Gibson Les Paul Traditional vs Paul Reed Smith Singlecut

Thanks for watching my video showcasing the differences between a Gibson Les Paul Traditional and a Paul Reed Smith Singlecut.
The Gibson is a completely stock 2018 Traditional model, borrowed from my dear friend Nick Richardson of Furyborn,
The PRS Singlecut has been modified with an adjustable PRS bridge and Bareknuckle pickups.
No post processing on guitars at all. Direct from the Fractal Audio Axe FX ii into Logic Pro X.
Thanks for watching and please subscribe.
www.dannybeardsley.com
www.theparallaxxmethod.com

[@buckycore]

Honestly the tones are similar enough for my tastes to judge them by esthetic and brand. For my money the PRS all the way for all the seasons. And especially...teal 😊

[@DannyBeardsley]

Glad you like the demo mate. It’s a close call really. I think these things come down to feel and aesthetics in the end when they sound relatively close. Another way to judge is by closing your eyes, see which your ears prefers 👍

[@SpedSpedding]

Thunderous!!! Suits you man. The LP just sounds a bit more gnarly but they both sound incredible under your fingers! 🖤

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thank you Sped! Agreed it has more high mid clarity by it also has a tighter bottom end. Bless ya! 🤣 Thanks mate:)

[@michaelhaddan1965]

Beautifully done. Makes me appreciate my Trad even more. I love it. Thank you~~

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks very much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@skye7690]

Wow, more similar than I'd expect. I have the S2 594 Singlecut in Dark Cherry Burst

[@DannyBeardsley]

Pretty similar yes. Totally different playing experience. Nice guitar you have there. I like those S2 models. Especially the 594 models. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@joerocker21]

@@DannyBeardsley I know it's late...but I was wondering about your comment..."totally different playing experience"...in what way? How are they different to play? Neck?

[@DannyBeardsley]

No problem. For me, the Singlecut has more of a modern feel. The neck on these pre-lawsuit models seem thicker for one. The big thing for me is the neck angle and two piece bridge on the Les Paul. It kind of moves your playing position. Affects my picking man quite drastically switching between guitars, but that’s the same if I switch on to a Strat style guitar. Truth is, they’re both superb guitars. Most guitars are great, if they’re set up the way you prefer them as a player.

[@mikemccourt6225]

Both sound good (nice playing btw) - I found the LP to have to be more focused in the highs where the PRS seemed more tonally balanced. That last lead passage though, I thought that the LP was not as present in the mix. Cool demo

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for taking the time to check out the demo. Very kind of you. I’m hearing exactly what you’re hearing 👍 Have a great day!

[@CJZM7777]

That was my thought too. I thought both guitars sounded great in general (and similar) but did think the PRS sounded a bit better in the solo at the end of the tune.

[@jasonwallis3252]

Great playing! Both guitars sounds good. Les Paul sounds a bit more pronounced, PRS a little more even sounding.

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks Jason. I agree the Les Paul had a upper mid character that cuts really well. I think generally PRS have a smoother/warmer tone. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@shredx81]

I’ve played super strats mainly so was a bit disappointed with the custom 24 I had. Felt it was more LP than super strat. The sc245 seems amazing though. Like all the QC you don’t get with Gibson and with a few refinements. I think the humbuckers are a bit hotter in the PRS in this video so sounds a bit more compressed.

[@BFHPET]

what superstrats you like?

[@shredx81]

BFHPET Hi there! I’ve owned a few ESP Standard, couple of Tom Anderson drop tops, a couple of Suhr modern and a Suhr strat HSS. I think by and large the TA were built the best, but the Suhr moderns were most playable. The ESP horizon was my favourite super strat for a fair while but sounded a bit sterile compared to the Boutique guitars I’ve owned. That might be the neck thru vs bolt on though.

[@elgravos]

At last, the video I've been looking for. Thank you. And great tasteful playing - strong In Absentia vibe to the track.

[@DannyBeardsley]

Glad you dig the video. Thanks for checking it out 🙏 I hope it helps. I’m a big SW fan 👍

[@putimail]

Like the sound of the Les Paul but would buy the PRS :)

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@bluesfuse]

That’s what I did

[@247Dalvarez]

Danny, this was a good review! Simple no talking and straight to the sound. I did like a bit more the sound and tone of the LP (surprisingly). I thought it had a bit more tighter mids I thought. I can always change the PU's and pots for a more preferred sound. I've been considering a Paul Reed Smith (not PRS) single cutaway. More so because of the play-ability and tone due to the better build quality. Most LP necks are too narrow for my preference. Paul Reed Smith feels so much better. Whenever I have bought an electric guitar, I like to play it not plugged in. You can usually feel and hear unplugged the natural resonance of what the guitar will deliver. Even thought I love Les Pauls, it might be time for a Paul Reed Smith for me... Thanks!

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks Dan The Man! I know what you mean about those upper mids, cuts really nice on the Les Paul. This is one of the best I’ve played actually. Holds tuning really well and plenty of resonance. PRS more ‘at home’ for me now because I’ve been using them for probably 15 years. I’ve always opted for the wide fat neck profile. Still very comfortable. Thanks for watching and hope you are well in these bizarre times 🙏

[@davediamond716]

Appreciate you doing this comparison as I was contemplating a PRS....however listening to your vid through high quality headphones the Traditional IMHO is tighter punchier and those mids really bloom...great playing!

[@DannyBeardsley]

I hope the video was of use. It’s all down to personal taste in the end. I. Have to admit those high mids did cut through the mix very nicely. All the best and thanks for watching 🤘

[@danyeo]

Pickups!

[@justicesword4103]

Hi man, well, I can tell you that PRS for modern tones and Gibson for classic tones. Also I can hear in the video that the PRS sounds thicker, fuller and dark and the Gibson a little bit thin but super clear. Other thing is that one thing is what you can hear in the video but, other very different is what you can hear playing it by yourself. Am I wrong? Really good video and playing man!

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for watching, buddy. I think they both sound great tbh. It’s all down to preference really. Played side by side there is a difference....but try closing your eyes and see which you prefer. I often do that...it’s a great test. Trust your ears and not your eyes. Cheers 🙏

[@justicesword4103]

@@DannyBeardsley Yeah, well, I think that to my ears, Gibson sounds really good in cleans, but PRS in distortion. Both are really good guitar and both sounds great, just differents.

[@MusicZtorm]

Thanks for this video. Good riffs ! :) your composition ? ... on the guitars, i think that it’s very difficult to compare with distortion on. Have a great day tough 👍

[@thadlogan51]

Nice video. Well both sound good. I had a Gibson les paul but it sounded brittle next to my PRS when playing clean and never stayed in tune so I sold it. It was a les paul studio though... the standard model sounds warner and better to me oddly...

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for checking it out. I have to say I prefer the PRS but there is no doubt the Gibson still sounds great.

[@thadlogan51]

@@DannyBeardsley agreed... I still want to buy a good standard too...

[@elevenAD]

Gibby sounds great for vintage riffs, PRS better for modern riffage imho.

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for watching. I can see what you’re saying. Makes sense. 👍

[@TAKFULLHOUSE]

Awesome playing as always!!

[@DannyBeardsley]

Cheers buddy.

[@donharrold1375]

They were quite similar I thought. You might find the same small tonal variations between two Les Pauls from different eras?

[@TheMultijesus13]

Reslly nice playing

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for watching.

[@spudvader]

Nothing surprising here, Gibson Les Paul coming in with the chunk and low mids. There is nothing like a Gibson Les Paul, there has times where they haven't been the best quality and they are expensive when you have other great options but a good Les Paul always makes a track sound bigger

[@DannyBeardsley]

There is no doubt the Les Paul has been a groundbreaking instrument, I prefer how PRS play and sound, but that’s me. That’s the main point to take away from any tone comparison, it’s all subjective. It would have been more interesting to hear the tonal differences using the same pickups in both guitars.

[@danyeo]

The Les Paul sounds like it has much stronger mid and high end. The PRS sounds more laid back.

[@alejandrocisneros7442]

The PRS sounds like butter, smooth while the Les Paul sounds a little nasally with high pitch. They both sound good and it's just preference.

[@Spazza42]

At this level, it’ll just be the pickup differences. That said, PRS guitars feel more premium to me because there’s less plastic. I get Gibson’s tradition, but anything with plastic just looks cheaper

[@ScottDreyfus]

Prs is a little better at the quacky start type stuff but still has that mid range punch to hang with Gibson

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for watching, mate. 👍

[@Generic_Randoms]

I dont know why to me the prs sounds warmer and I love it more

[@DannyBeardsley]

Good for you. Whatever resonates with you is probably the best option. 👍 There are so many variables though, and they’re both great guitars. I hope you find what you’re looking for 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@fatsiddog]

My take away… buy both. 😎

[@DannyBeardsley]

Good plan 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@yahaguitars]

классно сыграл!!!

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks so much.

[@urhottto45]

Awesome sounding!!LIKE#4

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thank you 🙏

[@Macmax7077]

I won a PRS 594, I am telling you now that the Gibson LP I had ran circles over this thing. I am taking mine to the tech to see If something changes, otherwise this Core POS goes back and I will get the real thing again.

[@DannyBeardsley]

I’ve never played a 594. I recently played a Custom Shop Gold Top and that thing was a beast. I think sometimes we all find those super special guitars that feel just right. Hopefully your tech gets your guitar playing the way you want it to. 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@Macmax7077]

I own, not won, LOL

[@blackrecluse9488]

🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@israelvaladez19]

PRS sweet

[@runnningonempty]

Gibson Les Paul owner and PRS 594 thin line on pre order..Why have 2 single cuts?

[@DannyBeardsley]

Never have too many guitars.

[@onemancovers9080]

imagine a 2 guitar band with one of each? i like the gibson

[@DannyBeardsley]

Tones a plenty. Thanks for watching 👍

[@firewalker6712]

Black Label when Nick was in the band.

[@darrenmcsorley3726]

what is the weight comparison, between those guitars? Im not much of a fan of weight releafed guitars.

[@DannyBeardsley]

The PRS is an absolute tank! Heavier than this Les Paul. Both great guitars.

[@winstonzendejas]

They sound very similar... I know as a fact PRS are better build instruments, I just don’t like their look... wha do you think ?

[@DannyBeardsley]

I adore PRS guitars, I think a Gibson guitar is very classic looking but I think PRS have become the modern classic. Stunning guitars. Thanks for watching.

[@jordanpeacock8774]

What Bareknuckle pickups were in the Singlecut?

[@DannyBeardsley]

Bareknuckle True Grit in the Bridge and a Mississippi Queen P90 in the neck.

[@jordanpeacock8774]

Nice!! They sound amazing!! I have a 2002 Singlecut on layaway and I was thinking of switching out the stock #7s for a BKP Abraxas (bridge) and Mule (neck). The True Grit seems like another option.

[@DannyBeardsley]

Very good pickups. Extremely dynamic and well balanced 👍

[@jordanpeacock8774]

Danny Beardsley sweet! Definitely chasing a tone that will take me from Carlos Santana to Duane Allman to Alex Lifeson.

[@clutch4141]

Prs has more definition

[@josemacias1773]

Les paul forever!!!

[@tricolor6184]

What song is this ?????

[@DannyBeardsley]

Original composition.

[@JosephJoe-u7e]

One is a work of art. The others headstock will break off if you look at it lol

[@DannyBeardsley]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@heinsenbergwhite4847]

Its up to your taste..

[@DannyBeardsley]

Agreed 👍

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Would have preferred the demo with no other instruments, just two guitars, no effects, distortion of over drive either just mano-y-mano.. Can't tell here, the guitars sound identical. Too hard to really tell. Plus would have liked to hear what the demo-is has to say on this.

[@DannyBeardsley]

I think that’s exactly the point. I like to demonstrate gear in the context of a mix because the differences become more negligible. They’re both great sounding guitars and there are plenty of other great sounding guitars in the world. A lot of my videos end up being pointless and demonstrate how little difference there is between similarly designed gear. 🤣 I don’t think it matters really, whatever works for you and brings you joy. They’re tools at the end of the day. Thanks for watching. 🙏

[@doncowie8653]

When PRS feels it has to have a copy of the LP, you know what the greatest guitar is.

[@DannyBeardsley]

I think the LP is so ingrained in how we imagine some guitar shapes and designs to be. The LP will forever be a an absolute classic guitar and without it, who knows where we would be. That being said, the LP has some design flaws that several other companies have addressed.

[@CJZM7777]

But PRS makes guitars at a very high quality level and from what I've observed, Gibson is hit or miss. I have a PRS S2 single cut satin finish and it is a very solid guitar for $1,000. Gibson turns out a lot of guitars and unless you want to spend custom shop $ I don't know if I would go with Gibson.

[@danieldebiaze9379]

FOR ME, BOTH ARE TERRIFIC GUITARS !!! But I can ear specially at 2:16 " that the Gibson Les Paul has more high ends and therefore cuts better thru the mix . Really very difficult cosmetically to choose one of those 2 Beauties, isn't it ?

[@DannyBeardsley]

I have to agree. They both achieve great tones and look awesome. I find the burst-bucker pups have more high end bite than the pups I have in the PRS. They’re just voiced differently. Thanks for checking out the video 👍

[@paisteplayer1040]

Gibson cant touch PRS quality, and craftsmanship

[@DannyBeardsley]

PRS quality is very hard to beat in my opinion.

[@paisteplayer1040]

@@DannyBeardsley I agree.. I just picked up another PRS this morning.. A SC58 57/08's guitar is a flawless fit and finish is 100% perfect.. PRS standards are crazy high for company that builds a lot of guitars

[@DannyBeardsley]

@paisteplayer1040 congratulations on the new guitar. That’s very exciting news!

[@markince2997]

PRS is a carbon copy of the L.P. pretty sad. When Carvin made guitars you could tell the difference.

[@DannyBeardsley]

Not sure I entirely agree dude. They are a very different playing experience in my opinion. Both great although PRS addressed a few design flaws for me.

[@alejandrocisneros7442]

Actually PRS copied Hamer guitars not Gibson.

[@travgpeters1]

PRS Single Cut

[@markince2997]

@@alejandrocisneros7442 I remember hammer guitar back in the 90's, but not sure though I'm not trying to trash PRS or anything since they do make awesome guitars, they seem to copy a lot of different makers.

[@rexmasters1541]

Well this was not well thought out by someone who is NOT educated. Clown show for sure.

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for watching.

[@DougHinVA]

guy can really play, but is is barely music and is just riffs

[@DannyBeardsley]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@alejandrocisneros7442]

He's testing the guitars my guy. He's showing you the subtle difference between the Les Paul and the PRS he isn't trying to sell you his album or show you his songs. So you're critique is meaningless.

[@travgpeters1]

what in the heck do you want him to play ? 2112 by Rush ? haha