Three Les Pauls

[@JRingo-vp5wp]

Nice! I just picked up an Epiphone 1960 Tribute Plus in Black Cherry yesterday for $300 with HSC (made by Road Runner), an extra set of Ernie Ball nickel wound strings, a strap, locking strap gadgets, and original paper work. Amazing deal! It looks, sounds, and feels absolutely amazing!!! Thanks for a nice comp and review!

[@alastor1419]

the gibson les paul you held is LUXURY!

[@batphink2655]

I own the Epi 1960 Les Paul Tribute Plus and had it since 2015 and love it. Except for a tiny flaw on the binding it is a beautiful guitar, problem free, sounds big/warm and plays like a dream. Some friends with Gibsons love it! Unlike many people with this model my Epiphone logo on the headstock looks like Mother of Pearl!

[@SS-yn4oc]

Epi 60 Tribute plus owners unite! I really like mine, which I play every day, just about. The inlays are absolutely perfect. But this review is the best I've seen on KZbin--just a patient break down of the components, playability, and sound.

[@levis5230]

I've had my Sapphire blue tribute since 2014. It's an amazing guitar.

[@jacobvddoes4121]

Were they ever $600? They are 850 now.

[@RAKESHSHANTHAPPA]

this is one of the most detailed reviews I have seen!! Great Work sir!!! I appreciate the extent to which you explained all the details.

[@johnneely8785]

Thanks for the time and effort you put into this. I own and love my Epiphone LP Special II and my Gibson LP Studio! Your comparisons are clear and fair and really helpful. I even like your playing style. Great reviews!

[@howardanderson3061]

Great Demo, your the first person who really broke down the Mono Price Route 66. Thanks for playing the same for each guitar...very helpful. I just ordered the Route 66 and now I know what I'm in for...

[@edwardprete]

Every demo should be this thorough, great job.

[@svfutbol20]

10:10 That's unfortunate, referring to the inlays, I just received my 1960 Tribute Plus about a week ago, and the inlays are literally perfect, not a single gap. They are Gibson quality, to be honest. Maybe it's because of it's age, being a bit newer. I opted for the Vintage Burst, and for anyone looking at the Epi, just pull the trigger. It is an absolutely fantastic guitar. Plays just as well as a Standard after you replace the nut and polish the frets a bit.

[@johnplanetz]

That's great to hear about the inlays. Hopefully they've tightened up their tolerances there. Enjoy that guitar!

[@zardonaz2963]

svfutbol20 Same here... My Tribute Plus has perfect inlays - nothing like the ones shown in this video. BTW: I chose my Epi over 3 Gibson studios I was looking at and trying at the time. The Epi felt easier to play, had equal tone, and looked so much nicer than the Gibsons. Good video though. Thanks.

[@Michaelfromfremont]

Here as well... Not one single issue with inlays, although a little bit of bleeding into the binding in a few spots on the cherry sunburst. All in all, a kick-butt guitar that sounds great! Especially through the Blackstar HT5r mini stack I purchased along with it. Congrats on your tribute plus! Awesome guitars!!! Regards

[@svfutbol20]

Michaelfromfremont Had mine get a setup and custom bone nut, and it plays amazing through a Blackstar HT-40 SE with the Celestion Vintage 30 in it

[@Michaelfromfremont]

svfutbol20 I bet my man!!! Blackstar has made a believer outta' me!!! Lots of tone in them there amps!!! :-)

[@mikeyx-d1v]

Thanks for this video! It can be hard to find unbiased, comprehensive comparisons between similar guitars. Good job!

[@shannonwomaje4123]

Extremely concise and detailed - doesn't miss a detail. As well as Mr. Cooper speaks, it is sad that these are your only reviews. There is nothing I do not believe that he could do a review on that wouldn't come out very professional. Very helpful and masterfully filmed. Professional, like your playing.

[@johnplanetz]

Thanks Shannon for the kind words. I wish I had time to do more videos like this. So much to do, and so little free time!

[@mrpres17]

Great video and it's good to see you again with a new video :)

[@digidgetnation]

I find all my Monoprice guitars to be fantastic. Considering the price, it's crazy to eventually do a fret job. Might as well get a new guitar. So that is what I did. I now have a number of Monoprice guitars and am satisfied with all of them. I continually rotate the use of them so as to put as little fret wear on each one. Get a Gibson Les Paul for over $1,000.00 or get about 9 Monoprice guitars for about the same price. The choice is yours. I choose having multiple Monoprice guitars. They all look and sound great!

[@Fam0usspeakerr]

If you're serious, you're an idiot.

[@digidgetnation]

Fam0usspeakerr It would cost more to do a fret job on a Monoprice guitar than to buy a brand new guitar.

[@SuperSmellyturd]

digidgetnation Check out Agile guitars. I think they're better for just a little more money.

[@motomark9736]

You could of had a Gibson son with all the money you spent

[@peterdvideos]

John, I really appreciate your guitar videos. You are very thorough and obviously spend a lot of time making them. Keep up the great work!

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

Very nice presentation, no unwanted drama; very enjoyable and I feel I've learned / can't wait to view all your' work.

[@Rickholly74]

Great video. I agree with Kevin, you set a new standard for guitar review videos. Great job and very in depth. Thanks. (I love my Epi 1960 Tribute Plus)

[@mboyer68]

I absolutely love the way you play, keep going back and forth trying to copy it! Thank you for the review and..excellent guitar playing!

[@nwrth]

Outstanding, in-depth comparison. Great work! :)

[@bjmitts]

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to do that. I didn't even know monoprice did guitars.

[@rosaparks7263]

Best review I have ever seen, keep em coming

[@peterwheeler6551]

i love the way you clearly explain !!!!!!! great video !!!!!!!

[@ermenegildotosi7443]

Hi John, thanks a lot for the very exhaustive and well done comparative test. Now I'm very interested to play a Gibson Les Paul Studio. Ciao Gildo

[@robertoatway3653]

Nice and informative

[@aarondudfield2837]

These are the kind of reviews I always want, forever. Fantastic. Thanks.

[@MateuszTrojak]

Thank you for detailed review with all inside and outside details!

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Excellent review, thanks for taking the time to do it right.

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

I just got a Epi. LP custom quilt top LE from American Musical supply. I have not seen any review's of the guitar anywhere I look. The one you are showing in honey burst flame top is close to what mine look's like except for the quilt top. The only difference with mine and the one you showed is that it has probucker's instead of the 57's like my Gibson SG standard has. but it sound's fantastic for the price of 579.00. I love the quilt top but am not really a big fan of the red back, but that is just a minor detail for me. I also have a Epi. LP custom pro 017 and it is one of the best guitar's I've ever played for the price point at 699.00 . If you happen to come across one of the Quilt top LP's 2020 inspired by Gibson line I'd love to see a review.

[@BMWBikes-i7n]

Well done made, very informative! Thanks a lot! Best regards Marc

[@1trailwalker]

Thank you for the great review. glad to see you back to the videos you have tought me a lot about guitars. Thanks...

[@BubaKast]

Thank you, a very informative review. I really enjoyed a demonstration

[@xjf459]

Sweet I'm not the only guitarist with OCD lol!! Great job . I dig how you used regular Joe rhetoric while still elaborating on the specifics.

[@revman417]

Thanks, I enjoyed your review, extremely informative and well put together...

[@Hubbs3of6]

Great review! Thanks man. Very thorough. Sorry I just now saw it. Looks like you put it out over a year ago. I subscribed.

[@RKseekeroftruth]

Excellent vid John, you have really stepped it up in quality over these last few years -- again, excellent sir. Having owned a standard I have really come to appreciate the studios I have had privy of playing, although, the Epiphone's are looking more and more appealing these days. Thx, rk

[@andrebenoit404]

I just bought that LP studio from the beginning a couple days ago! Except mines a 2016

[@Demaglia]

Didn't know Johnny Sins could play guitar.

[@dragonslayergt287]

Haha

[@kebab_boi]

Demaglia dammit I'm one year late, otherwise I wanted to comment the same thing ahahah

[@Wayneextremity]

He's also an astronaut, a doctor, a plumber, a layer, a politician..guitar shouldnt be a surprise

[@ratnajyotichakraborty1092]

Well this is a little malnutritioned one

[@marcricos]

LMAO very hard hahahahahaha

[@dougbuswell2689]

Great video, I own 3 Les Paul guitars everyone has it's own feel, Sound and attitude.. God Bless and keep the videos rolling

[@fatoskrasniqi26]

This is absolutely the best review video I have ever seen. Thank you!

[@joshuajones5825]

thinking about picking up a monoprice for around the house. there's a lot of good reviews

[@edwinmartinez9787]

thank you finally somebody explain perfectly the difference the guitar is

[@NounourSOAD]

9:51 The Epi is a maple top, not veneer. Inlays are good on mine aswell. Very worthy guitar tbh.

[@johnplanetz]

9:03 "with a carved maple cap and a vibrant AAA flame maple veneer on top of that".

[@NounourSOAD]

You're right, my bad !It explains the plastic binding then.

[@woodyamsterdam]

Outstanding review/comparison!

[@nthdegree1269]

very good review. easy to watch and listen to, and to the point.

[@Judesmood118]

Eye contact at 💯 dude! 😊 awesome breakdown and playing!

[@54mood]

Very good.Thank you.

[@TylerRietz]

Great informative video!

[@wiseguy9202]

I absolutely love Gibsons wider fingerboard around the 2013-2015 era. Just bought a 2020 Standard and wished it had the wider board.

[@copperaudio9664]

The Les Paul Studio sounds rich and creamy. Great demo, thanks.

[@goodboyringo9716]

I have the same 1960 tribute plus and tried to find the Gotoh 1511 bridge you mentioned but it's nowhere to be found ? Did you misspeak the number 1511 ? Update ..... found it at Stew Mac , but not sure to buy the chrome or nickel ?

[@johnplanetz]

I bought the 1511-N bridge and 5740-N stop tailpiece at stewmac - both in nickel. This was way back in 2012 but looks like they're still available.

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@johnplanetz ... I has two Epiphones with the wire on the bridge but they don't buzz or give me any problem. So I'll keep them stock until I have a problem, I guess.

[@50goldstrat101]

Nice job. Thank you!

[@tracywelsh5315]

Congratulations On your newest Gibson! It is the best -so much cooler than the other two - I love your vids - More please muchas garcias from Oakland ca👉🏼🦉👈🏻

[@dualthreat74]

Studio all the way! I plan on getting the Epiphone version soon.

[@bkpro1984]

After listening to all 3 guitars, the Gibson Les Paul Studio sounds the best to me overall and looks AWESOME!! I have the same exact 2013 Gibson Les Paul Studio, which I bought as an upgrade to my Epiphone Les Paul Standard and it was the best $1150 I ever spent for a guitar !..!

[@edwardprete]

This video shows how capable each are in the right hands. All I feel have their merits at their respective price points but you can hear the differences when you listen closely. While you might not do recording work with a $100 guitar it can hold its own weight. Then again EVH turned an industry on its ear with a couple hundred bucks in parts. Focus on the craft hone it and it will become second nature.

[@djfox1555]

that monoprice is damn good for a 100 dollar copy as well.. certainly a lit better than my s101 American copy I started with XD

[@djfox1555]

the 60s tribute is truly a great guitar I've owned a 09 studio raw power and a Gibson standard and since I've owned this guitar and have done a little parts swaps on it but it's mainly all original still it out does every guitar I've owned

[@willyburger]

Nice review, especially the similar settings and playing styles between guitars. I've had a couple of Epi LPs over the years and though I'm a Strat guy, your review makes me want to go shopping for a Gibbie Studio. :)

[@sophiecooper]

The Gibson case really does smell delicious, I didn't believe him yesterday. It smells like cookies and cream!

[@johnplanetz]

It really does!

[@12south31]

They infuse vanilla scent in the case materials

[@rayjaysonic]

OK, great video , one of the best comparison vids I have seen, but the big question, is, was the Gibson worth the extra money over the Epiphone? Once you had/have the Epiphone properly set up, is the Gibson that more staisfying to play?

[@johnplanetz]

I wrote about this here: www.planetz.com/birthdays-with-les-paul In terms of playability and sound, they are similar (aside from differences between the 57 classics vs 490-series pickups). The cosmetics, fretwork and general workmanship are better on the Gibson, and it's made in the USA. Whether that's worth the extra money is up to you :)

[@rayjaysonic]

Nice article, very interesting read. I must go and play a Gibson. I have done a lot of work to my Epiphone Les Paul, changed the wiring, switches and caps, and installed a set of Bareknuckle PG Blues pick ups, so it's about as good as I can make it. Would be interesting to see how it compares to a stock Gibson! ;-)

[@alexhe1987]

Nice review!! visited your website before and sent you couple emails regarding the pickup position!! thank you for your response !! Keep it up !!

[@69kpm]

I have an Epiphone Limited edition Firebrid with the great 57s Classic pups. It is my best sounding guitar, they really shine on limited editions. They made only 500 of these, I paid $200.00 for this beauty. Les Pauls my Standard is great and my nicest guitar, a gift. The price was 2,800.00 new. My work horse that I gig with and use for almost everything is my Gibson Studio. Not the bottom and but well below the Standard, the price was 1,100.00. Epiphone really does a great job.

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

I have an Epiphone Elitist. I bought it before they did away wit that model. My favorite guitar.

[@aking3rr]

First; let me say that I'm nowhere near an expert in guitars, so this is just a layman's opinion. I ran this video simultaneously in two separate tabs to get a better comparison. I switched back and forth in short increments to catch the tonal sound quality of each in close proximity of time to try and make a fair comparison. While I understand the superior quality of components and craftsmanship in the two more expensive Gibson made guitars, I'll be damn if I can detect $1000 dollars worth of difference in sound quality in any of them. They all sound great to me. Maybe it's due to advancements in technology and manufacturing, but for whatever reason some of these cheap guitars are now pretty darn good.

[@loganroyy]

Well it’s not really all the guitar that makes it sound good. He’s a great player so he can make a lot of things sound good. He’s also playing on an amazing amplifier. But if you listen enough you can notice how much more pronounced the tone and resonance of the sound is of the two more expensive ones.

[@eddiebaby22]

great demo, your videos are amazing! player 80% of the sound, amp 15% guitar 5% if you want to waste money on gibsons for sound alone its up to you. but they are investments you can always sell on. if i had to choose one on sound it would be the epi, then gibson but they are all good. I wonder if it would be the same in a blind test, it would make things harder : )

[@gordontubbs]

I think the argument for the Monoprice is that even with an additional $200-$300 for upgrades to transform it into a completely better instrument, you're still under the price point of an Epiphone Les Paul Plus. I know a lot of people hate on Gibson these days because of what they've done really since 2010 and beyond with the Les Paul, not to mention price hikes across the board for everything (and even Fender is included in that!) due to the economy. But it is what it is.

[@vicsponjr]

thank man. great job, lots of info

[@clintwilkes6950]

Great Review! Thanks!

[@jthall123]

For the last several years the way factories push guitars out the door, I don't care if you buy a $ 500.00 guitar or a $ 3,000.00, they are not going to play or sound good until you have them set up by someone that knows what they are doing. Set the neck, lower action, most needs fret work done, set intonation and a set of good strings. It's well worth the money and you won't be happy with a guitar untill you do.

[@gregmcnamara3126]

Awesome review. I didn't realise that the Epi tribute model came with Gibson 57's. Nice touch! On a completely unrelated note, has anyone noticed how much this Dude looks like Johnny Sins?

[@johnd942]

The best review of Les Paul's I've ever seen; both thumbs up! But the staring into the camera during 'fades and swells'' was a bit strange to say the least; maybe the reason behind the 'negative' thumbs down.

[@selphproductions3153]

When will your next video come out? I always enjoy your vids and they have helped me alot. Thanks keep up the great work ☺

[@johnplanetz]

+GUITARxSLAYER - thanks for the kind words! Other stuff has been occupying my time, but I will hopefully get back to making new videos some day :)

[@SDgooo]

awesome review of epiphone lp tribute plus, thx a lot, it really helped me decide :)

[@mns8732]

Nice job 👍

[@therollband1290]

The irony is that the Epiphone has the best electronics of the 3 guitars in this video. I think it has the best sound

[@brucealcoriza1606]

I have the same exact year of Gibson Les Paul like yours, only difference is, it's a 50's Tribute, with P90 pickups...I want to upgrade the bridge pick up to a mini humbucker, maybe a Seymour Duncan Seymourized or Antiquity mini humbucker...:) It sounds good already but I want that warm and growling tone of humbuckers like that Epiphone Les Paul of yours...Very good review and very informative video, by the way...Thanks...:)

[@denniszanone9480]

Good job, very informative

[@uncutVidsd123]

great video funny thing is of course if i had a choice id pick the Gibson but the binding just makes guitars look so much better IMO

[@simonlee-plunket5005]

What riffs were you playing? sounded great!

[@acepaul407]

I could only wish for guitar as nice as the Route 66 when I first started out. For the price, that is a kick ass guitar to start with.

[@12south31]

Just an FYI to all the comments on the smell of the Gibson case. They infuse vanilla into the materials. That's why it smells so good.

[@iggyflop3777]

the epiphone sound is the best

[@martinfederico7269]

This is how a review is made! at last!

[@Sparky6string]

That Epiphone seems to make the Gibson unnecessary, though it's pretty. I've got both Epis and Gibbys and I go back and forth about which I prefer actually. To be fair the Gibsons are solid bodied Studio LP and SG Special while the Epis are a Pelham Blue Limited Edition es-355 and a es-339 P90 Pro, and I prefer semi-hollows. The best is an Epi Elitist Les Paul. I really wanted to like those good looking Studios but I never found one that did it for me. I 'settled' on a yellowing Alpine White Studio with the ebony board- sweet guitar. Also with the 490/498 combo.

[@Sparky6string]

@Jimmy Durex I remember when they weren't very god. Perhaps you lack perspective: I dare you to compare a Korean made Epi to a modern Chinese made one. They are indeed made well, and they play and sound great these days.

[@azt3ca]

great comparison

[@MrPetersVideo]

The Epiphone had Linear Taper Volume pots and Logarithmic Taper Tone pots??? How good is the "audio linearity' of those Linear Taper Volume pots? And I guess how "NOT ON/OFF in result" are those Log Tone pots? (on/off probably being at one end).

[@kdale415]

Inside the case smells strangely delicious, lol. Love it, I have always felt the same way. Nice explanation of each, very helpful. Nice video, thanks.

[@gtbmjb7192]

Nicely done well thought out comparo. Once had a 70s Ibanez LP_violin finish great guitar, seemed heavy tho. Had a 80s LP studio cherry finish. I also liked it because it wasn't bound, just all tone. To me the Studio was the winner in the overall and (especially) tone category. However I am a value shopper and the Gibs are hard for me to justify money wise. Would have liked to hear your overall evaluation here also. Thank you for your good work.

[@jasonmaltz7040]

John Cooper thanks for the review. I have been considering both the Epiphone tribute as well as a Gibson either LP Studio or Classic. Been on the fence because I own an Epiphone Sheraton ii which I upgraded the pickups, wiring and bride/tailpiece to Tonepros, but it still seems very dark. My guess is its the the veneer finish. But your Epi sounds great! Any thoughts? It seems like a great value for the $$$. I can easily afford the Gibson, but dont want to just pay for the name.

[@johnchase8510]

It's not the finish making the guitar dark. Did you use 500kOhm pots, or 250kOhm? 250ks will sound darker, and pickup height adjustment has a marked effect on tone. Both Lindy Fralin and Seymour Duncan have good videos on pickup height adjustment to get you in the ballpark. Tweak to taste from there as to what your ears tell you. Great comparison John, thank you. It was fun to hear the difference between the pickups in the Gibson and the Epi. Both sound nice, but definitely different.

[@jasonmaltz7040]

500k Bourn pots. Thanks for the info, will look for those videos. I did just buy a used Gibson LP Studio which comes in today.

[@ChristopherGrech123]

The Gibson Les Paul Studio definitely sounded the best in the demo. The Epi sounded great but the first one sounded like it may have problems with tuning and intonation.

[@glynisburdon3621]

I'm buying a vintage Trevor Wilkinson les Paul and I have been told that they blow the epis away and sound just as good as a Gibson,I'll do a review when I get it

[@andrewbryan359]

Hi John Really thorough review - thank you. I have a 2003 USA Gibson and a 2013 Epiphone PlusTop Pro. Both great guitars. I have to say that I play my Epiphone most. Maybe I feel sorry for it as so many people are rude about them without reason in my opinion. Binding, frets, inlays and pick ups are excellent. It has the retaining wire on the bridge but mine doesn't buzz so no problem there. At £350 it is real value for money (and it has a warranty which the fakes don't have).

[@meowtrox1234]

Would you rather play a greco 550eg than the casino? somebody in my country is selling his pre loved greco 550eg for 667$ while a brand new epiphone casino sells at about the same price, what do you recommend? which of these 2 guitars will satisfy a player such as yourself? thanks for your input

[@johnplanetz]

Sorry, I don't know anything about the Greco. I recommend you play both and choose the one that feels best to you!

[@meowtrox1234]

Finally got my hands on an epiphone feels much better ,the tone is more "deep" than the greco thanks!

[@parkerhatcher224]

A 2013 Gibson LP studio is the first "Good" Gibson I've owned. After that I went a little Gibson crazy. Haha! One quick thing. The 2013's were chambered. Almost hollow. Very very sweet tone despite lack of material.

[@johnplanetz]

Yeah, the lighter weight is a major plus. I showed a picture of the "modern weight relief" chambering at 15:36

[@julsrique9148]

What the people wants for $99 dollars? For that price sounds incredible! I liked!

[@LynxPlaysOfficial]

Sounds so good with overdrive

[@georgerobinson9275]

My 1960 tribute is not a maple venier but a solid maple cap. When did this start?

[@johnplanetz]

The one in the video (described at 9:02) also has a solid maple cap, but with the addition of a flamed maple veneer for aesthetics.

[@JP-lz4fp]

this is one of the most detailed reviews i ve seen!! Great Work man!!! would like to ask you about the Epi Tribute plus...I ve seen that yours is the classic Cherry burst colour...but so far from my seach i ve noticed that its only available in Faded Cherry burst which has more orange than Red...is that so??

[@johnplanetz]

The one in this video is the Faded Cherryburst. I have seen a number of online pictures which make the orange look unpleasantly bright. In person, it is a nicer, richer color.

[@homeslice1479]

Iordanis P. I have an Epi Florentine in Faded Cherryburst, and I'll echo John's comments. It's a good bit warmer and slightly darker in person. Absolutely gorgeous finish. God, I love Epiphone.

[@bambostarla6259]

I'm a sucker for 57 classics so I have to go with the epi. Shame because I wanted to get a gibson but the cheapest one with 57s is the traditional and I't nkt in vintage sunburst soo epi it is

[@tattoofred]

Cool video thanks

[@YoungTrauma]

this dude is staring into my soul

[@bickleyjonas6145]

Autism

[@rveurope]

Love your review! Plus the haptic and sense notes are great! Lp Studios are Awesome instruments! ( the otherd to) cheers from Germany