Sire Larry Carlton H7 demo/review - does it live up to the hype...?

[@freelancevt]

Very smooth playing with all the cleanliness of a true studio musician. Nice complete demo. GREAT JOB! SIRE should pay you ...if they haven't yet done so!

[@lzy_jimmy_lin]

This so nice🥺it really cures me

[@lzy_jimmy_lin]

Could I ask what’s the background song at the beginning?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks my friend! The first clip is from a jam video I made when I first bought the guitar. Check out the full thing (and link to the free jam track) at kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6mxgKudm9p9d7M

[@Paine-yr9wd]

That was the best guitar review I’ve ever seen! Your playing ability showcases the guitar perfectly. Whow!!!

[@christophedelamusiquedesar7878]

This has been a very rounded and encouraging review of this guitar and I value your whole style of presentation, not forgetting your artistry in playing. Subscribed.

[@Patriot1777]

I bought one yesterday, the same one, love it so far.

[@richardbaker4797]

I’m picking up one of these tomorrow and after watching this can’t wait to try it out. Thanks.

[@jazzterboi1]

Thanks Andy. Most comprehensive and unbiased review I've seen. Really appreciate it.

[@danandrews2650]

Excellent review! One of the best I have seen. I had a friend bring his by on Saturday at a gig I was playing. I was really surprised how great it played and sounded. The only issues were where the strap is at the neck, and the frets felt as though they needed to be polished a bit.

[@kmickp1166]

I just bought one, fit and finish is first class and playability/set up is fantastic, nice low action and great feeling neck. It is without doubt the best value guitar I have ever bought, it feels far more premium than it’s cost would suggest. I agree with Andy’s comments re sound, again the quality shines through. I already have a Gibson 335 (which I totally love) which I keep in Europe but didn’t want to drop another 3 grand on a another guitar to keep in the US, I am totally satisfied with the H7 so in this instance, I would say this guitar lives up to the hype! Great video & playing Andy!👍🎶

[@SiddharthKarunakaran]

How does it compare to your Gibson?

[@kmickp1166]

@@SiddharthKarunakaran playability is pretty near, sound also, clearly the Gibson is a better, warmer and generally thicker sounding but not 6 times as good! The build quality of the Sire is remarkable for the price, whilst on a 3 grand Gibson, you would expect no less! If you buy the Sire you will not feel short changed & if you felt like swapping out the pickups for higher quality, a relatively modest investment would solve that problem and still keeping the cost to a fraction of the Gibson! That said, I’m happy with the Sire as it is!

[@LeighEllitts]

Fantastic review, for which I'm grateful....I'm ordering a lefty based on this, thank you

[@daviemcf]

Brilliant review Andy and fantastic playing on 'Room 335'....subbed.

[@rustywhite2174]

Outstanding review! Lovely playing as well.

[@spkay31]

Great review video of this guitar Andy! Excellent coverage of the various aspects of the guitar and the tones from both pups on different styles and pedal combos that are prime candidates to use with this guitar. Very positive overall based on an honest review with an experienced teacher and working musician.

[@richardlindquist5936]

Wow! Great demo and playing. Super enjoyable vid. Thanks

[@jamesonowens4562]

Man, what a terrific demo! And great playing too.

[@357jazzman]

Thanks for the review. Love your style and technique of playing. Would be great to see some lessons.

[@nicolasfaisant6445]

Great job ,one of the best demo about the h7.wonderful playing and great sound 😉👍

[@GaryonWheels]

Sit up straight teacher man! 😮 Thanks for the review. About to hit the buy button

[@jonconger3527]

Beautiful playing! Really made it sing!

[@lenniemclellan3948]

Great video Andy, well put together, liked the format. sensible comments, great playing, liked the LC touch at the end.

[@MrMjp58]

Brilliant review and fabulous playing. Loved the Room 335 piece. I suppose the question would be, would any of this have been any better on a Gibson? I suspect not much.

[@charliemcgrain]

Great playing, brother. And, such a beautiful guitar.

[@edwardgamboa6589]

Great playing excellent information. I was scratching my head over this and you have proven to me .. that I will buy this. Again excellent stuff.

[@richf6111]

Lovely review. Great range of sounds demonstrated. Fantastic, accurate playing . Thank you Andy 🎸👍

[@heskethlistening24]

Best review I have found by far. Answered all my questions, I'll get one.

[@yrjovatanen2184]

Good work, Andy! Keep it coming, you're playing in very professional fashion, in a good way! Like your style. Thank you!

[@Philippe-iu2vh]

Excellente démo comme je les aime!! Merci beaucoup!!

[@davidconboy5822]

Great playing, great review. I have a T7 and L7. Both have the same quality that you talk about on this H7.

[@javtah]

Great demo and playing!

[@unabonger777]

best demo I've found, like the playing at 8:13

[@hyuklee3804]

what a great video! thank you andy

[@michaelschiessl8357]

Nice demo and review...like has been said it's not a Gibson 335 but for those of us who can't afford those outrageous prices..This is a good alternate choice sounds great and nice playing..

[@lazvt8469]

loved that last jam....

[@radosawpendziaek7503]

Killer sound, killer playing! New subscriber here.

[@QuinnWeb]

Beautiful playing. Right on.

[@christocaster]

Brillant demo and guitar player the ending song is top! Need to try the H7 . Thanks

[@3blokesfromfblock280]

Really enjoyed that review, and really nice playing 👍🏻 I’ll be getting one of those as a result of hearing that, so many thanks.

[@steventaylorson5253]

Thanks Andy . I stumbled across this by accident and am pleased I did. Informative and really enjoyed your playing. I have already "borrowed" some of you licks...

[@88msdelay48]

New subscriber- just found you today. Great review and great playing! Your playing makes me meek & inspired at the same time, if that makes any sense. I like the format and you covered the features brilliantly. The way you covered it will work for any guitar at any price. Well done… so cheers!!!

[@Kalkschwarz]

Wow, that‘s great playing!

[@DaveMarket]

Thanks for the review, great playing and info. I am guessing that the Ebony fretboard on a roasted maple neck would be very bright! I love my H7 and t7fm

[@jasonmccann257]

Nice demo & playing! I owned one of these guitars for about 8 months. For what you pay for one of these, you really get alot! The only bummer about these guitars are the stock potentiometers are horrible, and the nut width is narrow just like a late 60's ES-335. I ended up breaking even selling mine, and I just bought a block ES-335.

[@StayHomeEatGreat]

Yeah, its modeled after Larry's old 335. Hope you are loving 335.

[@manurewaboy]

Excellent review Andy, your students are blessed to have you as a teacher. I especially enjoyed your your Larry Carlton cover at the end! Showing my age lol.

[@MrJago11]

Great review. I’ve just the H7V (?). The one with P90s any way….. I love it. I’ve owned and currently do own Gibsons and it’s such good value when compared with them

[@jackjmaniscalco8169]

That guitar has such a sweet sound. Great demo

[@danieleacquavera4107]

Best review ever!!! Thanks mate! 👍🏻

[@bijanguitar]

Great demo Andy. The guitar sounds and looks good.

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks Bijan!

[@pickersgrip]

Sounds great, excellent playing!

[@skellyngton]

Fantastic review, just pushed the button on one of these. Smashing playing BTW

[@Anjohl]

My Sire L7 is wonderful. I can't imagine another LP-stye guitar replacing it!

[@akjl01]

Great review.. Looks good and sounds good. What's not to like? Impressive playing Andy..👏

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Cheers Alan!

[@omwilsonow]

Great demo and playing, enjoyed it.

[@PeteAxeShields]

Fabulous review of a cracking guitar and lovely playing Andy. I recently bought an Inspired By Gibson Epiphone ES335 and almost went for the Sire Larry Carlton H7. I am extremely happy with the Epiphone, it too is a fabulous guitar and was around the same price. I know which ever one I had opted for, I would have been equally as satisfied. I am not a good enough guitar player to warrant spending an extortionate amount on a Gibson and I, personally, don't think there is enough difference to warrant the extra outlay, although I appreciate there will be those who disagree with me and I suppose if I was wealthy enough, I may have a different view ... so each to their own. All I know for sure is, in your hands, the H7 looks and sounds exactly as you would want a semi hollow bodied guitar to sound. Thanks for the upload Andy. It was very informative and enjoyable. 🙏

[@kenster3554]

A Sire isn’t a Gibson, but better than a new Epiphone IMHO.

[@tlkshowhst]

Amazing playing.

[@richardsisk1770]

Nice playing! Best examples i have heard. Thank you 😊

[@fredericfournier5662]

Hello Andy, It's the first time I watch one of your demos. First thing I noticed is the usefulness of a high level of playing for the one who listens. It really helps for the choice. Another musician on KZbin explored with as much musicality as you did, the sounds of the H7 with P90. Both guitar rules and I must admit that when the choice come, I'll probably die like Buridan's ass 😅 It could be the same situation with P90 or Humbuckers Yamaha standard Revstar, a guitar I dig too. Merci, c'est un excellent test, j'aime beaucoup.

[@stroopwafel6141]

Hi Andy. Searching for a H7 demo I stumbled upon your channel. And wow, the best review of the H7 so far. And such accurate and tasty playing. Hat off! One question: is the neck much thinner than a Gibson 335? Oh and Sire just released a H7 with P90's... Sounds so lush.

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks! It's a 'C' shape neck - slightly more narrow on the fretboard but with a fairly chunky feel overall. I've never directly compared it with a Gibson, but it's a unique kind of shape that some will like and some won't. And yes, the P90 version looks very tempting!

[@stroopwafel6141]

@@AndyWattGuitar Thanks for your reply. Keep up the good work.

[@alanwinn4250]

Fantastic review Andy! New subscriber with me! Great playing 😊😊

[@maggieo]

Brilliant, Andy!

[@billholder1330]

sweet guitar, sweet playing! Thanks for the review!

[@joibjalla]

Nice review. I subscribed. I have the T7 vintage and love it although I'm fairly new to playing guitar (2018). I mainly bought it to be able to do some easy fill ins when recording my own songs.

[@jamescoughlan8193]

Looks and sounds great but then you are one of those people who can make anything sound good

[@charleshuguley9903]

I have an es335 with a 40mm nut. Actually like it since I have shorter fingers; makes it easier to grab the 6th string with my thumb. I think I would also like the rolled fingerboard edges.

[@paulanderson9453]

What a player.

[@KestyJoe]

Thanks for a great review. I've been looking at the H7 and just got to play one the other day. Super value for money, but a couple of things bothered me. I wonder if you shared any of these: 1) The pots - I found no difference between volume 10 and volume 4 - strange. 2) The pickups. Love the neck pickup but found the bridge pickup is too twangy. I'm not a fan of rolling off the tone - gets too muddy. Also, I found in the center position (both p-ups) it lost a lot of volume and tone. Maybe my example had bad switch/wiring? 3) The nut width is a smidge small for me. I think I could be happy with this guitar but I'm gonna keep looking.

[@jhilsdon]

Great review, beautiful guitar!

[@jonny100]

An excellent review thanks! Liked and subscribed!

[@Guitaural.]

Great overview. How Gibson could let Larry Carlton get away to another company is a head-scratcher - _Mr_ 335, after all. I prefer the 1 5/8" nut size on my Fenders that I have - sounds like this is very similar? Thanks for taking the time, and terrific playing by the way.

[@ralex3697]

Gibson doesn’t own Larry Carlton, like Fender doesn’t own John Mayer

[@Guitaural.]

@@ralex3697 But if they treated them a little better they might have them as endorsees - that was my point.

[@sober-southoftheborderever3591]

I love mine! Fantastic!!

[@blackiewheeler4706]

Very informative demo.

[@tommywallberg]

I really enjoyed your review and of your excellent playing. I have guitars that cost a smaller fortune but and however this very cheaper guitar - Sire is my favorite. However I’m thinking of having the bone nut cut down a little bit to lessen the tension/action on the lower bars. Any opinion Mr?

[@ianwheeler8764]

Well done!

[@Fenghorn_Zob]

your playing is awesome

[@sergiovisentin3607]

Best review I've ever seen for this H7 ...., I also have one it's great only issue is the narrow nut and tricky fingerings on first and sixth string due to rounded fret ends.? congratulations also for the playing....

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks! It's certainly quite a different neck/fretboard feel to any of my other guitars, quite enjoy the rounded edges now I'm used to it 😎👍🏻

[@JackTheSkunk]

Loved this review and especially the clean sounds (not a fan of overdrive). Nice melodic playing.

[@Jj-ff9vq]

Sounded fantastic in all variants bar overdrive.....but that's why I'm keeping my zakk wylde with EMG actives.

[@jamminshaman5935]

bet the pickups on the H7 sound better than the stock pickups on a Gibson 335. These less expensive alternatives literally have te same wood and components. When you pay more you’re just paying for the brand. I’d pick an H7 over Gibson any day and wouldn’t have to swap pickups!

[@Chichesterfrotesque1001]

The problem is the thick poly finish.

[@arnavverma2122]

I actually didn't like the pickup, or maybe I'm not able to understand them. They are too bright and when you bring down the highs, the overall EQ is never balanced as in either the mids or the bass gets muddy. Additionally during heavier attack stuff like funk - the top end gets too harsh. Even the distorted sounds don't sound as good as i thought it would. I'm not able to find that sweet spot so i might switch the pickups. What do you think?

[@JonWickensMusic]

Nah, stock Gibson pups are far better. The Sire offers great bang for the buck, but it’s simply not on the same level

[@rstm_abrv]

@@arnavverma2122I feel the same when watching KZbin reviews that's the reason why I’ve not bought it yet, just want to get something warmer closer to the warm sound of the ES 335. Did you get new pickups?

[@arnavverma2122]

@@rstm_abrv no not yet, my recent realisations are that the cleans are good at the middle pickup position with both the volume knobs at 8 and the tone on the neck at 9 and tone on the bridge on 2 - this way the eq is balanced atleast for clean playing in jazz subsidiaries. This setting definitely dosent work for pop or other styles hence not so versatile - playing clean pop music at higher tone levels does help. When it comes to gain tones, the pickups have a limit. After a point, no matter how much gain you put in your signal, the distortion tone won't push up but becomes more harsh and muddier. Max it can handle is a overdrive at higher gains. For example if i run the same overdrive preset on a Les Paul or tele, it's gonna respond better with more warm distortion and better overtones and it would just feel right but note those guitars are more expensive but worth it. For me at the moment, this guitar is suited to be a clean jazz guitar and unfortuantely not the ideal for other genres. It's a great practice guitar with good playability. I only say good because i find the fretting in the hire frets a bit congested to play which kills the notes a little bit. Before this i was playing the epiphone broadway which was entirely hollow, interestingly that guitar turned out to be more versatile. In addition to it being the warmest and better jazz guitar, it funked very well and rock and rolled strongly, even wahed quite well. The only thing it didn't do was bend or play extreme pop or rock music which is not something I'm interested as well. I haven't changed the pickups yet but i will be going with either the gibson pickups or fishman fluence or custom. I need the sire to be more versatile, if it can't be more versatile then it probably wasn't the best investment. Consider the epiphone broadway/ Gretch/ Les Paul gibson

[@mosin9105]

Thanks

[@blueleaftuber]

Something that turned me off from this was how narrow the nut and neck are. I'm a tall guy so I wanted the widest nut I could get. I went with the Ibanez AM93 instead, but I'm sure the Sire is good quality too

[@mathprogFP]

Great. Can you share the chords before the solo that starts at 11.03... Trying to better at guitar :)

[@DaveThomspon]

Nice playing

[@linomas5246]

What's about to put Bare knuckle "mule" on it ?

[@jacquesquintre7190]

merci pour cette vidéo ,je reçois la mienne jeudi j'ai hâte de la jouer j'ai déjà une Gibson 40 ans d'âge une es 347 s un régal je la joue d'assis

[@wormcultist6637]

Do you think alternative music or grunge could work

[@jamesdavis5096]

H7 hands down

[@davidpatrick1813]

Nice review and playing. I don’t do distortion but just ordered one. Will any 335 case fit it?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks! I would think any 335 case should be OK, I just use a Tourtech ‘semi-acoustic’ padded gig bag 👍

[@davidpatrick1813]

@@AndyWattGuitar good day.. thank you.

[@twelthstring]

Very nice review. It looks like you have connected the amp to your computer. Is it possible for you to give a demo of the H7 in combination with a microphone in front of a combo or cabinet?

[@bobbychubb6913]

Better than Epiphone Sheraton?

[@geoguitar1950]

What exactly is causing the downward bend problem pls?

[@MrWillywillmore]

Could listen to you play all day. Are you in a band I could listen to? My H7 is on order. Have you found the pots a problem at all?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks! I have a few live band videos coming to the channel soon actually - stay tuned. No problem with the pots on mine 👍🏻

[@michaelweinman9051]

OMG u are SO good!!!!! aaaaaaaah.

[@1cleandude]

Wow awesome review brother! Sire needs to reimburse you for acquisition cost! Only wishing you would have shown the back. Otherwise bravo!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@clydebermingham121]

Sound NICE 👍🏽 ✌🏽

[@jansbamusic4778]

you said a thin neck, spacing between the strings narrow? how is that when the nut width: 43 mm ? same as for example on any Ibanez semi-hollow body and fretboard radius: 305 mm...also the same? where is the difference?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Nut width on mine is 41.5mm (as per LC's favourtie ES335) - they've widened it to 43mm in the new versions I believe.

[@jansbamusic4778]

@@AndyWattGuitar so originally it was like the old Gibson, like LC his 335?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

@@jansbamusic4778 yeah, it was LC's preference I think, but most customers seem to prefer a wider nut!

[@chrisholmes_90]

Quality playing, and an excellent review Andy. Torn between the H7 and the H7V (P90s). Going to have to find somewhere to give them both a go!

[@NoudvD63]

I suggest Sire pays you back the money you spend on this guitar because of this fantastic demo/review.

[@jeffreyhatch9933]

Andy, How do you feel it compares to an Eastman T386?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

I’ve never tried one, to be honest! Both great guitars, I suspect - probably depends which neck/fretboard you prefer the feel of

[@Zilegil]

I’ve had mine since they came out. They’re absolutely beautiful. My favourite part is the extremely skinny lil neck. It’s not a wizard shredder neck, but it’s pretty tiny Real clean low output pickups, lots of top end It’s easily my main guitar and pretty much the only electric I still play these days The only drawbacks is that the fretboard is dyed ebony, so the black tends to come off on your hands when you start playing it. But it clears up quick. On mine there’s some lil flecks of black on the binding too Also the hardware on mine can be a lil temperamental. I have the very occasional selector switch cutout, it takes a lil wiggle to get the signal back. Definitely not a dealbreaker but it’s something to note. I’ve only had it happen a handful of times. Also, the pots don’t have a smooth swell, so if you like doing swells on your volume pots you’ll want to replace them, or just get a volume pedal like a sensible person 🤷🏻‍♂️ For the price I’d give it a 9.2/10

[@nbosticiii]

Superb demo Andy. I bought one of the H7 guitars last week, Your playing is awesome. What ear plugs are you using?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks! They’re Mackie MP220’s - a great set of IEMs 👌

[@44totalmassretain]

@@AndyWattGuitar thanks for this. Just broke mine. Will check these out.

[@dolphy1978]

Excellent review and playing, many thanks. Did you keep the 10-46 or went lighter?

[@AndyWattGuitar]

Thanks! I kept 10-46 for now. Might try flatwounds at some point too....

[@dolphy1978]

@@AndyWattGuitar Are the 10s hard to bend on that guitar?

[@davegoodridge9458]

@@dolphy1978 I've had an H7 for a couple of months (the white one one with gold hardware) and have kept the 10s on. Although my other guitars have 9s I thought I'll stick with the 10s.They're not hard to bend but I find after a fairly long session I can really feel the difference so I'm going to swap for my usual 9s this week. I guess it's what you're used to.