GIBSON LES PAUL VS FENDER STRAT | A CLOSER LOOK

In this episode we go head to head: Les Paul vs Stratocaster. Let me know your thoughts.
Rhett Shull - KZbin Channel: / rshull07
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[@SirSamJuan]

Rick had the best argument. "I look way cooler with my Les Paul" haha

[@ralph40]

Rick should have added that his LP accessory kit included better hair chair products

[@blue-tb2fd]

Ral Ph - hair chair? lol

[@guitarplayer2846]

Not surprisingly, most guitarists choose their guitar by how it looks.

[@WhizzRichardThompson]

Jimmy Page looks right with a Les Paul. Ritchie Blackmore looks right with a Stratocaster.

[@aquilarossa5191]

@@WhizzRichardThompson Some of my favourite Ritchie stuff is him playing a 335. Wring That Neck for example. His best stuff was with Dio in Rainbow I think. Strat mostly. I play some of his stuff on a Les Paul. Never sounds quite right. Mexi Strat on its way today as a second guitar. Hopefully I can play it, because I played nothing but Gibson for decades now. I usually only have one guitar for some reason. But I am going to double up and a Strat should help me get all the tones. These people that have dozens of guitars? I dunno. I bet they do not play them all and maintain them equally. Keeping fresh strings on just one guitar is a pain in butt I think. I am not good enough to have a tech :D

[@alec187]

If your a beginner, the biggest challenge is keeping yourself motivated and interested. So pick the guitar that makes you feel more confident and the one that aesthetically resonates with you. If you ever get past intermediate, trust me, you’ll end up buying both.

[@jedisentinel1499]

Good point! It’s crucial that beginners have success.

[@Drmidnight680]

@@jedisentinel1499 they won't learn on a strat, it's too difficult Strat for advanced players Less Pole for posers.

[@Themanthatisi]

I took lessons when i was around 12-14, but never put in the time and did not stick with it, at 55, decided I am ready to learn and went with a 59 LP as my first choice. When I was a kid, I learned initially on a 59 Guild hollow body which was my Dads. Even if I fail to stick with it again, the 59 LP will look amazing on the wall.... :)

[@akshaysharma2786]

hey bud stop on but to me acoustic felt hard and strat felt super nice then I went for an ultra modern donne HUSi strat felt unpolished and difficult, And I know my friend I gave uke to he says uke is difficult with nylon strings, Few months in and trust me I love strat that thing is in tune after not playing it like 2 to 3 months without the whammy use ofcourse, BUT TODAY my go to everyday never in the case guitar is a lespaul not easy to play chunky neck les access to the higher notes very uncomfy with a strap super heavy but I still use it daily So difficulty is more if you dont like the sound of it rest all you ll get by.

[@BigFatTiddies]

Ironic that the word "sustain" was cut off from editing lol

[@mikepaulus4766]

They should have said it on a Les Paul.

[@zyzzyvacation]

Gareth Gobble Was that at 4:16 ? Seems like an accident

[@luistijerina]

It's more of a myth than reality that heavier solid body guitars would sustain more. Plus, that spinal tap scene about the sustain.

[@axe2grind911a]

@Lois Tijerina Not completely a myth. It's not necessarily just the heaviness, but more in the method of construction. In general, a bolt-on neck has less sustain than a glued neck which in turn has less sustain than a "neck-through" construction - where the neck continues as a single piece of wood all the way to the tail. The reason is simple: a single piece of wood transfers energy more completely throughout its length than 2 joined pieces - since energy is lost at the joint. And a bolted neck loses even more vibration due to the looser connection point. This is just basic physics.

[@Glicksman1]

@@axe2grind911a Yeah, that's all true - until it isn't. Certainty is the hobgoblin of incurious minds.

[@WATERDOG300]

Mark Knopfler plays both a Strat and a Les Paul, usually for different songs requiring different tones. IE Sultans of Swing, he uses a Strat but he uses a Les Paul for Money For Nothing. Different tools for different jobs.

[@God-yb2cg]

Yes, that's kinda obvious, but people watching this kind of video are usually people buying their first or second guitar and can't really afford to own every musical instrument available on the market and as such have to choose between one of the two.

[@greglittle222]

"I'm not nearly as old as he is". That was uncalled for 😂😂

[@TheRealChrisLopez]

I like looking at Les Pauls, I love playing Strats.

[@gabrielvelloso9834]

Same bro

[@ferox965]

For me, my Les Pauls (2003 Special and 2001 Standard) do everything I want them to. I love Strats when other people play them.

[@tromboneboss7578]

I’m actually the reverse! I LOVE the look of strats (especially in bright red or blue), but the sound of a Les Paul is unbeatable (I’m more of a hard rock guy)

[@ferox965]

@@tromboneboss7578 One of the coolest finishes I've ever seen on a Strat is I think called the bowling ball...

[@TheRealChrisLopez]

@@tromboneboss7578 That's the great thing about them as well, modularity, just pop in a pickguard with an HH setup and you're golden, have one just like that black with a cream pickguard zebra pickups mahogany body and an ebony fretboard, it's a monster.

[@sabamontanari]

For me, Les Paul is like a Harley Davidson. It looks beautiful, it's cool, it sounds amazing, but the owner will suffer a lot.

[@evilbred974]

And they're owned mostly by dentists and accountants

[@jimsimpson3334]

Get both !

[@cleorivas6098]

Never “suffered” with me H-D. Not that costly if you know what you looking for and can job it yourself.

[@ericportillo8277]

And strat is like a motocross bike lol

[@agustinmarinangeli]

I own a Cort Les Paul, and I can't believe how good it is. It stays in tune, and has a beautiful tone. Having said so, it's quite heavy (heavier than Gibsons), and it's a bit tricky to get to the higher frets. I'd like to own a Strat as well, to complement it.

[@djclgrant7335]

5:38 "all the time, every day" I used to like Rick Beato. Now I love him

[@08Cruiser]

And the ensuing grin.......says it all. :)

[@raywark1136]

I own a Strat, Les Paul, SG, and ES-335. Like children, they are all unique and special, and I love them dearly.

[@roland1313]

each child has is own personality. each is special, and yes, each has its own quirks. They're your children, you love them all.

[@tomfoolery2082]

And if u had a tele ur life would b complete. Well at least mine is. Lol

[@voltnerstudios2115]

I would rather spend time with my guitars than my children.

[@MrMrfreedom1]

@@voltnerstudios2115 lmao!

[@declanl2167]

@@adamburger5761😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@rogerfurer2273]

3 essential guitars: Les Paul, Strat and Tele.

[@checkpointcovid8021]

Don't forget a 335 style, and a hollowbody. Or a singlecut semihollow guitar.

[@rogerfurer2273]

@@checkpointcovid8021 And an acoustic; 6 essential guitars! And a 12-string; 7 essential guitars!

[@user-jc7tb3mt2f]

SG ?!?!

[@twistededge8307]

A taylor acoustic is nice too

[@davidcantwell2489]

I play a 1946 Recording King Arch top. It's All I've Ever Needed.

[@jamlive6650]

When I think of Jeff Beck... I think a strat honestly

[@johnnydark4802]

Me too :D

[@joeylodes]

Rock,Blues,Jam Live I prefer his Tele and Les Paul albums. But great either way

[@noname.___]

I think les Paul or tele

[@jamlive6650]

Joey Lodes I do too. Blow By Blow was his best work IMO. That was done on a Les Paul

[@joshuahaley4367]

I think of Les Paul

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

I enjoy your channel Rick even though I don’t understand 99% of the content.

[@justinevirtue1755]

@Mark Smith Haha me too!

[@kenreeve6549]

@The Doobie Sisters & Sack Blabbath howdy boss can i join ? ;)

[@LostMyMojo100]

That's cause he's blowing smoke....

[@trollstjerne]

Great video! The only right thing to do is to get at least one of each.

[@Guitarburt]

just ONE of each?

[@Taldaran]

Or an HSH with a 5 way superswitch.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Done.

[@SirWinstonBeech]

My guitar teacher has 3 Teles but I’ve never heard him play one, other than mine when I first got it. On gigs he plays acoustic, Strat, or LP depending the band... he had been in 5 just since I’ve known him. In our band he plays whatever acoustic is nearby, or his GTR banjo. That is a killer Gibson clone from the 70s.

[@HollowDesert]

Or get a regular strat and an HH strat.

[@echelecopao]

Another important difference for me. Doing quick tuning changes (like going from standard to drop D) usually takes a bit longer to do on a tremolo bridge (like the strat). Because re-tuning one string affects the other strings more drastically.

[@garynovak1012]

To quote the late, great Mr. Zappa; "Shut up 'n play yer guitar"

[@fenham]

Never mind playability or even player ability, nothing beats the aesthetics of a black Les Paul 😁

[@dubbomarcus]

No.....a sunburst Les Paul does.

[@ygslyn6732]

Personally all my band mates think in weird because I fucking love the SG body style, and my dream guitar by looks would be an SG in metallic gold with a three ply black batwing pick guard

[@SaintierSet]

They're both great like I always tell my wife it's important to have both in the arsenal, she's not convinced.

[@vanessajazp6341]

I have one of each, and I definitely use them for specific musical voicing. Like whether to use an oboe or a clarinet, as I see it.

[@t.sewell1513]

And my wife would not blame her one bit.....lol

[@Skinny_Karlos]

Saintier set Well she wouldn't wear heels in the garden or welleys to a club, ? I always use that one with women complaining about gear acquisition.

[@tablaturebutler2823]

Tell her you need as many guitars as she needs pairs of shoes. That should cool her off. You're welcome...

[@jerrypeevey]

Hold her hand , walk her to the closet and point at her shoe collection... works every time ! Oh and don't say anything just go get your guitar.

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

I guess being an infantryman has prepared me for playing a Les Paul. I’m used to carrying a lot of weight for a long time. 😆

[@omithehomi8568]

Thank you for your service, you are very brave

[@presmasterflash7555]

Love how the word “sustain” was not sustained

[@perrization]

The issue with a custom les Paul is that nobody can afford them

[@lo3572]

You can usually find a used one for a price lower than a new standard

[@ppmoscadebar]

Yes, lawyers and doctors.

[@gel6988]

I bought my 1989 LP Custom Alpine White brand new in 1990 for $750, no tax. It's worth a lot more now for sure, but back then Fenders were all the rage....

[@lo3572]

You can afford a car, you can afford a nice guitar instead

[@ryang3225]

Buy once cry once

[@ChockHolocaust]

The major difference in playability is the scale length because it alters the tension of the strings; a shorter scale length requires less movement to perform bends up to high tones and this, combined with the flatter fretboard of the Les Paul makes it a much better choice if you like doing bends all over the place.

[@Willie_McBride]

But if you’re a guy like Slash, who has hands as big as snow shovels… covering the scale length on the feet board isn’t really a concern, lol.

[@Eventual420]

The 5 fingers of tone. •Gibson ES-335 •Gibson Les Paul •Fender Stratocaster •Fender Telecaster •Rickenbacker 12 String

[@samuelherman4859]

@@cocajazz better add to the list the Explorer, Kelly's and V gibson guitar

[@UmVtCg]

Drop the Rickenbacker, add a Gretsch

[@rolux4853]

Coca_Jazz lol you think a „Metal Guitar‘s“ Tone is more relevant in music than a Tele?

[@noname.___]

Danelectro

[@JP-qb8qx]

Where are the Gianinis?

[@andrewgrossman6066]

I think the biggest reason the Les Paul has tuning issues on the G & B strings is because of the 3 x 3 paddle shape and string spread on their headstock. That's a wide string break after the nut and the strings pinch in the nut causing slippage and your tuning issues. That's why guitars like PRS with a straighter string pull over the nut doesn't have the same problems.

[@joeking433]

Do wider nut slots help? I would think that a slot the same exact width of the string would make it more likely to catch.

[@andrewgrossman6066]

@@joeking433 yes and no, too wide and the string rattles in the slot and you get weird chimey sounds

[@andrewgrossman6066]

@@joeking433 if you're going to widen them, you do it past the face of the nut on the backside, and angle the slots slightly toward the tuning machines

[@joeking433]

@@andrewgrossman6066 The string rattles on a Gibson headstock? I would think that since the string is pulling hard against the side of the slot that you wouldn't have that problem. I can see it on a Fender since it's a straight pull, though.

[@andrewgrossman6066]

@@joeking433 if the nut slot is too big, yes it can create a rattle on any guitar

[@omerabdullah6068]

This is a fantastic video - very informative in breaking down the differences. Thanks!

[@atarirob]

Strat VS Les Paul. Winner=Telecaster

[@gorillafunk725]

Yup telecaster the unsung hero of electric Guitar

[@Icepacalapse]

Danish Pete has one of the best Telecasters ever.

[@opequenobren]

You spelled SG wrong

[@Icepacalapse]

LOL.....nice. Love that anderton's blindfold test where he plays one chord on a SG and immediately goes into ac/dc because it just sounds that way.

[@lynyrddeville]

Having been a humbucker player my whole life, I got a s Strat 3 years ago and those 2 an 4 pickup positions are super cool. Got my dream guitar this year,58 reissue Les Paul, very great iconic Jimmy Page type thick tones for days. Both guitars essential. But I picked up a pine Squier Telecaster on a whim. Really, everybody should START with the most honest and versatile of the 3, the Telecaster. A lot of classic tones on favorite records we assumed were Les Pauls, (can you say Stairway to Heaven) were done on the Tele, and if you want to hear the rock king Telecaster of doom, check out Dan's red Tele on that pedal show. Shockingly powerful.

[@jeffwickermusic134]

You two guys are a perfect video duo for all us guitar gear heads. I enjoy your videos very much! Thank you so much! 😎👍

[@englishcountryliving448]

Super informative as always with you guys. Love it.

[@cndrbrbr]

Simply the best comparison I ever saw. And I ve seen a lot. Thank you very much!

[@careywaldie6735]

I just can't get away from how the strat hugs me when I play.

[@vladdrakul7851]

I am the owner of the most advanced Strat model with the far more modern Rose model whammy bar and the Humbucker pick up leaving me missing nothing I want and solving the problems that existed with a whammy bar that could not bend up AND down while staying in tune. And with the Humbucker in the 1st position I have the extra power for screaming leads plus the mellower bluesy jazzy options as well. The perfect guitar FOR ME! I also use a Yamaha double jumbo sized 12 string acoustic from 1971 and a fender jazz bass! Beauties all 3 of them!! Interestingly because of my love for Led Zeppelin my first electric was a black Les Paul copy. It was a very meh copy and after I got into Hendrix I switched and never looked back!

[@Soldano999]

So basically you own a Jem...

[@toothpastehombre]

This was incredibly insightful and thorough. Thanks guys

[@LouieSimonedi]

Very cool! Thank you guys for the clarification!

[@deltavistastudio124]

Love the Gibson tone for soloing, I miss my '57 Special - Cherry Sunburst. Another tuning issue with the Les Paul comes because the head-stock configuration requires the string to 'bend' at an angle when it travels from the nut in order to be threaded into the tuning post. Fender's head-stock is designed to remedy this.

[@RSPDiver]

Probably the first video of your’s that I actually understand most of what you’re talking about!

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

RSPDiver Yeah, I was waiting for some advanced music theory thrown in to remind me how stupid I am when it comes to music.

[@patrickhighley2811]

Good arguments and descriptions for both (for a beginner). Great job guys; love the channel content.

[@donniehba795]

As always another great video. I have followed you since 2017 but somehow missed this video up until today. I appreciate all your videos: What's Great, interviews, technical issues like recording/drum sounds, etc. but most of all is when you record a "tribute" video to one of our heroes that have died -- as I am always touched and is helpful to share the loss of the person while celebrating their contribution. Oh the other video I really like are the discussions with Rhett and Dave. Always fascinating. Keep up the great work!

[@hristo_panov]

I am Les Paul player and I really wanted not so dark tone, tremolo and longer scale. That's why I bought PRS and I'm the happiest person on the planet :)

[@tkdunn]

Paul Reed Smith set out to build a great compromise between the two - mission accomplished! 🤓

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

They are great guitars but while they seem to do a decent job of covering the LP sound, so far I haven't heard one capture the Fender sounds at all. Maybe I just haven't heard it used that way yet.

[@blue-tb2fd]

WhoWouldWantThisName - not many have single coils, that's why

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

@@blue-tb2fd Come to think of it, I can't remember seeing one with single coils, not even P90s. Well maybe PRS just loves his humbuckers.

[@blue-tb2fd]

I think I've seen a few semi-hollow ones with P90s but yeah most of them have humbuckers

[@Rick-uu5yo]

"About to take heat but I'm old and don't care. I have both and many more. I got the Strat because there are Strat tones I wanted that can not be got with an LP. The harsh reality was stated by Rhett; Strats and Strat copies are really easy to make so many players start with them and never look back. I get this. When you take an honest look at the work that goes into each, the Strat was designed and built as a cheap, mass-produced starter guitar and the Les Paul was not. The Les Paul was never cheap; it was a premium USA made guitar; multiple wood parts, carved top, inlays, bindings, internally routed electrics, higher quality switches, pots, tuners. But the Strat makes tones I like. Today's price wars are stupid; "high-end" Strats play and sound great but their basic manufacturing is still cheap and they don't sound so much better than the cheaper ones. I know, same argument used for the modded Chibsons. All true. There are many great posts already; one that caught my attention was along the lines of build-your-own Strat; I agree strongly. There is nothing truly "special" about my American made Strat. I'm very tempted to build my own from parts; high end stuff but to make something unique and better than anything the Fender Shops put out. Also, though I really love my Fender and Gibsons dearly, my Music Man Majesty kicks their butts; lighter, just as fast, more tone options..... I also think relic-ing is really stupid. Deliberately beating up a guitar to give it fabricated mojo. Dumb.

[@Cleveland_Chris]

Brevity, bro.

[@ResoBridge]

The Stratocaster with 'tremolo' listed on the 1957 price list for $274.50 ($2,502.18 adjusted for inflation). The Gibson Les Paul with flame top $375 in 1959. So the Strat was perhaps a little less, but it was never a cheap starter guitar.

[@bluewater3783]

@@Cleveland_Chris I enjoyed every word he wrote...

[@pleasegrowabrain]

Fernandez Retro Rocket Elite. Better than either a Les Paul or a Strat, comes standard with locking tuners, great tremolo, and the Sustainer system. Best value for money axe in existence.

[@ResoBridge]

@@jefffeldstein I have no idea if 40% discount on RRP on guitars was common in the 1950's, but I think $165 in 1957 is still a considerable;e sum compared to the average wage back then, not 165 of today's dollars.

[@jojo123469]

Excellent job guys, very informative. Now I know what I want to buy. I'm getting both. Canada.

[@thisjimmybuilds]

I'm planing to build my guitar. So this has been really helpful to figure out the pros and cons to both types of guitars.

[@lo3572]

IMO, the Les Paul Custom is the best sounding guitar from Hard Rock to Metal

[@kodiakthejuggler]

I think for new guitarists (myself included) the most important factor is how if feels when you hold it, whether sitting or standing. I picked the guitar I wanted most, not the one that fit me best (a Jackson Dinky). One of the problems with it is neck dive (the headstock is heavy and it wants to fall), so it is hard to keep level. Plus the body shape makes a big difference too. When I first held a Strat, I liked it much better than the Dinky or the Les Paul Special I own. Now I just need to purchase a Strat!

[@tomwilliams5196]

Fantastic stuff you 2 very clear easy to understand 👍

[@franciscordon9230]

Found this super helpful and enjoyable! A Treat! Thanks Rick!

[@RetroMusicDan]

Some of the editing in this one took me back to when my dvds would skip

[@Phreestyle1]

I've got a Gibson Super 400 and a Telecaster Thinline. Hollow body guitars rule. My main guitars, however, are Martin acoustics. A good video. Thanks for sharing.

[@luissantiago1832]

Thank you very much for you knowledge!

[@aashutoshkulakarni9614]

When I went to get my first electric guitar I wanted a Jackson or an Ltd cause I was really into Megadeth and Metallica. But I ended up getting a squire strat with a humbucker in the bridge instead cause the others were too expensive. Turned out to be a great decision cause it's a solid guitar, plays heavy stuff reasonably well with the humbucker and is definitely more versatile than a double humbucker guitar since I can now play all the grunge songs, which is my new obsession.

[@curtwolk2419]

I did the same in '87

[@andrewgrossman6066]

Two humbuckers with coil cuts. Problem solved!

[@usuallyclueless4477]

Same i bought a HSS strat knockoff and its decent.

[@luismangiaterra1031]

I got my bullet squire new for$80 and it's sss pick ups. With this $80 guitar I learned it doesn't get more versatile than this. What this means is that I have the ability to duplicate humbucker guitars that cost thousands of dollars because it's directly in the cross hairs of the cheap single coils on this guitar. Without effort the easiest to duplicate is the les paul. Here's how it's done. Adjust your amp to higher volume Adjust the pre- gain higher. Change your picking still to a shorter and harder technique. If I were to record d my $80 squire and then have really good guitarist play the same thing on a les Paul and record that Then we have you listen to it, I bet you won't be able to tell which is which. This because the les paul is in my cross hair . My $80 guitar is versatile enough to do it, and then some.

[@andrewgrossman6066]

@@luismangiaterra1031 an $80 strat can sound good, but it still sounds like a strat. I can do a blind test and pick out humbuckers over single coils all day long. They don't sound the same at all.

[@luiggibardaro]

Great vídeo I Havre a HSS Strat and i can be as versatile as I want

[@kendavis8046]

I'm still a crappy guitar player, but having played both years ago, the biggest disadvantage to a Les Paul (when I am pushing 60) is the weight. Four sets in a bar with that anchor around my neck? The sound good, but Fenders are so much lighter. All that said, since all I play now is a Martin acoustic and let the younger folks handle the electrics, no longer an issue.

[@TheLookingGlassAU]

heheh i was going to say - if you want to defend yourself against attack - pick a les paul

[@Larry821]

I've a 72 gold top LP, which I bought new. At 20 years old I was practicing with my band and my new guitar and I actually collapsed. The guitar strap must have pinched a nerve in my neck. I think I was out for 20-30 seconds.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Angus Young says that he plays an SG because he's so small and the LP is just too big and heavy for his taste. He loved the sound and wanted to start out with one but the weight was the biggest discouragement. The SG was a little smaller and significantly lighter, and otherwise still captures a similar tone.

[@SirWinstonBeech]

I rarely play standing so the weight isn’t a big problem. Standing is actually better in terms of being able to get my left wrist in the right position, but harder to see what I’m doing. I should probably practice blindfolded.

[@Zif-the-Old-Herring]

Cool info as usual, Great stuff fellas.

[@Subparanon]

I own an American deluxe Strat and an Epiphone LP Studio and each brings something special. What I love about my strat is how comfortable it is to play. The body is scalloped and rounded, and fits like a glove which allows for hours of comfortable playing. It also does bright bell like tones and quack giving it a unique voice. The strat bridge is also so easy to adjust action and intonation with each string getting it's own setup independently. I'm less crazy about the volume knob position which makes palm muting less comfortable, but on the other hand it's easier to hook a pinky around the volume and use it like a volume pedal while strumming. What I love about my LP is the sustain and the pickups have so much output you can get a really screaming guitar sound easily. The headstock also tends not to bind the B and E strings as much when tuning compared to the little trees on the strat. I'm less crazy about the LP body shape and the way the squared edge of the body digs into my arm when I play seated. It's lacking the ergonomics of the strat. I don't think you have to pick one or the other, it's like picking a socket or a wrench, both turn bolts, but each has advantages.

[@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694]

I think you did a good job! But isn't Jeff Beck mostly know as a Strat guy?! At least today?

[@vanessajazp6341]

Yep. Like most artists, he's used both, but Beck's arsenal is almost entirely Strat's

[@vanessajazp6341]

Blow by Blow remains an iconic guitar album for the ages! I first heard it in the early 80's and that changed everything for me.

[@christopherecatalano]

I came across a recent interview where he said it was the Tele that gave him the tone he was after...said the Strat sounded like a bunch of steel wires (well, they kind of all have that characteristic)...even though for years the Strat it was. I am now more of a Strat, but the most used electric I have owned is an 86 J Tele...tons of weird mojo and body chamber resonance where the electronics are buried, so I feel it has more character. I would love to own an LP. Maybe $$$. Just got the American Pro Strat and I love it. What about the Epiphones?

[@vanessajazp6341]

I got an Epiphone LP with EMG's (81/85). The EMG's take it a bit outside the realm of your typical LP, so it's hard to to make a genuine comparison for me. However, my Strat also has EMG's, so I have a GREAT comparison that way. Obviously each style pickup and configuration results in unique tonal character that gives me an almost unlimited palate of options.

[@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694]

I just fixed all the problems and bough myself an Ibanez RG and RGT 😀 MIJ Of course! But I really don't see how anyone could possibly live life as a guitarist and not have both single coils and humbuckers. I mean, I just love both!

[@danielblauw2978]

I have a mahogany Stratocaster with a humbucker love that guitar

[@dougiemuir4273]

Great discussion, i am lucky enough to have one of each but i have a real soft spot for the Strat!!! just love the feel and play ability of it

[@matthewresch2607]

Wow! mind blown! thanks guys. lot of information.

[@DavidSchilter]

I'm glad you mentioned scale length but you didn't mention the two obvious consequences of the strat having a longer scale: the string tension is noticeably higher (to achieve the same pitch with the same string gauge) and the frets are further apart. All other things being equal, both of these effects make playing the strat a little harder, at least for newbs like me with little fingers.

[@HollowDesert]

Lol true but the only guitars Ive ever owned had a strat scale length. Gibsons feel like baby guitars to me even with my polish sausage fingers.

[@kennethm.380]

@@HollowDesertYour comments Reminds me of a golfer that says the course is too easy. I ask Have you ever parred it? He responds, No. Case closed.

[@bulletelvis9843]

Very informative video! Both instruments are amazing but I have to say that Gibson is gorgeous and looks even better with the way the inlays have changed colour over time, beautiful instrument!

[@OficialDanielSolares]

This is great! I'm about to get my 2nd guitar after my 1st Less Paul. I can now make a more informed decision . Thank you guys!

[@beverlyjohniosco8390]

Great video guys! So informative! I have an LP Tribute butvRhett makes a strat sound well worth it!

[@scowell]

I see Jeff Beck as a Strat guy. Leo designed the Strat to be more ergonomic. New Strats can have RWRP center pickup, so the quack positions are humbucking... always request this feature! The quack positions are not out-of-phase, btw. You can turn the extra Strat tone control into a blend knob... if you can blend the bridge pickup in at any time, this gives you the 'all three' sound as well as the neck-bridge sound... super versatile then, it sounds like a Tele with neck-bridge. LP's are fragile at the headstock... falls over one time, it breaks... LP's are way expensive and fragile. HSS Strat is the best guitar out there for me... love the vibrato tailpiece, a Bigsby on an LP is a poor replacement.

[@JohnShalamskas]

Have you seen the Epiphone Axcess Alex Lifeson Les Paul? It has a Floyd Rose trem, 6 piezo pickups in the saddles, coil split on the humbuckers, Axcess cut on the neck-body joint, belly cut.

[@thinman8621]

I'm not a musician but hearing about what you the musician hears makes me a better music listener. Thanks

[@MrEazyE357]

Same.

[@AmonRa1081]

That's so true. I'm a novice player at best but watching these vids make me appreciate the artform so much more.

[@joeyzig]

Very informative. I have always had Fenders (Strat/Mustang w/ humbucker), but was thinking about getting a Les Paul. I always thought they were about the same just the bridge and pickups were different. I never really thought about the other stuff. Thanks!

[@mikechurchill1071]

Awesome video please do more of these comparison videos they are great as my dad has a 1979 Gibson The Paul a 1995 fender strat and a 2001 Fender Telecaster. We also have a few acoustic guitars with a Martin a Gionini Italian classic guitar and a Yamaha. I love moving between each one and getting a different feel for them! This explained a lot keep it up 👍

[@DDischner]

Making music is akin to painting a portrait... We are fortunate to have a wide range of sounds in our sonic palette. Strat vs Les Paul, is like saying something like... red vs blue. With that said, Strats rule...!!!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Strat v. LP The most iconic battle in history! Also I'm gonna have to go with a Strat on that one. Sounds cool to always play on, my heroes used them, and I love Blues and Jazz! Not that you can't play Rock with them, but Blues is where home is for me!

[@lylegleason6844]

Having played both guitars, I think the Strat is more playable, with it's molded shape and overall lightness compared to the Les Paul. I personally feel the Strat neck is easier to play on, than an LP. That being said, I like the sounds I can get from the LP. So, the perfect guitar would be a maple Strat neck and body with Les Paul pickups and electronics. I think that would be a super guitar!!!

[@ferox965]

I found the Les Paul more playable. I've never had the tuning issues on mine (2001 Gibson Les Paul Standard). I play every genre and I've never had a problem.

[@raffaelrameh14]

I have both, I love both, I use one or other dependending on specific contexts

[@googo151]

WOW! YOU DID IT RICK, 3 MILL PLUS. CONGRATS BROTHER.

[@jayp6990]

Like the strat, don't like the volume knob right up against the bridge.

[@alexk4020]

I know. This is the one reason right here why I refuse to use strat styles. You can argue about tone and playability all you want, but if one guitar is designed so that every time I play it I inadvertently turn myself down, then it is pretty useless.

[@xmillion1704]

But it’s great for volume swells.

[@getulioprates]

@@xmillion1704 For sure. I like this feature. It doesn'r bother me.

[@fragtagninja1633]

@@alexk4020, it sounds like you should git gud.

[@alexk4020]

​@@fragtagninja1633 Don't you mean, "git gud, scrub" ?

[@TikkerLoS]

I don't understand why you'd talk about the tone difference rather than just playing notes back to back and audibly giving the difference

[@bigrig4385]

You can find strat vs Les Paul comparisons through the same rig all over KZbin. Are you really that upset that they didn't plug in? Also, there's so many different kinds of Stratocaster and Les Paul models out there, they'd be comparing a single Stratocaster vs a single Les Paul. There's be no value unless those were the two specific models you were trying to choose between.

[@j.dragon651]

Depends on who is playing it also. Tone comes from within.

[@guitarplayer2846]

My Strat was my #1 for 5 years. When I could afford a Burst, that's all she wrote. I love the tone of the double humbuckers, the sustain, the 50s rounded neck, and the weight of an LP.

[@schaddalton]

@@bigrig4385 Not too mention that even in mass produced guitars of the same model there will be differences because the woods won't always be identical and countless other factors. That's one of the coolest things about instruments like guitars and drums, no matter how precisely-made two of them may be made, there will always be subtle differences that make them completely unique.

[@axe2grind911a]

@@j.dragon651 "Tone comes from within" is a popular myth, but definitely not true. Technically, "tone" is simply the raw sound (wave form) produced by strings, instrument, electronics, and amp. STYLE is what comes from within and characterizes tone, along with technique.

[@hugovial7967]

Very informative guys.

[@blacktoothfox677]

INTERESTING: 02:27 - Hendrix, maple fretboard. Gilmour, maple. Clapton, maple. Stevie, maple board. ----- at least, in that footage. I've always preferred maple on strats and tele boards, just coz it's a distinctly Leo Fender 'thing'. Very few guitars go that route, or stray from rosewood or ebony. Even now. And yet most of the purists and keen players I know that are deeply into strats n' teles... they ALL prefer rosewood boards, to a man. So I've quite often had this conversation, but without this legendary footage to lend credence! Great vid by the way. Am over 30 years in, but a refresher on the fundamentals keep everything pinned a'right. All the very best from the UK

[@micheltitiana-clave3396]

till the end I was thinking “how can they forget to talk about the length scale ? “ to me it’s a big difference you feel in the playing especially when bending on a LP string tension is lower so it’s easier to bend a whole step and more

[@SergioQuinn]

Michel Titiana-Clavė what? They did at 13:10

[@mayorofthenonsense]

Obviously there’s certain styles you can really only play properly on a Strat or Strat copy etc, because of the lower drive and the separation it creates, but if I had to choose I’d still take the Les Paul. That aggressive, full, rounded tone from the Humbuckers is something I could not live without. I’ve loved them since I was a kid, even just the basic design and styling is so attractive. It’s refined, mature, capable, and very powerful.

[@fffilms9506]

great video guys!!!! one thing not covered is about the headstock style, straight on fenders which makes it harder to break when this hits the floor, opposite to the angled les paul headstock which is the weakest point forths guitars.......

[@Tangent_Frank]

i know this was uploaded 2 years ago but one of the upsides of a les paul is that due to the 2 humbucker configuration, it has the ability that you can switch to the neck HB and can roll iff the tone knob to get a very nice and creamy jazz tone.

[@quicktastic]

"Even though I'm not nearly as old as he is". Ha. Savage. lol.

[@amandahuginkiss4063]

quicktastic I know! I was like, Rick owns this channel, he could cut that out.

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

Amanda Huginkiss LOL, he got even by showing all those outtakes where Rhett kept screwing up the same line.

[@lesboothe7291]

1 of each please, end of debate.

[@tombarnes3240]

les boothe exactly but don’t forget to throw a Tele in there too

[@lesboothe7291]

Tele and a hollow or semi hollow body electric and you're all set.

[@Guitarburt]

That's why I have a Mac AND a PC. ...end of debate there too.

[@MrMOGHammer]

MAC, PC, iOS devices, Android devices here. MAC is usually installed as HAckintosh on my PC usually though. Cannot afford a real mac which has the same components than my current PC, at double the price my PC costs. What the fuck do Apple charge for?

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Like Rhett, my first guitar came from Walmart. It was a First Act Strat copy. It came with the little amp, strap, picks, cable, everything to get going. The strings were about a 1/2" off the fretboard. Horrible action. My babysitter's father was a guitarist and when he came to get his daughter one night, he saw it sitting there in the living room and picked it up. The look on his face was priceless. He asked "do you actually PLAY this thing?" Well, yeah...as best I can. He asked if he could take it home a set it up properly. Sure. He brought it back the next day and I could not believe how well it played, sounded, stayed in tune, just a whole new guitar. And because of that, it was fun to play. It wasn't a chore that I dreaded. That put the Gear Acquisition Curse on me, and off to the races I went.

[@davidanelson1]

i've been wishing for a discussion like this for quite some time.

[@SinzuSage]

I'm a strat guy. I love the les Paul's necks and great sustain. A Les Paul's weighs more than a fully loaded M16 which is 8lbs 3oz. So I'm going to get an SG instead.

[@romanlegion4282]

Corey Kilemal With that said a 240 bravo is heavier,but what would you rather have?A Les Paul all the way.

[@t.gfalls2319]

For me, it is the Strat. I love playing clean or with some tweed crunch. The out of phase speaks to me. The Strat is far more articulate. Saying this, of course the Les Paul, if u have the money, is a great guitar, along with the tele, the big three a player should own.

[@MCHiphopotamus]

Agree for clean tones. But you also play heavier music, strats and Teles become irrelevant (and I love strats and teles). You just can't compete with humbuckers for heavier music. And you can't compete with strats or teles for clean sound :)

[@ianlmackay]

Love the kibitzing , cheers lads

[@ArthurESnyder44]

Great post guys!! Wish I had seen this 40 years ago!! 😂😂

[@axe2grind911a]

2 oversights: On scale length, you guys left out the fact that the shorter scale length on a LP makes it easier to bend notes, since they are less tight than on a strat. Many players such as EVH have their strats tuned to Eb to loosen the strings for easier bending (and darker tone). On the Gibson tuning issue, that has more to do with the angled (non-parallel) break in the G string at the nut. The angle creates a binding point so that when the string is stretched, it has greater friction to overcome when it returns to its normal state, causing it to bind at the nut and remain a bit sharp. There are workarounds to this problem including the "String Butler".

[@robertwellington2616]

axe2grind911a yep. the answer for stiff bending was never mentioned as the yrs passed by and my hands were struggling. After I moved not one repair guy had an answer. Lighter gauge strings oh no you don’t want that or tune down. Figured it out myself. Thx to Billy Gibbons. Fixed it myself.

[@axe2grind911a]

What did you figure out as the solution? What did Billy G have to do with it? You know, there are also string brands that use more flexible steel alloy though I can't remember the brand name. I didn't like them because they also require a greater degree of stretch (distance wise) to achieve the same pitch change as normal strings, so they also mess with your technique.

[@F-15_Crew_Chief]

@@robertwellington2616 BB King asked Billy Gibbons why he was using such heavy strings. Ever since then, Billy's been using lighter gauge. He currently plays sevens. I can't go below nines. I'm too heavy-handed and push the thing out of tune. I'm currently running S.I.T. S946 Rock-n-roll Nickel Wound Electric Guitar String s. They are light gauge on the top end and heavier on the bottom. Still getting used to the lighter gauge. I've always played heavy, hard strings, trying to run with the big dogs like SRV. It's really nice being able to do a little more lead work and not killing my tendons or my fingertips.

[@zaxmaxlax]

The scale lenght has absolute no effect on keeping a guitar on tune. It's like saying a violin is worse than a viola because it has a shorter scale. I don't know why they keep saying this. Gibson's have a tunning problem because of the headstock tilt.

[@axe2grind911a]

@@zaxmaxlax Headstock tilt PLUS string angle break from nut to tuner. Combined these create binding.

[@kentmains7763]

Rick and Rhett talking guitars, excellent!

[@RhettShull]

Kent Mains 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@JariSatta]

Stratocaster, 100% ( because neoclassical )

[@theofficialnemeroff5096]

Hey Rick! Love your videos! Can you do an episode like this but for basses? Like comparing a P-Bass and a Stingray?

[@adrianpalmer3077]

Hi Rick! Where were your videos in the 70s when I played in a band, huh? I would have been such a better musician!! Although I haven't touched a guitar in years I still enjoy your in depth analysis of great songs, and the delight of discovering new bands and songs. Speaking of this video, I would like to see you do series on key moments in the evolution of rock guitar (anywhere from technical details to styles of playing) and other instruments as well. Thanks so much for what you do!!

[@Marius-vw9hp]

Im an SG type myself :)

[@Silvertip1958]

I own both, the strat is in my hands 90% of the time. The strat just fits my hands better, stays in tune better and fools me into thinking that I’m better than I really am.

[@scottanderson4175]

My first guitar was a PRS SE24 Custom and I loved it 🥂

[@vassilisspiliopoulos]

Very nice video, thank you

[@tuncvidinli]

Les Paul, cool to have one Strat must have one But that’s me

[@08Cruiser]

Ditto.

[@MarkERupright]

When I was guitar shopping I was unsure between single coil and humbuckers. I ended up with dual humbuckers + coil tap so I could play single coil configurations, as well.

[@MarkERupright]

@@JerseyMiller It's a Charvel (Pro Mod San Dimas Type 1). Yeah, that's how it works. I'm still a noob, and I've spent most of my time with the humbuckers. It does have a pretty stratty single coil at the neck, and the two different single coil pair configurations have some rich cleans.

[@MarkERupright]

@@JerseyMiller I got mine in October to celebrate a big weight loss. My wife actually bought it in the spring. I'm an absolute beginner, so I was looking at $250 and under. The shop guy recommended the used Charvel ($600) because of the split coil feature. When I heard the price, I started looking at others. She went off with the guy and bought it. Lucky me!

[@markntexas8265]

Enjoy your guys work.

[@jackclayton821]

Warmoth! Thank you for mentioning them, I built a P bass in 87, and recently upgraded the neck, searched the world, going Warmoth, love this neck!

[@dakotanichols8533]

"When you think of that you think of J- *cuts to Jimmy Page absolutley shredding* I died

[@cyberprimate]

With .011 or higher Les Pauls stay in tune. They were designed at a time when guitarists played thick cables not the light strings of today.

[@agustinmarinangeli]

I use .010 in my Les Paul and almost never had a problem with tuning. I mean, sometimes it happens, but never happened during a gig. But it's true that LP tend to stay in tune worse than a Strat.

[@zachariahwade8482]

cyberprimate I have 9’s on my LP’s and they stay in tune forever. Nothing to do with string gauge and everything to do with the setup

[@h82cUg0]

Thank you,This was helpful.

[@caljohn88]

I've owned/own all of the above. Still own two Strats. I recently picked up a used American G&L custom build T-style guitar with Mahogany body, Rosewood fretboard/maple neck and humbuckers w/coil tap. I think it is the ultimate guitar for any style and I love it!