Phil Hurley's 1967 Gretsch, 1967 Guild, 1980 Epiphone & 2014 Gibson Guitars

Guitarist, singer & songwriter Phil Hurley of The South Austin Moonlighters shows us his favorite hollow body and semi-hollow body guitars:
- 1980 Epiphone Casino (0:35)
- 1967 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman (2:04)
- 1967 Guild Starfire III (3:33)
- 2014 Gibson Rich Robinson ES-335 (4:46)
Phil shares the stories behind the guitars and showcases how they sound through a 1965 Fender Vibrolux.
Toward the end of the video you can hear Phil play the same riff on the four guitars back-to-back on the bridge pickups (5:35), middle position (6:16), neck position (7:34) and overdriven (8:48).
Check out www.mythvscraft.com for more content.
Visit www.thesouthaustinmoonlighters... to learn more about The South Austin Moonlighters.

[@MsEcko95]

Overdriven Gretsch sounds amazing

[@acheron4444]

Yes, a surprise for me. Agree. Besides, is the best looking one

[@JdoubleU1222]

I think it sounded best all around. The shrill high end with the clean sound is tamed nicely on the Gretsch.

[@arifnugrahadi7000]

Overdriven Gretsch like original AC/DC..😁😁

[@djdentley]

The Guild was a surprising. The Gretsch stole my heart. All of these are wonderful instruments.

[@adamwright7954]

Thought I would like the Gretsch the best but, in the end, the 335 was my favorite. Just refined and ballsy. I can see why it’s your #1.

[@smokepeddler]

Gretsch is in a league of its own. Damn that thing is sweet

[@lewisbeeman]

I don’t know who this guy is, but he has some sick guitars!

[@U2BER2012]

I'll call the guitar doctor.

[@ejbrace]

Phil played with the Gigolo Aunts, best known for their song Where I Find My Heaven from the movie Dumb and Dumber.

[@williamsanders]

For me, Guild is one of those "hidden treasures" that can still be picked up for reasonable money. They have a voice of their own, with a certain sense of "urgency" in it, which you have to like. But each and every Guild I've played sounded good, and virtually played itself.

[@andy16666]

100% agree. I've played a lot of guitars and own a few, and I grab my Guild Starfire V almost every time I head out to a gig. I love it to death.

[@DerangedResponse]

I'll be honest, I like my DeArmond Starfire custom better than I do the new Guilds. For some reason, it sounds more like a "guild guild" than the new ones do. Good luck finding one though.

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

Even the new Korean made stuff is a hidden gem. I kind of hope they stay at the same level they're at now so the prices don't shoot up.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I have a 1966 Starfire V factory special order, clear maple, Bigsby delete, and Haggstrum floating bridge. Had it since early 1967 when the original buyer was desperate for money. He had it 2 weeks.. I've had it ever since.. It ain't ever going anywhere till I'm done and in the ground. ... and then it stays in the family, next generation.

[@thomaspappalardo7589]

Agreed, I spent years trying to find the perfect acoustic for myself and I found a 1977 Guild D-25 and it’s my favorite guitar. I now have the 12-string version (1981), which is a very good guitar. I paid roughly $800 for each of them. Imagine trying to find a Gibson or a Martin for the same price and quality! My girlfriend has her uncle’s 1965 Guild Starfire III and wants me to give her lessons. I cleaned it up and played it and it was incredible shape. Especially for a guitar that hasn’t been played in 40 years (poor guy died in a submarine accident in the early 80s).

[@candiedginger8729]

I just bought a 50s model Gretsch after much shopping for the right sound. It has a wonderful voice, both acoustic and electric. I would like a Guild Starfire some day though. Thank you for sharing your beauties.

[@BrotherPaul57]

as a Guild starfire iv owner . there is something about Guilds that's certainly underrated .

[@jazzman1954]

Guild humbuckers. Underrated+++

[@josevillegas9029]

I like how you can see the enthusiasm and passion this man has for his instruments, i like the playing as well 🙏🏾cheers!

[@philtron1969]

Cheers to you!

[@Braglemaster123]

Love ❤️ the Epiphone

[@justingarcia7722]

I have one of those early 80s casinos. Haven’t been able to find another yet, so happy I was able to come across one. Special instruments for sure

[@zhp500]

Wow that Gretsch amazing. To stand out that much in the company of so many other good guitars.

[@goldstreetsnyc]

Between the guild and the Gretsch for sure...

[@TheJohnnyrod]

yes

[@Braglemaster123]

Epiphone 👍👍

[@guitarhanson]

Phil is a glorious guitarist and a gracious human being. Lovely to see him talk so passionately about his lovely collection of instruments

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for watching Dave. 100% agree with your comment.

[@MrErdner]

That's the best demo format I've seen on KZbin. Playing identical licks on the guitar really shows the differences in the guitars.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words George. Some time ago I learned that our auditory memory span is remarkably short. When the two things being compared are more than a few *seconds* apart, most of us have great difficulty comparing them accurately. Thus I thought that playing the same riff back-to-back would do a better job of highlighting the differences between the instruments.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Agree... not just some notes, but real playing.. Great demo.

[@walterrizotto8668]

@@MythvsCraft Spot on. Also, even a slight difference in volume will be perceived as a difference in tone.

[@phredbknuckles5877]

I'll probably be the most unpopular contributor to the comments but after listening with a pair of inexpensive Bose computer speakers I like the ES-335. All of the guitars sound awesome, thanks for the demo !! Great collection.

[@markh7523]

Phil of the thousands of Git videos on KZbin your background knowledge and format is so so refreshing , thanks

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words Mark. I'll pass them on to Phil.

[@nelsonc6173]

That Epi with the P90's was awesome! The Gretsch was second fave! But that Epi you have is something special! What a guitar! Love it!

[@mrthunder8190]

The Gretsch really has a nice focused mid-range that doesn't sound too bassy, especially in the neck and middle positions. Stays pretty defined, and nails that George Harrison sound! Excellent demos.

[@EnterJustice]

It really stood out in the overdriven section. Didn't have that sharp treble and sounded better because of it, in my opinion.

[@gabrielgodwi3352]

Man help sounded so nice on the casino 😢👌

[@PillsBuryDoughBoy_]

I really loved all the intruments George played

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Nice guitars. I play a 1966 Starfire lll myself. That's my main squeeze. Thanks for posting.

[@crazyjay1998]

that guild sounds incredible!!! thanks for all the guitar sound comparisons. sounded great, keep it up!!!

[@justinlee9756]

I love these fiddle tales, its nice to see the humble enthusiastic passion abounding in the stories here. Super cool Also proof here that gibson does make great guitars 1970 on till 2010+

[@theverseshed]

Another great set of both objective and subjective comments and demos. Some really classic guitars and histories here and as for Chet . . . well, what can you say. He was one of my first guitar heroes way back when I was a wee lad. Thanks to Miles 4 Books for sending me the link to this.

[@stevec.1802]

I’ve had a Starfire 2 for 18 years & love it. Great demo comparison. All tone machines.

[@robclute]

Great comparison between 4 amazing guitars. The video was really well presented. As a guitar player, I could really appreciate the subtle differences between each guitar. But ultimately all variations of a similar theme of hollow/ semi-hollow guitars. Well done!

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you very much!

[@hughcameron]

Great demo. Clear comparisons and they all sound great!

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words Hugh!

[@MichaelInsinger]

Good demonstration. Thank you.

[@DennisAnthonis]

Excellent demo and wonderfully produced. Thanks for sharing.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words Dennis. I'm hoping to go through a few more guitars with Phil soon.

[@StratShredder69]

Love these! Hope there’s a couple of videos for strats/teles coming up!

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. Phil's main guitar for many years was a T-style Trussart. We might be comparing it to a Fender Tele soon.

[@oqsy]

That Country Gentleman is killer!

[@thedoc1210]

they all look and sound amazing.....

[@smokepeddler]

That bridge position on that 335 is a good one dude.

[@RobtheGretsch]

Country Gent by a country mile

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for watching Rob. The Gretsch was great, but I think the Guild stole the show for me, which is high praise in such a strong field.

[@seanmcdonald8971]

Ya Rob, I gotta say, that Gretsch really had acoustic tones. Because of that it was my top pick as well. I mean, why else do you play a hollowbody? Because really, with the right set up, it is really not difficult to make a 335 sound like a Les Paul. But it is difficult to make an electric sound acoustic ! They ALL sound great, but only one of them achieved something great.

[@craigmaddenmusic3408]

Agreed

[@jkljackal]

Yep

[@jeremiahwilson1781]

Everyone of em has a very unique voice. All sound awesome. Attack of the semihollows. Nice.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you Jeremiah for taking the time to watch the video and share your comment.

[@travismcgee7488]

Beautiful guitars and wonderful playing! They all sound great to me, so might as well keep one sell the rest. OMG, I sound like my wife!

[@mdub048]

great video, great playing, great guitars!

[@dontrushme2112]

The Gretch steals the show!! The Guild comes a close second tho

[@nancychace8619]

Good comparison. Thanks for sharing. I have some experience with acoustics but a rookie with electrics. Interesting to learn.

[@henry66699]

All guitars differ but all are a character of their own, fantastic Iike them all, its impossible to choose wich one .....it depends one is good in warm tones, others are just as good but better in the twang or in the sparkling bits...wonderfull

[@buaidhnobas1ify]

I really like what you did. I hear what you're talking about. This was great. Thanks, man.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words Robert. It's a treat to listen to Phil talk about (and play) guitars.

[@davidfield8122]

That guild does have loads of character. Just me, or did the Gretsch sound like the tone was dialed down?

[@bobaldo2339]

Great video. I am surprised to say I like the Gretsch best in every category.

[@BeefheartLynch]

For my ear, the Guild sounds best.

[@quintas66]

I LOVE the Casino. It sounds like an old friend. But the Guild sounds like an old friend that you just discovered has super powers.

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

The Gretsch is tops! The Epi is very good too. Gibson is nice. Guild for me tot so much.

[@jackp.walker6247]

GREAT clip - thank you very much ! Overall . . . to my ears, the Gretsch is winning !!!

[@israelrodriguez6986]

I would go for the Guild just cuz you just don’t hear much about them. I like to be different from what seems so popular at times. But I have to admit: the overdriven Gretsch sounded sooo good!

[@Dustiliciousz]

This was pretty awesome to watch. Love the way he speaks about his guitars, with such passion that comes across to us viewer. Amazing sounds, got the 335 (345) and Country Gent myself, and cool to watch someone else play "my" guitars!

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words. Phil's enthusiasm is contagious isn't it?

[@philtron1969]

Thank you!

[@wildwoodbine5149]

Great video, loved the way you displayed the sound of the guitar's, made it really easy to pick the differences. Gretsch gets my vote but I could be biased.

[@rayg3583]

They all sound great. Remember... Each guitar has a distinctive sound that you want to achieve. Doesn't matter who makes it. It matters how it sounds. The more guitars you own, the more sounds you achieve.

[@jpalmonacid]

God I love all the four of them. This is the video I was looking for. They are all in my wish list except the 335 as I already have one. 😀 Thanks for this awesome video

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind comment Juan Pablo.

[@philtron1969]

Right on!

[@malakisands8180]

My son has a Gretsch acoustic. I am getting him a Guild Starfire V. This video rocks. Your production is great

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the very kind words Malakie. My channel has a few other videos with Phil and his guitars in case you're interested.

[@kierenmoore3236]

The Gibson and the Gretsch sound Great!

[@jimbojones4883]

Gretsch has more characteristic and compact sound in the mids. I like it.

[@jamesjohnston6765]

Great tone from all but I love the Gretsch and Guild guitars the best.

[@Panhead49EL]

Cool vid and great comparisons at the end. All different, but all good. The Gibson and the Gretsch are the standouts for me.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for watching. The Starfire III was the biggest revelation to me. I didn't know what to expect and it came through with this wonderful, unique sound (especially clean).

[@timrule4711]

I have a 67 Guild. My pride and joy!

[@therealdoug1000]

The Casino 😍

[@jeffsaginaw1769]

It is so great to see a guy so Fxxking in love with guitars tell you about how, where and why..all the best to ya Phil - thanks for the smile you gave me and the thinking about how all my 'girls' came to be here...

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching, Jeff!

[@anthonyrichard461]

Phil, great video! Tony R from Lafayette, LA great to see your video all sounded great the Gibson had the fullest sound, the Gretsch surprising had less volume than the rest but still sounded good, Guild then Epi for my ears. I'm waiting for my 64 Country Gent to come back from shop I recently purchased. New frets and a TLC cant wait to play her!Hope to see you guys soon at Artmosphere Peace Tony

[@philtron1969]

Hi, Tony! Thanks for watching. We're back LaFeyette at the end of this month. Come see us!

[@ronaldgrant5436]

The Guild was a pleasure for my ear as well as the Gretch.

[@jaystudio6970]

#1 gibson es 335, #2 Epiphome, #3 Guild starfire, #4 Gretsch gentleman that es335 is just amazing!

[@MythvsCraft]

Phil agrees! :-)

[@espectradiego5]

Great video, love it!

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for taking the time to watch it and to share your comment Diego.

[@steveGee5787]

The Guild has a fantastic voice and for me is easily the winner here. But I also enjoyed the nasaly snarl of that Casino overdriven - which is a quality I've noticed on them compared to most other semi-acoustics. Overall what a lovely set of guitars

[@1mihayes]

The gretsch and the guild sound the best especially overdriven. Very close guitars in terms of tone. The guild seems to have a slightly more bass sound in its tone than the gretsch. Awesome guitars! I would take the gretsch first, then the guild.

[@richq11]

Love those old Guilds... I has a Starfire II single cutaway with the old white plastic single coil pickups. Great for blues.

[@Harold710]

I've got the same one. (made in RI)

[@richq11]

@@Harold710 I wish I still had mine, it was stolen in 69

[@flivesey5889]

What a nice chap.

[@crazylikeafox1000]

Thank you. I’ve been trying to decide on a semi hollow guitar. Don’t have access to all of these. To my ear, es335/Starfire III.

[@johnpike5836]

best across the board semihallow sound demo Ive ever heard. Gibson Gretch

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for taking the time to share such kind words John. Editing/viewing the back-to-back clips of the different guitars playing the same riffs was certainly eye/ear opening!

[@johnpike5836]

Thanks Phil...So...I watched it again... and discovered that; It wasn't Just the "Sounding Out" of each model, it Was as Much the Atmosphere of the Presentation. I appreciated That you incorporated the "Value You placed on Friendship(s)" and how good friendships bring so much quality into our lives, especially when a good friend; "Has an unexpected Surprise", waiting for us. The Opening segment with "The Guild" was awesome. What resinated with me was the matured notion that; all good things come to those who are patient and that compromise is really not an option. thanks for that, too.

[@MythvsCraft]

@@johnpike5836 Thank you John. Phil indeed excels as a storyteller. If you haven't checked out the video of him showcasing three Les Paul Goldtops, check it out!

[@johnpike5836]

@@MythvsCraft on it

[@checkpointcovid8021]

Holy moly! That Guild guitar!

[@msaintpc]

That Starfire III got fkn killer tone, right up there with the Gibby 335 in tonal quality.

[@PillsBuryDoughBoy_]

P.s. I loved how you played help!

[@adgg577]

As a Grestch owner I'm generally biased, but that 335 is a cut above here. 👌 Gibson are starting to get things right again. The Marcus King 335 looks 🔥.

[@samuelherman4859]

Beautiful guitars

[@toddmcmakin7487]

They all sounded good and each has it's own voice. I think it comes down to the Guild and Gretsch to my ears. Of the two, I think the Gretsch sounds a bit better.

[@monkeypunker]

Great recording man, thank you. Those P-90s on Epiphone are a bit thin and harsh sounding, must be perfect for overdriven rockabilly jamming. The Gibson 335 is well rounded, balanced, smooth. Gretch is my favourite, so twangy. Guild even a bit more so, but with some odd special timbre that one either loves or not I guess. All are great in its own way.

[@anvil777]

wow, beautiful guitars. Love the looks of that Guild, that Gibson is the best sounding out of the bunch IMO, with Guild 2nd

[@pickledpipergaming9649]

Loved the casino

[@oldgittarist]

See what he means about that Guild!! Great vid.

[@phelipehulk]

Holy fuck. I was in love with the Casino some years ago (with Glary's epi model) but this video made me fall in love with it even more. Not to mention that gretsch tone.

[@stevehammer781]

Terrific playing - thank you for sharing. The Epi and Gibby sound very close with the Epi being a little brighter with those P90s. The Gretsch being a solid body sounds like a solid body - very warm, particularly with distortion/rock and not so much on Jazz. Not familiar at all with Guilds other than I've heard the name... but man, that Guild seems to do all these music styles REALLY well and to me, is the overall winner.

[@hawsshaw]

My choice is Gretsch w/ original filtertron

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

I used to own a Guild Starfire 111 (purchased in 1966) similar to this one - but with DeArmond pickups - great Rock a Billy guitar. I'm sorry I ever let it go! I still have my 1962 Gibson ES335TD - (purchased new in 1963) - the best playing guitar I have ever owned! I think the Gretsch pickups are the best sounding in this clip - twangy but full!

[@brocluno01]

Always just personal preference, but I prefer the Starfire :) Thanks for doing this. Hard to get back to back comparo's from other sources.

[@odomis07]

Awesome video brotha. All sound amazing. Similar but with a twist. If that makes sense.

[@user-bt8sd2ke9o]

The best performance help songs- post Beatles era

[@godsreddoor6345]

When talking about old Guitars and how much they cost back then, remember that an average worker made about $100 a week. I can remember the day in the late 60's when my dad was so proud that he made $10,000 that year!

[@Interstellar85]

Gretsch is amazing

[@AndrewX66]

The riff that you play during the “Middle Position” segments is so damn tasty! DAMN. Keep on, my man!

[@haydenlince7420]

It's help by the Beatles

[@AndrewX66]

hayden lince Shiiiiid. I’m so behind The Beatles catalog. Thank you!

[@haydenlince7420]

@@AndrewX66 no problem man anytime

[@jamesfogle1880]

Guild FTW

[@Ralphydub]

I listened to this in stereo with a nice setup. From where I’m sitting it’s the Guild and the Gretsch for the W. The 335 sounds great with hi gain but I’m not a player who would benefit from that too much. Funny how I thought I would favor the Gibson but gotta trust my ears at the end of the day....thanks for this comparison!

[@josephhathy815]

The Gibson was my favorite in the bridge, the gretsch was my favorite in the middle position, and the guild was my favorite in the neck. The casino did everything 2nd best. Just my opinion... I hope that all made sense lol

[@magicdaveable]

I had a Starfire IV. I gigged with from the late 60's until the late 80's. I sometimes wish that it was still in my closet with my other Guilds but I traded it for a G&L ASAT. I have an S-100 and an S-300 D. I had a mid-60's SG, a Gold Top LP that was purchased from George Gruhn in Nov. 71 (I think) i had an LP Deluxe. That was traded for my S-300 D. Not a fan of Gibsons. These days I have 2 Music Man Silhouettes. A '98 Ash body and a '02 Alder body. Both hard tail with maple fingerboard. After 5 decades of looking for my perfect instruments I am done. The Silhouettes fill the bill. Best tone, best versatility. Best build quality. I also prefer a long scale.

[@juanespinosa8064]

To me ,my 2 favorites that he has were the Grestch and the casino.I love the looks of both of them even though i know the gibson i really nice and epensive.

[@jd1655]

All are great. None led in all the different scenarios. The amp of course makes a difference. What is good about this vid is that I might stop chasing the perfect guitar! I'd be good with any one of these.

[@markanthony653]

Definitely the Guild, I was amazed at the casino though

[@DaviTrombela84]

I think it is the first time I see this finish in a Casino. Is it a Matsumoku's? Amazing collection, by the way! They all look and sound incredible!