Homeskoolin' Volume 268, Tom Bukovac, "Panties Applied For"

Uncle Larry lines up a couple PAF equipped suspects in a tone identification interrogation...
a 57 Les Paul Standard, a 58 Les Paul Standard and a 63 es-335
We all know that it's impossible to REALLY hear anything in this iPhone mic'ed scenario, but let's just act like we can hear, and play along for fun.
Which one ya like best?

[@Guitar5986]

The clarity on that '57 Goldtop is insane... It has the punch & the snarl you want without any of that humbucker smear... At times you would think those are single coils but then you get hit with all that power & midrange. A very special guitar. Hold on to it

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Those comparison part... more than those amazing clear tone... your playing is insanely tasteful & so much ideas!

[@McGheeOH]

smooth and his flow

[@michaelgranka7904]

Hey Tomo ?

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Beautiful tone and super tasty playing!

[@rockers2rockers616]

Tomo Fujita is in the house.

[@michaelluca6004]

GOD bless you BUK for your time and hard work for us Rock Star dreamers. You are a special and very sweet giving man to all of us.

[@davidmonroe865]

Very true God bless uncle Larry love your talent Tom!

[@Sammywhat]

Amen!

[@toddslick215]

Rock Star Dreamer would make good tee shirt 🤘🏼

[@wlrIII]

Such a treat to hear these beasts together, thanks Tommy. For me bridge goes to the burst, neck to goldie. But all three were killer.

[@keolacam]

Agree with that 100%

[@RamirezFlores]

Can’t beat a video that begins with my favorite toy of all time, the Evel stunt cycle, and then segues into sublime guitar playing. Great post as usual Uncle Larry ✌🏼

[@JDWH]

I know there’s a ton of great players on the earth and a ton of great vintage guitars on the earth, but for what ever its worth I couldn’t be happier that a player such as you Tom has one of each of the holy grails, a burst, a gold top and a 335.

[@Slideriteboat]

I liked the 58 bridge pickup and the 57 neck pickup best. I love all your videos BTW. Thanks!

[@ptklip]

Hi, Tom. As I hope you are well aware, you are such a great player that it's just nuts. Everything you do in this video is such a treat. It's glorious, dude. Thank you, brother.

[@501chorusecho]

Thank you bro

[@stashe8083]

It is between the Goldtop and the Burst for me. I feel like the articulation on the Goldie hits a certain way but the Burst has a fullness to it that is tough to match. Thank you for letting us hear you playing these awesome instruments! 🙏🏻😎

[@VERBANDTREM]

What a great episode! The brighter EQ and clarity of the goldie are my favourite. But the Burst is more of the traditional beefy sound that you kind of expect from a les paul. they're all things of beauty!

[@davidpepper442]

What a fantastic set of guitars! You are living the dream Buk

[@simonhirstmusic]

Bends. Ain’t that the truth. I feel like that’ll be a work on for the rest of my life. Especially in the immediate change between Fender and Gibson scale-lengths too. I have a gold medal in overbending. Love your work Buk!

[@paulpulati9613]

As always, it's all in the hands....and the heart. You inspire a picker cruisin' into his 80th year, to keep pickin' and exploring that wonderful fretboard. Thanks heaps....... ❤ ☮ 😎

[@mark-i4o]

For my ear, the gold top neck pick up sits right up top. Very lovely tone. Thank you, as ever.

[@marcterencemckenna]

Unc, just watching what the algorithms giving me and man - you are right on the money 😂. That evil Knievel set up with the loop the loop reminds me of my childhood visiting Belfast to see my wee granny. Thanks for the memories 😆

[@s0b0r3d]

I did not expect you to bust out the beautiful people riff! Keep surprising us Uncle Larry :D

[@michaelmorrisguitar]

So awesome that the burst and gold top ended up in your hands. Love seeing them with such a talent as yourself. Getting to hear them on new records is a treat.

[@lkeith88]

All i know is that this channel, the playing, the tones, the banter is LITERALLY as glorious as a bald eagle giving a handy to the statue of liberty herself.

[@501chorusecho]

Thank you brother

[@lkeith88]

​@@501chorusechoalot of people keep saying the same thing...maybe in different terms but i gotta be honest, no channel and no one else has inspired and motivated me to play and learn guitar more than you have in the last 20 years. Nor have i made as much progress in the same amoubt of time. Can't tell you how much i/we appreciate what you're doing on this channel man. Thank you.

[@brian91145]

Tom, you are the most musical player of all time!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Agreed. Tom is the baseline for musicality.

[@Martos59]

@@ShawnTubbsthe knowledge of this man and application is staggering

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@Martos59 Agreed.

[@rigelloar7474]

@@ShawnTubbs No matter what he does, it ALWAYS has that great narrative quality, that bastard!

[@rigelloar7474]

@@ShawnTubbs You're no slouch in that department, yourself. Damn your musical ass, Tubbs. . . . . . .

[@stevenellis8365]

Thanks Tom, that was a tasty bit. Tasty as chicken stew... Gotta say that I liked the 335 best with Goldie a very close second in this scenario. Now do the same test through a cranked plexi, and I'll bet that the Burst would be my pick.

[@AlGorham23]

I keep replaying this one. iPhone speakers or on my studio monitors. That goldie sounds phenomenal. Resonant. Rich. Just enough sweet chime and bark when it should be doing those things. And then you put the burst to work and the deliciousness of them both becomes more apparent. Cheers, Larry!

[@seangillen920]

I can't tell you how excited I am to get my Marshall JTM Studio head. I ordered everything back in early September. Got the 2x12 cab in November and was told the head was back ordered and won't arrive until February. Happy belated BDay BTW Tom. I won't call you Uncle cause I'm 6 weeks older than you. All the best in 2024.

[@robertrosendale5519]

All great, Goldtop worth the refinance. Thanks Tom, you enrich us with your videos. We hail you.

[@jrumiano]

The 57 has a more full range sound with more mids when compare to the 58. Good video brother!

[@bradgray9957]

YOU are the reason I love my guitar. Thank you Tom. If I was a dad I would try and be just like you. God bless you, Marshall and Leo ❤️

[@501chorusecho]

Thank you bro i appreciate that

[@Blazes_58]

Burst for Neck . 335 for bridge Amazing playin as usual... Cheers Uncle Larry

[@championhairpuller]

Tommy, no one is taking your "cooking" channel seriously...seriously! Love ya, bro.

[@501chorusecho]

You would think that, but look at the comments bro…half the people think I’m being serious

[@stringlocker]

We want it to be real it's pretty cool. Food and guitars what else do we need

[@dustinmcfarland2441]

I love both Les Pauls, but if I HAD to choose, it would be the GoldTop. Man that thing has a vibe and a soul to it that i don't really think you're gonna get anywhere else. Maybe I sound crazy but that GoldTop has the mojo man. Thanks for the vid and sharing with us as always Uncle Larry

[@getashovel839]

Awesome. I had that Evel Knievel toy when it came out back in the day. Watched all his jumps on TV. The Good o'l days. And once again your playing is inspirational. You sir are a master and have all my respect.

[@iancombs857]

I JUST learned that Evel did a jump at a now defunct and demolished drag strip about 5 miles from my house in 1972. How that didn’t become local lore is utterly beyond me.

[@stringlocker]

Go watch Johnny Knoxville "big red rocket" both attempts 😂

[@ShawnTubbs]

You sir are correct! Thanks for all you do Tom.

[@m.charron]

After a string of alluring titles you keep pulling 'em off. Thoroughly getting in the cracks of wit and artistry - generously presented, never skimpy. Thanks, Tom. Happy new year!

[@jerrybattista6952]

They all sound so damn good!

[@flippednickel4669]

Whew!! Hard to pick between them, but the Gold Top neck and the burst bridge. Gold top neck so juicy. That burst bridge has some beautiful harmonics going on. Just plain awesome instruments!! All three..very inspiring instruments.

[@marcgib2]

Great tones and amazing playing thanks

[@joeymafoey8265]

Hey Tom. The way you played "the burst" pretty much says it all. Picked it up and smoked it like a doobie

[@davidbrown-bh7it]

Nice! It always looks like you go to another place when you’re playing! Thanks for sharing!

[@alstrummer2446]

Time travel with Uncle Larry. You just transported me back to the 70's when I had my first Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle. I was gonna ask you to bring me back but I'll kick it here in the 70's for a bit.

[@dallanby]

God, Tom, that intro and the superslomo sounds got me giggling. These volumes of yours are evolving beautifully... thanks for having fun.

[@johnmccormick3668]

They’re all “wet dream “ worthy yet so different. Those neck pickups are simply sublime, yet so different. Correct me if I’m wrong, but they seem to inspire you to play somewhat differently on each of them. Great video, Tom. Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio. Go Brownies!

[@geraldhinson]

On those perfect bends - so agree. I practice that every time I pick up the guitar because of listening to Gilmour (obvious example - Stairway, but tons more) and Clapton (example - Bad Love solo bends). Gorgeous work from both of them.

[@kenschachsieck1357]

Hey. TOM, great. Seeing you at the party for Willie..some talented folks on that stage+

[@ChoatMusic]

Man you hot switch like a real pro. Those bends..your killing me! Thanks for the guitar taste tests, the goldie neck takes the cake, so much going on there.

[@rianadams4837]

I'm the fortunate owner of an old inherited Gibson from my granddad. Those 2 pickups differ drastically... the neck pickup has a growl, and the bridge has more smooth compression. Tom, for yours... to my ear, I love the neck on Goldie Lox; it's almost like it's primed for some of the old-school Gospel/church music because it's close to a religious experience. I gotta say, the bridge on the 335 had me at hello. But dude, the Burst is a Rock and Roll machine! Thanks for showing us the PAF stash.

[@mwrable]

Great as always. Was just watching the recent Heart videos which appears to have mixed the Amazing Dawgs personnel with the Nancy Wilson band. They are good as a unit, however the videos with you, Ann and the Dawgs are at an another level. Hard to put my finger on it but the parts you played are so clean and executed so damn well. Thanks for what you do. 👍

[@kyledrevlo1962]

I'm going: 1) 58 flame burst 2) 335 3) 57 goldie, UNTIL I heard that neck pick up. Wow, so pretty! Thanks for sharing your time with us!

[@bmac0630]

Hey Tom, always like what tone you pull out of a 335, and that 63 sounds great in your hands. It’s the burst for me, well rounded instrument to my ears. Tone is in the fingers…. and dude, your hands are very musical indeed. Awesome display of PAF’s, thank you.

[@macarius8802]

Glad you are giving props to the humble bend. Super cheesy when done poorly... but so soulful when done properly. Good bending can't be rushed... as you say, it's the pinnacle.

[@RobEKirby]

Uncle Larry! About the in-tune bends: I learned about getting those damn things right by playing in a country band for years back in the 80's trying to emulate pedal steel licks. As you know, it's real obvious when it ain't right. Hehe! It took quite a long time but I'm grateful to have learned it a bit. Thanks for showing us how it's done.

[@fiddlefolk]

Just to play along: My humble opinion as follows: 1). Burst 2). 335 3). Gold Top.....Thanks for letting me play! Appreciate your channel

[@ericsfc1ea.16]

Hey it's playoff time! You drove the 58' in so, imo it sounded the best on bridge & maybe a little tighter overall; the 57' neck is especially beefy to my ears and the 335 maybe the thinnest of the 3 BUT man your a lucky dude to have them all. Combined w/ your playing they all rock the heavens. Thanks for the great tones and good luck in the playoffs!

[@501chorusecho]

thank you brother

[@ironsausage808]

Honestly man, all 3 sound great. That gold top is off the chain. The 335 is pretty pissed, and the burst is fucking awesome to… I listened on a pretty good home system to, sooo, I liked the gold top best but presently surprised by the 335. Thanks Unc.

[@RezaKhan2024]

I liked all 3 of them. Tonally they are different. 58 is more airy, clear. It was my favourite and I judged my guitars based on that tone. Always tuned in to hear it. 335 is sweet , round and full sounding. But Damn, that 57 is my new favourite. It has everything and more. Keep it, play it. That will be my new "Gold standard" of LP tone . Stay blessed.

[@TheRycooder]

I wish you would talk on your session with Richie Furay! You’re Tele, sound and solo just BLEW ME AWAY! You totally made that song and there was a smile on your face at the end of the video that I took as meaning you LIKED IT! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone back and listened to you solo!!!!! ❤

[@dodgedandle8311]

I love it when you do those spaced out loops and play an do them bends over the loop.. great Stuff 🌞👍🏻⭐️

[@rockers2rockers616]

For me the red guitar sounds 'open' with a wonderful smooth tone wide enough to be pleasing to the ear. Thankyou

[@Markpig7]

NIce!!! A toy I once owned (we had the bike and the stunt car..... and golden syrup tones via your gifted fingers. Cheers from Oz

[@Markpig7]

how's this spamming piece of shit sending messages pretending to be Tom 💩

[@ShaunKelly-b8w]

It's really hard to choose favourites when they're all winners. I'm partial to '50's lumber, but If I had to choose I'd say both les Pauls to me are clearly the best sounding of the bunch. Both very different. One has the growl, and one the clarity. I think you do enjoy yourself a good ES and the neck shape on that one is really comfy in your hand right? The best part of the video was watching you getting excited about the gold top. That really inspires me to see you inspired. You play it differently because it tells you to. At the end of the day that's really what it's about right? Thank's for everything that you do.

[@davidmccaroll7558]

I'm biased, I like Goldtops more than 'bursts..... I have to say the overall tone of your beauty hasn't changed that bias one iota - neck pickup in particular is otherworldly awesome!

[@tombstoneslim7070]

They all three sound amazing but there’s a “spank” that the burst has in the bridge that’s just…wow!🤯 They’re all just be-u-tee-full though!! Done well for yourself there UL!! Quite the PAF arsenal there!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@Soul-d5m]

Makes me happy to hear. Getting the bends in tune has been a huge part of my guitar journey. I understand what you're saying man! I really enjoy listening to your playing, tones, explanations, opinions and lessons. Your content is pure gold! Thanks dude and always keep on rockin fellow pickers!

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

They all sound great of course though to my ears the 335 was just fantastic 🤘🤘

[@DarrellAshley-k5f]

Oh I agree! That 335 is a monster!!

[@lp59pete]

My favorite is the burst, but you make all of them sound awesome.

[@THEItchybruddah]

Thanks for the time travel with Evel! Re: pickups. Dude, if you're playing it, it's gonna sound GREAT. Now, who takes my money for one of those shirts!!!

[@kathywilsonofficial]

I love them all! Magic fingers for the win! Thank you Tom! ❤️

[@scottshand8559]

For my ears the 58 Burst has more midrange power and depth which is what I enjoy, this is for both pickups. Second for me is the 57 Goldtop, plenty of power and it is very articulate but lacks a bit of warmth for me, it is very strong in the bridge which did sound nice. The third place for my ears is the 63 335, all of these are great guitars and I would be besides myself to have anyone of them but my ears (and yes, I closed my eyes) liked the 58 Burst best here, what a sweet, sweet guitar! Thanks again and what to do you mean you weren't serious with the second installment of Cookin' With Uncle Larry? You had me and the wife cracking up just on your screen entry! Thanks again as always Tom.

[@pauldavis5489]

Tom, You have totally confused my ears with the Gibson caladoscopic tone comparison. I vote for all three, they are gorgeous instruments (And thank god someone of your caliber has these beauties!) and each have their unique voice. That is why you have each one, because they are each a sonic tool in the arsenal of the session man!! Thank you for the fun comparison ! The cooking episode was a riot with the awesome gravy mix! Go Browns!

[@syverhaugli3497]

The sound quality on these videos are great, if you ask me. Too me this is wedge monitoring, and the Brett Papa-videos are innear monitoring. "I for one" prefer wedge monitoring. Happy new year, Tom! Have a great week.

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

My favorite? They’re all dream guitars with p/u switch selector caps that you need to protect with your life. So glad these gems found their way to you and not some wealthy dudes den behind a glass case

[@fernandoall14]

Can't believe that you played with Michael Omartian!! You should really do an interview with him! I know I'm asking too much but I'm a real Steely Dan fan and that would be awesome. You rock Tom!

[@tomcoryell]

That would be cool. Very much agree. If Tommy doesn’t have time, maybe we can harass Rick Beato to do it!

[@toddpowers5373]

To my ear the ‘57 bridges the gap between the ‘58 and 335 perfectly, you hit the trifecta. While I’ve not felt, nor played, them in person, if I was “in the shop” I’m guessing I’d walk out with the gold top.

[@Soul-d5m]

The most musical guitarist Ive ever heard!

[@DannyJonesGuitar]

all sound great!! def something special with that neck pup on gold top!!

[@michael.darrin1963]

Lol...Evel Knievel, even at our extended age it's never too late to let the inner child in us out, I bought a couple years back a 6 lane hot wheels race track that my 2 year old grand daughter loves to play with. Good times....Cheers Tom

[@tone1798]

Hot wheels are and have been a huge factor in raising not only my 3 sons 👈🏼lol but 3 of my awesome grandsons!!! Racing is so much fun! One of my three sons now plays guitar right along with me! He’s actually a bit better because he knows music theory and I just play by ear! Btw, as a kid had the EVEL KNIEVEL figures and van! Remember the cane it came with?

[@michael.darrin1963]

I had the Evel Knievel myself, good times, simpler times back then@@tone1798

[@jauntyj3257]

the beautiful people riff is so cool!

[@LosYorkNC]

What do I think? That I am grateful that you are the steward of these fantastic instruments. They all sound wonderful in your hands. Thanks for sharing with us. Keep bending to perfection.

[@KRHGuitar]

Amazing, loved jamming on this with Uncle Larry, Thank you! The opening jam was epic!

[@RA-ew8rv]

What a beautiful intro, thanks for making my day !!

[@kevinspake7338]

Like picking a favorite flavor of ice cream; just can't do it, but thanks for the opportunity to hear them. Although... the neck pickup on the gold top is delicious.

[@coffeewithmyfatherjwolfe5317]

Best Evel Knievel toy ever. Yeah I’m that old. Great episode as always. Awesome shirt as well.

[@martinstender]

I dig the 'bending without vibrato' approach. For some odd reason, I spend a lot of time over the decades to get better at bending *with* vibrato - sorta Lukather style. Depending on taste, of course, I think he gets away with it just fine. But after you have pointed out, that it's mostly better (YMMV) just to get to the note, and maybe add a little vibrato as the note rings out, it definitely has helped me to sound more relaxed. And for some odd reason, it brings out more emotion 🙏

[@AudioEast]

also! the best damn channel on the planet...

[@misterwill7581]

All of your hard earned and exceptional guitars must be thankful and deserving to be yours. The 57 Gold is amazing(the clarity and upfront in the mix sound wise) beautiful. Tom is the neck profile pf the 57 similar to the 58 burst? Your flametop has always been a fav of mine, sonically mellow and woody and visually sooth as ‘Real TEQUILA Uncle Larry style’ brand sipping nector. The trademark is yours if you can use it. Just the mention of the es335 among these exceptional examples would be praise enough but it sings as well. Is the 63 es 335 have Mickey mouse ears or the later sleek style? Man, What a PAF fest. Your playing as always is inspiring and a must watch. Thanks for doing all you done these years on youtube and the road. Long may you run as Neil put it.

[@KorbenDenver]

If you put any one of those guitars in my hands, I'd imagine all of them would take the title of best guitar I've ever touched. If I have to choose with my ears only...it's gotta be Goldie. My eyes and ears love it sooooo much! My first decent electric was an Epiphone "copy" of the '57 Gold Top, so the water is probably a little tainted over here. Thank you for the cool demo as always!

[@meanmud1]

All three sound great, a lotta difference, even thru the iPhone mic. And you you stressed, the Goldie's neck pickup is super special!

[@paulstanley3019]

First time long time… I love that 64 ES that neck pick up is a thing of beauty. U can hear the wood 🤟🏾

[@trouschyoutub]

Thanks for sharing your time and talents with us. Burst FTW! 💖👏👍✌😎

[@louloriente7726]

I love watching your video's (hello from Australia). Each of the 3 guitars had their distinct voice. I wouldn't say one was better the the other - just a individual voice. But I must say I love both the Les Paul's character

[@turbozayas]

The Goldtop is a freak of nature……and pickups of a wet dream! lol best to you Tom

[@dave_d_i_a_l]

335 all day baby, it just pulls hard on my Plexi Soul dreams…. lol they all sound so good papa Larry hard to choose lol. Oh yeah, the neck pickup on the goldy has some beautiful bite for sure

[@jimlang9418]

You are gonna get so much well deserved steam on this 😂😂🌲

[@bobbyv7094]

Thanks Tom for doing this...they ALL sound GREAT! I don't know what it is about those early PAF's in gold tops,(I own a 57') but they always have a bit extra clarity and "zing" compared to later PAF's. The PAF book written a few years ago stated the early PAF's used a different wire than the later ones for winding....who knows? GT neck pu wins, burst bridge pu is big and full with clarity and it seems a little louder the the GT bridge pu. Maybe raising the GT bridge pu will make it a littler fuller? The total fun of tweaking guitars! 🙂🙂👍👍

[@nortin1o]

Evel Conevel was a big deal out here when I was a kid. thanks for all you do Tom.

[@Jerrylumdegaard]

Hey Tom, been playing since I was 12 and was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s here at age 54. It gets painful and frustrating because the hands are painful aren’t quite doing what I tell them to. I get pissed and put her in the corner and then another one of your vids comes on and I creep back over and play some more. I’m looking at it as a limitation that’s gonna force me to develop a style in order to overcome it. Thanks for your continued inspiration!!

[@tomcoryell]

I’m 67 and my hands are going as well. Oddly, after I’ve played for awhile the pain subsides unless I go for a long Larry Carlton type bendy song. My Sis has Parkinson’s as does the drummer in my band. I’m sorry you have to deal with that brother.

[@Jerrylumdegaard]

@@tomcoryell much appreciated, I’m taking it as just something else life throws at us and we have to adapt to and overcome. But I do seek out inspiration and lord knows our dear Uncle provides!! Cheers and be well.

[@cpost1558]

Uncle Larry, you are the best! Hey, I know you love original prog Genesis, I don't hear you talk about Rush too much. I've heard you mention Neil Peart, but I don't know your thoughts on the band. I am a big Rush fan. You may have already mentioned them in a previous video, I apologize if this is old. (I know I'm being too serious, but you said don't change) and I do enjoy your playing and story telling so much in Homeskoolin, you are the Best! Thanks Larry!

[@Busk_N_Groove]

Best Christmas toy ever. Thanks Ideal & RIP Evel. To my ears, Best to Least… Goldie, the 335, The Burst. Btw, Go Dawgs! ☔️

[@adamjoseph2704]

To my ears, its all in the attack of each instrument. The '57 has the snappiest, more twangy attack, followed by the bold fat attack of the Burst followed by the airy 335 which was to be expected being semi-hollow. I also would bet that the pickups in the Burst are a tad hotter than those in the '57 Goldie just because I hear a bit clearer note bloom with less compression on the Goldie. But honestly it really is splitting hairs because in the end they do sound very similar in the big scheme of things. All 3 instruments sounded amazing.

[@bpatts1652]

They all sound great Uncle Larry… !!!

[@TheBigH1975]

I wouldn't kick any of 'em out of bed... 😄 Awesome as always.

[@jonasgrundsted1977]

All 3 guitars sounds great man… all cool. I know that we are listening through that ole iPhone mic and all, but that Goldtop just have a certain quack in lack of a better word. And I love that sound despite what others might think. The burst sound a bit rounder to me and yeah cool as ever. Last but not least the 335 sounds like a good mix in between… but hey it’s all good and with you playing Uncle Larry even a cheap copy would sound fabulous. 🎸😊👍