Les Paul Tribute vs Les Paul Standard...Which Gibson Should You Buy??

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Which guitar did you guys think sounded the best, Tribute or Standard? Enjoy! Guitar Links: Gibson Tribute - imp.i114863.net/Ke2mgy Gibson Standard - imp.i114863.net/15k7J6

[@tammyarmstrong1737]

I'd say the standard.

[@seanbaines]

Standard. Clearer, especially on higher notes, and on single notes to 2-3 string chords. Less noticeable on full 6 string chords, and with high distortion. Pickups on the Tribute are a bit warmer, almost a bit muddy by comparison at times. But they probably compare well to the pickups on most Epiphone Les Pauls. It's a good guitar. And certainly way cheaper. I also like the fact that most of them on the Sweetwater site when you got it came in at 8.5 pounds or less. The biggest drawback to the LP design, IMO, is the neck and shoulder straining weight. Makes them a bad option to play standing up. This one, at a little over 8 lbs if I recall correctly, is probably usable standing up.

[@judih.8754]

Tribute.

[@jet_black]

The standard definitely has more bite and an overall balanced tone.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

The price difference is actually around $200-$300. Why do I say that? Buy both guitars, play them, then sell them 10 years later. You will be able to sell the Standard for $2000 or so. About a $700 drop from the original purchase price. You will be able to sell the Tribute for about $800-$900. About a $400-$500 drop from the original purchase price. In the end, the difference will be about $200-$300. So is owning a Standard and playing it for 10 years worth $200-$300 more than owning and playing a Tribute for 10 years?

[@maclean525]

The Tribute has 490R and T pickups which are more of your classic "warm" Gibson tone while the burstbuckers on the standard are a lot different. Swap the pickups between guitars and the tone would travel with them. That's all we're hearing here. The Tribute is 95% of the guitar at less than half the price. It's an incredible deal.

[@Lon1001]

Yeah it doesn't make a lot of sense to me why to buy a new Standard... if you are into it for the playability, performance or studio recording you are likely going to customize it fairly heavily so may as well start with the more affordable bones and add on from there (unless you are rich and have money to burn). And if you are into collectability it's probably more your thing to find a much older one in decent shape and perhaps even some history.

[@AlexVonCrank]

​@Lon the new standards are epic.

[@RaptorV1USA]

thank you,.. i was thinking the same....how would you compare a tribute to a studio ??

[@LGuitarB]

When you've ever built a guitar, you'll know that the cosmetics like nice bindings and such cost a LOT of time => money. Technically they're not all that different. There could be differences in amounts of time spent on dressing the frets and setting up the guitar perhaps as well.

[@guyincognito320]

There's air in the tone with an Ultra Modern body. There's a big aesthetic difference in tone as you're playing even unplugged which is nothing to dismiss as far as ownership goes. The final amplified product is pretty close and pickups are the majority of the inherent tone as you say but there's a full hog sound with Gibsons and Epiphones that don't have all that weight relief. I do prefer the tone of solid Les Pauls but lightness and clean satin finishes are way way more important to me. The Tribute of the past few years are an outstanding and practical product. Naturally they're ceasing production of this line. They make money in student tier and big money stuff. There's little money in these middle class guitars that us guitar nerd hobbyists love. I think the Tribute brings some new fans over to the brand and they may buy pricier ones as a result. In a perfect world they'd have this Tribute line in killer colors and also a Modern Tribute line with steel frets and maybe a heel carve. But according to their CEO these 1000 dollar range guitars are the lowest margin guitars in the industry so it's hard to produce lots of really awesome ones.

[@phatplat]

I feel like the standard has a lot of flare that is just there to make it look pretty. I love the stripped down look of the tribute.

[@letstink]

Same I'm getting it to save a buck.

[@yanblondin7490]

Exactly. Binding and gloss finish cost a lot.

[@choowie92]

Put the standard pickups on the tribute and I'm pretty sure the tribute will sound like the standard. Great vid!

[@christophervincent8420]

I actually like the warmer tones of the Tribute. It has that really good older warmth sound to it.

[@pritchettdan]

I get that. No argument here...

[@bushcry1]

Agreed!

[@joshuafreedman7703]

The warmer tones make it sound more ...seasoned...

[@christophervincent8420]

@@joshuafreedman7703 agreed. It makes it sound more accurate

[@dd52161]

cmon. you're just saying that as you can't afford a standard obviously pal

[@marcinczyz9159]

When I was shopping for a Les Paul back in 2013 I tried 8 of them in a store, a few Standards, a Traditional and a couple of Tributes. I went home with a 70's Tribute because it sounded and played the best of the bunch. I still want to get a Standard some day, just because of the iconic looks, but I would have to stumble upon one that sounds at least as good or better than my Tribute, which is still with me after almost 9 years.

[@galelongputt]

I just bought the honey burst version like yours. For all the money you save over a standard It would be very easy to upgrade pickups, electronics and tuners and still come out way ahead. All the rest on the more expensive Les Paul's is just eye candy. Thanks 😊 Darrell

[@alharris1508]

Exactly....

[@rickrodrigues2219]

Eye candy...BINGO!!!

[@firemarshal2629]

Upgrade to what? The pickups, pots, and tuners are all top of the line. Maybe a sideways move, wouldn’t call it an upgrade.

[@galelongputt]

@@firemarshal2629 locking tuners, hand wired pots with better caps for instance. Better pickups can certainly be had but maybe the most subjective of the lot. I am also considering some coil tapping pots. I'm not saying anything on the Tribute is low quality but there is plenty of room for upgrades.

[@blastofo]

Its a great deal. You have an LP standard, minus binding and gloss, for half the price. Is gloss and binding worth a grand? Hell no.

[@judih.8754]

I guess affordable is relative. I liked sounds of the Tribute.

[@picksalot1]

I think your comparison was spot on. Significant tone tone differences can be made by raising or lowing the pickups, and raising the pole piece heights will add more treble and clarity. It would be and interesting and instructive video to see if you can get the tone closer by adjusting the pickups as mentioned.

[@johnpise1723]

I would like to hear them with the same picks ups that would be fair!

[@SNTOSN]

Yes. Having both with pickup covers on or off. And ajusting the pickup height and pole pieces. I think it will make the tribute sound closer to the standard and maybe even avoid the need for a pickup change.

[@craiger2399]

By adjusting the pole pieces and pickup height, my Tribute sounded better than my Standard (to me), and I sold the Standard. All the presence and sizzle was right there waiting to be tweaked out of it. I didn't need to pull the covers off, but that would add more top end if needed.

[@larrynew7258]

Tone differences have a lot to do with volume.set the tone volume on the tribute a bit different you got the same sound or just get better pickups if you cant do that.

[@lilymae4131]

I bought the Tribute a few months back when one of the online stores had a discount for members putting them around $980. I like the look of both the Tribute and Standard, but at what the Standard costs, It would likely be treated like an heirloom with me being afraid to play it. If money were no object I would have picked the Standard. As for the sound I might lean slightly towards the Standard, but still very happy with the Tribute.

[@JustBcozx84]

I’m still kicking myself for not buying a used 2021 Tribute for $830 at a GC near me a few months ago

[@Clinthopanonymous]

Both sound great but the Tribute is the type of guitar that i'd plan on playing for a few years than trading it out for something else. The Standard would be an heirloom.

[@metrostatetacticalicecream6945]

Hit the nail on the head with that one. I had a tribute, swapped the pickups and yada yada yada, ended up selling it then bought a new Standard. Haven’t touched it, sounds and plays fantastic right out of the case. Also looks like a million bucks. Nothing against the tributes they are good guitars, but buy one and you’re fooling yourself if you think they will ever be a standard and you’ll still want the standard. Buy once cry once. Save your cash to buy what you really want, ends up being cheaper in the long run.

[@johnmaynes7142]

Me, personally, my only gripe with the Tribute is the modern weight relief chambering. I love the lack of binding, maple neck, plain maple top, and that it’s a teardrop burst at that price. I would get the iced tea finish. For me, it’s almost the perfect Les Paul but I’m not knocking the standards, they’re amazing instruments as well. Granted, I can’t afford either of them and have only played a Gibson standard once but I was blown away by it. On paper, almost exactly what I want, I’d pick the tribute, again, only gripe being the chambering.

[@pritchettdan]

Totally.

[@BrewReview]

To boot, is a Les Paul with a maple neck..really a Les Paul? That said, I’ve only ever played two LP’s that I really liked the feel of and I don’t own one, so I’m not one to talk.

[@bobainsworth9571]

@@johnmaynes7142 I agree totally about the "weight relief" because it affects (ok a little) the sustain unless you play at a high level.

[@oliverjames7315]

I love the stripped back looks of the tribute. In its own way I think it's just as appealing as the standard.

[@levimaynard2237]

The tribute is a great guitar, they are very resonant and they feel and play like a million bucks....

[@barrymiller2272]

I was surprised by how well that Tribute actually sounded. I've been playing 30 plus years and have turned into a collector. I have 8 Les Paul's including a 2019 Standard 60's unburst, and i do own a 2011 Tribute...but it has p-90's in it. Mine plays extremely smooth after a pro setup and bone nut put in. I paid something like $899 for it new and i love it! I have 2 custom shop lp's as well and they sound incredible...but not over 6k better! Keep up the great work DBG....it is appreciated 👅😁👍

[@j_music_8779]

If you're looking for that classic Les Paul tone without breaking the bank and you don't care about binding, high gloss nitro, etc., the Tribute is one heck of a bargain. Nice comparison Darrell. That Standard is a beauty!

[@glenngardin3561]

Nice comparison, Darrell. I personally could not tell much difference in the tone, certainly not triple the price! One thing that you did not mention, though, was re-sale. A Standard or Custom will be worth much more and might even be collectable in the future. The Tribute, or Studio, probably not so much. IMO.

[@dieterhoffmann4316]

Not really sure about that. Bought my 50ies Tribute in 2016 for 789 € in Germany (less than 840 $ / today's exchange rate). Haven't seen a used one for that price yet. Not that I'm ever gonna sell her, though ;-)

[@Cookie4yabro]

I highly recommend finding a Gibson Les Paul Traditional on the used market from the years 2013-2015…they were spec’d how the 50s standards are now (non weight relieved body, hand soldered pots, nitro finish, binding, upgraded pickups, chunky neck). I got a 2014 model in mint condition for $1500

[@187Kustom]

You know the deal man! Bought my old Tribute 60s in 2013 and more than happy with the satin slim taper neck , Swisscheese weight relief body and burstbucker PUs (no bindings tho)

[@alesstysanchez1614]

Just picked up the tribute LP today. I love the satin finish made in USA not so candy looking like the other Paul’s on the rack. Mainly like because its a classic vintage version which makes all the sense of having a warmer tone

[@edwardsmith9801]

The standards are beautiful, the tribute is more my kinda guitar. I personally like plain tops, I like the warmer tones from the tribute as well & yeah I wouldn't feel like ide have too baby it.

[@johncraftenworth7847]

those tributes look really good. I think the guitar companies have maxed out the "price no object guitar buyer" and decided to offer nice stuff in a more affordable package. Nice offerings under Fender, Squier, Gibson, Epiphone in the lower pricepoints :O

[@maxmonaco]

I’ve owned Tribute and Classic, played Tribute, Classic, Studio, Custom and Standard 50’s and 60’s. Standards are the best for they price. Really. I’ve saved a lot of money when I’ve bought a Tribute, but I didn’t get what I wanted, what the most important for me.

[@twenty3electronics]

I appreciate the inclusion of finger style in this comparison.

[@JohnAVid]

Great comparison. I picked up a Tribute as my first Les Paul. Love it. Other than cosmetics, there's not a lot of compromise. The satin finish is amazing on the neck. I do agree that the pickups lack a bit of high-end. Typically that's only a problem when I'm playing through the Spark practice amp which has a lot of bass to it already. Bit of EQ evens things out nicely. Overall a really fun guitar to play.

I enjoyed the Standard far above the Tribute! It sounds so much more punchier!!

[@OnTheFritz602]

I really like the plain carved maple top on the Tribute. The natural wood grain is not flashy/gaudy, and original "Bursts" had just that. Not a huge fan of the binding either, so for me it would be the Tribute all day long. Pups and electronics can be easily changed, and that always seems to be an issue with some players regardless of the guitar.

[@ScreenTeamShow]

I kinda like the warmer tone of the Tribute, and I love the stripped down look.

[@s9plus20]

When considering price, that Plek job is $299 from Sweetwater. That puts the guitar in competition with the $1000 guitars. I think its very competitive. Both of those are really nice guitars. I have a Standard and a Special with P90s. They are my 2 favorite guitars.

[@Victor.Hugo1]

For me the most important is how it feels. I tried an epiphone and a classic gibson recently and was blown away by the difference in feel. The sound was obviously different, but the gibson was certainly way more pleasant to play:

[@DogFoodTunes]

have a tribute p90 goldtop chambered with a roasted maple fretboard. weighs like a strat and is really resonant. Stock pickups were so-so, added kent armstrongs -nice. Stock 3way switch was bad, replaced. Upgraded tuners. Plays great, sounds great. Worth considering.

[@petdoe8938]

Kent's pickup's are really special more people should know about them

[@austyrocker4231]

Standard sounded better, but I like the satin finish on the tribute better. Just feels the best in my hands.

[@Rico_B]

Great video. I had the Tribute for a year+. Sold it and bought a Epi-Slash--don't miss the Tribute at all. Thanks for the comparison.

[@bushcry1]

Thats interesting....

[@firemarshal2629]

My band started writing more and more songs in a different tuning than our others so I decided to buy another LP to save time tuning. Didn’t have the funds for a standard and got a great deal on a 2016 Tribute. Honestly the differences are so minimal that I hardly notice when I’m playing. If I was to buy a new LP I would go with a tribute in a heart beat.

[@richardwright1195]

Ditto

[@RByrne]

I've had 2 of both, and the standard is definitely made to a higher standard(and I don't just mean added features and binding etc). The Tribute Is a bit rougher and muddy sounding, but still very good.

[@tog2842]

I found the tribute to feel more like another brands attempt at a les paul style guitar rather than an actual les paul.

[@RByrne]

@@tog2842 yeah it's definitely a less polished guitar. Fit and finish isn't as good for sure. I think that's true until you get up to a studio, which is where you notice s difference.

[@mikecarreca7864]

Hello Darrell, I think the Tribute sounded warmer, but it still sounds great. I do not own a Tribute but I do have a standard, two studio editions, and a custom. I believe Gibson has come a long way in improving their quality and sound. Thank you for your great video.

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

Right out the gate the Tribute hanged with the Standard. Very good Demo. Thanks.

[@PedroMcGyver]

I’d add that the two feel completely different to play. I went to a store with budget to get a standard, but also tried some tributes and epiphones. All great guitars, but for me the tribute was the right one. It feels amazing to play and the sound is perfect for the kind of music I write. Also worth saying that I tried 3 tributes, and noticed clear differences between them too, so I recommend going to a shop and playing as many as you can until you find the one.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

The lack of pickup covers on the Standard would give it a bit more high end or sizzle. The Tribute sounds fine to me.

[@2627568]

I like the Tribute, but that's because my guitar is cheaper to, love the videos and your the man who got me into guitar. Keep up the work.

[@FrankJmClarke]

I got a Les Paul Studio with Burstbuckers from the pawn shop yesterday, I'm very happy with the tone compared to my other humbucking guitars. Compared to a more expensive LP with burstbuckers, I can't really tell the difference in a blind test, so I feel really well off. I can't honestly hear the binding or the neck tenon or the glue. Actually I can hear bridge/tailpiece hardware differences, but I could easily change that. Before there were people doing videos like this, I wouldn't have been able to make an informed decision, so much appreciation for Darrel, thank you!

[@guitareveryone]

I think the biggest deciding factors between lower priced and high end in a Gibson or any other brand will be how much we are satisfied with the lower end models. Playability and tone will always be subjective especially if you set up your guitars to preference or change the pickups. But the biggest factor I believe will always be the bling factor and pride of ownership. There will always be something in a dream guitar that will inspire you to play things that you probably wouldn’t on a guitar that’s less of a “looker” and built cheaper. I’m fortunate enough to own high end guitars and it’s only after acquiring them that I can appreciate and enjoy lower cost guitars that still play,sound, and in many cases look great for a fraction of the price. In fact I just purchased Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster that I just used on a video and just love it although out of the box it didn’t play well without a setup. I guess the point I’m trying to make for those who just can’t afford a high end guitar is to know that great guitars in looks and tone can be bought for a great price these days. Just do your homework. Great episode as usual Darrell! Always enjoy these!

[@joshs3905]

There's no question the bang for buck goes to the Tribute. But you'll never get the same mojo as a standard. Had a tribute for almost 5 years and used it for band jams, gigs, and recording. I did the whole thing of swapping the pickups, changing the strings, adjusting the action. It was a fantastic guitar but in the back of my head I knew I was going to sell it eventually. Finally saved up enough for a Standard and it's been 2 years and I have not modified it at all. It's just a different feeling opening up the case of the Standard. 2 years later and I get the same smile every time when that case opens up. It also holds it's value really well and will only go up.

[@rickrodrigues2219]

I generally play classic & flamenco guitars but a visit to a guitar store I was attracted to the "sound, quality & price" of a Harley Benson CST-24 (Made in Vietnam)! I was told it is a Paul Reed Smith 'clone' (who that is I really don't care!). Just like Gibson it's a solid body flame top (black), bindings, tuners with zero 'backlash'! Even before I played it I was very impressed with the guitar's build quality, action & intonation...exceptional for the price! Although unaccustomed as I was to this style of guitar, playing my type & style of music on this guitar was immencely pleasing & with the price ($285)...I could not resist! My apologies I strayed off point but if you are looking for beauty, the Gibson Standard is a good choice for you...& Gibson will love you! Unfortunately the subtle differences in sound (nuance) of the Gibson Standard simply does not justify 3x the price of a Gibson Tribute & must give an emphatic "Thumbs down" !👎 Yes - equipment matters but it's your guitar skills that makes the biggest difference! Remember... your audience is focused on you & the quality of music you make! Nothing else matters..really!

[@DavidOakesMusic]

I've got a Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2011. I'd be more than happy getting an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson from now on.

[@josephclark5965]

What I really want to see.. Keep the recording of the Standard - but see if you can match the sound on the tribute using amplifier settings. My opinion, brightness was the biggest difference.

[@frankortega4280]

Good comparison Darrell. I own a 1992 Les Paul Studio (Wine Red, Ebony Fingerboard, Gold hardware) that is among the best Les Paul I have ever played. Most who play it agree something special about it. Curious if Gibson has found similar magic in the Tribute model. I may seek one out for comparison.

[@andrewsykes4159]

So glad to see this and the previous two with the tribute. I have a tribute in the same finish. I always enjoy your reviews, and this series made me feel good about that purchase. I had yet to see a 'low end vs standard' for Gibson Les Pauls, and the back to back was great. I always enjoy your videos! Thank you for the good times, good info, and overall good content.

[@fondoman3884]

.. the blue one is just like mine. It's not that I like the blue better it's just that when I had the money it's the only one available .. and I just can't wait 😎. After a while I took out the stock pick ups and installed in DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary.

[@fezmey6117]

I bought a 2017 Tribute right at the end of 2016, and I got it as a bit of a mod platform. Keep in mind that it was a "B stock" from MF, and it only cost about $700 at the time. I have since modded the heck out of it with a softer forearm contour, Axcess style heel joint, and working on a full electronics overhaul. The one thing I thought I would change is one of the things that has stayed the same, and that is the tuners. I know that the Kluson style tuners (branded "Gibson Deluxe") get a bad rep, but these have been working flawlessly for the 5 and a half years I have had the guitar. I still plan on trying an FRX trem on it, but that will have to wait until I can afford one and they are in stock, as they are always sold out when I have the spare cash. This guitar has been passed around to several of my "Gibson hating" friends, and they all love it. I have even had some of my friends that own and/or like Gibsons play it, and they love how it plays. I think that if you want a Gibson on a "budget" or for a heavy mod platform, the Tributes are GREAT! I can't justify almost $3k for a Standard for me, as I like to mod and tinker too much. I think both are great guitars, but if you have to keep a budget, or you don't want to just keep it stock, go for a Tribute. If you want the eye candy, different (not better or worse, just different) pickups, and all of the other appointments of a Standard, and you have the money, get the Standard. Budget, preference, and end goal.

[@DutchVai]

I really like the tones from the Tribute's bridge position in the last clip with hi-gain.

[@johnro6659]

Aside from esthetics and a little difference in tone, IMO the pick ups make that difference I would easily buy the Tribute over the Standard. You can always either remove the metal pick up covers or swap out the pick ups to make the tone closer to the Standard. I have always liked the tone of the 490 r & t pick ups, I have them in my Gibson Explorer and love the tone. The Tribute comes with a gig bag and the Standard with a HSC $200.00 alone. I am very familiar with the Burstbucker 61 R&T on the standard not my fav of the Gibson pick ups. If your not into the looks of your guitar the Tribute IMO is more bang for the buck.

[@johnro6659]

Reported another scammer to KZbin!

[@kevinking2468]

Great review - I could hear the difference as well...I bought a tribute "Special" with P90 pickups for just under $1000 that sounds excellent - Highly recommend this model for the sound and value.

[@jltrem]

A $1400 guitar referred to as "cheap". Welcome to the world of Gibson.

[@connerwright94]

My Schecter Apocalypse was less and would beat a Gibson any day

[@tysonhatch]

Hence the quotations.

[@tysonhatch]

@@connerwright94: "beat" in what way?

[@zagrix]

the tribute series used to be $899 in 2016 now they are almost double

[@RByrne]

@@tysonhatch lol, I love those comments. But usually it's about someone's partscaster.

[@Docstar_sing]

Thanks a lot for making videos like this which helps us as a musician a lot, big love form Taiwan!

[@andytrickett8682]

I bought a tribute a few weeks ago. Been playing 40 years and it rocks out in London blues pubs love it. For me the Tribute does everything I want it to

[@THUNDERWORX]

I love the sound of the Tribute. I have a Fifties Tribute and several other Gibsons. I realize the neck is maple while the standard and studio are mahogany, but to me the Tribute has a sound I associate with an SG or a mahogany acoustic. It is hard to describe. Maybe that is because of the lower pickup output. To me it is an old school guitar with an old school sound. I love the sound. It is light weight and has a fantastic neck. I'll guarantee you Angus would pick the Tribute if he had to switch and only had these two from which to pick. You are exactly right about adding bite. I run through a Friedman BE pedal and a slight chorus into a Mesa and a DSL boosting the treble back up and it is the best sound I have ever had. It is extremely articulate when overdriven in this configuration. I'd rather have three Tributes than one Standard any day of the week. My Studio says Black Beauty on the inside of the electronics cavity plate..... hence, they are all from a bunch of parts and they obviously have a bunch of price tags to stick on them as well. Just think how different the conversation would be if they had sold the Tribute for $5,000 each and bragged on the historic accuracy with modern perfections....LOL. Actually the chambering of the Tribute should put it in the category of the Moderns. The only issue I ha.d with mine was the G string sticking a bit, but I widened the back of the nut at the G string, oiled the neck and use string ease and have had no further tuning issue. Great guitar and I appreciate it coming in at ... well, not a low price but a reasonable price. -Something I can't say about the Standard.

[@TheAtariCreep]

Standards are a standard for a reason, as you stated but I did find it a bit to shrill but that could be the amp too. The warmth of the Tribute called to me more. Full disclosure, I have the Tribute. LOL I like it better than my past Standards. Has a vibe, feel and sound I like better. I am not a binding and flame top kind of guy anyway. I like the warmth to the look of my Tribute and feel it brings something unique out of my playing. 50's LP Standards still rule though. LOL Hope the Tribute series comes out with a P90 Goldtop someday.

[@oshdhaliwal]

I used to have a studio deluxe and now have a slash standard. There's not much of a difference in sound but the difference in the feel of the instrument is massive. Enough to justify the price difference.

[@GearGasms]

The pickups in the Tribute were close but less articulate. But the feel? Nope. I had a tribute and it didn’t scratch that itch. The frets feel very different.

[@kmdracer]

All I can honestly say is that when I bought my les paul, I played all the ones in the store (other than the custom shop). I went in expecting to buy a standard or a traditional. I walked out with a tribute. This was in 2018. The tribute then was mahogany neck, rosewood board, and no weight relief. On my kitchen scales, it weights 9.5lbs. I liked the 490 neck pup, but didn't really like the 498 bridge. I replaced them both with 2014 burstbucker 59 tribute pups (uncovered in bridge, both non potted) and a creamtone harness. Only thing is that at times I wish the neck was a tad thicker, but not enough to replace it. It'll go to my daughter when I'm gone.

[@Lon1001]

Definitely warmer, smoother but less crisp tones on the Tribute. Brighter, crispier and punchier on the Standard, just like you said. Interesting that the Tribute goes with the 490Rs of the early re-issue rather than Humbuckers or P-90s... I guess it's hard to pay tribute to a particular identity when Les Paul's changed their tonal identity so much over the decades. For your next round of Les Paul comparisons you should try to get your hands on a genuine vintage Standard one from the 50s or 60s.

[@craiger2399]

Great video and comparison. I got rid of my Standard after getting a particularly good Tribute. I solved the lack of sizzle by adjusting the pickup height and the pole pieces. I don't like binding (feels like plastic to me), so the choice was clear.

[@pcc678]

Not a fair tone comparison, since they both have very different pickup sets. I would guess the Tribute would sound identical to your Standard if you put the same pickups in it. I actually prefer the slightly more mellow vintage sound of the 490's in the Tribute.

[@zoeherriot]

That defeats the purpose. The entire point was to compare two guitars stock to see the difference the premium gives.

[@firemarshal2629]

@@zoeherriot but that defeats the purpose of the comparison. You’re comparing a Lamborghini to a Civic. Both are cars, both get from point A to point B but there is no comparison to be made. Put the same pickups in the guitars and I guarantee whatever sound differences would be more mental than physical

[@zoeherriot]

​@@firemarshal2629 are you kidding? The point here was - person looking to buy the entry level Gibson, how close does it get to the expensive Gibson. THAT WAS THE TEST. The second you start having to buy new pickups and installing them you are no longer emulating an experience the average guitar buyer will ever do. And you are no longer performing the test he set out to do. As per your analogy, it would be like starting a review by saying "We are going to compare a Honda Civic with a Lexus" and then have you come in and complain - "But you didn't upgrade the engine in the Honda".

[@chrishenderson9130]

I modded my tribute with 61 burstbuckers and the harness with Jimmy page wiring. It's just amazing

[@theeobeastone5068]

I own 2 Gibson Les Paul classics and recently bought a Gibson Firebird, I love these beautiful instruments.

[@IamtheFerryMan]

I really enjoy your videos Darrell! I recently got a Classic (blemished, paid $1949) and I like it. It was a last ditch effort to like a Les Paul and I think I've got a winner. My last one was a 2015 Classic Rock II. Nice guitar but I never bonded with it and traded it for an American Elite Telecaster. I may try a couple tributes. They can be had for what a studio cost a few years ago.

[@jonty1512]

I reckon most of the extra high end sizzle and brightness on the Standard would be attributed to the pickups being uncovered. I uncovered the pups on my LP and I found a similar effect to the overall tone of the guitar

[@jornfox3545]

Bought a Gibson Les Paul Custom, Black, back in 1981 for $550, don't remember what year it was made, wish I had held on to that one.

[@susannacastelletti7010]

I own a Gibson LP Studio Faded T bought in 2016. I paid it 749 euros. It has mahogany body with maple top, mahogany neck/rosewood freatboard, burstbuckers pu. It’s beautiful and I think it hasn’t much less than a standard.

[@olev01]

Great vid, thank you!👍🙂🎸 I must be getting old: I couldn't hear any difference. Tbh, I was half-awake and listening on my smartphone. Eyes closed. So, in a mix, live or studio, I would guess the audio difference would be nonexistent. Playability, feel, all the rest - worth 200% price increase? Not to me. But I'm not looking to buy a Gibson in any case, so I'm probably not taking it seriously enough. 🙂

[@JoesMusicStudio]

Fabulous review. I love the way you made a direct comparison, same kind of riffs, same volume and tone levels. I agree with you completely on the Tribute. It is one heck of a lot of guitar for the money, or even for hundreds of dollars more. I actually prefer the lack of white binding, but cosmetics are strictly personal and subjective. Sound-wise, I like them both, but the edge goes to the Tribute clean. The edge goes to the Standard for gain, but I play mostly clean. It's lower output, and perhaps more traditional PAF sounding? Both fingerboards are great. I'll stick my neck out here and say that the Tribute is the best AMERICAN-MADE guitar for the money we can get. As you said, they even plek the frets, and that isn't a cheap process by any means. Many thanks.

[@ludlow555]

I finally got a Tribute after admiring them for a few years. It’s a super fun guitar to play. It doesn’t sound like my other Gibson Les Pauls. The sound reminds me of a Tele. QC is rough, but the Tribute has a vibe and definitely has a solid place in my collection.

[@djmeri00]

I wonder how Tribute would sound with Standard pickups. It would be very interesting.

[@ABoyd1852]

I have a Standard and Tribute. Both great guitars. I hated the 490's in the Trib, so I swapped em for some 57s. Outstanding choice. The guitars sound very different, but both sound/play awesome.

[@thepizzaveteran]

I own a Les Paul Classic Player Plus with P90s and a Tobacco Burst Tribute. In my opinion that's the way to go, get a Tribute for the humbucker tones and spend the bigger money on a P90 equipped Les Paul you can't beat that P90 tone.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

I was surprised you said there was a noticeable tone difference. I could hear a difference on cleans - the Standard had more indefinable air and sparkle. Though your Standard is also non-standard - the covered pickups on standard Standards might well knock off that extra sparkle. On the other tone tests they were close enough I wouldn't reliably favour one or the other. The Tribute didn't seem noticeably sub-Standard to my ear. So for me it's down to mostly cosmetics, and thats a very personal thing. As much as I try to like plastic binding because I'm told it's a labour intensive premium feature that I *should* aspire to, I fail. My eyes prefer wood instead of plastic. The Tribute pleases my eyes more, my ears dont mind either, and my wallet would favour the Tribute but still ponder if either are demonstrably better to play than a Sire L7, or an Epiclone, or ... or ...

[@Rawwr1ful]

I feel the same way about my studio, the stripped back look isn’t for everyone but it looks much better to me (and my wallet)

[@bushcry1]

Try the Gretsch GS 2215 P90 if you are wallet conscious... No regrets here...

[@Marcnshae2011]

Love all of your reviews! You have been extremely helpful the past couple of years for me. I got my tribute in '20 (during pandemic. ) totally agree on differences in brightness and muddiness. Luckily, I have a spark amp, and eq Is my best friend!! Turn up the high end, and use orange amps. Tribute feels like a dream. I fell in love with the neck and name. If you cannot afford a standard, tribute will work just fine with a modular amp.

[@kenthhamner2641]

Nice comparison but I disagree on the reason for the base price somewhat. The reality is it simply costs a lot more to build a guitar in North America. Like the Tribute by the way for what you get, I have the double cut junior tribute.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

My Tribute has P90s so I sold the Standard😜. These both sound excellent. Close enough it comes down to pickups and aesthetics. Though inferior, I prefer the old-style Tulip tuners. The Tribute I picked up also has a dark-back finish.

[@jamesjjb0075]

I gotta SAY...I like both sounds...I just bought a new Honey Burst Tribute and I love the sound (on your video). I think I will SAVE myself some money and Keep my tirbute. Maybe later on once I really get as half as GOOD as YOU; I may change the pickups! GOD BLESS!

[@jamesmcgrath6938]

It’s a colour choice. The Tribute has a more “wood like” and very round tone vocally. Thanks for making these videos man, this helped my ears choose my first Les Paul

[@tobbyland4438]

Thanks for the demonstration, insightful and beautiful pictures👍 In my eyes the originality of the look and feel can't be more beautiful anywhere, this is pure vintage, including the creamy warm tone, as you mentioned!

[@dougberry5003]

Hey Darrell.. I think the Standard sounded much more warmer on the tones..

[@delbert9357]

Well to put things in perspective I have a Schecter Hellraiser C-1FR-S with a 1000 series Floyd Rose, EMG 81 and a Sustainiac. It's 1089.00 at Sweetwater right now. In terms of what kind of sounds I can get out of it, it's endless.

[@tog2842]

The Tribute's finish is so delicate it is almost unbelievable.

[@jpthecut]

I would like to see a comparison between the Sire Larry Carlton L7 and the Gibson LP Standard. I think we could be surprised.

[@bridgey3706]

Standard is brighter. as you said. Could be pickup height difference and uncovered pickups. I like the sound of the Standard better.

[@nethbt]

Compared to the humbucker Yamaha Revstar Standard, w/c I own both, you get better bang for ypur buck on the YAMAHA imo, plus it's several hundred dollars cheaper too.

[@silentj80]

Would it be worth it to purchase the Gibson tribute and replace the humbuckers with maybe fishman modern fluence pickups?

[@alegutierrezmusic]

You know what Darrell, I miss the intro with you throwing the guitar to the roof. Other than that awesome review as always 🤟

[@thornwivans]

Yeeeeeeesssszzzz! I loved that one too!

[@deannapaladina7729]

I wonder if it's because it's not winter any more, but Spring. I enjoyed that intro as well. Perhaps during the summer the intro should include throwing a guitar into a big swimming pool-- even one of those guitar shaped pools! Via video photoshop-ing?

[@MarcoBulgarini]

Good video! Next step: same comparisons with swapped pickups

[@rickhill6277]

Also your Standard has Open Pickups where the Tribute’s are Covered, so the Standard should sound some brighter.

[@jts3339]

Nice comparison. I have an older 60’s LP Tribute Goldtop with P-90’s and a mahogany neck. Mine was less than $1000 from Sweetwater at the time of purchase. There is less of a difference between the P-90 versions of Gibson guitars than the humbucker-equipped guitars. That being said, I wouldn’t expect two LP Srandards or two Tributes to sound alike either. There are tone contributors like the pots, the capacitors, the string composition and gauge, subtle variations in the pickup windings, the pickup height and polepiece settings, the weight and density of the wood, weight-relieved vs. non-weight-relieved bodies, and anything else that I’m missing from this quick list. That’s why I always recommend PLAYING a new guitar vs. buying from an online website or catalog. We’ve all heard that some’59 LP Standards are magical while others of the same vintage are dogs. Guitars with sequential serial numbers can still be greatly dissimilar. The Tribute guitars fill a niche and can be set up to sound pretty damn good for the price. I hope Gibson keeps these in their lineup for players who appreciate a Les Paul on a working musician’s budget.

[@PAHVID]

Interesting to hear you say there was a big difference in sound since that didn’t come across to my ears even with headphones. Maybe the KZbin compression? I know everyone has a different setup and preferences but I often find my tribute to be a bit too bright on the neck pickup. I usually dial back the volume to cut some of that top end. Thanks for doing the comparison!

[@mboyer68]

I think when there's binding on the body and neck but not the headstock, it makes the headstock look funny, makes it disappear. And the Gibson open book headstock is one of the main reasons the Les Paul is so iconic. So the Studio of the years when they used ebony on the fretboard and trapezoid inlays are the best non "Les Paul Custom" level LP's. So the perfect setup would be to have a Studio Premium Plus and any Custom. The premium plus is a Studio with a flamed maple top and again, if you get the right year you'll have the ebony board and trap inlays, perfect guitar, if you can find one.

[@dontderockmerizz3211]

My Studio stands up to my classic. Minus binding it’s a rock machine. Only $699 back in 1994.

[@gibsondcxpl85]

Great comparison - the Standard has a bit more clarity, especially in the neck. I’m gassing for the Tribute though. Really can’t gig with my R7 at 9.5 lbs and $5000 bucks - plus it slides off my lap when I play sitting down 😊

[@jacquesd5781]

Short & sweet! That blue burst, though... Just wow.

[@musenw8834]

The standard had a better crunch but the tribute beats it in the clean neck and bridge distortion test afterwards IMHO - the cleans are not as sharp sounding and a thicker distortion 👍 sick for rhythmic playing

[@dieterhoffmann4316]

Nice comparison. With my PC speakers I couldn't really tell that much of a difference, except for some "spank" in the neck pickup - the Standard sounded a bit more "juicy". But is that worth more than 2 grand? Been wanting a Les Paul for years - yes, I admit, I wanted that headstock, not an Epi or a Harley Benton, but the Standard was always far beyond my budget. So I happily grabbed the 2016 50ies Tribute when it was issued, in Honeyburst, for 789 €, which currently would be about 840 $. This one still had the mahogany neck and delivers exactly the tones I've been expecting from a Les Paul in my tube amps. Of course the binding looks more sophisticated, but I got that guitar for playing, not for a visual thrill, and I love it. As Greg Koch said, working man's Les Paul.

[@jagr9228]

They sounded incredibly similar to me ! You may just help Gibson sell more tributes and fewer of the more expensive Les Pauls.

[@JAF2991]

All I need is my Gibson Tribute. But I can't deny I want a Standard or a Custom.