PRS DGT vs Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop - Which Is Better?

[@SamHooperGroup]

For me the DGT takes that Les Paul sound that we’ve heard many times before and adds an extra little sparkle to the soulfulness. So the DDT would be my choice out of the two.

[@ledrew2370]

It doesn’t have as much low end as the LP, which most FoH/studio engineers will likely carve out anyway. I think of it as a “mix ready” LP.

[@gurtana]

To my ear, both are similar and the differences are subtle but the Les Paul has a harmonic aggression behind the notes and the PRS has a harmonic clarity. Thanks for the comparison

[@vanceg18]

The top end harmonic information of the PRS goes up a fair amount higher than the Les Paul. This allows it to cut through better. And experienced engineers usually roll off some of that extra low end on the Les Paul when you are recording to keep the low end from getting muddy.

[@jaricklosey4607]

Just have to say your videos are incredibly high quality, excellent tones, great playing.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Jarick!

[@rolandguilford8301]

Great review! Couldn’t agree more. Both guitars sound awesome. PRS more versatile but something magic about the Gibson not quite present in the PRS. I could listen to that Les Paul all day. It really is a fabulous sound!

[@SDisonYT]

I love my Les Paul Custom, but the guitar I play more than my LP, Strat, Tele, and EVH Wolfgang combined, is my PRS Custom semi-hollow. I just love playing that thing so much. Sounds great, feels great, looks great.

[@davemarriott9332]

Great Great honest comparison. You really covered it all. I just ordered a PRS DGE SE so I can't wait to get it. Cheers

[@paulkelly9497]

You swung me a few months back on a DGT when I was hovering - I'm glad I listened (or read)..it jumped the queue to first place, over my prized James Tyler, that couldn't be topped by my Strat that I've owned since the mid 90's, My Tele Ultra and as much as I craved the Les Paul I also own, my Lester is outside my top six players - No regrets on the DGT

[@jimmyjams1974]

Such a great video. I have a les Paul and two dgt’s. Love them all. This video really shows the guitars well. Great job!

[@TheStudioRats]

2 DGT’s awesome!

[@adamgray8009]

Great video! I own an '11 DGT 10 top and a '60 Reissue LP ( '20 R0 V2) and they are my two favorite guitars by far. They are similar but different as discussed. I will reiterate that the DGT is in fact the most versatile guitar ever along with my Tele and ES-335. The DGT can do it all but the LP just has that *thing* that makes you want to just play and play. It puts you in touch with your inner rock start, for sure, haha. But the DGT is my desert island, can only have one, guitar. Love love both!

[@TVoltG]

Even with different pickups (I use a Slash A2 Bridge Pickup, a custom wound A5 neck pickup with a great split), a PRS DGT always has a more HD sound quality to me compared to all my guitars I own. Which is why it's so addicting to play. I adore my 2008 DGT.

[@Aja-nt]

Both are stunning guitars and impossible to decide that one is better than the other, but without doubt the DGT is a modern day classic.

[@jspic4907]

Being bassier, the Gibson will impress more playing alone and with distorsion. In a mix, the PRS will stand out much more.

[@TheStudioRats]

Agreed!

[@eliju420]

That is something it took me forever to realize. Some of my favorite guitar tones sound like crap when isolated from the rest of the mix, but damn do they sound good as part of the track.

[@blairmarshall5690]

Not my experience. My PRS’s mids got buried in band mixes. After getting my LP, I traded the PRS for a Tele. PRS guitars feel the best in my hands, but not to my ears.

[@sorenahlback]

PRS is my favorite brand and I would pick that over Gibson all days a week. However I liked the bridge pickup sound in the Gibson in the beginning of the video. Good comparison and video as always.

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

I'm a PRS guy, but that Gibson sounds great!

[@BAMozzy69]

A very fair assessment of both in my opinion. Personally, I generally prefer the clarity and precision of the PRS and, to me, the DGT has to be the 'best' signature guitar on the market. Also so much easier to find a DGT that ticks all your boxes too than trying to find the 'right' Les Paul. That being said, if you can or do own the 'right' Les Paul, they have that Iconic look and sound. There is something about owning a Gibson Les Paul - the history, the artists associated with them etc etc. That can often be more than enough to overlook some of the 'rougher' edges. I know I maybe slightly Bias, but I'd still take the DGT over the Gibson. It may not sound 'exact' but gets close enough and in a mix, the extra clarity may help more, plus you have the added versatility the Coil Splits offer and the Trem too is superb. The fact it costs less (certainly if looking at 'New' guitars - often a lot less than Gibson Custom Shop), with much higher QC and don't have to go searching for the 'one', to me makes it a 'no brainer'!!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers BAM

[@jonathanb1471]

I love Les Paul’s and always want to buy one, but my PRS guitars just do the job so well and never let you down.

[@somebodyelseuk]

Different tools for different jobs. I have two CS LPs, both perfect build quality. I know PRS are faultless. They make you play differently. If you're an old school bluesman, the LP will suit you better, whereas if you lean more towards modern styles, the PRS is probably more your thing. My experience of PRS is that the necks are too thin for me. Based on general reviews of CS LPs, I know the necks on mine would be too big for most people, but are perfect for me. When you're spending this amount of money, it's only really about which one fits you best - they'll sound great, they're built to last, they'll play great... It's like buying expensive shoes at this point... Which one doesn't give you cramp in your hand after two hours? As for "tone"... don't people ever adjust the knobs on the amp anymore?

[@DBroce]

My first guitar was a Les Paul and I still play them today. I bought my first PRS in 1997. I think you have to have both is the answer.

[@jeremyjohnston592]

Though both are well out of my price range, I'd be torn between these. I prefer the quality and precision of the PRS from an ownership point of view, but you cant beat a Les Paul for tone. The DGT is superb, but the power of the LP is hard to go past. I'd still get the DGT. Definitely spend more time playing it than tuning it.....

[@TheStudioRats]

Hit the nail on the head!

[@stricknine8623]

Very well put together video. Excellent, top quality playing. Love both guitars,..Super great instruments.

[@joegearing1745]

I like them both, I have a 2010 59 ri Les Paul and a 2013 DGT. The video nails the main differences between the two, but one it doesn't mention (unless I missed it) is the DGT has a 25" scale vs the Les Paul's 24.75". I honestly can't believe that less than 10 millimetres can make that much a difference, but it absolutely does. The split coils sound like a strat, and overall, the tuning is almost...like it's spectacular. I love my les pauls, I have a 73 les paul custom that is near perfect, but man, the DGT is on another level. squeee

[@christophercole8877]

Ibanez AR300 and many other Artist guitars of the late 70s, early 80s have super jumbo frets. I love that! Also, the fretboards are ebony. With WCR or other boutique pickups and Tritons switching, my old Ibanez guitars are ultra-versatile LP and PRS killers. That said, both of these guitars sound great.

[@jammergreg]

The PRS is like I was Paul should’ve been and probably was back in the day. The PRS is way more consistent & articulate. For the last two years I have CRS semi hollow SingleCut 594. I have a bad back in at 7 pounds & a cross between a Les Paul in at 3:35, I’m happy! Over the last 53 years I’ve had about 20 les puals love them too. Paul has done his homework.

[@gregorygetable]

Excellent vid, great playing. I liked the PRS just amazing clarity and nuance. I had custom les paul nephew adopted lol, and PRS 594. PRS stays in tune better and clear with gain. Love both

[@MrChips04]

Great comparison video! Both guitars sound great and are quite similar as you state. The Gibson seems to have more bottom end and bit more top or high midrange, like a subtle smiley EQ curve but not exactly mid scooped, the PRS maybe a bit more balanced tonally. I think the Gibsons output is a tad bit hotter as well, or maybe just seems that way because of the aforementioned voicing. The Gibson starts to get a bit muddy on the neck pickup for low chording whereas the PRS retains more clarity and definition.. Could they sound a lot closer with EQ, pick up height adjustments, amp tweaks, etc.? Of course. As another commented it would be an interesting experiment to swap pickups and see what that revealed, and/or compare a more similar PRS model....but that is not the point here. As a long time Fender guy I wanted to round out my (humble) collection with a versatile and high quality humbucker guitar....did the research and bought a used PRS DGT. I love it! Despite the fact that your particular Gibson model's bridge pickup may have a bit of an edge tonally, I would not trade the overall sound, versatility, playability, tuning stability, coil splitting options, trem system (best in the business...and still stable when floating with 10's and 4 springs), and exceptional build quality, for ANY other single instrument.

[@58lp2002]

Good vid and comparison. I have a GT LP 57 reissue that I love and PRS 22 and 24 but not a DGT which is a great guitar. The LP sounds better to me but the PRS is much more versatile, has the tremolo bar, easier to play, and stays in tune better. For gigs it’s normally the PRS for me but at home I love the tone of the LP. The LP cleans up better also when the guitar volume is turned down. You didn’t mention the amp/pedals or processor used but sounds great.

[@TheStudioRats]

I agree with everything you said. I was using a GT1000

[@nevillecragg9066]

So happy and lucky to own both. Custom 24 core and Les Paul standard. The PRS is flawless

[@IvorThomas]

I'm really happy to have both a Les Paul R8 (under 8 lbs) and a '09 DGT. The LP plays better and has an awesome chunky neck with ridiculous low action yet no buzzing or fret-out. Just perfect. But that DGT just is so good at everything. Def the best tremolo Iv'e ever used. Pickups sound great. PRS frets seem to not wear out too, so it's great for playing hours on end. At first I was less than impressed with the DGT neck carve, which is rather thin, but it's grown on me quite a bit (I prefer the neck carve on the PRS McCarty). If I could only have one guitar, it would be the DGT or a Tele. But for inspiration, a custom shop LP is hard to beat.

[@Francob78]

Wow, two beautiful guitars…i personally prefer the prs based on looks..i havent played either up to this day……..glad i found your channel, great content

[@skeeterman7144]

The DGT sounds so close. An average listener will not notice the difference. One thing no one talks about that converted me to PRS DGT is the feel of the neck and under my fingers. It is an exceptional experience. Sling a PRS over your shoulders as it rests against your body is second to none. Quite the tactical experience.

[@AllCarsUnited]

Anyone that owns both will likely tell you they play the PRS more. They just feel perfect, the LP is the one you pick up for that nostalgia moment

[@zeknoss]

I own a DBZ guitar for many years and it's a very "musical" guitar. I sometimes find myself very lucky for getting it because it gives me the PRS vibes, especially in the terms of sound and versatility. Great video as always man, thank you!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Burak, I’ll check out DBZ

[@zeknoss]

@@TheStudioRats it is currently owned by Diamond Guitars and the designs and also products themselves are not what they used to be. But my baby is one of the original ones, with the gorgeous logo and all...

[@BootleggerPhil]

(late viewing) Great presentation. I agree 100% with the PRS build quality over Gibson Custom. I had a (used) 2015 USA C24. Great guitar, perfect build & playability. The original owner was selling because 24 frets wasn't his thing. I part traded it on an amp, for the same reason. A DGT would have been more suitable to my needs and a mental note has been made for when the LP & Strat are too much to handle.

[@frankenstein4106]

Love my DGT, it's my favorite PRS made! I've got an Eastman SB59/v for my Les Paul tones, and it's a killer guitar too!!

[@burt2800]

How would you compare them quality wise? Resonance, quick response?

[@frankenstein4106]

@@burt2800 Both are quality builds and are very resonate guitars, but it's like comparing an American street rod to a European sports car. The DGT is slick, smooth and finessed with the thinner body and quicker response. The SB59/v is ruff and tuff with the muscle to punch through. Both have great pickups, the DGT more defined while the 59/v with the Lollars has the sweet PAF tones.

[@dver4624]

The Gibson just has 'that' beautiful PAF sound. That neck pickup on the Les Paul sounds amazing.

[@lincolnsixecho51]

Its a generally sound thing i always recognize when i hear my PRSs in comparison to my Gibson guitars: The LP has that massive straight- into-the-face rock power - PRSs are generally more difficile, colorful, transparent, "artful" and are - with the eye on different musical applcation fields, more versatile in their sound. Therefor, a PRS is more useful when you want to experiment with sounds or try to find a highly individual sound! The Gibson is: "Here is, what you expect from a Les Paul! Take it or leave it!!" That is no surprise, because the Les Paul is still the type of guitar, thats build in the spirit and at the "state-of-art" of the time, it was invented ... the early-to-mid 50ties. - Most times, Gibson tried to modernize their models,they were punished by the users, who always wanted the instrument of the myths and legends, so they finally decided to stay to their original concept! Paul Reed Smith follows a complete other concept with his instruments: He always wanted to improve his guitars which are principally a result of all the decades of development in guitar-making since Fender brought out the "broadcaster" model as the 1st solidbody electric guitar in 1950 and Gibson followed with the invention of the Les Paul. PRS are - in a positive way - always the "state of the art" of guitar making - its a synthesis of tradition plus development! And the other "big Plus" here is, that Smith was always clever enough to avoid changes just only because of changes! - He always previously considered the wishes of the guitarists and if they would follow him in his concepts before making something really new! - This was not always the case with Gibson, who sadly changed from phases of an ineffective remaining in the past to phases of changes of particulary ineffective and questionable innovations. Its a problem of self-understanding: - in guitar history, Gibson always had that great name and there they tend to "rest on their lauries" - they often "fall asleep" and suddenly woke up, and must confess, that they were no more "up-to-date" with their guitars ( ...but always could recover when they remembered their strength....). - Paul Reed Smith on the other hand is always awake and sensitive for useful innovation, but also avoided innovation for itself and that could contain the danger of being not accepted by the guitarists. He knows the importance of both: a living sense for tradition (... because guitarists are in fact very traditional oriented and conservative, when it comes to their instruments...Paul knows that very well!) and a vivid and inspired sense for creative improvement and what his instruments really makes better! Or shortly: Both are powerful business companies, can make great guitars and know how to make profite outvof this.... - but Gibson are conservative and try to be, what the myths around their brand tell - and Paul Reed Smith is more the modern, always progressive producer, that has still the claim for sophistication and extraordinarity in his work.... These mentality is, what you need to know and to understand, why their instruments are different in how they are and how they sound....

[@smflyboy]

The both sound really great, but different. I think they are equally appealing. The PRS sounds more clear and refined to me, but the Les Paul is rowdy and has its own character. Great comparison!

[@MrMattsac232]

LP custom shop is definately on my list to own at some point. Seem to be a step up from the normal stuff. Just edited this comment to say, holy smokes that DGT sounds so good.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Janmcc1

[@michaelheath76901]

I have both a Les Paul and a PRS. The PRS is my favorite. It's light weight (so much better for my low back), effortless to play, stays in tune well, and a resonance you can feel (I love that!). However, I love that Les Paul paf sound. It's fuller with that bottom end. The pickups are the only thing I'm not crazy about on the PRS. They're OK, but thinner sounding. Bottom line: if my choice is one or the other, definitely the PRS.

[@MLBuffalo]

Nice comparison! I've been lucky enough to own a few PRS guitars (although not a DGT) and a few Gibsons, including several LP's. They're different animals. Similar in many regards, but sonically different. Maybe it's scale length. You can change electronics, but on any given guitar, you're not easily changing the length between nut and bridge. I think a lot of character for tone lies there. Neck angle, tone wood, etc. all play a roll, but the actual length of the string is a huge factor in tone, feel, stiffness, sweetness, ... ... Bottom line, if you like it, play it.

[@10sassafras]

PRS sounds grab me more here. Not usually a PRS fan but I definitely prefer it in this comparison.

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Excellent review! The only thing I wish PRS would do differently is add push/push pots instead of push/pull,. Push/Push are easier to work with when playing live.

[@TheRedSpecialPlayer]

I find push/pull pots generally very impractical and don't understand why they are so widely used. On both my PRS Fiore guitars they have been replaced by decent push/push pots from CTS.

[@wrigman]

I have only owned a Gibson LP special. Traded it for ( plus$$) for a Heritage 150. More a Gibson than a Gibson IMHO. Traded it for a PRS DGT Standard( no maple top) loved the neck, but too dark for my taste. Traded that for a G&L Bluesboy. Still have that one. Recently bought a PRS SE DGT, love it!! The DGT S pickups are SO close to the American pickups! Has the neck down! The sound is so close I will be keeping this one. The flame maple top is just a thin piece of maple, but the top IS maple. The sound is magic compared to the standard. If you are on the fence about the SE DGT just buy it, you will not be disappointed!!!

[@bluesrock4696]

That Les Paul sounds great, but that DGT just does it for me. It’s tone just makes me smile.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers for your comment Blues Rock. The DGT is a great model, really versatile.

[@thadlogan51]

Both sound fantastic. I'm a big fan of both Gibson and PRS. I used to struggle with getting pickup clarity out of Gibson Les Paul guitars until Gibson came out with 61 burstbuckers... which I purposely bought my last two Gibsons with... Les Paul classic and a SG 61 reissue... the 61 pickups are some of the clearest pickups I've ever heard. My current PRS guitars are core 24 and Chris Robertson... I previously had a CE 24 and 245 too. But sure any better than the other. Is my core PRS 24 worth the extra $2000 over my Gibson classic or SG 61 reissue? Probably not except for the insanely beautiful top. My Les Paul is perfectly made... but I agree that the quality consistency is significantly better with PRS. All of my USA PRS guitars have been perfect in every way... I didn't even need to do set up on them... just perfect guitars. And as you said the coil tapping on PRS guitars is excellent...whereas it's terrible and almost worthless on Gibson. And it's not just because of the fatter Les Paul body style... because my PRS Chris Robertson is a Les Paul shape and the coil tapping on it are night and day better than on my Gibson Les Paul classic. But as you said the Gibson had a very unique rocking humbucking tone that nothing else can produce... so I love it too. Also agree if I could only take one to a gig it would be the PRS because it's so versatile and light... but the Les Paul killer too. SG 61 is nice for light weight too... but mine doesn't have coil tapping so PRS more versatile.

[@MaxPower-js1sk]

They’re both lovely guitars, but for me, playing the PRS isn’t as special as playing my 30yo Les Paul, but my PRS is so beautifully built. Also, my PRS is so in tune, especially compared with my Gibsons.

[@gregs8685]

Excellent review. I’ll take the PRS all day every day. I do think a McCarty 594 or SC245 is more comparable to a Les Paul than the DGT is. I had an R8 which sounded killer but the tuning instability, 9 lb weight and uncomfortable body were deal killers for me. BTW, love the dots on the DGT.

[@xF1revolution]

The moons are a pretty sweet inlay. I only wish they waxed and waned.

[@rubenleon9482]

Great comparison. I much prefer the Gibson Les Paul sound over the PRS. There is a clear difference to me. The Gibson has more clarity and detail and a thicker sound. It sounds like it's thicker in the mid and bass and has more detail as well. It sounds like Jimmy Page in 'Since I've been loving you' live from Song remains the same. Love the way it breaks up. Love the crunch!. The PRS is great, but too SMOOTH for my tastes and muffled, missing some highs and thinner (or quieter) sounding. Thank you.

[@Geetarhed]

Use my prs custom 24 at gigs for lighter weight but my Les Paul is much better tone wise for jazz and cuts through the mix for rock. Still trying to love my PRS! Great workmanship

[@bsbrooks455]

I've already got a Core PRS, but I sometimes find myself GASsing for a nice Les Paul. That Les Paul sounds wonderful, but after watching this video, I feel like my GAS has been cured. It was the perfect prescription for my cure and made the GAS go away (at least for now). OK, bye for now. Gotta go play the PRS (or maybe one of my Teles).

[@TheStudioRats]

Nice one Bruce, I’m always happy to help people stop buying another guitar. It’s a shame I can’t follow that advice.

[@MusicHyde]

The PRS for leads and Gibson for rhythm imo. Thanks for the video!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers MusicHyde

[@baldybonce29]

Both absolute stunners!!!!!

[@luispaxtor2680]

Both are very nice sounding guitars, LP has that classic sound and the PRS has it's own voice.

[@gilberttrujillo5660]

I have a 2022 PRS DGT Brazilian and a 2019 Gibson R0. This demo sounds very similar to what I hear. The DGT is a great all around guitar. However, there is "something" about the Les Paul that has more authority and balls in a live band context. That's why I have both. In a band context I hear the DGT's upper mid more (more cut), but I almost lose the lower mids/bass. The LP retains that.

[@tonilindgren5002]

very good video of two great guitars, the les paul has a bit more sustain and a bit more bite in the mid range which is hard to beat, also a really beutiful neck pickup on the LP.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Toni

[@nicholastobin8168]

Still one of my greatest regrets - moving on my DGT in hard times.

[@jamestonguet1737]

I have several custom shop Gibsons , and PRS's both lovely but agree that PRS is a step above, the pickups have a bit more dimension as well .

[@otherfish]

Both sound great - A/B'd you can hear some differences. Without the A/B most would be hard-pressed to tell a difference. What amp / pedals are you using? It sounds so good! Well done vid1 - thank you

[@lincolnsixecho51]

Its a generally sound thing i always recognize when i hear my PRSs in comparison to my Gibson guittars: The LP has that massive straight- into-the-face rock power - PRSs are generally more difficile, colorful, transparent, "artfull" and - with the eye on different musical applcation fields, more versatile in their sound. Therefor, a PRS is more useful when you want to experiment with sounds or try to find a highly individual sound! The Gibson is: "Here is, what you expect from a Les Paul! Take it or leave it!!" That is no surprise, because tge Les Paul is still the type of guitar, thats build in the spirit and at the "state-of-art" of the time, it was invented ... the early-to-mid 50ties. Every time, Gibson tried to modernize their models,they were punished by the users, who always wanted the instrument of the myths and legends, so they decided to stay to their original concept! Paul Reed Smith follows a complete other concept with his instruments: He always wanted to improve his guitars which are principally a result of all the decades of development in guitar-making since Fender brought out the "broadcaster" model as tge 1st solidbody electric guitar in 1950. PRS are - in a positive way - always the "state of the art" of guitar making - its a sythesis of tradition plus development! And the other "big Plus" here is, that Smith was always clever enough to avoid changes because of changes! He always considered the wishes of the guitarists and if they would follow him in his concepts! - This was not always the case with Gibson, who sadly changed from phases of an ineffective remaining in the past to phases of changes of particulary ineffective and questionable innovations. Its a problem of self-understanding: - Gibson have that great name and tend to "rest on their lauries" - they often "fall asleep" and suddenly woke up, and must confess, that they were no more "up-to-date" with their guitars ( ...but always could recover when they remembered their strength....). - Paul Reed Smith on the other hand is always awake and sensitive for useful innovation, but also avoided innovation for itself and that could contain the danger of being not accepted by the guitarists. He knows the importance of both: a living sense for tradition (... because guitarists are in fact very traditional oriented and conservative, when it comes to their instruments...Paul knows that very well!) and a vivid and inspired sense for creative improvement and what his instruments really makes better! Or shortly: Both are businessmen and know how to make profite - but Gibson are conservative and try to be, what the myths around their brand tell - and Paul Reed Smith is more the modern, always progressive producer, that has still the claim for sophistication. and extraordinarity in his work.... These mentality is, what you need to know and to understand, why their instruments are different in how they are and how they sound....

[@DougErapps]

Fantastic demo! Would you mind sharing what amp pedals, fx and signal chain? Thanks!

[@petervankessel4532]

Thx mate, this was really helpful. The Les Paul stays. I was considering PRS for a while :)

[@ilmisxx2]

That DGT is just sex with strings! :D but i do want birds on my PRS neck. Les Paul is a very nice guitar and it sit's in the mix really beautifully but it is a bit dated and you can get a PRS that does the same thing but has superior quality in every aspect of construction, fit and finish. Very tasty tone you got there :)

[@JohnPerryMusic]

Nothing “dated” about a Les Paul..

[@Archtops]

Excellent comparison! Liked and Subscribed.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers!

[@ELIAHOficial]

This is the best review man, thanks

[@TheStudioRats]

Glad you liked it!

[@iharjula]

It would be interesting to see the comparison so that you would switch the pickups between the guitars.

[@mrGood-84]

Beautiful touch! I've got Tremonti MK1 USA and I'm saving up for a something less aggressive from PRS camp. DGT really has my attention but I'm thinking of CE not because of the price but the bolt on design. Any experience with that model?

[@michaelmachado2049]

I own 3 PRS guitars, a McCarty Korina Brazilian, a Custom 24 Brazilian, and a Santana. They are all exceptional instruments. I’ve never been a Gibson fan but I do have an Epiphone Sheraton Pro which is basically a 335 knockoff. I think it’s just the attitude of Gibson that turns me off so much.

[@Scotanthony1]

There is an inherent tonal quality and unique characteristic about a Les Paul that only it can deliver, and while the PRS sounds good, it cannot bring it in the same way. The PRS on the other hand seems to be a much more versatile guitar, and even though I’ve never really been a fan of them, this one sounds great. If you have the means, then obviously having one of each would be optimal. If I could only choose one, I’d be rolling with a vintage Les Paul, because their tone just kills!

[@vittoriomazzotti]

I’m going to change my Les Paul 58 VOS with a recent built DGT and this video is why I’m going to do the swap. Could you tell me what is the profile/preset/real amp that you are using in this video? It’s absolutely amazing!! Cheers from Italy

[@BrodyCanuck]

I really can't stand when people say PRS is too perfect and sterile.... maybe the other companies should be picking up their game and making sure every guitar sounds and looks great instead of talking down on a company for doing a good job... I cannot wrap my head around that. The PRS looks and sounds better here.

[@dreamscuba]

Great video and both guitars look and sounded fantastic. Although I am a PRS owner, I have a core CU24, I could not say either sounded better...they were both just wonderful. Love the gold top!! What amp were you using?

[@crazyivan1966]

The Les Paul pickups are more vibrant sounding. I own a Standard and also a PRS. The Les Paul just has a SOUL to it.

[@ParaBellum2024]

The key comment here is that if you could only take one guitar to a gig, it'd be the PRS. I'd be interested to see what the result would have been if, instead of a Les Paul, the PRS had been up a Telecaster!

[@richnoble6315]

If I didn't own a DGT this would make me want one really bad! As it is, it just reaffirms that my choice to get one was right.

[@LPMojoGL]

Love the sound of that Les Paul. It's so right.

[@kenq7948]

Great video, Would like you to compare with volume on guitars down a bit and then through a clean amp.

[@jrnvenaas44]

DGT sounds better to me. Clearer and less gainy. Less of the excessive low-end the LP has. A LP sounds great on it’s own, but on stage it’s often too big and unfocused. This is my experience with them on stage.

[@jmdyt3626]

Also imo les Paul’s are too heavy and I feel like whenever I would stand up and play my les Paul that the strap would fall off, but with my jazzmaster and strat the strap hasn’t fallen off once and it’s been at least a year

[@che2335]

Both are sweet gold tops Id keep both

[@nikverschuren4291]

I play guitar for 2 years now. First got a Squier classic vibe 60s strat. But i love the sound of a les paul more (personally) especially i play with overdrive allot. But i couldnt resonate with the epiphone (body to thick, not nice to sit down with). Now i bought the PRS DGT SE goldtop. For me its the perfect combination and could pretty much use it for everything i want and more. Yes in the line i will eventually get a core, dont feel the need now but in due time.

[@steveg219]

The Les Paul has enough hotter output to push the amp a bit more so the comparison is a little tough but the PRS is very articulate and the Les Paul is a solid rocker

[@robertselznick4845]

Both sound fantastic, but I prefer the DGT. Tone is fantastic..what are you playing through?

[@blakedyeguitar]

Yes, what amp are you playing through? The tone is wonderful.

[@TheStudioRats]

To answer you both at the same time, it’s a Boss GT1000

[@robertselznick4845]

@@TheStudioRats Wow, I have a fractal FM3 which I love, but that tone is juicy. What amp model?

[@TheStudioRats]

Ooh I’m not sure to be honest, it’s one of the tones from my free gt1000 preset pack.

[@rohanblignaut8615]

What amp/sim were you using here? Sounds absolutely incredible. I prefer the PRS since there is more detail in the sound and feels a bit more open, probably cause it's slightly lower output

[@TheStudioRats]

I was using a boss gt 1000

[@rohanblignaut8615]

@@TheStudioRats thanks! Really impressed

[@robertclinger7351]

Hello! I Still think the volume pots should be splittable. That way, in the middle pickup position one can be split and the other humbucking and it's variable.

[@TalleyWacker1000]

Do you use the OX for most of your demos? If so it sounds wonderful with every amp you demo and these two guitars both sound wonderful. I believe the DGT might have a slight more sizzle on the top end, the LP a bit more girth overall. Both fantastic, love your videos!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Greg. Not all videos, recently most vids are using an axe fx 3

[@frankgreco]

Nice vid! The DGT comes setup for .011s. Did you keep the .011 setup or move to a lighter gauge? Those DGT pickups are fantastic; they are the best pickups PRS makes imo.

[@rz0svp]

I just bought my first PRS a few months ago...a DGT and I concur... These pickups sound amazing. I usually swap the pickups out of my guitars. I will NEVER replace these.

[@frankgreco]

@@rz0svp They are modeled after Dave's 335 pickups. Those pickups were also the favorites of Larry Carlton and EVH (who put *one* in his Frankenstrat).

[@musiccreation1198]

Thanks! PRS for me :)

[@Turboy65]

The answer is the Les Paul. PRS fit and finish and quality will be better, but the Les Paul is the king of rock and roll.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

The les Paul has more character, while the DGT cuts through better with more clarity. I like the tone of the Les Paul better while everything else about the guitar, I prefer the PRS.

[@cuttsp]

I want to Gibson, Les Paul standard, probably with split coils, a lovely guitar recently I bought eight Gretsch Tennessee rose as an awesome guitar too. I’d like to hear you compare the Tennessee rolls or a falcon to the PRS. Good video.

[@lukecdx9012]

Both sounds amazing and look awesome! How do you find the gloss finish on the neck and binding compared to the smooth bare wood feel of your tele and Alt T?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Luke, I’d always prefer non gloss necks but I can live with it. Binding doesn’t bother me at all.

[@bryanclarke1927]

Probably best check out the PRS SE version of the DGT when it comes out.

[@jeremydahm2124]

I have a gold nitro DGT but your LP sounds a bit nicer in the context your comparing. Love my DGT though and build quality is something I value when spending near 4k for a guitar. I would buy a PRS, have many times, sight unseen. I would definitely not do that with a Gibson. BUT....I'm buying an LP deluxe sooner or later!

[@MintyBitesBack]

The PRS sounds better, the Les Paul sustains better... it is not just about the way the guitar sounds, it is about how it delvers the sound. In my experience PRS always win on paper but when you put them back to back there is something very intoxicating in the way the Gibson projects the sound out and sustains the notes.... IMHO... Lovely guitars.

[@texrex4580]

I'm a Les Paul fanboy. I love the customer shop guitars and am lucky enough to own several, including an early 58' Custom Authentic in butterscotch burst. I also own an early PRS CE22 which has insanely good build quality, but it's my Les Pauls that I played more at live shows. They can't be beaten when you play through a TS 808 into a good valve amp. Loving the content Paul, some really great insights into your musical journey. Would love to hear more about your favourite bands, albums and tracks.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for your comment Tex!

[@GuitarLen75]

My DGT is now my number 1 even though I'm a Strat guy. I'm looking for a Strat that can match it in sound quality. The DGT is the perfect guitar for Strat guys that don't like Les Pauls. It's perfect for Gritty Blues , Gritty country Rock, RNB and Jazz and classic Rock.

[@jmdyt3626]

Exactly I’m a strat guy/ jazzmaster but want something that is similar to a strat but is also different

[@jimini2419]

Hi Paul !! What about the necks these guitars. Does The 57 Gibson LP Custom have a fatter neck than the DGT ?

[@kjypeace]

What amp were you plugged into for this comparison? Great video!

[@TheStudioRats]

it was a Boss gt 1000

[@guitarsandcheesecake1632]

Great video. It'll be the Gibson les paul for me. I've got 5🤣🤣🤣🤣. Tried a few prs guitars and don't feel they suit me like a les paul

[@johnnywhyayou]

i prefer your tone! sounds really nice, what setup did u use? :D

[@BOOLsheet]

Great demo - what amp are you using?