I FINALLY Bought My Dream Les Paul (it’s incredible)

[@timpierceguitar]

that's a darn nice Les Paul Rhett!

[@smilleur]

The man himself is in the house

[@RhettShull]

You’re the man Tim! You picked a helluva Les Paul!

[@edhornby4885]

@@RhettShull don't lend it to him, he'll never give it back 😉

[@andypearce5537]

Cool! I wanna win a “go guitar shopping with Rhett and Tim” weekend.😂

[@ilmisxx2]

@@RhettShull dunno man, you should've went with the leftie goldtop imo

[@moeedaftab4776]

that shop attendant is the type i want whenever im out guitar shopping, knows his stuff, excited to help. Great guy

[@FastRedPonyCar]

When you're there to sling $10k on a new instrument, you get treated differently :D

[@mobilejoelsound]

@@FastRedPonyCar I bought my SG classic from Norm's and Michael gave me the same level of service. 😁

[@MyAMJourney]

@@FastRedPonyCar exactly

[@dallastoto3189]

How much?

[@texanfournow]

He left Norm's recently, I believe to go work for Yamaha. He is a musical encyclopedia and just a real good guy.

[@BrandonSorianoMusic]

Always fun hanging with you guys- enjoy the killer guitar!!

[@titustorkelsonmusic]

Brandon your knowledge of the guitars is incredible! Fun to watch you Rhett and Tim geek out over all the nuances to the guitars

[@RhettShull]

Thanks for you help Brandon!

[@mkeller8114]

Nothing like Tim Pierce helping you pick a guitar. Wow. He is an unbelievable player.

[@Mrgoofyoops]

I had so much fun with this video, I felt in sync with the feelings and observations, and felt a “click” with the “Paul” that you took home. Pleasure.

[@PaulDavids]

Ha, congrats mate! Pretty much the same thing as my Les Paul (give or take a few years).

[@RhettShull]

Thanks man!

[@jgmeals]

I think you're one of the best guitar players on KZbin🤯

[@eltorpedo8844]

@@jgmeals Watch Paul Davids too! Not a question of who is better.. But if you haven't watched Paul, he's another humble likable dude who is a sick player and imparts a lot of knowledge.

[@DiamondChickenPlayer]

I always remember the great vintage strat in your video

[@diveactive]

Paul maybe you can do a video on how Les paul or any other is better for recordings than the live stage. ?

[@dylannewton76]

Tim Pierce is the Robin Williams of guitar nerds. So much passion. Love it.

[@clobbersnoggin623]

i never could figure out who Tim reminded me of.......you nailed it 😆

[@TOBORtheMighty]

This may be the best video I've seen that shows the subtle differences between guitars. The playing and the passion really helped highlight each guitar's strong points.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Like used cars ... pick out two models and test several good examples of each.

[@jackplayssongs9979]

Tim just seems like an absolute Gem of a human. It was awesome watching you both be so giddy playing the one. Little window into the intangible feeling of bonding with an instrument that is so hard to put into words 🤘🏻

[@UserUser-qt7mb]

What a great thing to have Tim as a friend who is willing to come along and choose a les Paul with you...its as if he is choosing it for him....such a great guy...such an amazing sounding les Paul. Great video guys.

[@Chris-derf5]

rhett and tim together demoing guitars is the feel-good vibe we all needed

[@MatthewScottmusic]

What a beautiful guitar 😭 congrats Rhett! ✌🏻

[@charlespatrick8650]

Rhett should prob take you along when he looks for his dream Strat 🎸

[@Victus2000]

You got a pretty nice les paul yourself man 😂😂😂

[@TheFunky57]

Imagine just going Les Paul shopping like it's a new pair of shoes haha. Well done fellas, you deserve it and enjoy it for the rest of us!

[@jonvig4771]

You hit the nail on the head anything from the custom shop in the 90s was a home run I own 4 alone from 95 all within a few hundred serial numbers of eachother each with its own amazing personality. From early 90s on up to today nothing compares except for a handful of originals.

[@thomashansson848]

I really had a great time watching this! Now you've found THE LP, as I can hear all the way from sweden what a superb sounding instrument that is. Looks the part too, so congrats.

[@bethgovan]

Congratulations, Rhett! I have heard many Les Pauls, but that Les Paul you chose really, really stood out immediately. Happy playing!!

[@RhettShull]

Thanks Beth!

[@fivewattworld]

Oh, now that looks like a lot of fun!

[@BoostedAkatsukiRiffs]

Congrats on this absolute gem Rhett. I picked up my 50s gold top from the same guy you were working with in there. Been a dream come true from good people. Thanks for keeping YT fun still

[@amandaspencer1304]

In 2018 I had the opportunity to visit Norm's Rare Guitars. It was a rare experience. Sat on the couch with Norm and had our photo taken together. At his store at that time, in its case, was Joe Bonamassa's Les Paul that Gibson had made for him. #1 JB, or something like that was the serial number. It was there on consignment and Joe had even hand written a letter to the prospective buyer. What a treat to see. I took a photo of the letter. Thank-you, Bret for the re-visit. Watching you pick out at Les Paul was a treat. Just like all of your other videos, I felt like I was right there with you and Tim.

[@brutalslam8443]

Congratulations! What a fantastic sounding guitar. Watching the two of you compare Les Paul after Les Paul back to back was inspiring and super entertaining.

[@Cookie4yabro]

and he came through on his day off

[@paulfrick1799]

What a great demonstration of how much variance there can be within a guitar family. This will change the way I shop for instruments!

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

Or not.

[@J_Next]

So true, not just for guitars but also for drums and cymbals too! And let's not forget tube amps!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@CaptainCraigKWMRZ Tone is one thing, but effortless playability might be more important.

[@jamesadams1064]

It wou;d be great to shop with Tim for anything. He always seems to find the joy in everything. Great guitar, too. Congratulations.

[@jerrystephenson1172]

It pays off to have the right friends.Going Les Paul shopping w/Tim Pierce @ Norm's is a truly treasured experience & we got to come along for the ride! Thx Tim & Rhett...felt amazing, like I was a fly on the gear wall.

[@seanjudge4675]

When two of my favorite KZbinrs collide - sweet! Congratulations Rhett! You picked a winner😊

[@uprightboy]

Congrats bud!

[@Ryan-pu1kr]

Tim yelling "I don't want any rules!" is my spirit animal

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Great field trip man. From my armchair assessment, you got the best sounding and prettiest looking guitar from the ones you chose from although that gold top was stunning too! Thanks Rhett for sharing that experience. It was a treat to see you and Tim narrowing the selections down.

[@poppyozark]

I just discovered Tim's channel and am amazed. Andy Woods, Rhett Shull, Brent Mason, Tim Dawes and Rick Beato are incredible channels for the guitar player

[@Epoxydog]

If you have not already, check out Tom Bukovac. 501chorusecho These guys are all awesome and inspiring.

[@liberator32]

Literally came to make the post about TB.

[@kitano0]

...and for giggles and amazement, there's Greg Koch!

[@sheriffdohboy]

add Paul Stafford Cook to the equation and thank me later

[@thegolfnut812]

Thanks, later. @@sheriffdohboy

[@jerrygeist1677]

Loved the program what a great way to hear these guitars you guys both play great and you're right Tim is the king of tone he always has been since high school to now holy cow what a fun buying spree to have somebody like Tim and yourself finding the magic guitar congratulations.

[@mknomad5]

Congratulations man !! As close to holy grail LP as anyone could hope or need to be. Enjoy 🥳

[@taylormoon3561]

It’s honestly wild how much better that one sounded. I was hoping the dark amber top would win out just because I love the look, but you definitely made the right choice

[@arustydodge2111]

Congratulations RHETT! Really dug the Dynamic Duo playing these Tone worthy works of Art! You picked right!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🙏

[@clamus68]

The first time that guitar was played by Tim, it just literally exploded out of that Fender Amp. It was a legit gut punch. That thing has tone for ages.

[@sixstringcity3931]

Found my 2020 unburst at Norms Im soooo in love with it! Great video I felt yer excitement

[@derick-smith]

15:21 Tim tells everything with his reaction. He's played a few of these things and that was a genuine impression this thing made on him. You've got a true piece of art, an incredible tool, a phenomenal long-term investment and a lifetime of sonic bliss. Congratulations Rhett!

[@JL-fs9wh]

Hi Rhett. I'm an old dude from Seattle and started guitar at age 55. Still playing and growing at age 61. People like you, Rick and Paul Davids have inspired me. Have really enjoyed watching you take off. Just an inspiring story. Really love Dipped In Tone, too! Anyway, congrats on your new Les Paul!

[@RhettShull]

Thanks so much J L!

[@andrewdods2236]

Cool man. I’m 52, just got a flamed maple Samick (?) with LP pickups and an Orange practice amp. If you can do it at 55, there’s hope for me yet. Rock on ! 😀🤘🏻

[@JL-fs9wh]

For sure!

[@JL-fs9wh]

Awesome, brother! Please turn me on to your music, KZbin site, podcasts, vlogs, lessons and bands you tour with. Look so forward to seeing and hearing them!!!!

[@gbarge4]

Rhett, of all your videos, this has to rank in a very small class of favorites. Tim is a very special guy, just as nice and brilliant as he seems and Norm's is a bucket list experience for any player. I'm so happy you had that experience and came up with that guitar. And yes, the Tim connections sure would infuse an extra sentimental element. I just have to repeat how happy I am for you.

[@Edwarbr]

I am so glad that the KZbin platform allows us access to legends like Tim Pierce. I knew about his musical accomplishments, but now I know he has the biggest heart and smile also. Nobody enjoys playing guitar as much as Tim. Please tell me you and Tim signed/dated it somewhere, like under the pots cover.

[@vintagebikes4215]

Super sounding guitar...thanks for letting us in on the hunt!

[@christopherhaehnel7355]

Great Pick, my ears heard a definite winner and you were spot on with your pick

[@marksystemed4678]

Congratulations Rhett on your new Les Paul, it looks and sounds absolutely beautiful it's amazing how you and Tim have that 'ear' for sound and you can differentiate between different guitars.

[@arnolddealiii4259]

Congratulations on the Les Paul Rhett! It’s not only a ringer but a looker too!

[@Cyprusg21]

The gold top sounded the best imo. It had that perfect balance, where you could play beautiful cleans with it but also just flat out rock if needed.

[@MP-CurratedSCUBA]

Rhett, Thanks for sharing your shopping adventure / experience. I'm so jealous, at Norm's with Tim Pierce shopping for a killer Les Paul! Your new LP looks and sounds awesome, congratulations!

[@GuitarSmartsPodcast]

It was there waiting to be found by you Rhett - what a great find, there is nothing better than that feeling when you connect with a guitar, take it home, and get to carry on the story with it until it moves on. These things will outlast us, hopefully, and they will tell their story to others in the future. What a privilege. Congratulations!

[@waynecristaudo7220]

Such fun to watch - two master playing friends loving guitars and great guitars. What could be a better way to start the day.

[@ApostolosNikolaidis1]

Such a great moment when you finally find what you've been hoping for. Enjoy every moment with it!

[@tonefarer]

Let's go!! Always a fun time to go along for the ride on a guitar safari! Congrats on the killer lp

[@FStoppers]

There is so much cool content this could lead to. If you still have your Nashville gifted Les Paul, I'd love to watch a video on a comparison between that and this one. Also curious to see how well a 20 year old R9 looks on the Plek machine. I'm not good on the history of Gibson but I think around 99/00 is when some changes happened with the Les Paul in a good way. I received an '03 as a 21st birthday present (parents thought it would persuade me to NOT pursue music and go to dental school, what a mistake that was). When you look up that time frame, lots of people suggest there was something special around 00-04 before the weight relief stuff popped up. That's on the standard runs, custom shop who knows; they were probably all awesome. Also kudos for not letting the top persuade you. That "Nicki" color was so gnarly looking but if it didn't melt with you as much, you did the right thing! -P

[@shane2973]

Love that moment when you and your guitar "bond"...My 1st LP was a very similar experience. I was in Guitar Center, at the time when the walls were filled with nice guitars (as well as not even putting the more expensive guys so high up you needed help grabbing it) I went through quite a few and the guy helping me went to the back and grabbed a Custom and as soon as i started playing it i thought "OH NO! I'm in trouble!"🤸‍♀ Needless to say I walked out with it 🕺

[@meriam4109]

It's a ringer! Even on my laptop without headphones the difference with the other Les Pauls was obvious. You're lucky to have such a friend Rhett, that will come along and be the matchmaker between you and a mighty fine instrument.Congratulations.

[@noahvillasenor67]

It blew every other guitar away and I’m watching on my phone. Can’t imagine what it sounds like in person. It went to a good home 👍

[@stricknine8623]

@@noahvillasenor67 Blew them away ? Lol.

[@noahvillasenor67]

@@stricknine8623 when me, Tim Pierce, and Rhett Shull are in agreement, it has to be true 😂

[@stricknine8623]

@@noahvillasenor67 Lol,...That's just it, they aren't in agreement with you..All of the guitars were described as great and the one he got as the best. I'm exploiting the extreme exaggeration of the phrase "blew them away" Guitars like those being played dont get blown away..They were simply splitting hairs and the one Rhett has edged the others out.

[@noahvillasenor67]

@@stricknine8623 I could also say my Epiphone blows Rhett’s R9 out of the water and not be wrong. It’s just an opinion, mate.

[@UziRyder1]

It's pretty amazing how much variation there is between wooden instruments that are so similar in materials and workmanship. But it's significant.

[@davidletterboyz]

Could be just the pickup or pole height difference. hahaha

[@marvelharris9540]

@@davidletterboyz I think you might be right.. those custombuckers can be all over the place

[@jsalvatori]

The wood makes no difference. All that matters is the electronics - pickups (placement and type) and tone knobs.

[@dwibelsmagoo4471]

@@davidletterboyz My first thought if you are going to compare head to head make sure the pick up hight and poles are exactly the same as can be

[@XxCorvette1xX]

@@jsalvatoriif that were true, guitars would be made out of plywood and shitty particle board

[@larrybethune3909]

6:53 It's cool how the way A players hold, and strum and play can make the same guitar can sound so different. Tim's touch has sonic implications.

[@JamesHartnell]

There is a clarity to Tim's playing that was quite obvious.

[@kitano0]

@@JamesHartnell Tim just amazes me on so many levels...here's this cheerful guy who looks like he might work in a hardware store who is in reality a superstar within his ranks.

[@johnsimpson6676]

Great video, love the guitar. Love to hear the Les Paul played on stage. Good luck!

[@diceman220]

Yes, you made a very good choice. Awesome guitar. I would have never believed it, but I could hear the difference. Enjoy.

[@alexandrebier4581]

If we can tell it is different from compressed YT audio, I can only imagine how amazing it should have sounded in the room while comparing to the others.

[@ant3352]

I am just here to say that KZbin at 1080p is not bad audio by any stretch of the imagination. It's how they recorded it which was poorly.

[@jonbig04]

I agree. Could actually hear the difference when usually I can’t lol

[@HandWiredAmps]

@@ant3352 Try recording YT audio at all video quality levels, you may be surprised at what you find.

[@ShamanicSavant]

@@ant3352 Video quality does not equate to audio quality. Best audio quality YT has is about equal to a medium quality mp3. Most viewers are listening on speakers that are too crappy to tell the difference anyway :)

[@george-st-george]

so great.....you are lucky to have Brandon there!!!! he knows his stuff!!!!!!!

[@ratwynd]

An amazing selection of amazing LPs you were able to share with us. High five to Tim for his input and expertise too. Congrats on the fine new axe.

[@MyVoice911]

Very cool...fun time for you too fools in love....with guitars!!! Play it like you mean it....

[@stockwelljr]

Congratulations my friend! Sounds absolutely AMAZING!!!

[@caspermaster-com]

Amazing how big of a difference there were. Definitely gave very different feelings.

[@andybinns4993]

What a lovely sounding guitar. Congrats Rhett

[@danielalcalde2491]

Me da mucho gusto que la hayas encontrado, sobre todo acompañado del Sr. Tim Pierce. Estoy retomando la guitarra seriamente desde la pandemia después de muchos años. Siempre toqué acústica y ahora recién inicio el viaje con la eléctrica, asi que estoy videos son de verdad de mucha ayuda, no tienen idea. Se aprende mucho con ustedes, sobre todo en este sobre el sonido de cada guitarra, cada detalle. Se agradece. Suerte y saludos desde Lima, Perú

[@wormfost5578]

Happy for you man! What a great feeling!

[@MrEst1953]

You got a Winner she's Beautiful sounds special good luck with your new purchase.

[@KfirOchaion]

Great video! I felt like I'm shopping with you! To me, the one you bought and the Goldtop sounded best, '17 Brazilian looked best. You can never have enough Les Pauls... Congrats!

[@johnlilley9363]

You should do a collab with El estepario siberiano

[@tobygordon]

Agreed! That gold top’s sound knocked me out… but I’ve always hated the look- incredible sounding guitar that was

[@johnroznovsky212]

Completely awesome. Wish we knew how many video courses the viewers need to purchase to cover that gem.

[@jfar3340]

best comment

[@manu_le_maboul]

The saying "like a kid in a candy store" never applied more litterally to anyone anywhere than to Tim at Norm's rare guitars, he craked me up xD

[@JamesWalshBristolKids]

Excellent choice Rhett ... So glad Tim was there too.

[@lynnagan7347]

So proud for you Rhett. I too own a ‘99 R9 Murphy Aged one Owner LP that I bought a few years ago from a friend of Jeff Andrews at Andrew’s Amp Lab in Atlanta . I don’t know what it is about the pickups but they sound like no other LP I own. I did change the pancake caps out with bumble bees but it made little difference in the overall sound. This is my main working guitar now as it sounds so good. One thing though, I did get a certificate of authenticity with it along with the bill of sale, and history letter from the previous owner. Enjoy it every day as you are an incredible player.

[@delatorture1633]

I wonder what the price range was about $8,500? $10k? Or more ? Love this model.

[@spankyhanderson3680]

This is definitely one of the very best videos I’ve ever seen in the Guitar KZbin World. The combination of Rhett and Tim at Norm’s testing Les Pauls together is outstanding content. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now can you guys meet me there to find my Strat?

[@RhettShull]

Thanks Spanky!

[@Malkil75]

Can’t say it any better than you did

[@bmac6456]

@@RhettShull what pickups in your new LP?

[@vintagesound8112]

@@bmac6456 I’ve got the same model 1999 R9 although he didn’t mention that it’s actually a 40th anniversary model, and that makes a big difference, these aren’t just regular custom shop, they’re limited run specials that are supposed to be (and actually are) as close to a real 59 as possible. The original pickups are Classic 57’s, perfect for this guitar.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Congratulations Rhett! You deserve it without a doubt!

[@robtewes1197]

Congrats, man! I love how you chose tone and feel of the instrument over aesthetic-there was one other in your top 4 that I appreciated more based on its top. Nonetheless, a lesson to you guitar hunters who are actual players- seek out an environment where you can actually demo the instrument, and base your choice on what hits ya just right-that’s how ya find a “forever” guitar, friends. 🤘🏻

[@willardmeese6222]

Two great guitar players , so inspirational !

[@davidbrothers3788]

Since I've been loving you sounded awesome on that guitar

[@adamwhite2329]

It seems to me those '99 40th anniversary R9s are special guitars. I have one and it's my favorite of the many I've owned as well. People use the term "good wood era" for those, and mine does have a beautifully tight, straight grain on the back and super dark fretboard. A bucket list LP for sure!

[@therealdoug1000]

That’s more than a guitar. It’s an heirloom. Congrats! 🎉

[@craigwillms61]

Well said my man. I hope mine gets the heirloom treatment when I die, but for God's sake don't take less than $1500 for it honey!!

[@abhinavaggarwal4062]

It’s actually quite refreshing to see pros pickout a guitar based on things that matter. Since they were all custom shop historic reissues, things like looks and colour and flame looks were all top notch in all the guitars. It came down to the tone and feel and tbh the one that you picked did sound the best to me as well. Cheers to you on finding this treasure of a guitar.

[@mortonwilson795]

As an old guy I agree - when it comes down to it the 'credentials' don't matter - it's what feels right when you play it. That said, if I had the money and could shop in a place like this I'd be a happy bunny. My '68 Custom will do for me for now :) Fun video.

[@jackpalczynski7884]

Great method to pick the winner. I can't say I've ever had that kinda help from another observant guitar player when looking for the right fit. I'll remember that next time I'm going on the hunt.

[@christiam1840]

He started playing since I've been loving you and I got so excited haha.

[@adamscottv]

Bringing Tim to the guitar shop with you is a smart move for sure. Congrats on the new guitar. It's a beauty.

[@unSTEVOED]

…..choose’s the sweetest sounding LP in the shop….then takes it home and changes out the PU….classic!

[@zorkwhouse8125]

Congrats man! awesome. Also, hard to beat having someone like Tim go guitar shopping with you :-) Not usually a big fan of Les Pauls, but I have to admit that sucker has a really good sound.

[@40fit38]

What a beautiful, organic, intimate connection with a guitar. Hell yea Rhett!!

[@micheleleonidas9206]

the most satisfying guitar chase! A fun hunt and wonderful playing. Thank you for all your insights brothers!

[@maekong2010]

This was an invaluable video on so many levels. Great work, Rhett. Kudos on the selection and to Tim on the assist. I try to bring someone along expressly to try and talk me out of a purchase. That way if I walked out with an instrument, it was for the right reasons. I feel fortunate to have been privy to your process. You guys answered so many questions with so few words. It would be impossible to overstate the value in that. I couldn't be more appreciative.

[@spacemissing]

06

[@gabrielegidy1949]

Congratulations, Rhett! The expression on your face at Norman’s once you’ve decided THAT’s the one is priceless 🥰

[@MiguelGebremedhin]

I like that you came in knowing what kind of sound you wanted. That alone makes finding your guitar a lot more productive. It's sorta like finding a wife hehe

[@redfishking401]

You got the right one! Sounds super full and looks fantastic from any angle. Fun video I really enjoyed it. Man wish I could Paul shop with Tone King Tim! You guys rock.

[@cliffv3]

You definitely made the right choice by my ear as well, enjoy that sweet new axe!

[@pierre6940]

Proud owner of a brand new Standard 60's blueberry! Amazing sound! Congrats for your new acquisition!!

[@ivermektin6874]

When he starts playing at 16:05 you can tell its the one, original '59s, at least the famous ones just seem to release music the second you touch the strings

[@gzo313]

Can’t imagine going to a place like Norm’s and having a choice of every gradation of tone and color of a guitar. You make it sound great Rhett… enjoy.

[@RhettShull]

Thank you!

[@badGamr]

Around 1983 I bought a Guild 12 string from Norm's when it was in a tiny corner shop on Ventura Bl. Since then I have bought a Martin D-41, A 68 Strat, a 2000 Telecaster and a Gibby 1275. Norm's always had what I was looking for and the folks there were always great.

[@DennyBob521]

I love how you guys evaluate each guitar on tone, feel, weight, neck, without focusing on tech specs. There was no "This is a Burstbucker 2 and I like a . . . . " I agree that it's amazing how the same recipe yields so many different flavors.

[@prospectnyc]

Hello Rhett. Congratulations on your amazing new Les Paul! Late 1990s and early 2000's were some of Gibson's absolute best years on par with 56-59.

[@TheStudioRats]

What a beauty, I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know how good a Les Paul sounded through a Deluxe. Every day’s a school day.

[@Bob.martens]

The Deluxe is my desrt island amp:)

[@tomd8313]

Kinda surprises me how much you guys based everything on sound, without a single tweak, and nothing on feel. So many simple variables that weren’t tried, like different strings, pickup heights, and amp choice, but the necks, body, and balance are much harder to change, no?

[@TheBudgetMusician-xs6ob]

True. He just posted a video of him deciding to change all the electronics on that guitar 🙄

[@tralinaeuresti1226]

I don't know nuthin' bout guitars but watching you guys, listening to your comments, with the tones and music was flat excellent! Thank you for sharing!

[@beyondlimits250]

Wow ....what I difference in sound when you guys picked up the #1 ....... that put a smile on my face !!! I will have to get a good Les Paul some day ...