Les Paul vs PRS - Which Guitar is Right For You?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Have an interesting Single-Cut comparison cued up for you guys this week! Some unusual shared history between these two models too Let me know which guitar you guys thought sounded the best! Enjoy :) Guitar links: Epiphone 1959 - sweetwater.sjv.io/baO0bx PRS McCarty SE - sweetwater.sjv.io/21aJkO

[@robertlucas9867]

Idk, both are very close. If I had money I’d buy both. 😅 But I’m partial to PRS because of consistency, modern clarity and looks but I love both.

[@russellzauner]

FGN Neo Classic

[@joeformayor]

Even though I agree the PRS is stunning. Les Paul wins on just being CLASSIC…. To me I will always remember being a kid and seeing Slash play on this goddess of a guitar and being hooked ever since. I associate certain times in music history and it makes me think of Les Paul. Just like to me a Fender I associate with Eric Clapton. Anyway great video as always!

[@henrymrowicki7004]

The epiphone edges it out clean, little closer dirty. I have the epi 59 and an older 2014 se custom 24, im probably going to put a set of the burst buckers in the prs. I still like that McCarty quite a bit, wouldn't toss it out the bed.

[@JayDoge]

Hey Darrel, can you do an epic PAF shoutout with Epi 59', Sire L7, PRS Starla, PRS McCarty SE, Schecter Jack Fowler, Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 2PT etc?

[@shanethackeray1988]

Both are fantastic, there are subtle tonal differences between them, nothing bad just different. I’d own both if possible.

[@dj_tmc]

They both are amazing. But, the tonal differences are so subtle and space is at a premium at my house. Annnnd, since I already have a CE 24, I don't think i can justify another PRS in the house at the moment! (yes, they sound even more different than these two. But, I need to save room for a tele and another bass, as mine's fretless)

[@clivematthews95]

I also wanted to say thank you for the history lesson 🙏🏾 Love you Darrell ❤

[@DOESlab]

I feel like PRS SE generally have better quality through out all the models. SEs also somehow feel so m uch better when you hold them, and play them, and very inspiring

[@srwaite7]

Hats off to both companies for delivering great value. I love my Epi ‘59 - been playing for 45 years and still can’t believe how good it is for the money. 👍🏻🎸🖖🏻

[@chancemiller9340]

Poor Country Labor = “Great Value”

[@DMSProduktions]

@@chancemiller9340 China is NOT a 'poor' country!

[@j_freed]

@@chancemiller9340 Poor QC Standards = another USA Gibson you send back.

[@fr3ak1shh]

@@j_freed Returns are a time (and sometimes money) inconvenience.

[@Sloozer45]

​​@@DMSProduktionsIf you read his comment more carefully, you might notice his includes the word "labor", your's does not - you haven't yet addressed his comment. Though, China's Supreme Court ruled that the "996" work schedule is illegal in August of 2021, it's doubtful that it is being enforced. So, a highly competitive "good job" in many industries in China where a version of USA's "hustle" culture exists, workers commonly work 9am to 9pm, six days a week/72 hours. Btw, it was similar conditions in USA until "labor" revolted enough and fought to get "organized labor/unions" founded. In 1955, 33% of the USA workers were union members. The unions in USA brought many quality-of -life benefits to families - 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, paid sick-leave, vacation time, etc. You may be old enough to notice that over the last 40 years, increasingly, workers are working longer than 8 hours and more than 5 days; this trend has been the result of the success that the Republican Party has enjoyed destroying labor unions over the last 43 years, starting with Reagan Administration and continuing ( keen observers noticed that in October '23, during the USA Auto industry workers' strike that when Trump went to visit the workers, he went to a subcontractor's shop that was non-union, his campaign put a few people in the crowd holding "UAW" signs; these sign-holders were later determined to be the non-union-shop owner's family members. Of course, Fox News went along with the lie). Republicans' efforts to destroy the labor unions have resulted in ~6% of the private sector being union currently, down drastically from the peak of 35% in ~1953. Back to Chinese labor conditions: the U.S. Dept of Labor has officially placed 6 Chinese products on list that is produced by forced child labor. More recently, the same dept, issued a report noting that the concentration camp conditions by Chinese govt of the Uyghur people includes more than 100,000 of them being used as forced labor and that there is new evidence that this is no longer occurring ONLY in Xinjiang province, but instead the workers are being delivered elsewhere in China to be put to work in other industries. This new development has me wondering about the very recent trend in budget guitars (0ct '23) where all the best "bells and whistles" most sought-after features in guitars liked stainless- steel frets, compound-radius necks and locking tuners can be acquired for $200 US dollars; the refrain I keep hearing from KZbinrs guitar reviewers, "I don't know HOW they can sell this for only $200 ( they have been saying that when these guitars are/were being sold for $300-$400). I want one of these guitars badly. I'm worried about what I'm supporting and encouraging.

[@joshuakincheloe]

Tonally you got to have both. The stereo width double tracking with one of these on the left and one of these on the right would be amazing. The Paul Reed Smith has a lot more mids and highs and there’s so much more chonk in the 59 Les Paul, that it would just sound superb together, I say, get both! I would definitely use the Paul Reed Smith more for lead tones too. Yep you got to have both.

[@tazman4103]

The Allman Brothers, Shades of two worlds. Track 5 "get on with your life" is the example you're looking for. Dicky Betts is playing a PRS And Warren Haynes on a Les Paul

[@clivematthews95]

I enjoyed the video 😊 There’s not much between these, they sound so similar. Both of them are so good, so pleasant to the ears ❤. But prs kills in the looks department no question, I think they’re both really good value for money

[@IamMusicNerd]

The traditionalist in me wants to pick the Les Paul, and I do like my older Epiphone Les Paul a lot, but I have to give it to PRS on this one. Their SE line build quality and sound is just spectacular for the price.

[@tomstegall1346]

I agree but both are fantastic guitars,wow guitars actually

[@WattchomanBrandySavage]

Love the classic inspiration behind the Epiphone, but that PRS is just so beautiful.

[@chris.honeycutt]

I have owned both the PRS core model 594 Singlecut (and the S2 version) and have had several Gibson R8's and Epiphone 1959's. The only one I haven't owned is the SE 594. Best bang for the buck: the S2 594 Singlecut (actually liked it better for some reason than the core model). Close second the Epiphone 1959 Lazarus. My favorite of them all, a 2013 R8 VOS. Incredible guitar! But the one I currently play the most is a new Epiphone 1959 in Southern Fade. Beautiful guitar and the Burstbuckers just sound fantastic. You really can't go wrong with the guitar. 90% of the R8/R9 feel and sound. I have played the SE 594 in two different shops and while it plays fine, the flametop on both I've seen looks a little too fake in-person (a thin veneer) but also just felt cheap and sounded thin. I would still be fine with owning one, but it wouldn't be my first pick to play. I would buy an SE DGT for the same money instead.

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Those newer inspired by Gibson Epiphone are really good now....but man! That new PRS se McCarty is something really special

[@CB-wi3vc]

I love my Epiphone 1959 LP. I upgraded the tuners with Grover’s (look like the originals), tusq xl nut, and Tone Pro Bridge and end post. Perfect!

[@ramilrodriguez8340]

Liked more the sound of the Epiphone on all your clips. Rounder and warmer with enough clarity. The high gain bridge sounds so good, so much better to my taste.

[@masonbuckley_2]

Darrell, it’s been super neat to watch you all these years and see you progress as a guitar player and content creator! Keep up the good work.

[@Robbie63]

I have an Epiphone 59 and it is a fantastic guitar. Great value for money and sounds absolutely amazing.

[@BrentAdams]

Both are great guitars. I'd go for the PRS SE McCarty for the looks & refinements (I like the feel and playability better....That makes all the difference, along with a little more clarity in the sound). Loved your comparison. THX!

[@rickbullock4331]

I personally like the satin look on the Epiphone. As far a sound goes, I found both guitars were vey similar. I’m not a guitar player myself but just love listening to people who can. As always, great review.👍👍🇨🇦

[@SubutaiTuul]

Agreed, personally happy its a satin over a poly, but of people want it to be more shiney, they can always Polish it.

[@mikepj1025]

This was awesome. Epiphone has really launched itself to a new level with this guitar and pretty much most of what it puts out today but these ‘59s are incredible. ThESE PRS SE are the best SE PRS has put out to date IMO. At these price points, buying both is an option. Great comparison.

[@wesboundmusic]

Both awesome, I guess my preference would be for the McCarty, because of the coil splitting option and replacing the tuners for e.g. Kluson locking tuners would be an easy and affordable mod. (and personally, I'd prefer the classy, albeit maybe less vintage-y design of the PRS). But that case coming with the Epiphone is definitely an added bonus.

[@GearGasms]

I did the 59 a couple of weeks ago on my channel and was super impressed. The PRS sounded better to me though

[@sumi_plays_games]

Maybe if you want a modern take on Les Paul with nicer finish and coil splitting the PRS and if you truly want a vintage look and style the Epiphone. I do really like the PRS though the finish is really nice.

[@thomask9577]

I got the double cut McCarty and I like it. The bad parts: The tuning machines are terrible (need to replace ASAP). I can do a full half turn without any movement. The push pull pots feel super cheap. I am afraid I’m going to snap one off. I will probably replace these too at some point.

[@johnmarolakos9920]

Thanks for the comparison. The PRS is indeed gorgeous. The Epiphone looks classic. To my ears the Epiphone 1959 sounded so much more natural, smooth, alive, where the PRS, which I played in a local shop recently, sounds a good bit more brittle in the highs and seems to be voiced for modern players who use a lot of drive and distortion. The PRS has great sustain and harmonics. But in this video, as far as I can tell from a compressed KZbin experience, the Epiphone sounded better. For rock, post punk, jazz and basically any genre, I'm going with the Les Paul. Additionally, I've always liked the way epiphany voices their pickups. There's something pleasantly even about the frequencies, no hump or scoop. The PRS seems to have a bit of a hump in the mids, which in certain contexts is desirable. Anyway, they're both great guitars. That's my 2 cents. : )

[@barrettflorida]

Played them both recently at the local store. Both sounded great, but to me, it's all about how the guitar feels in your hand. I actually walked out with the PRS Hollowbody II Piezo SE, because it just felt right when I picked it up. Anyway, you can't go wrong with either of these, they both played great

[@bobjohnson7908]

I was surprised by how good the Epi sounded.

[@stevehuffman1495]

Yep. I wanted to like the PRS at least as much, but I think the Epi has better tone.

[@cameronclark595]

Epiphone has really upped their game in the last few years. I have a couple of their 1961 Tribute Plus models. They look great, play beautifully and most importantly sound as good as any Les Paul coming out of Nashville.

[@pads-zr9ln]

That's the burstbuckers

[@jonathanstrand2474]

These days, if you dry the wood properly, CNC is extremely accurate, there really is no reason for it not to be good, the manufacturing process is well known, that why we see the ERT’s and the AIO guitars for well under $500. I bought a 335 copy with a gorgeous flame top, gold plate hardware & gold plate Grover pegs for $465.😳 I installed SD Picks ups and switchcraft parts, a cloth covered wiring kit with CTS parts. Plays like a dream, sounds fabulous well set up in the showroom before sale. Bone nut! Wow! I almost spent more on the case!

[@MrPhotonjockey]

@@cameronclark595 I have one as well and I second that opinion.

[@thornwivans]

2 nice sounding guitars but Im just not into the look of the PRS. The Epiphone LP looks awesome!

[@tomstegall1346]

The 59 looks like I painted it is my only head scratcher, the prs is absolutely stunningly beautiful

[@tomstegall1346]

I will be changing the tuners on the McCarty the only thing that is cheap feel and stability is weak

[@fightforfreedom5193]

Didn't care about coil splitting. That's why I picked up the Epi '59. Very impressed with the fit and finish. I have Strats for single coil tones.

[@pedraw]

tonality wise the difference to me is nearly non existent. For me it's the McCarty because it just looks classy af

[@partyxplays]

I own a epiphone les paul classic with coil splits and a out of phase push pull knob. It rocks 🤘

[@paisteplayer1040]

I played one of these epi 59's few weeks ago and what made me laugh was that epiphone can do much better binding work than Gibson.. Which is ridiculous considering Gibson has been doing biding for what 6-7 decades,

[@Kaz999998]

Funny enough I actually got to play both of these guitars at my local guitar shop today. Honestly, i think the PRS is overall better. Felt waaaaay better to play and the tones were great. Honestly the Epiphone was only better for the higain metal tones. Other than that I think the PRS is the way to go out of the 2.

[@manbearpig2164]

I like the Epiphone clean sound, the PRS distortion, the PRS looks

[@MrPhotonjockey]

No way I would choose a PRS SE model over an Epiphone with USA Gibson pickups. I have an Epi 1960 Tribute which spec wise is very similar to the ‘59: plus Grover locking tuners, splittable CTS Pots, Switchcraft input and toggle, USA Gibson 57 pickups. The major difference is the 60s slim taper neck. The Epi sounds as good as my Gibson Les Paul at a fraction of the cost. The new PRS SEs are very nice, but they still have overseas electronics.

[@drumstrings726]

I think the epiphones tone was slightly clearer and more refined. Both sound great though.

[@Turbo-D]

i don`t like gibson but epiphone all the way here apparently 🙏

[@MJScrivens89]

Both sounded fantastic. You really couldn’t go wrong with either of them. To my ear, the 58/15s had more highs in the neck pickup and sounded warmer in the bridge compared to the burst buckers, but I’ll need to listen again with headphones to be sure. It could just be me hearing what I’m expecting to hear. Over the last few years, I’ve become more of a PRS guy. I love how they play, love how they sound, and they just look phenomenal. But Gibson and Epiphone will always hold a place in my heart as I played them for so long beforehand. I’ve always favoured an SG over a Les Paul personally, but who doesn’t love that iconic Les Paul sound.

[@Tryggvasson]

like the prs sound for the cleans, and the epi for distortion - that low end bump on the prs doesn't help it much there. the epi definitely sounds more "vintagy", and true to the part, but i like the top end on the prs. looks wise, i like the epi more - except the satin finish, of course. but those frets on the prs - maan!

[@jaminpartanen9058]

I’d like to hear what you thoughts on the Harley Benton SC 550 II Gotoh PAF is like and how it would compare to these two.

[@dawoud8013]

Same here ! she is missing in this video !! i'm about to buy .... :/ ^^

[@zeusapollo8688]

Made by slaves

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

I have both of these guitars, and very much enjoy playing them. Can't gp wrong with either of them. The Epi sounds a tad fuller. At 8.5 lbs it's heavier and also has a thicker neck. Satin or gloss, I like them both wqually. The 594 is lighter & feels modern & is easier to play with the thinner body & nice fret finishing. Ssounds a bit brighter too. Thumbs up to both.

[@ianasmith678]

PRS all day long

[@dmarlan]

I've had the '59 epi for a year. It's a great guitar I love it.

[@venomouscomics1625]

With the clean tones I'm all about the Epi nice and warm. But the dirty tones the PRS all day. More clarity through the spectrum.

[@allanflippin2453]

Thanks for the great comparison video. I especially appreciate how you do the A/B comparisons with everything being equal except the guitar. I put the headphones on, but could only hear the slightest difference between PRS and Epiphone. The Epiphone sounded a little "brighter" and the PRS a little "darker". Looking at the comments, I see other people heard an opposite effect (PRS brighter, Epi darker). All I can say is the PRS would win for me due to the coil splits. I can only handle so much humbucker sound :D Which is probably why I don't own any guitar like these yet.

[@leevespa4564]

Sound very,very similar....but the prs looks nicer.....the epi looks cheap with that satin finish,unfortunately

[@j7cc]

Epiphone, even better, Gibson. Mods. Effects. Lots of gear. Thanks, enjoy your channel.

[@joshbechaistron791]

Epiphone all the way. Not a fan of either company, but the epiphone is kitted out way better, no need to modify it at all.

[@andreybyl]

Epiphone sounds little better with distortion

[@donrepcon7704]

To my ear, throughout your demo, the PRS was brighter. I could here each note as you played well defined. The 59 was a little warmer but muddier. PRS hands down.

[@davidsogeti]

Agree, on the middle position PRS won quite easily to my ears (mix of both pic-ups worlds)

[@matt79hz]

That could even come down to strings though..

[@steveeckert8396]

The Epi doesn’t have a ‘59 neck. It’s chunky. Not quite as chunky as a ‘58 but close

[@drjay927]

LOL why you stalking me?? Was lookin at whether I should buy epiphone les paul modern carribean jamaican or prs mccarty single cutaway 594. I already have a nice tele and strat. Just need a humbucker to add to my collection. Thoughts?

[@zeusapollo8688]

Yamaha rev can be nice. Mine is built like a grand piano

[@PaulyDTheKiwi]

Sorry but for me the Epiphone absolutely smashed it out of the park. Don’t get me wrong, I would love either one but to this old fella’s ears, the Epi wins this round. Cheers again Darrell 🤘🏻

[@LoniGuitarChannelHr]

Sounds close to me, PRS is more modern take on Les Paul and Epiphone is cheaper in EU. Very nice comparison.

[@caleb7107]

This video has really been helpful. It's the McCarty all day for me, thank you for the great content!

[@StephenOshea]

the ep has more chime. other than thats i would purchase both

[@paisteplayer1040]

After owning several core McCarty 594's I sold all my LP's and havent looked back. Its not just a nicer guitar (prettier) its a better made guitar with all the short comings of a Gibson LP corrected.. To me the bridge is much better, the neck angle is better, the nut is cut better, the headstock angle is better, the angle the strings come out of the headstock is better, all that created far better tuning stability.

[@geraldpasion3378]

was deliberately choosing between this McCarty SE or SS SE.. 5 mins later. you posted this review.. now im more torn. hahaha

[@zaclampson6088]

Satin Finishes are BOMB!

[@tjm5492]

Darrell...oversawn? Was that with a band saw, chop saw or Japanese pull saw? 🤔 Gotta go with the Epi, but it's very close.

[@timwhite5562]

I definitely prefer the Ep's pickups. Even with the low winding on the 58/15LTs they're pretty compressed. The BB's are much more open sounding. They sound the way a PAF should. Are they set-up similarly? Are the heights similar relative to the strings? I wonder if you lowered the SE's if they would open up a bit. I have a single McCarty S2. I replaced the 58/15 (originals, not the low-turns) with a set of Wagners, paper in oil caps, vintage tapered pots, etc. It sounds great and plays phenomenally well, but it's a pretty specific tone. I've been wanting a double-cut that I can throw a set of Fluence into that gives me a few options and that will be a bit more 🤔…cooperative with higher gain amps and pedals. Something that can be a grab-&-go, Swiss army "sessions" type thing, and something that, while not cheap, i won't be as apprehensious about playing out. I played one of these and the DGT, and I'm going with the DGT. The SE is a great guitar and worth the price and then some. That said, the S2's differences with the Core 594 in regards to tone and the feel of the neck are negligible, whereas the SE & S2 are definitely more pronounced. If I hadn't been already playing the S2 for a number of years, more than likely would have went with the 594. It really came down to deciding "if it's going to be different, then just get something different." Also upon further reflection I think the 25" scale of the DGT puts it more in that in-between zone for my purposes. *You should be able to buff out the finish to a bit of a gloss. I had a Gibson ES335 with a satin finish that ended up getting glossy where my forearm would rub against it. Although that was a nitro finish, I don't think the SE is nitro. I honestly wish my S2 had a matte finish. I actually really like that on nitro finish guitars. They tend to have thinner finishes and resonate more. I didn't think I'd like them as much on a really highly figured AAA/AAAA top, then I saw a Core line with them and completely changed my mind. I think they look better with a matte finish. When I saw it I was compelled to touch it. I was sure I was going able to feel the flame because it makes it look so three dimensional.

[@tomford8286]

Is this Epi 59 better than the Elitist LP Custom?

[@raytorvalds3699]

The one with the 6 strings sounded the best.

[@datruth9872]

I Love my P.R.S. will NEVER get rid of it. Although my Les Paul is fun to Crank On. 😃

[@lestermobley1551]

Hey Darrell great comparison as usual. I'll go with the Epiphone. I'm drawn to the vintage classic look and to my ears it has a smother cleaner tones and seems heavier n' dirtier when overdriven. Coil splits? I have three guitars with that feature... don't want anymore. You did a comparison with the Gibson LP Tribute and this very Epiphone. That comparison convinced me to purchase the Tribute. But I'm really liking the Epi. Maybe one day. Darrell, can you maybe do a review of baritone guitars. The D'angelico Atlantic Baritone has drawn my attention.

[@jasonstrom9283]

I’d take that fender telecaster over his right shoulder , over both LP , PRS !!!

[@stephentool1316]

Both great sounding guitars, but case versus gig bag puts Epiphone on top. That's a $100 bonus imho.

[@belgo40]

I chosen the McCarty last month, thanks to your previous video, and I'm very happy with this one, I never played on a guitar like this. If I had to do it again, I'll take the same, with another color :)

[@EM-km8em]

The Les Paul sounds like cream and butter to the ears with the cleans… it also sounds like a Machine ready to annihilate with the heavy gains… The PRS is beautiful but it cant touch the Les Paul creamy tones

[@paschalisantoniou974]

I like the sound of Epi more.... \m/ Thnx for the video!

[@robertburns5145]

To my ears the Epiphone sounded a little better on the clean tones. I feel like they both sounded the same on the dirty settings. Overall for sound quality I give Epiphone the edge. In looks however, the PRS was far superior.

[@cosmicjohn174]

I need the Epi!! 😢😂 I think the PRS sounded a little flat on clean.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

The burstbuckers sound tremendous. I thought EPI had a more define tone. The PRS is very nice too, but I would go for the EPI.

[@Jazzmaster-pb2yt]

Epiphone sounds much better to me. Sorry, for me - PRS is overrated

[@wesleymorris1]

I love the vos finish on Epiphone 59, I think it does look vintage, I wish it was lacquer. But for a poly I love it.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I agree. However, when they first came out i didnt like it.

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

The satin finish on the '59's neck is so sleek and effortless to play.....

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

@@poodleguiderpeyes7388 I love mine and I havent picked up my epi 60s standard since I got the 59.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Epi sounds ever so slightly warmer, but with distortion, it has more midrange, nice Pick ups! the PRS has a bit less midrange but more bottom end, and slightly thinner top end, pick up height is critical, tilt up the high E side, on the PRS and they are very close to identical clean, the EPI shows it’s sound heritage, definitely sounds more Gibsony 🤣. And that iteration of the Epi headstock shape is the best one by far, tough choice! But I like the wrap around bridge PRS makes for 90% of their Hardtails, very wide & comfortable, great palm foundation to mute and use distortion same brass saddles.

[@GeneMThompson]

Sunbursts on the Epis are HIDEOUS though…

[@ivanriverajr5012]

Both sound great. Epip 59 sounds sweet. The prs has more bite gritty

[@batfink7133]

'59 epi for sure

[@brian770]

in my opinion the epiphone sounds better, has a smoother tone.and the addition of a real hard shell case seals the deal. but, the prs looks better.

[@racerex3159]

I have an Epiphone and a PRS. Sound goes to Epiphone but playability and tuning stability goes to PRS.

[@gregb6387]

Those Burstbucker's really have some personality.

[@stratman247]

Clean tones sound about the same to me, but the PRS has a ballsier tone when distorted. I prefer the look of the LP

[@anthonymigliaccio5747]

Epi is the clear winner

[@stevenpipes1555]

I don't have a Les Paul in my collection yet unfortunately. I do, however, have an SE custom 24 08 and i love it. It plays and sounds excellent and the trem is buttery smoothe. Plus, It does the "Les Paul" thing pretty well u ntil i find mine!

[@svenwalther135]

Soundwise, with distortion the prs sounds a quite better... Great guitars...

[@vickysquires972]

Love the Epiphone, sounds incredible!

[@richardsali1954]

I think in terms of which guitar sounds better, it’s another case of picking fly sh*t out of pepper. In terms of looks, it’s a matter of taste. I know Epiphone built a seventies tribute model that also split the pickups, so I wonder if there are other Epi’s models that might be a closer comparison. Either way the PRS would be my choice because of the additional feature that it comes with, the relationship PRS had with Mr. McCarty, the build quality that PRS is famous for, and I am of the opinion that PRS is a more trustworthy organization.

[@74daytripper]

Difficult to choose: both ar very nice !

[@larsfocken3456]

I polished the Epiphone 59 with Music Nomad Guitar Polish. It is quite glossy now and the maple veneer even shows a nice 3D movement. It looks a thousand times better now!

[@karmad3269]

What makes the difference on the Epi are the burstbuckers...

[@doylestownhuskies9624]

Would be interesting to hear those compared to the PRS SE Zach Myers 594.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

Feel in the hands is going to be way different. As far as tones, there was no difference that the slight turn of an eq knob would even out and I'm perplexed by these comparisons because I think you could make them sound indistinguishable with just an eq tweak. Both SE's and high end Epi's have excellent fit and finish in my experience. For me the SE smokes the Epi in looks and my body would prefer it's comfort cuts over the Epi, but you can't go wrong with either. If it's the case that puts you over, just know that SE gig bags are awesome and you can unzip and pull out your guitar from vertical storage and put itback without moving the bag, which I really like. Cases you have to pull out and set flat, but there's something magical like Xmas when you lift the lid on the case of a great guitar. Both awesome, and both had for the price of one Gibson Studio. That part is a no brainer.

[@frajer9555]

Id go for the epiphone, i am perarsonaly looking for a classic les paul with a bigish neck and since i have a strat coil splitting isnt realy a big factor to me. I am weak when it comes to the classic sunbursts and i like satin finishes so...

[@vlada71bg]

I was literally yesterday in a music shop comparing these two guitars! What a magical coincidence :). I concluded similar - PRS is lot lighter, prettier, screams with quality in every touch while 1959 was almost too heavy. Still I somehow choose 1959 whenever GAS starts!

[@JamesGreenbaum]

McCarty crushes Epi in overall appearance, gloss, nicer top, deeper contours, 2-tone wrap around tailpiece and bridge. PRS seemed to have more clarity and chime which comes through making dirt tones better too. EPI wears a semi solid stain to disguise all the grain filler that is no doubt part of the reason why the guitar appears the way it does. Great review as always.

[@maxhighstein]

Is there any reason someone couldn't install Gibson pickups in the PRS, and get the best of both worlds? Would that effect the coil split ability?

[@paulcopsey6573]

I have kind of already voted with my wallet given I have 4 Epihone Les Pauls. They just feel more like home. Sometimes when you try to improve or add stuff it just misses the mark & actually loses something. I have always been a bit underwhelmed when trying out a PRS. As for the coil split thing..... have it on a "Classic" & never use it. Bit of a novelty to fiddle with in the 1st fee weeks of ownership, then a case of realising that's not what a Les Paul is about & the real fun is using the pick up switch & the tone & volume knobs.

[@MrTPF1]

I've been drooling over a PRS SE McCarty for months now. I love my Gibson LP's, but the SE McCarty is very hard to pass up. I thought they both sounded very close to each other.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Though the difference in tone was mentioned, the other thing to discuss was weight and playability. I found playing higher up on the neck is eaiser and not as clubby above the 14th fret on the PRS. I would also be interested in knowing which one has longer sustain. 😊 The headstock on the PRS allows the strings to stay straight which helps it stay in tune better. But on the flip side, I like the warmer sound of the Ephiphone with clean. For distortion the PRS may cut through a little better

[@moejoe4654]

One sounds like a Les Paul, the other doesn't 😊. I personally prefer the epiphone (I have the cherry version). I agree on your comment about the finish, It would have been awesome if they'd gone with a glossy one.