GUITAR TONE - LES PAUL vs SG vs FLYING V vs EXPLORER vs MELODY MAKER - Suite Madame Blue

5 very well known Gibson guitars all take turns playing portions of the Styx Suite Madame Blue classic tune. Which Gibson guitar did you like the best?
NOTE: If you have a band or product T-shirt you'd like me to wear in a future video or you have a product that you'd like me to try or use in a future video, send me details at: [e-mail]
To make the video, I played the full song once or twice with each guitar (recorded & filmed it), then just edited it all together into one full song.
Recorded with an SM57 Mic. Amplifier used is a Marshall Vintage Modern (both vintage and modern modes were used throughout the video).

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Flying V and SG are seriously underrated. Everyone knows the Les Paul's, and Melody Makers can sound killer.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

agree 100% the upper fret access on these beats the challenge on Les Paul. I do like the brighter tones of the SG and V for classic metal and rock as it cuts thru mix better and not as muddy as a Les Paul.

[@giacomobenvenuto4678]

The Explorer had the perfect clean sound at the start and a good dirty sound, the flying v sounded pretty good at 2.00-2.30 and near the end, but when the sg came after that in i was like yeeeaaaahhhh. The les paul sounded nice at 4.00 1. SG 2. flying v 3. explorer 4. les paul 5. um yeah, the melody maker

[@Frip36]

That's because the song has different guitar parts. Everyone goes "yeaaaahhh" at a climax.

[@giacomobenvenuto4678]

+Captain Sunday Yeah but it still sounded unique, and I said yeah not just because the climax but the sg genuinely sounded good

[@gabe554]

That is exactly my list😂

[@JAY31072010]

Same

[@leejk3926]

The Flying V has really been pulling me in recently. I just love a guitar that is a bit different. There are loads of Stat and LP copies and loads of people have Strats or LPs (for good reason) but them being so common puts me off slightly. Something like a Flying V, Explorer or SG really pulls me in as being different enough to be really cool and differentiate yourself from other guitarists.

[@russjalichandra5491]

+Leejk I'm thinking the same thing. I already got Strats and an Epiphone Joe Bonamassa. I was thinking of getting a Gibson LP but now decide to get a V instead for the same reason you mentioned. Plus I think V is fun for shredding and can do blues nicely too.

[@leejk3926]

Russ Jalichandra I've already got a Flying V but from Wesley instead of Gibson. It's still pretty good so I might get a Gibson SG 2016.

[@russjalichandra5491]

A used SG should be cheaper and shouldn't be too hard to find one in good condition. I'm buying a used V too. By the way, Les Paul Junior with single P90s is tempting too haha.

[@leejk3926]

Russ Jalichandra Ah right thanks for the advice. I'll have a look.

[@JAY31072010]

Boy, you’re not alone. I’m a proud SG owner and my I picked an SG over an LP because of thatdiffer and the influence it had one me (Tony Iommi, Angus Young).

[@braescanlon1829]

my opinion 1. explorer (in my opinion the greatest guitar ever) 2. 3. 4. 5. les paul melody maker

[@punman5392]

It's a shame that Gibson seems to neglect all of their cool and interesting models and instead focus pretty exclusively on all the variations of Les Pauls and hollowbodies. I wish that they would pay more attention to the Explorer and Flying V in particular. Being a bass player I really hope that they release a Flying V or Explorer bass and leave it in production. I'm tired of Thunderbirds and EB-3s.

[@braescanlon1829]

Matt Bowen in the 80's they made explorer basses! you can find them pretty regularly on guitar center for $1,000-$2,000

[@punman5392]

+Brae Scanlon I know. I don't really like the look of them (no pickguard and matte pickup covers). I prefer the recent Epiphone ones which look almost exactly like an explorer. They're also around $200-300 when they do pop up on eBay

[@robertpurdy4452]

I totally agree.

[@SBRReview]

Always been a V fan, but in all the vids I've watched of yours ... the SG sounds the tightest.

[@shadowwolf1228]

SBR Sportsbook Review same here. I've always wanted a flying v but that SG sounds so freaking amazing

[@professorpedropontes4402]

The Explorer totally killed It. But the SG has that Sabbath Mojo... wow!

[@nickmitilineos7417]

Wow...I have seen a lot on KZbin but that was just Awsome!!! Explorer and the SG were my favourites for sure. And what a beautiful SG. Was playing an Explorer 2 days ago and fell in love but I enjoy the unique sound or the SG. Easier to live with too.

[@Head318Hunter]

For me: (to my own surprise) 1. SG 2. LP 3. FV 4. Ex 5. MM I love that color of the SG. My eyes might have influenced my ears.

[@MartinStelzl]

My Favorites are the SG and the Explorer, i play they too :)

[@ClulssCrs3310]

Thank you for making this fine piece of melody. I'm not here to hear the comparison but to enjoy the entirety of it!

[@sixstringsensei6673]

The Explorer is my favorite. I have two of them. I like the tone, feel, and the six in line grover pegs for tunninh stability. My les paul always seems to have one problem or another

[@sandergroenhuijsen5304]

For me the SG wins. But damn, that explorer sounds awesome too. But the SG is good for every style, my oppi. :) Great video, thanks!

[@assadalsaati6290]

Sg is my dream guitar

[@randomraisins7954]

I prefer explorers. They have a very good clean channel and those distorted tones were great, very to my likings. I feel like it suites rock or metal and it’s pretty nice for some clean noodling too.

[@vct_del8396]

The Flying V was amazing!! *0*

[@lasseplatburk]

The V sounds great and is the most comfortable guitar I've ever played on. But... damn... that Les Paul is just so beautiful...

[@leejk3926]

+Torkel S H IDK man I find the V to be so beautiful. I own a Wesley copy (my grandad's old gigging one) and I've not been able to use it standing up because of a broken strap button (that was today's project for fixing although I need a replacement strap button) but when sitting down it is very uncomfortable. I have to hold it like a classical and wrap one leg around the \ to play it. I love how original they are though and how having one sets you apart from other guitarists.

[@lasseplatburk]

I actually think it's comfortable to sit with.

[@GrahamMylett]

That was awesome dude! Great guitar playing and an excellent demonstration of the different tones from each guitar

[@ThatFairyBoy]

Among these, it's the SG for me. Love these comparison videos, keep rocking!

[@kadenbohm775]

The sustain on that Flying V is amazing!

[@jamrug3472]

It's strange cause I have same V Faded model and it's a great sounding guitar but sustain is average on mine.

[@megamoose555]

I'm pretty sure he was using a compressor pedal

[@piteft]

@@megamoose555 He was using TC Electronic Mini Spark before his amp. That't why Flying have so much sustain in this video

[@ralfhenke8148]

Awesome comparison! Thank you very much. I'd never had thought that both Explorer and V sound much LESS aggressive than a Standard(?) SG. I got a bunch of SGs around the house (Gibsons, Epis, a Gherson and a Tokai) but the pocket money will be saved for either of the other two now...

[@meowtrox1234]

They all sound good in their own way !

[@skidco1]

Stunning video. The SG sounds mighty.

[@cosmocalypse3708]

Different pickups = different sound.

[@AislingPhoenix]

and possibly different tone caps, plus the v and explorer only have a master tone as apposed to the sg and les pauls individual, which i know wouldnt make a huge tonal difference but something to keep in mind

[@paridox4ever]

more like strings which need a remplacement asap(flying v)

[@luapnoguob9828]

Bridges and neck joints make huge difference also

[@lueymeteora1410]

@@luapnoguob9828 Everything makes a difference!

[@rheinhardtgrafvonthiesenha8185]

I have no idea what pups are in all of those. Caps and pots aren’t gonna impact tone very much like pickups will. I’m assuming with Humbuckers he’s using 500k pots and .022 caps. So that’s the tone you’re gonna get. Better spec(ed) pots and high end paper in oil caps have a marginal effect on the sound, the effect the sweep giving you more or less of what the pickup is already providing you. That said even tho I have no idea what pups were in any of these you could hear the hallmark tell tale tones just from the design and amount of wood involved. Les Paul growls, SG snarls, V screams. Maybe these were preconceived thoughts that came thru but to my ear I think I could have picked out each one in relation to another with my eyes closed

[@green_ice6429]

My favorite was the SG, followed by the Flying V :) Man, I wish I could afford as many guitars as you... :(

[@indianscout63]

Came to your video for the V and Explorer. But after the video I'm in love with the Paul and SG. Great video, and great playing. Kick Azz

[@wipout1]

The V sounds great, and most consistent. The SG has some nice low down crunch like the LP but the intonation sounds a touch out when your higher up the neck.

[@kevinmaclellan7546]

That Flying V kicked ass!! With the SG a close 2nd in my opinion

[@kyuseok98]

The guitars, the amp, the song, and the player are perfect.

[@jAMMAN798]

양규석 Thank you!

[@Wollheinze]

For me 1. Flying V 2. SG 3. Les Paul 4. Explorler 5. Melody Maker

[@ArdavanKhoshkhoo]

Sameee

[@LucasTheUltimate]

1- Explorer 2-Les Paul 3-Flying V 4-SG 5-Melody Maker

[@maxmeszaros9527]

1 explorer 2 flying V 3 les paul 4 melody maker 5 SG

[@coldvoid]

This! :)

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

Yep...Right on...

[@FelixIsMyName]

Your SG is really dark, loved the P90's on the MM JR, V was sublime but then I am seriously bias as I own the same model. The Explorer really impressed me the most, really lovely tones from that guitar.

[@jAMMAN798]

+Dan Allnatt Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Eventual420]

A gaggle of Gibsons! This has to be one of the more useful Gibson based videos ever produced. And whimsically, needs more ES-335 for those charming cleans that hint acoustics to listeners. Great Job.

[@jAMMAN798]

+Eventual420 Thanks brother!

[@acesn8spa]

I can't choose! I think I preferred the Melody Maker the least... But that's a reflection on how good the other guests are, not how bad the MM was.

[@johnhutsenpillerjr1785]

You got good taste in music jamman !!! Suite madam blue--styx They all rocked !!! Explorer V and SG ? Hard to call it.

[@jAMMAN798]

+John Hutsenpiller Thanks John, glad you've got the same great taste as I. Rock on brother!

[@mattelrod8613]

Sg and V sounded great. Melody Maker was shist

[@kaljan]

Love your vids man!! Dying to see more comparisons and more of your playing!

[@jAMMAN798]

kaljan Thanks! More vids are 'slowly' on the way.

[@Irkennalpha]

I own a Explorer and it's a mindblown how the lower E string sounded exactly like mine does in the intro. Explorers have a majestic huge sound that sometimes it's just too hard to manage. Les Paul, daaaamn, sounds so balanced. 1.-LesPaul 2.-Explorer (obviously) 3.-SG 4.-Flying-V 5.-Melody Maker

[@univibe23]

Beautiful SG! Best electric guitar ever built!!

[@AlbertCoRecords]

Wow. Amazing sustain on the V starting around 2:36 - great playing as always.

[@jAMMAN798]

AlbertCoRecords Thanks! The V with it's uncovered pickups is really good at controlled feedback.

[@TheHuester44]

Great video including the recording and editing . All the guitars sound great with each having a unique voice .

[@jAMMAN798]

TheHuester44 Thanks brother!

[@LA90004]

Excellent video. They're all great Gibson's, but your Les Paul is the king.

[@jackcoughlin335]

1. Flying V 2. Explorer 3. Les Paul 4. SG 5. Melody Maker

[@zzHackedTutorialzz]

SG sounded the best all around to me. V and Explorer were also good.

[@williamnelson1316]

sg 's are the workhorse, they literally do everything

[@mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes]

great job my friend

[@jAMMAN798]

+mywave inwards Thank you!

[@gaussiancannonoperator5930]

Flying V all the way. It's my dream to own a V and I would burn my great grandfather's name into the back with a metal stencil and lighter. Plus the v had that crazy sustain.

[@jAMMAN798]

+Flash Bang The V is a very easy guitar to play. Very light, easy upper fret access & looks cool. I'm sure you'll have one someday not too far off.

[@jAMMAN798]

itsalie Yes, very awkward when sitting. This is why some Flying V's have a piece of rubber tread placed along the bottom (holds the guitar on your leg).

[@jAMMAN798]

itsalie Then Gibson would jack up the price by another $500.

[@lasseplatburk]

+jAMMAN798 I actually think it's extremely comfortable to sit with, you put one wing between your legs, thus tilting the neck up. That's just how I like it

[@leejk3926]

My Flying V copy has a broken strap button that I'm in the process of fixing and I really want to try it standing up (it's been broken like that since I got it from my granddad as it was his gigging guitar). I would love a real Gibson Flying V though and I am highly considering up instead of something like a LP for my next guitar. Would take a bit to save up but be so worth it.

[@pattayaguideorg]

Now that's how you make a video! Love all those guitars, but my V changed my life forever!

[@samuelclayton9525]

The Flying V!! The sustain from uncovered pickups is great

[@MrFriki2001]

I learn this song watching the video over, and over, and over.... Thanks :)

[@jAMMAN798]

Hey, very nice to know. Thank you.

[@homeslice1479]

I think the SG had the best solo tone; toss up between the LP, Explorer and V for everything else

[@HulktastickFTW]

I own a v, Les Paul and explorer too but I always grab the les Paul

[@Tony78432]

Flying V sounds softer and more subtle. I like it.

[@magnusnording]

Such classic sounds, love it!

[@SanAndFe]

My preference would be the Melody Maker and the Flying V, both sounded great. Fantastic video, keep em coming.

[@jeffreyz2290]

Awesome choice of song.

[@keith.loves.lasagna]

Thank you for the vid. Nice playing! Always love my SG. Growly biting rhythm in bridge and chimey cleans and sweet smooth leads in the neck. My fave. Gain lots of respect for the V though after this vid. Might have to get one now haha.

[@jAMMAN798]

***** Thanks brother!

[@guitarist6494]

Your Videos are awesome man !!!!! You compose these pieces yourself and program the drums and add a bassline ?

[@jAMMAN798]

+guitarist6494 Thanks brother! For some tunes I compose the background music and for others I just use what is available online.

[@katan_mp]

I want all this guitars, but I didn't like melody maker, so my dream was to by Flying V and I prefer this guitar

[@relevantinformation6655]

I’ve got quite a few guitars, including all those shown (except the SG.) A Thornbucker pick-up, for example, on a Suhr doesn’t same sound as a P-90 tracking - but then they all definitely have their place. In a studio situation for a commercial or video game etc, the producer might suddenly want a telecaster or strat, then another segment will be more of a humbucker feel. Never hurts to have at least one single coil, humbucker & P-90 with you. Great comparison 👍

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

I expected the LP to have the best sound, but really, I’d stick with my fav the Explorer.

[@wombocombo180]

1. SG 2. FLYING V 3.LES PAUL 4.EXPLORER this is my opinion no dis to any of these guitars all great for gigs :)

[@ritsutainaka7157]

Les paul and..explorer..sounds great! Nice video

[@aydoubleyou5634]

The V and explorer ❤❤❤

[@catthomas3097]

Call me weird but I liked the les Paul and explorer best :)

[@nitegoat1369]

The Trad and the SG nail it, with the V a close 3rd! The Explorer sounded best clean.

[@BrianLeverett]

Awesome video! Well executed! It’s hard to choose a favorite; I really liked them all!

[@Dule708]

I love the Les Paul sound and Explorer's look. :D

[@janedoe3570]

That explorer rocked man!

[@theprofessor9355]

this is madness to each musical ear their own but I can hear a much more open, heavy, all around greater distortion tone coming out of that V. more of a compressed crunch sound from the SG. fuck man I still love SGs so much though. it's all fucking badass.

[@davie5248]

Explorer is The more clearer and defined sound, incredible

[@fatchoppers01]

I really enjoyed this. Sounds like Triumph ! Amp sounds good too. Great Marshall Tone

[@Bud5150]

Explorer!

[@StringBender567]

Fantastic playing! Either the Les Paul or SG for me!

[@dumbdickler670]

I thought that was a cherry Les Paul from the thumbnail and got really excited. Then I was less excited because the LP was just a standard cherry sunburst but hey, who doesn't love that classic Les Paul look?

[@gaell.2028]

1 Les paul 2 SG 3 Flying V 4 Explorer

[@jimmyjoe3823]

Great performance. Thank you!!!

[@jAMMAN798]

Jimmy Joe Thanks for watching & commenting.

[@rrrhhhppp]

wow the music is wonderful...each guitar finds her place...really enjoyed

[@jAMMAN798]

+Richard Pagani Thanks man, I appreciate that!

[@TelepathicTraffic]

Rad. I liked the SG sound .. whatever those pups are, but that Explorer is super cool looking.

[@jonathankeith524]

Unpopular opinion: I like the tone of the Les Paul the most. Pefect balance of thickness and clarity in my opinion. They all sound phenomenal, but the V and Explorer seemed a bit open-ended, and the SG had great clarity and bite, but the tone wasn't as full on every spectrum, and lacked a bit of thickness compared to the others. I believe the combination of the maple and mahogany of the Les Paul allows it to have a more full range of highs, mids, and lows. That's why Fenders have a more trebly, clear tone, (they're mostly made of denser woods like alder and maple). The other Gibsons are usually straight-up mahogany, which is a slightly softer tone wood that allows for a thick, chunky tone. However, the Les Paul's incorporation of maple also allows for more clarity to compliment that thick nature. This is just me nit-picking, by the way. I would gladly own any of these guitars.

[@tiggadawigga987]

Les Paul takes the cake in my opinion.

[@Eventual420]

Done very well. All of these are nice, and this song/amp was the perfect test. Any digital delays and folks would have gone sour saying they're effectively deaf. Any reverb, blasphemy. But you pulled through. Obviously I feel everything could have been refined with effects, but myself would claim deaf, its true. If you really want to hear them, dry is the only way.

[@jAMMAN798]

Eventual420 Thanks man, I appreciate the comment! In almost all of my videos I run guitars direct into the amp(s) for full tone effect. I've never been one to use guitar pedals much (unless 100% needed), I prefer the sound of the amp and how the guitar volume knob and picking attack plays a big part.

[@mertereninhayalindekiayseg5185]

slash vs james hetfield vs kirk hammett vs angus young vs billie joe

[@jerrumite4425]

I would have said Downing instead of Hammett

[@bjeizus521]

@@jerrumite4425 oh yeah downing is a god compared to kirk, as much as I like both I agree

[@jerrumite4425]

@@bjeizus521 I was just saying that the flying v is more associated with Downing, not comparing skill.

[@WeirdGuitarDoc]

Beautiful Video, I think the Explorer comes to Short, Specially with distortion. My Favorit ist the V.

[@sawbonesquad4876]

EXPLORERS AND SGS FOR ME BABY. Just jammed out on both my Epi Explorer(SH-6 upgrade) and Prophesy Sg.

[@bitas320d]

For me it is: #1 - Les Paul #2 - SG #3 - Flying V #4 - Melody Maker #5 - Explorer

[@akashghosh7068]

plz do a fender guitar battle...coz this one was AWESOME!

[@jAMMAN798]

AKash Ghosh Ha ha.... Hmmmm, I just might do that. Thanks!

[@thomassegaert]

sg or flying v i'd say, I did not like the melody maker

[@TheBeatsMX]

Awesome playing man! I loved how the V sounds, I don't like it's shape but I guess it's part of that great tone, I'd go for the SG or the LP.

[@jAMMAN798]

Roberto Mendiola Thanks for the comment.

[@randallsandmann2579]

For me, the Explorer kills the others. By far the best clean tone, it’s not even close... the dirty tone is much more 3 dimensional on the explorer as well. And yes, I own all of these guitars. The Les Paul was muddy, the V wasn’t bad but not great, the SG was very good but not as alive as the explorer to me. The junior was the worst of the bunch... wonder if it had those horrible p100 pickups that Gibson stunk the place out with... replaced mine with kinmans night and day difference!

[@geovaniefloresnaturalbodyb701]

1. SG for the tone and look 2. flying v for the tone and sustain 3. les paul (burst)

[@taketheredpill1441]

All sound amazing but in this order for me: 1. Flying V 2. SG 3. Explorer 4. Les Paul 5. Melody maker

[@TheOldFlyguy]

Don't know why but I can't connect with most LPs. Imo, its the hardest one to find especially if you play them against each other or alternatives. Once you find one though its gold (in tone). Usually it out of most people price range. This one sounded great but my money is on the Explorer. The V was great too but at the end of the say not the best unless your are gigging and standing up most of the time. You tamed the SG perfectly. Outside of the melody maker they were are equally good but just different in what they are and are supposed to do.

[@yandhi5016]

And firebird?

[@terrilynncantlon9234]

That V sounds great!

[@carlospenna]

My choice is to SG The word to define your video is: Awesome !!! Thanks for sharing

[@jAMMAN798]

carlos penna Thanks for watching & commenting.

[@doctorskull8197]

Your audience will never tell the difference. However, very entertaining video. 👏

[@RuskingArms666]

Im more of a fender guy, but this video made me want to buy an explorer :p

[@eddiestclair-im5wm]

I have a 1983 Gibson Map that sounds really good, but the talent you possess is far superior to mine! Great job on the demo!!

[@jAMMAN798]

Thanks brother!

[@pedrobravo4404]

Nice playing, and nice idea too! This video helped me a lot!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

If I had to choose one today, I don’t know what it would be. If I chose the V, it wouldn’t have to do with tone as much as reduced string tension based on the headstock. Ironically, some of the Epiphone guitars I’ve owned and gotten rid of were based on reflections on Tommy Shaw, who owned 2 tobacco-finish Les Pauls and a ‘76 Explorer during the classic Styx run. Tommy is also the guy who turned me off from looking for an SG. When he and JY were interviewed by Guitar Player magazine in 1981, Tommy said he separated the neck all too frequently from the SG. That was discouraging.

[@goldcoins9311]

i think the sg and les paul.

[@creek9215]

the v sounds so nice. more of a fan of the sg over the les paul but that's just me. if i had to rate them, i'd gotta say 1. sg 2. flying v 3. les paul 4. explorer 5. mm

[@ArmandusMarcelus]

Great sounds. But that orange Les Paul makes my ears smile.