I Played (almost) Every Les Paul To Find The Best One

[@myblues6532]

There is no need to search for the best one. Get your hands on one and make it into THE ONE. My mother bought me a new Les Paul back in the 80's as a surprise for my 15th birthday and I'm sure she didn't sit down in a guitar store and play every Les Paul there. I've played the heck out of it for over 40 years. And everybody that plays it says it's the best sounding and best feeling Les Paul they've ever played. I tell them because it was bought with love. Rest in peace mom!

[@stevesmith2912]

Yup same as me,I bought my first Stratocaster in 86 from pawn shop Oklahoma,it’s about 88 bucks and I found that a japanese strat with blonde finish and reverse headstock and then I was very excited cuz that guitar was still with me until now and then it’s been 37 years my strat with me and I’m still playin with my eldest son in the garage studio and I’m very grateful for 37 years ago,the real great sounding guitar was the guitar that always you play with and from that created the priceless memory between you and your guitar I just tryna tell to everyone the great guitar isn’t always about the price and the brand but it’s how much you play with and if it’s sounds good it’s good 👍

[@AlexVonCrank]

RIP. That's good parenting right there! ❤

[@codythedoggo7671]

Beautiful comment

[@dallastoto3189]

Which model Mate?

[@MrKaxid]

My mum did the same for me when I was 13. 2003 LP standard. She past away when I was 20, and that guitar will stay in the family forever. ❤

[@EnsoNumen]

Can't express how happy I am at the results you returned. I worked my way up from busboy, to line cook, to kitchen manager, to restaurant manager - changed fields and went to college. Started over pay-wise and took a chance on myself. Was a temp in the field of my study for about a year - watched people get fired left and right. I jumped at the opportunity for a full time position and have worked my way up to a respectable salary. All the while, music has been my lifeblood and my passion. Well, with my last raise, I went through Sweetwater and purchased a 60's standard as a reward for my decades of hard work. This was the guitar that I worshipped my whole life, and it was an emotional journey finally getting one in the mail. These things made of wood, metal, and plastic mean so much.

[@charleshettich7396]

How do you like it?

[@EnsoNumen]

@@charleshettich7396 it's such a beautiful instrument. I've played strats forever, and always admired LPs from afar - drooling over led zeppelin footage and such. I do suspect I might like a beefier 50s neck, but the 60s I have is great. It certainly brings out a new and exciting side of my playing. And Rhett was right on the money - these pickups are amazing. Not too hot, with just the right amount of grit. I find myself making adjustments on the volume knobs more than I ever did with my strat.

[@cmeimgee]

@@EnsoNumen Congrats dude!

[@RadRumblings]

hell yeah dude congrats!

[@EnsoNumen]

@@cmeimgee thank you!

[@MetalMadArran]

Let's all just appreciate that stellar intro track for a minute. Way to go Rhett! What a vibe.

[@RhettShull]

Thanks Arran!

[@AidanMmusic96]

It's brilliant!

[@jonl7819]

100%

[@underskillednunderpaid]

Sounds like teeth of the hydra

[@richardjohnson9702]

Totally agree with your 5 to 1 order of choice...

[@prinskipperskipple]

I’m really liking the something-for-everyone approach Gibson has taken. For most looking for their “I-have-arrived” les paul, the standard series is perfection-with all the vintage vibe needed. For the purists, the reissues are perfect. For the rest of us, the tributes and studios will suit us just fine.

[@joshpointoh]

Well said

[@castleanthrax1833]

Thank you for making this competition world wide. All of us "non US" entrants appreciate it. ✌️🇦🇺

[@LourencoBranco]

Dude this is one of the best ''guitar'' videos i've ever watched, everything from the playing to the video editing, phenomenal!!

[@RhettShull]

Thanks man!

[@ak47dragunov]

That intro track is absolutely killer. Not what I expected at all

[@MisterCross]

Intro track is 🔥🔥🔥

[@SHARt_murmur]

Right there with ya, not what I was expecting, but different and done well.

[@RhettShull]

Thanks y’all!

[@LP-123]

Totally agree - that was great AND so different for ya, Rhett. :)

[@rhyskaiser107]

^^^

[@musicauthority5635]

That Joe Walsh "life's been good" tune. is the perfect tune to be able to tell if the tone of a Les Paul is accurate. and you nailed it.

[@Rollermanfromspace]

Before I watch the video and see your choice, I would choose the Les Paul Tribute. Throw your favorite set of zebra pickups, add the selector washer, and change the knobs to reflectors. Especially if you buy it used, that's under $1500 for an absolute axe that looks amazing

[@zbqb84a]

The tribute also has a maple neck instead of mahogany. I went with a studio that I got for $1300 and replaced the electronics with Mojotone 59 clones and 50s wiring. Loving it.

[@fivewattworld]

Great intro Rhett. Loved the modulation…

[@RhettShull]

Thanks Keith!

[@kevinm.n.5158]

Sounds like a Plini song!

[@ncd1967]

I would rank them the same way you did! Can't wait to see the Stratocaster and Telecaster versions of this video!

[@tiqvahone]

Strat first please!

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@tiqvahone I second that Strat first please.

[@sean2wall]

1988 am std tele the best

[@EggTamago7]

@@tiqvahone I’d love to see this. I bought an American Pro II HSS a few months ago after checking out everything from the Player, Player Plus, the JV modified HSS, to the Ultra. I feel like I hit the sweet spot for myself, but would love to see Rhett’s take… since he actually knows what he’s talking about 😅

[@ncd1967]

@@EggTamago7 See after trying a ton of strats, I ended up getting a Mexican Charvel hardtail HSS San Dimas, it just played the best.

[@tonefarer]

Those tributes are great bang for your buck. Sweetwater had one in recently with an incredible top, almost like a heavily figured r8. They're def on my wishlist now. Pickups in each for any curious tone chasers: Epi - ProBucker 2 (N), 3 (B) Trib - 490R, 490T Studio - 490R, 498T Std - burstbucker 61R, 61T Murphy - Custombucker A3

[@cheebsgod]

Yeah him saying the 490t and 498t are the same made my blood boil because the 498t is amazing and the 490t is kind of boring to me

[@schmoemi3386]

And they aren't. The 498T is hotter than the 490T.

[@allstopblue5717]

The 2018 Tribute is especially a solid buy. Only year they come with zero weight relief and dyed neck to match the back. Little known fact. Especially regarding the no weight relief. Main issue is they still were doing the lame PCB board pots so I would get a new wiring harness. Pickups are same as new ones

[@jlindsay0709]

Just recently bought one and I adore it. I love the raw look of it too. The binding and "finishes" are just that. Besides when I get good enough really nobody is going to notice. I am probably more naive because I haven't played many different pickups but the fact that I dream about playing it everyday is the difference for me. For the first time, I have huge desire to play everyday. That is what really matters. Get a guitar that you have fun with and want to play with.

[@MattyK-USA]

I've always loved Les Pauls, and this was a great breakdown of the various tiers. I did end up eventually with a Murphy Labs R8, but it took me 60 years and a retirement to get there! Terrific episode, Rhett 🔥🙏🏻❤

[@SDisonYT]

For my money, the best value Les Paul you can find is the Traditional series. They can be hard to find sometimes, but the Traditional Pro V has the best features from all the models… thin satin nitro finish on the body and neck, binding on the body and neck, Tradbucker PAF pick ups, option to do coil taps or coil splits, phase in/out, 50’s neck, and you can find them brand new for between $1,600 and $2,000 depending on if they are on sale. They also make a high gloss flamed version for $1000 more, but I prefer the satin one.

[@ElShogoso]

But those humongous necks are horrible

[@JH-ks9oi]

Rhett Shull needs his own 3 piece, that intro was killer! Who ever shot and cut the intro sequence did a killer job

[@markwsanders]

YES!!!

[@brennanrourke1019]

Interested in being vocalist lol

[@ArchieOnEarth]

I call dibs on bass

[@sidestyle05]

Definitely better than that extremely boring band he tours with!

[@mhicks5008]

My favorite Les Paul is the one I purchased last year: the Epiphone 59 Standard. It comes with Gibson Burstbucker 2 & 3 pickups, and a case! It has a 50s neck profile but it's not too chunky. I've wanted an LP for years and could never justify the cost of a genuine Gibson, this Epiphone gets me 95% there in my opinion. I love playing it. It was a $100 cheaper last year than it is now so it was a pretty good value.

[@mikepj1025]

It’s amazing what Epiphone is putting out now and the price range they fall into. I have the ‘21 Slash Les Paul that I dropped the Burstbuckers in. LOVE IT.

[@jgj101]

Agree - I have one as well. I should have loaned it to Rhett as I live in metro ATL as well ;).

[@maggieo]

I've got the Epi "59 Package" Les Paul, and like you said, they're as legit as it gets. Oh, and the Joe Bonamass "Lazarus" LP is the same guitar with a different finish and it's fantastic, too.

[@ricknagy1639]

I got one.too and it is now my main guitar.

[@ryanchrisxp]

@@maggieo And a 1-piece neck, I believe.

[@Zoso_1990]

Took home the 60's standard in Bourbon Burst yesterday. Fell in love with it at first play.

[@stricknine8623]

For any newbies listening to the language here,...The "Custom Shop" facility and staff is also Gibson USA made. Located in Nashville, Tennessee.

[@mattplummer14]

That brief rendition of Since I’ve Been Loving You. Stunning!

[@AlbertaClimber]

I found you through watching Rick Beato, and am so glad that he has you on his podcast, because between your appearances there and your own podcasts, I have picked up so many practical tips from you that have made life as a newbie player much, much easier. I especially love when you go into guitar or repair shops as you do such a great job of getting the person to explain the subject at hand, rather then just a video of you buying of having guitar repaired, Always interesting and ever informative, thank you!

[@jamierobinson777.]

💬💬💬💬💬💬📩⤴️welcome ‼...

[@flippednickel4669]

Needed to sell my 73 LP Custom (purchased in 1974) a couple of years ago to help cover some surgery costs. It was tough to do, but since have been looking at getting another LP back into my life without breaking the bank. Thanks for putting this together. Such an excellent comparison tool!! Great channel! Killer intro!!!

[@miketomlinson5028]

Here's what you do...put down the phone, tablet, monitor, etc and go to your nearest Epiphone dealer of choice and buy the one you like best. Take said guitar home and enjoy. While you do that, you can save up (if necessary) and make a decision on which Gibson you want. Then go buy it. When you come home, you'll have 2 killer Les Pauls! Cuz the only thing better than 1 Les Paul...is 2 Les Pauls!

[@PaulDowsettUK]

20:04 I wouldn't need to "get over the Epiphone logo" - I love Epiphone, for its association with the best band that ever existed. :)

[@eddiewest6471]

Oasis?

[@looking_33]

@@eddiewest6471 beatles used many epiphones

[@sisuriffs]

And Jet. :) I put a pair of Gibson Burstbucker Pros into my Epiphone Les Paul Standard, added a Bigsby, locking tuners, Graphtec nut and saddles (all black), removed the pick guard and embraced the Epiphone look with an Epiphone “E” truss rod cover. I quite like the old ears cut off headstock look too. No shame. It looks, sounds, and feels like a rock machine. I gig with it and my Gibson Les Paul Standard. It more than keeps up and I don’t have to change any settings when switching guitars. Seamless. Anyone who says you can’t turn an Epi into a Gibson, well, I disagree. Now if I could just find that perfect Tribute with P90s…

[@darrellstyner0001]

I think I'd rank 'em like you did. That Murphy Lab is beautiful, but it's hard to justify almost 3 times the price of the Standard.

[@deadrituals]

I absolutely love tributes! Such a nice retro vibe

[@Tach4nk4]

I bought mine last year and it is the best thing alongside my LTD EC-1000. The LTD has better fit and finish but it feels almost lifeless compared to my Gibson.

[@danvalois1]

Tribute was the best by far dude! :o

[@InsolentMusicalPeasant]

Man you're a hell of a player. You've definitely put the time in. Les Pauls just have that timelessness about them. I don't think my order would be any different.

[@frankperricone2065]

Very cool guitar intro, very good playing and arranging, and off course doing Ramble On with the different Les Paul's of course put the icing on the cake. With all the well known LP,s players, I think Jimmy Page is the best at showing what that guitar can do, at least in the studio. Well done Rett . What do I know, I'm just a bass player

[@schenker7559]

The Tribute actually has the 490r and 490t set. The 498t is closer to a Duncan JB, whilst the 490t is more like a Duncan 59. I have some nice PAF clones in most of my Les Pauls, and, in my opinion, the 490 set sounds closer than the Burstbuckers... relatively speaking.

[@secretstorymusic]

The JB is THEE rock pickup too. Crazy Rhet has zero respect for them LOL. Tone is subjective....

[@djxxeess]

Dude I'll echo once again what everyone else is saying. That intro track was awesome. Gave me that quick rush you feel when your favorite part of a song comes on. Good stuff man!!

[@jameslonano5659]

I agree 100 percent. The new 50's and 60's Standard's lured me out of retirement just to check them out. Solid bodies that don't weigh a ton, no swiss cheese, 1 piece bodies pretty common, nice tops, Very good wood quality, Non wire ABR-1, Aluminum tail piece, no pink binding, thin binding in cut away, nice top carve, great build quality overall. Really a big step up from previous LP standards. I've been buying these guitars for a long time and enjoyed examples from almost every era. I wanted that Iced Tea burst so I picked up a 60's standard with an amazing brock burst looking top, upgraded all of the plastics to 50's spec and color, slapped in a pair of (optional) ALnico Iv unpotted Mojotone 59's and its an AMAZING Les Paul. All of the sustain you could want, great woody growl, impeccable playability, beautiful note bloom. I regard my '60 standard in very high esteem as the equal to my best sounding R8 and R9's. Would not hesitate to buy another.

[@norseman61]

In my opinion, your analysis and logic in ranking these guitars made perfect sense. I don’t own any Les Pauls (yet), but I think a nice Epiphone would do the trick for me. Thanks for the video.

[@JakeTerch]

My Les Paul is a 2012 Studio 60’s Satin, for which I paid around $900 for. It’s such a sweet spot with the slimmer neck profile and nice feeling satin finish, and also has the other features of the regular 2012 Studio (minus the nitro finish and color), which was around $1400 at the time. I didn’t like the all-black color scheme though, but it now has gold knobs and cream plastics and it’s a keeper for sure. It seems the Tribute now occupies this price point.

[@jackhaugh]

Dude I have an older LP studio as well with the satin finish. I think it sounds better than the ones with nitrocellulose finishing because it allows the harmonics of the guitar body to ring out. Mine also came with Burstbucker Pro pups. If you do a serial number look up of the guitar it’s a 98% match with Kirk Hammetts “Greenie”

[@narvul]

@@jackhaugh all Gibson LP's have nitro finish, the satin as well.

[@allstopblue5717]

@@narvul it’s not really the same though. The satin ones are so thin they will not naturally relic the same over time. They will instead get shiny becaue they’re is not enough finish to actually wear “through”. I have a 2018 tribute. Yes it’s nitro but it’s not what you normally think when you think nitro finish. It won’t relic the same over time. (If you care about that anyway) lol I do think the satin makes for great resonance

[@thegrandpencil4374]

I've owned a Les Paul three times. And three times, they either got sold or went back to the store. I love the look of them. I love how well-made they are (when they are). I even love the tone. But there's just something about its shape and weight that doesn't work for me. I want to love them, but so far, I just can't seem to make the leap.

[@williamsporing1500]

I’ve played a Korean Epi LP since ‘94. I put Duncan PAFs in it, switchgear stuff and nos ‘57 caps. My kids gave it to me for Father’s Day, and I’ll never get rid of it. That little guitar has been all over the country. But, I’ve worn the frets out, and a refret costs a lot. I looked at getting a new epi….I’m not going to pay 800 to 1000 for a Chinese guitar. Ordered a Gibson studio in bourbon burst from sweetwater yesterday. Crossing my fingers…..

[@CS_Murphy_R9]

I think the Epi's Les Paul's are worth about $650-700 tops. I agree with you and would never pay $800 and up for one! I scored a mint 2016 Gibson 50's tribute Goldtop for $650 with case and it is a killer guitar for that little bit of cash. Best part is i could sell it and still break even whereas with a Epi you lose money unless it is a special run like a Lazarus or another limited run. those seem to hold their value a bit more but they are also more out of pocket from the start.

[@CS_Murphy_R9]

I also recently found out Epi's in general are not made from quality wood at all. Their "Mahogany" is not a good grade mahogany and the same goes for the maple they source. That and the cheaper hardware(bridge,tailpiece,pots,wiring,etc) are all just turn offs when you are looking at a $1000 MIC guitar! Eastman is a good MIC guitar.

[@heels1993]

I hope your familiarity with the mid 70s-1983 Matsumoku factory LPs have been considered.. To me, the best LPs are Aria Pro 2’s . Triple blinded Custom shops are 600-1200 $. Very low action …… 😊 The vintage DiMarzios hubuckers make a profound statement …..

[@musicisfree91]

That intro was great! Also that bit of Since I've Been Loving You was right on time, I've been really hooked on that song lately.

[@FonchiCampomar]

I know this is a demo. But I LOVE your filming!!! You are an inspiration Rhett!!!

[@gh0str4nger49]

Ive had my 2019 tribute since it was released and frankly i love the damn thing, Its hard to find another guitar in lets say a guitar center that plays as well as it does. I actually grew to love the sound of the 490s and prefer it over things like the burstbuckers, which seem too bright. The nitro coat is smooth and not sticky at all, the tone is loud and full and I can play anything from B standard Djent to clean acoustic. I genuinely recommend the tribute guitars to anyone looking to seriously get into guitar. Its super easy to play, super versatile so you can try many genres and styles, just a great piece of gear all around and its extremely competitively priced.

[@brooksroman2918]

Relevant to this video, I remember you talking about how it was all Fenders and no Gibsons at Coachella.. I just returned from Louder Than Life in Louisville KY, the largest rock festival in the country, where almost every band, including the young ones, were playing Gibsons. They’re just not wasting their time with signature models with young artists, but young artists are still choosing these legendary instruments. Great work on this video!

[@timkempisty258]

I actually love the sound of that Studio. I bet Billy Gibbons worked really hard to achieve tone that just oozes naturally out of it. Mids are more forward, highs tamed a bit... it's focused and dirty in the best possible Texas blues sense. I could listen to that thing all day long. I'd have no trouble ranking it a lot higher on my own list. That's subjectivity for you. And, truly, well done for the Epiphone brand. We might be living in a bit of a golden age for guitars. There is so much great gear out there that doesn't have to break the bank.

[@jefflebowski1838]

The Tribute is a hidden gem in the Gibson USA line. With the maple neck, which you did not mention, it has a certain snap and more attack than any other Les Paul. Mine came with the BB2 in the bridge and a classic 57 in the neck position and sounds awesome. Do I prefer it to my Murphy Lab? Nope, but it really stands its own ground.

[@jacobwest8381]

I've always loved the satin finish on the neck with a Tribute. I've always wished Gibson would offer that finish option with other models.

[@fitnesslibrarian9013]

I have a 60s tribute with p90s in honeyburst I absolutely love it.

[@michaela.friestbigmikesbas2508]

Thanks for that video. Love to see the honest assessment of the classic LP. I am an Epiphone fan and was really pleased that you rated it as high as you did. Great guitars for us working players and you can always mod them to your hearts content without worry. Great stuff as always.

[@Ottophil]

I barely touched my epiphone les paul for years. I’m an SG guy, so my sg’s are all gibson. But once I sanded the neck of the les paul. I realized I love the guitar, just hated the gloss neck. So then I got a gibson LP studio, what the heck. why not?

[@davidbrowning6762]

The Les Paul that finally hooked me was the 2022 Gibson Les Paul Classic. I ripped out the push pull crap and pickups. I added Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates and 1meg pots. But it just felt and played great. I did not even plug it in before I bought it.

[@benlogan430]

I like the 490 pickups, but not so much the 498t. 490r and 490t now that’s alright! Burst buckers are me favorites.

[@koenstrobbe8101]

I have been playing guitars for close to 40 years now, and I have a collection of 30+ guitars. In all price ranges, from tom andersons to harley bentons. What I am going to say might rub some people the wrong way, but here we go. I do not like custom shop - or replace that with wood library, private stock, family reserve, masterbuilt - you know which companies I am talking about. It is essentally marketing to jack up prices. In the years before the Gibson custom shop started churning out guitars in volume, before '94 or so, mr. Tom Murphy pretty much did the finish on most of the guitars. The standard models that is, until they decided to split up the production lines. Any informed customer can figure out why. One of the guitars I own is a '93 Les Paul Standard, and I am 100% sure it is on par with any custom shop guitar today. Actual people who worked in the factory making the guitars back then will agree. As for nitro vs other finishes, it's total bs. It is snobbery. Poly finishes that are done well, are super thin. We're literally talking a few thousands of an inch here. It has ZERO implications on tone, yet the myth persists. Making guitars is not that complicated. You have wood parts that are carved into shape, You have electronics that have not changed in decades, and neither has most of the hardware. My advice to young guitar players would be to not lust after custom shop, or expensive guitars. There is no magic there. My point is, mr shull is biased. And part of the marketing. If I would let him play a custom shop les paul blind, and a harley benton les paul blind, well, i am pretty sure he won't be able to tell them apart.

[@aramkazorian8741]

This was honestly such a helpful and great video Rhett! Loved it! Another idea similar to this would be a comparison between the different fender Strat types maybe? Considering that and the LP are the two most famous guitars. Either way, awesome video and sick intro!!

[@DanielBrophyMusic]

I am fortunate to own some real nice Les Pauls. Lots of dogs out there, but when you find a good Lester, it's pretty damn hard to beat.

[@theduecepart2986]

The tribute is finished and stained on the back. The neck is different however. It uses a maple neck as oppossed to the more traditional mahogany neck. Maple does not take the stain the same way as the mahogany making it appear lighter in color. Also, love the channel Rhett.

[@bryancollins6796]

Great review. Agreed. The USA Standards are the best value. A better Epiphone is their '59 Standard with USA Burstbuckers or the JB Lazarus. Murphy CS LPs are the pinnacle for a recreation but actually make the CS VOS look like like a better value and IMO could have been your number one if compared.

[@jameswilson6374]

Great review man! Thanks for being so honest and not totally bad mouth the Epi! Even though I could afford an American LP, I just can't justify the crazy price of the better Gibson's! Keep up the good work!

[@JuddLofthouse]

Good for you I wish I was the same I started with epi.s tribute but I couldn’t settle until I got the standard gibby now I want the CS. ITS CRAZY 😩😩

[@garycoates4987]

Dude Epiphone makes a fantastic guitar,, sometimes you might have to tweak em sometimes you don't, I recently got one of the Jared James Nicols signature LP and play it right alongside my custom shop R4 LP , anyone who badmouths Epiphone has never played one in my opinion

[@folderol8487]

Strangely, I think a lot of Gibson owners feel a need to justify their big-ticket purchases by trashing whatever costs less. If someone wants to spend $8k for a guitar, I say have at it.

[@paulmckenfitnessnutrition2434]

I liked the Tribute. Best looking one of all imv but they all sounded brilliant. The playing btw is just out if this world😲.

[@Hallalo]

I don’t know the 59 burst looks and sounds the most authentic imp

[@michael.wiegand]

Intro track was unreal. 80’s chorusy sounds in there was a great change of pace for the stuff I’ve heard from you.

[@Tototwice]

OK we’re all entitled to our opinions so here’s mine. A custom shop made guitar is still a rack guitar. It is not made to your specifications. Spending $7,500. Plus tax.. nuts. I had a custom built guitar made by Bill Crook. A fine luthier and-well known in the business. It was made for me and to my specifications. I paid less than half of what the rack guitar sells for. There’s a few great luthiers out there that can ,and will build you a great guitar and you’ll save a boat load of money. ☮️

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I feel blessed. To find my Les Paul in the 1st guitar I ever bought online. For never getting to touch this guitar until it was delivered I so much feel grateful. It a used 97 ebony with gold trim studio that came with 496/500 pups, Schaller gold straplocks and a chainsaw case. $800. 10-11 yrs ago. Since then I've went through some changes. Like CTS 500k pots, 50's wiring, .011 caps, Tonespro locking bridge ,alum tailpiece, Tusc XL nut, Kluson locking tuners. But it takes a sharp eye to see changes. It still looks classic stock. Which is what I want. It rocks hard, stays in tune and is heavy. None of that weigh relived for me, Les Paul's are supposed to be heavy. Ebony ,gold trim ,cream plastics ,uncovered pickups, Kluson tuners, 25 yrs of wear. Just classic looks and feel. Very comfortable neck. I would never recommend buying a guitar without touching it especially spending $800. But like I started out with I got lucky.

[@ileutur6863]

I will forever be a fanboy of the LP Studio model. The 2 best sounding les pauls I've ever heard were early 90s wine red studios

[@billyboy1872]

I agree buddy. I have played and owned several dozen Les Paul's over my 44 years playing guitar. The best tone and playing Les Paul I have experienced is my 1996 wine red studio. Its playability, build quality and tone is heavenly.

[@Lotorc]

Same! Love my 94 wine red, gold hardware, ebony fretboard.

[@cornstar1253]

I've tried a few. Never liked them. Or the epiphone. I've really wanted one due to the price but nah.

[@richardreed6538]

I own a 1990 wine red. Played others but there really is something special there.

[@jackhaugh]

Does the color matter? For the sound? How?

[@Kovboi]

Great video Rhett as always! Helped me pick out my LP. Got a 50’s Standard in Tobacco Burst yesterday. It’s killer!

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Wonderful playing throughout, Rhett. Tons of great tones, too, 🔥🔥🔥

[@johnt.mickevich2772]

i'm glad you gave this review of the Studio, because I've been thinking of one. I will say that I find it to be the most attractive of the lot, but if it doesn't play, it doesn't play.

[@i8ittoo]

I bought a Epiphone JB Lazarus LP. And hell it feels and sounds as good as most Lp's I've touched and played. And it was only 900 .....

[@thedonal]

The chords in that intro track. The VII chord as a minor? Stunning!

[@andrefludd]

very cool video. I’ve only played 2 or 3 Les Pauls in my life, but I didn’t really like any of them. Perhaps I just need to try more!

[@BrentAdams]

Very nicely done.... My #1 would be the Epi! I believe in a work horse guitar.... a simple "tool" to replace when you wear it out. I own a couple of high end guitars... and unless I win this one! (which I would gladly accept! LOL) I no longer purchase the high priced versions when I can find such great playing and sounding guitars for a fraction of the money.

[@GothicXlightning]

despite the fact that i will always worship the Custom Black Beauty and Black SG as best guitars ever crafted with majestic impunity i will also say that my Black double cut Les paul is still a very underrated Dark babe oh yeah Goth Doom metal dude has spoken

[@vdubbin]

Awesome comparison! I’m not much of a traditionalist so the simplicity of the Tribute is really attractive to me.

[@abieryan7835]

You should make your intro tracks into an album. Really sick stuff!

[@schmoemi3386]

Yes, definitely! 😊

[@markwsanders]

YES!!!

[@kellya.5203]

Awesome video. One difference worth mentioning about the Tribute is that they come with maple necks, while the other Gibsons have mahogany necks. I'm lucky enough to own a 50s and 60s Standard, as well as a Tribute. The Standards are the best guitars I've ever played..... but the Tribute hangs right with them at a fraction of the cost. I love my Tribute!

[@paulsimmons5726]

I appreciate your running through all these Les Pauls to find your favorite, a time consuming effort to be sure. I also appreciate your efforts to figure out the best bass… Fender thanks you!

[@014bhap]

I've been playing for over fifty years. I have had 57's, a standard and Custom. I would go for the Tribute at this point in my life. I tend to like studios. Something about the lack of binding. My fave LP is a Double Cut Special w/P90's. That's just me, YMMV

[@steffsergeant3561]

The Tributes are cool and i saw a few in shops this year. To call their finish satin is misleading in my opinion. They are not grainfilled and the clearcoat is not sanded or buffed. This means there is still orange peel and hairs in the finish

[@JakeRommer87]

Shows how important the amp is! All sound amazing!

[@martydibergi5228]

You better believe it. Every amp has its own colour. Interesting that’s why Albert Lee always back lines Fender Twins. Always clean, knows where to set the controls. Usually will use One D D for One song!!! That’s it for effects. Respect to Albert.

[@jacksonvenable4651]

Can’t ever get enough of this channel man! Awesome intros and such demonstrative videos and educational as well as just straight up good vibes. 🤙🏼🎸

[@BJamin4God]

I have a gold top 2018 Tribute. The unfinished sides of the maple cap almost make it look like the body is bound. I just put a set of Lambertones Crema’s in it and new wiring and it’s all I need in a LP.

[@schaerfentiefe1967]

Some details missing: - The Tribute (since 2019) has a *maple* neck (all other Les Pauls have a mahogany neck). - The Tribute has the lower-output 490T bridge pickup whereas the Studio has the more powerful 498T Since the Studio and the USA Standard are very similar construction-wise (except for the missing binding) you could also get a Studio and upgrade the pickups and still have spent less money than for the USA Standard!

[@LowKickMT]

no there are studio tributes with a mahagony neck i have one. studio 60 tribute, mahagony body, mahagony neck, p90 pick ups, gold top, reflective buttons

[@joramvanzeijl7331]

Let's not ignore that intro, damn man... great stuff!!

[@mwb78]

Glad you pointed out the tinkering platform angle, Rhett, with the Epiphone LPs. I bought a couple Korean ELPs and with a little work and some minor customization, I have some REALLY great sounds and two outstanding guitars. Both of them and all the upgrades (CTS pots, wiring, switches, upgraded pickups on one, locking tuners for both) cost me less than a new GLP Tribute.

[@synonyx]

Surprised you didn't mention the Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard. For under a grand, it's an amazing player. It also has CTS pots, film caps and BURSTBUCKERS! Hard case to boot too. I got one in and the frets were gritty, but a quick setup fixed all of that and it plays just as good as my Gibson Standard 50's. But my R9 VOS just is perfect in every single way. The feel, the look. the finish. the PAF sound, the playability, and the smell!

[@mortonwilson795]

Every home should have one! :)

[@adamwatson6916]

I agree 100 percent any les Paul comparison involving multiple models from low cost to high cost needs to include the Epi 59 I have 3 of them and have my eye on a fourth I like them so much. I have Gibson USA les Paul's and 2 custom shop 58 RI les Paul's and while the 58 RIs or on another level my epi 59s hold their own. The 58s look better by a wide margin but the difference in playability and sound is much narrower. The 58s do play and sound better but in those categories is not that wide . I put a set of custombuckers in one of my epi 59s and with that particular one the difference in sound between it and the 58 Ris is very marginal. I have played many les Paul's over the last 5 years and the better quality examples I have played of the epi 59s are better then every low end gibson les paul I have played . I have played many LP tributes and LP studios and I found the epi 59 to be superior

[@chrismikan2631]

Yes, I have one too and it’s great.

[@1allspub]

Can’t really argue with any of this, the 2019+ Standards are great guitars and the best overall choice when price is even remotely a factor... and this coming from a guy who currently has 3 Gibson Custom Shop LPs (57 LPC “Black Beauty” Reissue, a 59 Reissue, and an older ”regular” LPC Silverburst) all of which are stellar and which I gradually ascended to after owning many Gibson USA (& Epiphone) LPs... it was just the natural/logical progression of things. I don’t have a USA Standard, but have played them in stores as they are fantastic! I do still have a (heavily modded) 2016 USA LP Traditional that I bought new and, honestly, it sounds every bit as good as any RI I’ve ever owned (and I’ve owned a few) well, except for maybe my 57 BB-that thing is an otherworldly beast! :) But again, the Trad’s been heavily modded (boutique PAFs, couple new pots, NOS Russian PIO caps, converted to ABR-1 w/ Faber iNserts, a Bigsby B7, historically correct plastics, etc). That said, as Rhett said, the law of diminishing returns is definitely in full force between *all these models*... but especially by the time you get to the CS stuff. But, if you’re someone who just wants to get as close as possible and can afford it, then the CS stuff is where it’s at. But the Standard is way more bang for the buck! I get it! One minor critique I will add is that Rhett makes the 490/498 Gibson pickups sound like bargain-priced pickups in this video (ie, by implying they are cost cutting measure on the Tribute)... when in fact, they are not. They may not be his preference, but the 490/498 pickups are every bit as pricey as any Gibson pickup (other than the wildly overpriced Custom Buckers). In fact, the 490/498 comes factory-installed in the Les Paul Custom. So they are not a bargain basement pickup... just not to Rhett’s taste-which I get, I prefer PAF type pickups too.

[@alv9815]

I own a custom shop 59. Its a phenomenal guitar but I use it sparingly. I traded in 3 guitars and some cash for it so it wasn’t a financial strain. I also own a 2012 Les Paul Traditional goldtop . Also a great guitar.

[@JStationC]

FYI the guitar at 0:12 is not a les paul. No need to thank me

[@throwthegoates1]

I picked up the Epiphone 59 that they partnered with the Custom Shop on and I love it. The only issue I have is that it weighs about 9.8 lbs. It sounds and plays amazing.

[@TheRealReTox]

I just bought the Epiphone last month, I'm very happy with it and agree completely, it punches way above its weight. Great video!

[@iuchilton]

I just got the "Inspired By" 50s Goldtop and it's amazing. 8.4 lbs, fit and finish are impeccable. Not sure if I just got lucky or what. Neck feels great, pickups sound great. Sounds great and resonates well acoustically. Played against its Gibson 50s counterpart and no way there should be a $2k price difference. Difference to me was the nitro finish, but to me that's not a deal breaker.

[@justinking278]

I totally agree it's hard to beat the price on the Epiphone models. It's a perfect starter Les Paul. I started with a Epiphone Les Paul Ultra I back in 2007, absolutely loved it, then as the years went by and the pickups and hardware started to have issues (we are talking 10+ years old) I replaced the pickups with some great Seymour Duncan Antiquity Humbuckers and upgraded the pots and It's hard to put it down. I would put that guitar against most of my friends Gibson les pauls. But you are correct the head stock throws off alot of people but if you blindfold most players they would never know the difference.

[@silverwings1843]

I have had them all. Gibson and Fender have become so much hype. While the vintage classics are so insanely revered. And Randy California played a Silvertone. Does not matter what it is or how much it costs. The issue is: Can you play ??

[@explodeder]

That demo is great! It’s very war on drugs-y in the best way possible.

[@ILuvJazzNJava]

Not in this video, but after trying every LP I could get my hands on I settled on the LP Modern. Great pickups, updated wiring, great neck and lightweight. The Epiphone LP Modern is also great at a much lower price point.

[@donniehba795]

You inspired me so much that I went out and bought a brand new Gibson Les Paul Tribute and I am very pleased. Thanks for the recommendation -- as I would not have shopped for or purchased it if not for this video. Well done!

[@colinmcguigan4630]

I got a studio deluxe ii, from 2012, and it's all I've ever need, from a LP. Burstbuckers, and a built in boost switch, it's awesome

[@richardrigsby5286]

Tribute is my number one. I hate fret binding, satin finish feels amazing, has the Gibson headstock, pickups are not bad but could easily be changed.

[@picksalot1]

I consistently prefer the sound clarity of the Studio model over the others. I even preferred the color and finish on that one. The other finishes reminded me of old shoes.

[@rockstardr]

Make an album like this intro! I'd buy it today

[@rockstardr]

I have a 2004 Standard Limited LP in Pacific Reef with Burstbuckers. Gorgeous guitar. I find myself not playing it much. I play mostly single coils and really want a lower output set of humbuckers in it...

[@Redbirdstol]

I had an Epi Les Paul custom, 2003, old headstock model, alpine white, gold parts. I did what you said. I went out, bought all new pots, wiring, capacitors, and a pair of Sheptone Tribute PAF’s. I have since sold that guitar (big mistake, btw), but it played beautifully. The only thing I didn’t do, was put in a graph tech nut. I definitely want a 2022 Epiphone LP Custom again, since they are doing them with the Burstbuckers. That guitar had soul. It’s neck was so dinged up, and worn, and it was a guitar you had to, as Jack White would say, fight to play.

[@LottimusMaximus]

I got the Tribute and love it!! Installed a 498T in the bridge, took out the circuit board and installed CTS pots/traditional wiring and installed Grover tuners. I could have had the Les Paul Standard for that price, but I like the satin finish and neck profile better on the tribute :)

[@panagiotisexplorer213]

Even though I will buy the 50s standard, I was impressed by the Epiphone! At first, I didn't want to admit it but it sounded just as good as the others in your video. I totally agree with what you said about placing the standard as a first choice. I love Les Pauls but from the moment Gibson produces high-quality standards I don't want to bust a bank to get the custom one.

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

One of my worst fears is someone experienced plays my LP Modern and is like 😬 nah … I’m about to take mine 12-hour drive to Vancouver to get PLEK’d 😂

[@PNWGuitar]

What shop in Vancouver?

[@ileutur6863]

Eh, if you like it, who cares. I've seen plenty of experienced and even successful people have some pretty idiotic opinions about gear

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

@@ileutur6863 I haven't played enough guitars like these experts. You know like a real guitar-phile might think mine plays like crap compared to a type of guitar I've never played before to know... Know what I mean?

[@riteshshahi156]

The problem of doing this challenge in a guitar store is that not all the guitars are their perfect setup, making playability different.

[@burt2800]

True, also pickup height can make a big difference. That's why I usually play them unplugged most and look for things like even resonance of neck and body, overtones, deadspots etc. Things that are inherent in a guitar, most other stuff can be tweaked.

[@JamesWalshBristolKids]

The vibe on this opening track by Rhett is awesome. Makes us want to jam.😀Put Locking Grovers Rotos ( $72.94 @ Sweetwater)on the Epiphone LP that is $649.00 and it's way cool for $721.94 total... I estimate time saved changing strings and all other benefits make it worth it to have Grover locking tuners. Owning both Epiphone and Gibson Les Pauls is ok in my book. I like the Gibson LP Standard a lot.

[@Zoso981]

Great video, but you should have reviewed the Epiphone '59 Les Paul outfit. Best bang for your buck LP, by a wide margin. Satin finish, Gibson Burstbuckers, period correct plastics and wiring, and a great neck! (The Gibson Tribute has the 490R & 490T pickups. Different bridge pickup than the Studio)

[@samsantanamusic]

Dude... that intro! SOOO GOOD! I’d pay to see you play your own compositions live any day! Very musical. I don’t think people understand how good you are.

[@TheRichie213]

If you're paying over 3 grand you're wasting your money. My 500 dollar Epiphone Les Paul stays in tune better than most Gibson Les Pauls. It still sounds and feels good. Ya, I got a Gibson Les Paul too. It's just the name, trust me.

[@larsfocken3456]

The Epiphone standard LPs are very good guitars for the price. But I highly recommend to change the PUs. In my case I equipped a 50s Standard LP with Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers - a relatively affordable PAF style PU set - and the difference is really worth the extra money. Together with a nice Gator case (with a pink blanket!) and a decent leather strap and strap lock pins I paid less than 1000 Euros for the whole thing. Great! 🙂