabilities are night and day. Jeeeezzz man... You would thing someone of your caliber would know these things...

[@MrBossei]

Wonderful guitar!! The only Les Paul I want :-) That 56 sounds like a fatter Telecaster 👏

[@rockyourrepairedamp9850]

Sounds sooooo good! ❤

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Shane.

[@johanhasan4707]

Sounds epic!

[@kuradko]

Hello Paul, can you tell me what kind of reverb effect are you using at the end of that clean sound?

[@stewartrosser5772]

Looks and sounds great! But how do you choose what has to go?

[@bpy4073]

What reverb/delay did you use it sounds heavenly

[@seanvine39]

That’s precisely why I keep the pick guard. WAY less Slash.

[@craigthomson3621]

I am lucky enough to own a left-handed Gibson Custom Shop ‘56 Goldtop Les Paul with P90 pickups.

[@jakyl_j]

Sounds great! What are you using for the modulated reverb?

[@TheStudioRats]

That was an Axe Fx 3. Cheers

[@TheGuitarnut]

sweet Dog, yours or your wife's. Nice playing

[@TheStudioRats]

I didn’t realise the dog had to have sole ownership 😀. He is the family dog and is a right toe rag.

[@jakelong7242]

I just bought one used and hope mine is as good. What speakers and amp is yours going through?

[@ryleuty]

Agreed with Step 1 - remove pickguard!

[@silverblueser]

Love your channel. Sold one an regret it. Part of the journey... ;-) Is this soft overdrive tone at about 10:00 only the amp? And please what amp? Dont see exactly if the Matchless is on. Greetings from switzerland.

[@TheStudioRats]

I was using a kemper with my matchless profiles

[@silverblueser]

Thank you for your answer. Actually a Fender-Style amp guy. But - more and more I like these chimey EL- style sound. Above all for the clean or light overdriven sound. Matchless are awesome but also pretty expensive. Got the chance for a used Marshall vintage SV20. An alternative?

[@deanmccaskill5495]

I’d love to put that up against my 50s Std of this. That thing sounds Devine. Mine does too but you leave me in the dust as a player. Seriously I’d love to compare mine(21 Gold Top Std 50s P90 Gibson USA) to yours. Mines realllllllllly nice. I think it’s not that nice tho.

[@andreybrodianski5596]

Which gear did you use to get that clean and slight crunch sounds? (pedals, amp, speaker)

[@alainmalo3791]

C'est COOL les P90 sa pic un peu plus que les P.A.F , JOLIE.

[@garywaddell6309]

Incredible, full sound and yet super crisp tones on that ‘56. Have you ever tried the Sire guitars Paul?

[@TheStudioRats]

I haven’t Gary. I really should check them out.

[@marcusohlson1816]

@3:24 the lick this guitar deserves. Sweet sweet tone

[@agusg.t.8950]

Rosewood on modern CS is more clear on last year’s Gibsons. I prefer a darker rosewood

[@cragginshred]

Does it stay in tune?? Every Gibby I've had including R9'S are so whack with tuning.

[@dogfalcon]

Amazing tone! Congrats! A question: how different is this R6 from the actual standard 50's with P90s?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Francisco. I’m afraid I’ve never tried a standard 50s but I’m sure they are great.

[@dogfalcon]

​@@TheStudioRats I'd love to have a 50s GT with P90s, but I'm not sure yet if the standard deserves the worth. I haven't tried one neither is accessible in stores to give a spin. Custom Shop is very good, for sure, but too much expensive for me. Tks! Very very good tone you take out of it. Amazing playing. Cheers.

[@roymoderatto]

I just got a Special TV yellow (not Custom Shop) and it sounds amazing! In a studio that I go to often, I always grab real 61’ Les Paul Standard (side vibrola) and Junior pair. The P90s on my new guitar are very close to the 1961 P90 on the Junior. I own vintage, Gibson USA, Gibson Custom Shop and Epiphone versions. The difference in tone often don’t represent the price difference.

[@zwip778]

Nice! Why did you feel the need for this one since you have the PRS P90? Just curious as I'm interested in both guitars

[@TheStudioRats]

No real reason the PRS is great I just always wanted a p90 Les paul and have now parted with the PRS.

[@zwip778]

@@TheStudioRats 👍 it suits you

[@techlaw997]

I noticed you have a 57 dark back. Any chance you will do a video on that one?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi MB I’m selling it I’m afraid.

[@TG-vg3qe]

The Achilles heel of modern humbuckers is lack of clarity. That is where a good original paf shines. There have been a few modern paf's that can do it, but not many.

[@Ben777News]

Do you mind not having a dark fretboard?

[@HammerFang]

Hmm, you had to sell couple guitars to buy one, that is almost the same as your '57 LP just with different pickups? Wouldn't it be easier just to replace pickups? :D Btw, great sounds from those P90s

[@axeman14]

Hi Paul, just wondering how this compares to your PRS McCarty Soapbar? Cheers!

[@TheStudioRats]

The McCarty is just as good. I’ve just always wanted a Les paul with p90s

[@axeman14]

The Studio Rats yes you can never have too many p90 guitars to be fair! 😁