Who Makes the Best Les Paul??? Custom Shop Gibson R9 vs. PRS McCarty 58 Artist Package

[@IndyRockStar]

That LP is one of the best sound LP I ever heard. It immediately made me take notice.

[@truescotsman4103]

the neck pickup on that gibson is glorious. absolute tone.

[@hkguitar1984]

As for sound, through my monitors I can indeed hear the characteristic compression of the Gibson Custom Shop pickups. Gibson has done a really good job with their Custom Shop pickups. Not to be forgotten the PRS offering is also beautiful sounding. One of the things I can appreciate with PRS is that they don't seem to be constrained by tradition, yet still somehow produce beautiful instruments that are their interpretations of traditional greatness.

[@jorgeleonel6663]

The R9 all the way! That bite, the “classic” rocknroll tone, are unmatched to me.Great vídeo and playing as always, Shawn, your talent is inspiring!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks for chiming in Jorge! Yeah, that R9 is a nice sounding guitar for sure!

[@grooveitman929]

As much as I love both models, the ergonomics, weight and tuning stability of the PRS win the battle for me in terms of the guitar I´d choose if I had to go on tour. Of course the mojo and iconic looks of the Les Paul give it a handicap for the cool factor.

[@TheToneBarn]

I’ve had many PRS and I can’t get over their pickups. The Gibson line has just recently come back more inspired than ever. However in this 2500$+ price point options are limitless from some amazing brands like Suhr, Anderson, knaggs, and musicman. Shawn is amazing and would sound amazing if he was playing a soda stream plugged into a broken toaster.

[@ShawnTubbs]

I understand what you mean. I really like the 57/08 and DGT pickups but others from PRS, not so much. Tone and feel is a personal thing.

[@hkguitar1984]

Both are really nice. Big shout out to Derek for letting Shawn share this with us, Thank You. I've a faithful R9 copy that I love, however I still prefer the scale length of my Stratocaster. Maybe someday I'll have an R9 built with the Fender scale length (yeah I know, Blasphemy).

[@PeterLacis]

Hey Shawn - I'd love to hear a comparison between your custom PRS and the DGT - thanks for all you do!

[@Adipsia1]

Agreed 100%

[@gregs8685]

Great video, great playing. I am partial to PRS McCartys over Les Pauls, I just like the way they feel and play, but man that R9 sounds killer. Especially the dirty tones.

[@jjrtattoos7618]

It sucks to admit that while the PRS is more playable, has a better headstock, better QC etc, its still feels like the Gibson has an unbeatable tone to me. Granted they were the guitars that shaped rock and roll so they’re synonymous with that particular sound and it may be affecting my judgement but there’s that unmistakable sound to a les paul that I adore and it makes it worth putting up with all of its glaring issues

[@bazitube390]

yup! basically sums it up for me ...

[@bldlightpainting]

Agreed. The gold standard for traditional rock & roll will always be a Gibson Les Paul, even though a variety of other guitars do come very close.

[@danyeo]

Or he could raise the pickups in the McCarty like he said in the video.

[@keithferris9574]

Exactly

[@brandonbryson3317]

You aren’t wrong. I have 6 USA PRS and 3 USA Les Pauls. I play the PRS guitars the most but the LP’s win every time for tone, and it’s not even close. I do love the PRS tones too, don’t get me wrong.

[@BalconyMusicStudios]

In this Duel i prefer the Gibson, Sounds Awesome , More Bite , more woody , more 3D .

[@ShawnTubbs]

Good ears!

[@phydauex]

Love the chunky mids on the Paul. The PRS is leaner in that range and brighter overall, to my ears. The R9 just sounds right.

[@DevinDeVore]

PRS has some butter smooth tone that seems it would just lay into tracks nice. The Gib chords bit is like 😳 sick

[@ShawnTubbs]

They're both great guitars for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@rsaragosa]

I like the PRS sound better. In my opinion a Les Paul played clean always sounds a bit muddy to my ears but this one does sound great. The Les Paul with gain sounds great just like most Les Pauls do, I feel that is their sound. I own a few PRS guitars and no Les Pauls I have had a Les Paul but just couldn't handle the weight and it really was not that comfortable to play. Great job on the video great playing as well.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much, Ruben!

[@gregs8685]

Same, I like the PRS McCartys they are light, beautiful, built flawlessly and stay in tune. Les Pauls are heavy and just uncomfortable against my body.

[@musicmann1967]

I love the sound and the look of the Les Paul. I have the same "problem" with Les Pauls as Shawn. I really only play sitting down, and I'm big and the body is so small, that it's a little off balance. Standing there's no problem, but I don't play out any more and just play sitting. Do I sell my Les Paul???? haha

[@jcd248]

Great demo Sir. Thank you.

[@Eventual420]

A wonderful side by side, nuanced, allowing us to hear those minute differences like the pickup might be lower on the PRS. Huge tone from the little LP, brilliant cleans.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks for watching and for the kind comment.

[@SejaSuaEssencia]

8:21 Gibson 13:53 PRS

[@psofoss]

I prefer the Les Paul sound but man I can’t play with a les Paul... I bought and sell 5 Gibson’s all over the years until I found the tele!

[@ShawnTubbs]

I totally get it for sure. Nothing at all wrong with a tele!!

[@theregisteredmurse]

@@ShawnTubbs It sounded like you were getting "single coil" type tones when using the neck pickup w/o dirt. Any tips for this? I've never head a Les Paul do this. Almost sounded like a strat.

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@theregisteredmurse Both of those humbucker neck pickups are pretty low in output. Hotter neck pickups can be darker.

[@theregisteredmurse]

@@ShawnTubbs Thanks! Are those custom buckers?

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@theregisteredmurse Yes they are from the Gibson custom shop. That R9 isn't mine so I'm not totally sure on the exact specs.

[@welmoeloraculo]

Great review, Shawn!! I happen to be a big Gibson fan. Love Lp´s and PRS´too. I think the McCarty is lighter sounding because of the smaller amount of wood. It´s definitely more comfortable to play, but sounds a little bit more "modern" to my ears, lacking the woodiness a good Lp usually has. I have a couple Lp´s with Wizz pickups, and are my faves!! I also have a McCarty Brazilian, which I love too.

[@robertsnow3273]

Great comparison! I’ve had both and agree with your take on both.

[@donarmando916]

Wonderful LP. This PRS is better than many others i've heard, especially when compared to LPs.

[@Uptown59]

FYI, my Paul's Guitar has the same bridge and it intonates perfectly.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Your playing is excellent and yes they are both wonderful guitars ! Both are heirloom quality guitars ! 🎶🎼🇺🇸👍

[@paulcowart3174]

I just too wrapped my LP....sunk the stop tail piece all the way down but the strings still have less break than before and I like it For now anyways LoL I had a 97 R9 that I SO miss but that one got away during the housing crunch of 08 I think the unpotted pups are the way to go Airier maybe more open sounding Would love to hear a demo of potted vs un

[@jasong546]

I could never get a R9, I don’t really know a lot about them and don’t run across them or artist package prs guitars, but I took a chance and ordered the S2 McCarty 594 singlecut. I have tried a bunch of Gibson and epiphone les Paul’s, and always felt like they didn’t feel or sound like I wanted but the pickups in this S2 are surprising me so much. They just sound incredible, and the thing feels great and stays in tune...I am thrilled so maybe if you can’t swing a custom shop guitar, try one. As far as the 2 you are playing, I think they are both to die for but I like the slightly less hot PRS pups better. But clean they are both beautiful!

[@mickstick5112]

This Les Paul sounds great on the neck pickup clean, surprised me pleasantly. But your Suhr classic pro hss is the one for me. But they are all beautiful guitars Great demo as usual Shawn.

[@babaguitarandgaming9781]

Same as you. I bought an r9 recently. Took a while to get used to it. But it’s a different way to play a les Paul from a suhr. Like les Paul has sound growl to it which u need to be able to tame in order to get a good tone. Have a listen to money for nothing.

[@zofo666]

No quarter msg 73 Page sound right there on that Les Paul neck pickup!!

[@philipcarson6768]

What a great video review! What amp are you using? plus a bit more detail on the pedal - I'm not familiar within. keep mum the good work!!

[@MrCgar18]

I need to have that tone put me in the ball park on how to somehow get it.Ive said it before your playing has alot to do with it but just something that will get me clos,Im using a helix.

[@HardToBeSomeone]

Shawn, that R9 has an awesome sunburst.

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Wow, thanks for the walk-thru, Shawn! The R9 certainly has some raw mojo, doesn't it?! That said, your PRS has a more refined and focused sound. Ha! I've never cared for PRS guitars, but I like yours :)

[@musiccreation1198]

Super informative...ty Shawn!

[@jimmynorris]

You should try putting it next to the McCarty 594 Single cut. A bit more of an 🍎 to 🍏.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Les Paul like that one speak for themselves ! Beautiful and sounds as good as it gets . He has a Wonderful Les Paul ! I’d keep it forever ! You could spend more but you couldn’t get more guitar ! 🎼👍🇺🇸

[@bobaldo2339]

Boy, and I thought I had a bit of OCD with my guitars! Why anyone would do all that to an R9 Gibson kind of blows my mind. I definitely prefer the sound of the PRS pickups. The LP sounds a bit offensively harsh to my ears. I'm sure I'm an outlier in all this. But I'd take the PRS any day.

[@erikhartley2494]

What year is this McCarty? I have an opportunity to try some 90’s McCarty pickups in my Starla and am hoping they’ll work ok. Will they work in a singlecut? Thanks!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Both guitars sound amazing. They are both unique though. The PRS doesn’t sound like a Les Paul to me. It sounds like a great PRS. And the Les Paul sounds like a great Les Paul. Killer demo.

[@ShawnTubbs]

I agree with you. Thanks so much for watching and for chiming in!

[@sethmaven6924]

Apples to oranges. I'll take the R9 But thanks, and nice collection.

[@tomduckworth8335]

The scale length is really a big factor with guitars you hear just a little more snap from the strings on the PRS a little more fundamental you can hear it just starting towards Fender territory. I have a Hammer Monaco Superpro it looks similar to a Les Paul but has a 25 1/2 scale like a Fender and tonaly it really wants to lean into that bright Fender top even with medium output humbuckers. I love your PRS I would take it over the Les Paul without hesitation. I have owned five different Les Pauls from Deluxe to 25/50 Anniversary and they can be a fight to play sometimes but they do have that lovely round tone and warm harmonics. This was a fun comparison.

[@truescotsman4103]

i top wrap my tailpiece because my break angle causes my strings to touch the sides of the bridge. i could raise up the tailpiece but topwrapping solves the problem and puts the strings at the perfect angle. all gibsons have a slight different in break angle at the body so your bridge height will vary which affects your break angle over the bridge. most of the top end gibsons ive seen have less of a break angle than the older guitars from say the 90s where the break angle seemed extreme. on my guitar the bridge seems a little high so my break angle is greater and allows me to keep my tailpiece screwed all the way down.

[@Billywagner22]

I cant believe I'm saying this but the PRS sounds the best to my ears.

[@ShawnTubbs]

I always go for the sound and feel over what's stamped on the headstock. Nothing wrong with digging one over the other.

[@Billywagner22]

@@ShawnTubbs I just bought a DGT. :-)

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@Billywagner22 Congrats man!

[@Billywagner22]

@@ShawnTubbs thanks!

[@bldlightpainting]

Both are very similar tonally, and even share some coloring cues. Yet I believe the Gibson is still the gold standard for in-your-face rock & roll tone. Perhaps that's just the traditionalist in me.

[@mtitus27]

Prefer the R9, the pickups are snappier and more responsive, with more bite with gain. More complexity clean to my ears. The PRS sounds good, but sounds a little muffled maybe? All personal preference, but I'll take the Les Paul.

[@RevvAmps]

Thank you Rusty, please check back next week for our video on various Pocket Sand techniques.

[@jarcidiacono1]

Can’t deny that PRS quality but those custom shop Les Pauls from the last year or two are absolutely to die for - I’ve got a 2019 R9. Cool comparison and discussion man but you lost me when you called the Les Paul top charge a “dish” ??!! 🥺

[@jarcidiacono1]

Top carve*****

[@AdamSmith-hd5vi]

Great content!!

[@richnoble6315]

Both guitars sound brilliant. Personally I prefer the Gibson but I'd happily use either... but if I didn't already have a Gibson that sounds like that I'd miss it and be after one! I think the Gibbo just sounds more 'classic' and the PRS sounds great but not as much like the tones on the albums I grew up listening to, and loving the tones on. 'Greeny' by John Mayall - that's my perfect sound! (and it's mostly the studio compressor!)

[@peterbayliss1484]

I love the R9s colour. 😎

[@mr.fisher3973]

I know you love that McCarty but I'm sorry - that Les Paul gets my vote. Sounds amazing.

[@jeffhunter9311]

I own a couple costume shop reissue Les Paul's love them I own several Paul Reed Smith McCarty a couple with Rosewood Necks Fat juicy tone for sure Sustains just like a Les Paul The McCarty and McCarty variants are the best In the line!

[@gregs8685]

The McCartys are indeed the best of the PRS line no question!

[@no59do56]

I have a PRS MCcarty burst. Stop tailpiece.....I BELIEVE PRS DGT. WOULD BE MY CHOICE TODAY

[@chrislestermusic]

That is the most vintage sounding neck pickup on a Les Paul that I have heard in a new guitar. The old burst’s neck pickups had a top end throaty clarity that has been missing in their pickups for years in my opinion. That R9 has a balance between all three toggle settings that is a nice blend into each other. It is one of the better sounding new LPs that I have heard but your hands showcased that well. The PRS was a little “dryer” sounding and less warm. The mids seemed to be voiced lower than the LP and the low end didn’t seem quite as round. Sounded great though and I bet it would record great. I agree about raising the PRS pickups up. You could also raise the pole pieces for more top end. I love PRS necks. My Mira is a great feeling guitar and luckily I found my dream LP so I am not gassing for once after watching this.

[@SeanPowell-p4v]

If you put non Gibson pickups in a Les Paul is it still a Les Paul? I would say the same for a PRS if you put Seymour Duncan’s in a custom 24. Anyway, it’s your “axe” wield it how you like😁👍😎!!

[@gscgold]

It probably has to do with the scale length and the pick-ups in the Les Paul, but the Les Paul sounds better to me

[@thefam9179]

Which has the thinner neck?

[@lebroucke]

I had a Les Paul but could never bond with it. It sounded good but it was too heavy, went out of tune and I'm not a fan of the looks. It always felt I was playing a coffe table hehehe

[@bestregardsband6912]

What pickups are in the PRS ?

[@MrCalifornia0]

Les Paul for sound and looks and I love PRS.

[@IndyRockStar]

what amp are you playing through?

[@rockdc12]

I can tell you play differently with the two. Neither is better. They are just different and excellent.

[@L.Scott_Music]

I've encountered this question/comparison before and after some thought it seems to me that within the realm of GIbson Les Pauls one can encounter a dynamic range of quality, from OK to the finest of all instruments. Whereas the PRS is going to be consistently very good to great. Maybe never as great as the greatest LPs but never as poor as the worst LPs. Note: This is only an observation resulting from what those I trust have said to me. I don't have actual experience with either guitar (not with multiples anyway). So am I at all accurate in this assessment?

[@Wargasm644]

Makes sense too me. It’s a love/hate relationship with the Gibson Les Paul. PRS is more consistent, but less passionate.

[@MrShredarg]

the more shorter the scale, the more treble it produces, like Ukulele and bass, is it make sense?

[@MrShredarg]

@@ianbarcelos how about violin & celo? Ukulele & bass? Baritone guitar & normal guitar? Those with longer scale produce more low end.

[@adobedirtblues1321]

How about a hybrid, the Gibson Les Paul Reed Smith?

[@itsalwayssomething7490]

The PRS is essentially a Les Paul Hybrid.

[@brandonbryson3317]

It’s the Les Paul, every time. I say this as a guy who owns twice as many PRS as Gibsons. PRS just do not have “that sound.” They have a lot of other good qualities, though.

[@markola]

Agreed! PRS just seems to sound too “clean” and doesn’t have any raw inconsistencies.

[@juandoming6688]

The prs sounds amazing. More definition, more clarity that allows your fingers to do the expressing more than relying on effects.

[@juandoming6688]

But it's also a different scale length so it sounds brighter.

[@brianschiller4053]

Gibson makes the best Les Paul. I have owned both. The McCarty is not a Les Paul, but they are outstanding instruments in their own right. I think Everyone should check one out.

[@felipefarias7654]

57/08 are acutally hotter pickups (aprox 8.3-9.5kohm). Therefore, they don't sound as open, crisp and have that tele on steroid kind of feel. 58/15LT are more similar to the gibson custombucker.

[@paisteplayer1040]

57/08's are not hot.. You want hot try HFS, or Tremonti pickups

[@violinalabanzascristianas]

14:09

[@plexilespaul1956]

The prs has a tone on its own. The les paul sounds like a modern gibson should the prs has lots of bite. Like a tele

[@brianchurilla7060]

I am a fan of your videos and playing first off but.... Comparison is good if its apples to apples. A LP compared to a double cut is not balanced. Its like comparing a LP to an SG both good but different. I was a LP owner and lover. All of my idols played LPs and Strats. The first time I picked up a PRS it was like moving from a muscle car to a Ferrari. You can't beat the tone of a LP, for sure. PRS has come a long way to equal the tone - the recent 594 SCs. BUT, again for ME, the playablility of the PRS is like nothing else!! Also, the consistency of build. I can buy online anywhere without playing one and know it will kill when it arrives. I am fortunate enough to be able to get any piece of gear I want and for me it's PRS.

[@johnora3857]

for me, the Gibson sounds way better. I like this sweet but raw sound it produces. The PRS sounds much more refined and smooth i think. Not bad, but it is not my taste.

[@gerardwilson1285]

The Les Paul has a more powerful tone and looks a lot better than the PRS. Also the PRS has no markings on the fingerboard (which is a marked improvement over the bird inlays).

[@SeanPowell-p4v]

Man, I have to say , PRS makes a great guitar. The McCarty 594 is the closest they get to a Les Paul sound. Maybe the DGT as well, but a Gibson Les Paul has that sound! It’s a shame , really, because the PRS is superior to a Les Paul in so many ways. Guitarists want comfort, playability, and tone. PRS has comfort and playability down, but they lack the balls of a Les Paul. PRS still sounds good, and I guess you have to realize they were never trying to be a Gibson clone.

[@olshov111]

This particular R9 sounds very good , poor PRS lost but still great looking guitar !!!

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

A more apples to apples comparison would be the McCarty 594 with the Les Paul.

[@mrsyd258]

Prs 🖤

[@kporshnev]

Both guitars are great! You can change the color of your guitar sound by amp or guitar processor, but you can't change the fact that PRS is more comfortable than Gibson LP. PRS can hold tuning much better! And you can get to high frets on PRS much easier than on Gibson. You don't need to hold extra kilograms with PRS on your shoulders. I personally have Gibson LP and PRS Custom 24 Piezo and love them both! But if to talk about most versatile guitar - PRS is number one for me personally!

[@RJsCave]

The PRS sounds better. more crisp in the highs where the LP has a touch of that jazz warmth

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks for watching and chiming in!

[@edwardgonczy3170]

So what does it cost to take a righteous guitar and beat the crap out of it to relic it. I agree with Paul Reed Smith: buy the most gorgeous guitar you can afford (whatever brand you favor) and play it and love it and if it gets a bit beat up in the process, don't fret. Don't care for the "stinger". No, not at all. (I own a Custom Shop Les Paul and 2 PRS Custom 24's - one 1990 one 2012).

[@10sassafras]

PRS for the win here.

[@gamereservebig6248]

Clean LP, distortion PRS.

[@jameshughes6049]

Well the Gibson here is the best Les Paul since the PRS isn't a Les Paul.

[@beysonlima4769]

8:18 13:40

[@Wargasm644]

Gibson is a war machine. PRS is a bit to prissy and well mannered for my tastes. PRS is a nice guitar. But there’s a reason everyone wants a Gibson Les Paul.

[@JR-to8sn]

Gibson's Custom Buckers are the best out of all of their pups that they make.

[@davidloss2608]

R-9 wins for tone hands down!

[@narupickles7982]

From being brainwashed from youtube videos on guitar reviews...if you're a tone chaser, you'll just end up buying anything your budget allows, but i say the feel of the neck, the scale of the guitar and tuning stability and how the guitar balances out standing with a strap is what's important. playing licks on youtube does nothing about comfortable playability.

[@theshape5940]

I just traded an R8 for a PRS DGT and have no regrets gibsons are a hit or a miss when it comes to tone and almost every prs I have played sounds consistant the pickups on the PRS sound better to my ears im not a fan of the custombuckers IMO they sound nothing like the original PAFs like they claim both are nice guitars and I own both but I choose the prs

[@WB-1]

Les Paul. The finest guitar ever crafted

[@msaintpc]

Sorry but that Les Paul is da KING!

[@samright4661]

All the people complaining about the weight 😂😂😂 . Les Paul just that sound😊

[@GoldtopDude]

What idiot ruined that R9? The relic job is the worst I’ve ever seen, looks like a kid with a bicycle chain had it ! Well hope he both it super cheap.. should also change the title “who makes the best Les Paul???” The two guitars totally different , in every way, including shape and even scale length. Good playing btw

[@tonelocrian]

The Paul is way chunkier & fatter all away around - just listening on the iPhone 6. Dunno what the 'R9' stands for - is it a relic'd series Paul ?

[@gregs8685]

@@MrElaboy I believe VOS= Vintage Original Specs. More to do with the specs than the degree of relic.

[@HeavyBells]

Shorthand for Historic Reissue 1959

[@maxpower6706]

If the question is who makes the best les Paul. You already have your answer.

[@ShawnTubbs]

FENDER!!! Wait.....Guild? Thanks for watching! ;)

[@maxpower6706]

Shawn Tubbs 🤣

[@Nellil]

Me likes the PRS better 👌🤘

[@ShawnTubbs]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@kaskas55]

That R9 sounds thick.

[@DanDjurdjevicplus]

Deliberate damage: “stunning”. 🙄

[@bogarbill6331]

That PRS nails it for me, fantastic guitar briljant sound.. Afther more than 10 CS LP’s in the recent past I stick with PRS hands down all day long, it’s just the better guitar..

[@frantisca]

Hi Shawn, the PRS has a flatter response, where the LP has more body and warmth. The tone of a LP is associated to the story of Rock, just like the Hammond organ. Not that the PRS is inferior: by all means it is a fantastic guitar, but it has a tone of its own, more hi-fi, that will not suit everyone. Your model has great looks too !

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks for the comment! You've got good ears!

[@BAJARACER43X]

The finish work on that Les Paul is horrible, the relic job doesnt match the guitar