Sire Larry Carlton L7 Deep Dive

[@jamespollock11]

Carlton is a great musician. Good to see his name isn't sullied by shoddy merch.

[@mikec6733]

I sullied my undies today

[@jonniegibbins]

As a bass player I switched to Sire with the Marcus Miller V7 - it cost me £356 new and is better by far than my Mexican Fender Jazz. Glad to see they're keeping up the quality in their guitar range. Excellent demo Phillip, thank you.

[@simons.2948]

I have fender ultra J & I prefer my 1000 quid sire v10

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

Phillip, I really like your style of reviewing this guitar. Very thorough, honest and thoughtful.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you

[@sandycohen9862]

I must agree I'm 65 now started playing at 8 , I really do appreciate how he discussed and played .

[@Chaseracing]

I like the new background. Camera Quality is rocking also!

[@mrnfguy1]

Phillip. Your reviews are the best on KZbin. Very detailed thorough and real. Keep up the good work

[@alibex649]

i appreciate your posts so much Phillip. you're no advertiser; you actually test them out.

[@Claimjumper55]

I'm not surprised about a super positive review. I have 2 of their bass guitars and they deliver far more than one would expect for the price point.

[@thomashubbell1960]

Phil, I really appreciate the bit about the fret rocker and judging high frets by playing and listening for no dead notes even if there's a little rocking. I'm a longtime player but still pretty new to guitar setup and maintenance and this was something I experienced with a recent setup. I wasn't 100% sure that I had completely dealt with the high fret, but this part of your video gave me assurance that I did the right thing!

[@Mountainrock70]

A fret slightly high will wear down faster than the ones next to it fixing itself pretty quickly. Ive had this happen with a couple guitars I loved playing so much that I could not fathom to tear down for repairs.

[@MATTYANDSMOKE]

You can always count on phill to give an unbiased, detailed review. As always, gr8 info phill

[@dylano6033]

This seems like a really great guitar, especially at the price point they've put it at. Love to see that it comes with treble bleed as standard, an absolute must for LP type guitars imo. Thank you very much for the video, I probably would not have even known this brand existed otherwise!

[@richardavila5410]

Great review...I am badly wanting the Larry Carlton Sire ES-335 style guitar, red or tobacco and a Sire Marcus Miller bass, probably the short scale P/Jazz style one, natural or 'burst. I wish Sire would come up with an affordable semi-hollow bass guitar, taking from the Gibson...EB-O model...famous from Animals/Yardbirds brit Invasion days....Harley Benton offers one, I would imagine that Sire would make a superior quality model, for a little more money...would you review these for us...please ?!

[@petesmith6434]

It’s amazing the quality of low priced guitars today. When I was a new player in the early 1960s there was no such thing as low priced, fair quality…much less good quality guitars. Low priced guitars were normally very low quality and hard to play. New players today are very fortunate. Your reviews are very comprehensive and fair Phil.

[@christopherbrown7234]

I am glad the community has someone we can TRUST. I TRUST YOU. Always have, always will. Thank you.

[@voyager7]

I want to thank you for the detailed review. I'm a big fan of Epiphone, particularly in their 2020+ approach to models and quality...but these Sire instruments are seriously worth comparing/considering. Very valuable video!

[@judih.8754]

Its amazing how guitars in this price category are so good. Thanks for the review Phil.

[@tjukkv]

Thanks for the advice to not mess with leveling a fret based on the fret rocker alone but on whether you can hear it buzz.

[@Ndlanding]

Exactly, and remember many fret rockers -- even expensive ones by [ahem] well-known brands are wobbly. There is a video on that topic by an Englishman called Fretworks or similar. Test yours on a straight edge (if it's known to be truly straight!!!)

[@cpnw42]

I own a Sire R7 acoustic and it is easily one of the best guitars for the money I have ever seen. I compared it many times to several Taylor guitars and spec wise it would be at least double the money with the big T on it instead of being by the small independent brand. I really hoped they would bring the same kind of value vibe to their electric entries - and it seems they have succeeded in doing so! Thanks for the review!

[@guitarequalsawesome5667]

they dont make the R7 anymore !! i want to buy one!

[@nitinnandwani304]

@@guitarequalsawesome5667 they got the A4 which I think is their replacement ! I just bought one and I can’t stop playing it !

[@jedisparky]

Still a huge Epiphone fan, but thanks for letting us know about an alternative. What a price, wow.

[@evilcowboy]

Yeah I'd take an Epiphone over even Gibson because Gibson's QC sucks, Epiphones QC is far better. I am not sure if Gibson has fixed that in recent years, I just got tired of waiting for them and tried Epiphone and a Gibson side by side. The Epiphone won and then I grabbed another Gibson and another Epiphone to see if it was a one off, nope Epiphone still played and sounded better. I know Gibson is a parent company to Epiphone but they make Gibson's guitars better than they make them and thats sad. A name is just a name, the craftsmanship is what is important. Gibson forgot that, Epiphone didn't. Its as simple as that.

[@Dylan-ji5ug]

I love finding new brands and affordable fans. Sometimes the fun in getting new gear is thinking you have out smarted the big brands. Some people like owning the big brands and some of us love finding the diamonds in the rough

[@jackbrown3001]

Just got mine. Absolutely love it.

[@JJGuccione]

Great review - Larry's been a favorite for decades. I don't see him disappointing.

[@gixlopez]

I just bought an L7 demo from Sweetwater and while I've only had it a couple of days I love it. I did a side by side comparison of a Gibson Les Paul and the Sire specs on Sweetwater and in terms of being close to a Gibson, the Sire won me over any comparable brand - including Harley Benton and Guitar Fetish. Everyone has their own needs - I’m running mine into either my DAW or my Positive Grid Spark amp and in my little rig, it sings. I think because Larry Carlton is a studio musician, his guitar specs would be a malleable tone with natural sustain that stays in tune. The handshake and the sock test checked out. I forgot to add the setup but it plays well out of the box. The action is great, the locking tuners work so far - no fret buzz. They paid attention to details inside and out. It looks great and the tuners and bone nut give it a nice sound. The output jack was loose but I’m sure it was because it was a demo.. Phil: do you have any videos that address this?)

[@Just-Michael]

Another bonus is that the headstock shape is fine. I'm not a fan of the headstocks Harley Benton uses for the LP style guitars for example, but this one is very simple and looks pretty alright. :P

[@marshxox5150]

ngl the harley benton LP headstocks are ugly as all hell, I absolutely hate them

[@kitoyobeni1]

Headstock shape is a bit big for my taste.

[@Just-Michael]

@@kitoyobeni1 I'm not even really into LP style guitars but at least this one is better looking than some others.

[@cpnw42]

You‘re right! I also hate the Epiphone regular headstock - but the new open book one looks just fine as well. I bought a LP Muse with the new headstock and it‘s really nice!

[@kitoyobeni1]

@@Just-Michael Oh, there are much worse, but I think I prefer the new Epi headstock personally, especially the Custom.

[@dalepal]

I appreciate you showing us some of the details that reviews often don’t include. I’ve never heard of Sire Guitars but it looks and sounds like a great option for a single cut at that price point.

[@mikepj1025]

They sell S type, T type, 335 style guitars also. Incredible guitars. Not just for the money but all around.

[@LuisDiaz-bp7tv]

I got one of their basses, feels great and no complaints here

[@alementary4065]

I bought the same one with the P-90s. Absolutely love that guitar. Sire is killing it. Their P-90s are better than their humbuckers IMO.

[@JeezVince]

damn i was looking at it, they are lovely

[@MrMfalzone]

Just bought the sire T7 and im amazed with it. The L7 is next. I see no reason to go to another brand at this point. For a start up company i think they are going to be HUGE!!

[@Gene_Cali]

When you balanced the Guitaron your knee, my whole neighborhood heard me yell " Holy Shit!!!" :-) Thanks for your Wonderful Channel Phil. I'm learning my gear!

[@TriGrutt]

It shines great, apparently it feels great, sounds great and now I want it... well, greatly! Great review as usual, thanks man!

[@Silkaz7]

I love the frequent reviews, keep it up!

[@markbaum9615]

Now I got GAS faster than going through taco bell drive thru..... Thanks Phil

[@Russell_Optics]

Mark, make sure you check the stats before you buy one. I just looked and they don't say anything about S/S frets in the description anymore, so maybe the new ones don't have them ???

[@markbaum9615]

Thanks Gary.....I was looking...you may be right.....if they don't specify. Then I assume its nickel....but the blonde S7 on reverb definitely looks SS.....the listing from Netherlands

[@Cam_B]

@@Russell_Optics what are some downsides of non-stainless steel frets? I would think even nickel should be fine as long as you don't throw the guitar around.

[@Russell_Optics]

@@Cam_B There is no downside at all to regular frets, in fact , most of my favorite guitars have them. The advantage of stainless steel frets in my opinion are they feel smoother when bending strings, and they just last longer and don't tarnish is all. My PRS CE24 is my favorite guitar and has standard frets, but it would be even better I feel with S/S frets.

[@Cam_B]

@@Russell_Optics yeah I don’t have any guitars with SS frets, actually I have no idea 😂. I have 12 electrics but it never occurred to me to worry about what kind of fret metal is used. I may need to do some spec research on my current guitars. Thanks for the info.

[@jmanson3310]

I actually love my S type Sire. Have owned it since they were first released and I think it is as good as all my much more expensive guitars even my Fender Strat Elite. The roasted mapel neck just feels so good...

[@TreenighetMaranata]

The Sire L7 is truly a good sounding and made guitar, thanks for your video on this guitar! I ordered one in sunburst!

[@chrisjeneson3763]

Thanks for the Al-u-minium, just sol-der to go. Sent with love! Nice guitar.

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

We also have millimeters now 😁

[@Ndlanding]

@@BloodBoughtMinistries Bloody hell! Next thing, pints and gallons will be the right size! I doubt we'll ever get rid of abortions such as Snuck, Dove, and "Don't got", though.

[@schmoemi3386]

😮😮

[@williamb4652]

So-der. Don’t get me started…..!

[@tomaszbieniek-guitarist]

Thanks so much for this review! I was waiting for it haha. Would love to see reviews of more SIRE guitars on this channel!

[@youarethecreator1]

Great channel, just found it a week ago. Really helping me learn, listen so my next guitar is a solid one. Thanks.

[@elenbrandt290]

Phil McKnight - reliable reviews with truth and soul. Thanks!

[@gazzy_burns]

Sounds fantastic and your reviews are spot on.

[@GuitarTabsDaily]

The S7 is phenomenal!!

[@jackprice7828]

Philip thank you so much for the very thorough evaluation. Man that middle position on those pickups sound amazing!

[@DavidHBurkart]

This guitar has amazing tone!!

[@usvideowatcher]

Phil, I really liked your video especially the measurements that you have shown and your information about the weight and the balance. I just bought a Sire bass with the satin neck and I love it. Based on your video I might change my existing electric guitar to that one above. Thanks a lot from a retired guy in Germany

[@josegallegosdds]

I just bought a Goldtop version of these from Sweetwater. They can’t keep them in stock and there’s a reason why. Great value ( $599.00), fantastic build and looks, they play wonderfully and sound great as well. I don’t know how they do it, but at a quarter of the cost of a Gibson Standard, you can’t beat this!

[@steveblanton2860]

Haha me too! Wonder who bought the other two?

[@giovannicarvelli3667]

Really enjoyed this video. I love you let us listen to the acoustic sound of the guitar!

[@CraigCrider]

I've had the S7 (HSS) for about 4 months and I love it. The neck is great.

[@RFDQE]

Do you know if the S7 also had treble bleeds?

[@CraigCrider]

@@RFDQE I believe it does. That's been my one con. It stays bright as you roll back the volume but it doesn't really roll back the volume. At least mine doesn't. I'm still happy with my purchase, I'm considering desoldering the TB and see what it does.

[@RFDQE]

@@CraigCrider yeah ive seen alot of people not liking the treble bleeds in the Sires and I think you can just pull them off with pliars

[@CJBradley]

I bought a Gibson Epiphone + fifteen years ago made in Indo and it was very good indeed, this looks very nice and I'm tempted to get one; looks great.!

[@BarnacleButtock]

woahhh that acoustic strumming. superrrr resonant...

[@joecox1509]

Just ordered a gold top l7, can't wait to get it

[@MrTabasham1990]

I want one. How is it?

[@pnoyryder68]

So happy to stumble on your video review Phil, thank you for the excellent and honest review! I know nothing about guitars but my son plays and I'm thinking of getting him an electric one for his bday but don't want to break the bank and I know these things can cost quite a bit. But I've heard and seen this Sure brand from another ytuber who did a review as well and he highlighted the same details you did so he wasn't lying. So this looks to be my gift for him 👍

[@Madchris8828]

I dig this sire overall. Sounds incredible imo.

[@anthonyangelis1094]

LOVE this Guitar I want one Great review I ordered a Sire S7 Super Strat style Long 6 month waitlist This one is next

[@petaralargic]

Looking forward to S7 review! Thanks for everything, Phil.. such a trustworthy personality!

[@jltrem]

I have a 2004 Korean made Epiphone Les Paul Standard. I replaced the hollow plastic nut with a bone nut and the original stop bar tailpiece with an aluminum one. It became a lot louder and more resonant played unplugged.

[@gilldanier4129]

I can tell your excited, I am too! I think I shall be buying one of these.

[@clarkbabin9799]

I bought what I believe is a 2019 model of the traditional pro III Epiphone. Am very impressed by it. I've also bought others a SG a 335red dot pro and a J200 acoustic. All of them a really good guitars. Especially the J200.

[@TheFunktipus1]

That guitar sounds great. Inspiring.

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

There seem to be a lot of quality mid-price guitars available these days, which I think is great, especially for younger players, hobbyists (non-pros), and even working musicians on a tight budget. I personally think that Agile single cuts are the best near-copies I've ever played. I have two--one I bought in 2004 from Rondo Music, and another in 2020. The price doubled in that time, but the quality went way up too! I would definitely consider a Sire if I needed an instrument, so long as I could return it if it was a lemon. BTW, nice playing, Phillip! I learned a long time ago it's not the name on the headstock, it's the hands on the neck.

[@vimfuego8827]

Great review, one of the very best

[@RumbleFish69]

Good channel! This channel is not about any BS...right to the point. I will add definitely this guitar to my collection!

[@AeonOfAwareness]

Nice job on the intro to Monkey Business! You must be an Skid Row fan!

[@PhillipMcKnight]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6O2qHt7e7OCfZY

[@AeonOfAwareness]

Not sure how I missed that but I am glad you sent it to me! I would love to send my custom beast to you for your Sharpen My Axe series!

[@shadowst.germain9396]

Damnit i knew i heard that in there.. nice man...

[@stevencohen5116]

Sounds great! Very open sounding, and it’s surprisingly pleasant to the ear!

[@DouglasRosser]

I was actually wondering if Sire had sent you a "ringer" but you made it clear this was a blind purchase off Reverb. Thanks!

[@chrisvsmusicny]

Great review! I've got a 2014 Gibson "LPJ" (not Jr.) with '61 Zebra HBs and an 2023 Epi '59 LP in Lemon Burst that I put some Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Greenies into. Next on my list is none other than a black Sire L7V with some P90s. Great review! Based off of what you and others have said, I'll feel confident in my purchase when it comes time to pull the trigger. 🤘

[@Coachesser]

I thought I heard a little Skidrow towards the end. Great review. So much information.

[@terryjames548]

I bought a Sire acoustic electric and am very pleased.

[@johncollins5552]

I think the main issue with choosing this over an Epi is that the Epi will probably have better resale value as it's a better recognised brand. Great video, lovely guitar.

[@kingarthur1776]

I'll bet resale about the same

[@solomonsanchez1897]

Resale is poor with all budget guitars. You can ask whatever you feel they're worth, but you will only get what someone else feels they're worth. Don't buy a guitar you don't like with the intention to flip, if you never bond with it. It's never going to be something that is worthwhile to anyone, but the eventual buyer. This is just my opinion. Now pedals are a different animal, because they sound a bit different depending on your rig.

[@pablodebiddlybo3771]

Amazing finishing quality control on these Sire guitars

[@TomCourtneyMusic]

Thanks for sharing this video Phil. This is exactly what I've been looking for a Les Paul without the big fat chunky neck. Plus ebony neck is my all-time favorite.

[@Somuntioalt]

The Monkey Business riff at the last part of the video pulled a smile out of me... that is, even more so than the rest of the video, which is great and very interesting content! :D

[@gregmullins6927]

You're a great reviewer Phil,you covered everything so well,nice work mate.

[@dansumigawa1414]

Use a branding iron or two and brand the wall! Put every maker on the wall, also draw shapes on the wall, strat, tele, Flying V,etc

[@tomcarmody5471]

I bought this guitar, luckily used for a great price and sold it soon after. It is a beautiful guitar with a great feeling neck but I sold it for the following reasons. 1) It is heavy. I didn't weigh mine but it was every bit of 9 lbs if not more. 2) I didn't like the pickups. It just doesn't sound like a LP which is what I wanted. It isn't bad, it just isn't a LP. To my ears the Epiphone Probuckers sound closer to the real thing.3) I am a couch player and this thing digs into your ribs. I usually play a strat so I am used to an ergonomic guitar. IMO, every guitar should have a belly cut, It cut some weight and is much more comfortable. If none of those things matter then I could recommend it. It really is beautiful and the fit and finish were very good.Sire also makes a strat, tele and 335 copy, oddly all with Larry Carlton 's signature since I think he only plays 335's.

[@matthewstearle7395]

thinking about getting the Epi Les Paul Modern,sounds like Les Paul

[@skellyngton]

You helped to make up my mind and order one of these! Thanks for a great review!

[@jtrumbach]

Please review the sire h7…the Larry Carlton 335 version! Would like to see how that compares to firefly or other cheap 335s

[@stratman9449]

i got one a few months ago...its very good....at a similar price...;-)

[@Funky85Mess]

I tried both the H7 and the Harley Benton Aerolus Bengal Flame, I bought the Harley Benton because they're literally the same guitar, just the HB is cheaper.

[@stephenstephen1217]

Very nice review! I can tell you that my H7 (335) guitar came set up out of the box! For the price, there is no better guitar! I have many "big name" guitars, and they all required a set up before I could play them. These are nice as you can later "build them up" if you feel the need, meaning pick ups, bridge & tune-o-matic, etc, but a playable guitar from the start!

[@PulauSwan]

Hi, can you tell me if the neck of your H7 is scarf jointed like the L7 I own. Is there a volute on the headstock under the nut slot,?

[@DeadRingerMachine]

Sounds absolutely fantastic! I don't know how much of that tone is the amp, but i loved it. And loved the Monkey Business riff at the end too.

[@belaradics6088]

Skid Rooooow!!!! 🤘😁 Thx for the review! 🤝

[@furious5009]

Whoa sire is making guitars now

[@abcrx32j]

They have been making them for a while now, they have strats and ES335 ish guitars too

[@stephenshoihet2590]

That was a surprise to me too, this is the first time I see one. They make fantastic basses so I'm not surprised they make a good guitar too.

[@sbmcneill]

Phil, doing great work as always.

[@mattma96]

The headstock shape looks like a brilliant blend of Taylor & the original open-book.

[@swordofhonor2]

thats a very nice set up you have Phill. looks like a very prophesional studio. looks great on camera and sound great too.

[@JimboG72]

I bought one last year. Besides all the great features I was concerned that the pickups were to bright. There’s a lot of comments about that but after having the guitar for a year now I’ve experimented with EQ and effects tweaks to get plenty of low end grunt/mojo from this guitar. It’s definitely a keeper. I don’t have any experience with a Gibson Les Paul so I don’t know how it compares but it fills that LP spot for me. FYI Sire no longer installs a treble bleed resistor.

[@LightWingStudios]

Transparent Blue Flame L7 FM is $599 right now at Sweetwater. Got one on the way. Already have an S7 FM and T7 FM in the same color. KILLER guitars. :)

[@monmixer]

I had to come back to this video to research the treble bleed. thanks again.

[@Green-yp9ix]

Fantastic review, just confirmed what I already knew, I really want a Sire Guitar... Great job...

[@santrixhimself3679]

nice to see an ebony fretboard on a cheaper guitar. i just prefer the look over rosewood

[@I-Libertine]

That had tons of acoustic resonance...good sign.

[@juana1483]

I was wondering about that? You really think so??

[@kripes4967]

Legitimately surprised by the tone!

[@MichaelMoore-nx5ue]

Awesome review thank you so much. I’m very very impressed with this guitar.

[@wilfrees567]

Class review from someone who actually knows the score, isn'r a dick, and isn't obsessed with his/her own voice.

[@steveeckert8396]

Nothing like a little Brian Adams meets Monkey Business nice...beautiful guitar BTW

[@trushack]

I like their riff on the single cut design. Some singlecut inspired bodies look kind of wonky, but this one looks great without being a total copy.

[@victorformosa2825]

Excellent review, loved the balance test.

[@andrewamicarelli]

Knowing how big of a Strat fan you are I'd love to see a review of the S7!

[@Chriss-Gear]

I just got an S7. It's a nice guitar. I was missing a "strat like" guitar. After watching too many videos I went with this one. I am still working on the setup and dialing it in for my personal preferences. I will say the neck is great. Lots of competitive guitars at this price point. Phil, I am local if you want to do a review.

[@lukenath6983]

Excellent video, really helps me figure out which guitar is next to purchase as a newer guitarist.

[@tonymediati8274]

I just purchased one based on your review and boy oh boy what an amazing instrument, the playability of this guitar is out of this world, thanks for the great detailed review 🤟

[@christopherclarke5254]

I own the Goldtop. I recommend it. The "Modern" pickups have great range and definition. The neck profile is similar to a Custom. So's the body binding lol. Ebony board, locking tuners, CHROME hardware! (yeah, chrome's my all-round fav.) Did I recommend this guitar? 😸 oh okay

[@JamesAllenJr]

I am severely tempted!!!

[@syntheticsun]

Nice, busted out some skid row! Love your videos man!

[@donaldblankenship5163]

This guitar looks really nice 🔥 I just watched a video on Sweetwater where Larry says he plays them right out of the box 😮

[@TinIndian1968]

Sire's have been very popular with Bassists for a few years in that "lower price" range. Just like this guitar they play and sound well above their price point.