Sire Larry Carlton S7 vs Ibanez AZ Prestige

For my Presets visit: johnnathancord... redir.love/tho... here's an affiliate link for Thomann if you were thinking of grabbing a Sire....
Right, so I guess the fairer comparison would be between a Sire Larry Carlton S7 and something like an Ibanez AZ Premium 224 as they're made in the same part of the world and are both 22 fret HSS guitars. However, this Ibanez AZ 2402 came up for sale nearby and is the PRESTIGE model i.e. japan built and in theory the superior built version of the premium stuff? Anyway, I was quite excited to play them side by side and hopefully put the Sire Larry Carlton S7 into context with a proper high end super strat that costs three times the price.
The bass that I bought (I occasionally need a bass) after researching stuff at the lower end of the price range and speaking to bassists ended up being a Sire Marcus Miller 5 string. Since I was very impressed with that as an instrument, when Sire announced the Larry Carlton series, I was intrigued to try them out. Here I bought a Larry Carlton S7 (super strat - think Suhr, Ibanez AZ etc?) - and this is my thoughts after playing for a day - is it any good?
Try my patches (60-70+) for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle for £3 using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com...
Try my patches for Pod GO for £3 using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com...
/ johnnathancordy - tabs will be here
www.buymeacoff... - if you like what I do and only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!

[@johnnathancordy]

redir.love/thocf/5zairdej93 here's an affiliate link for Thomann if you were thinking of grabbing a Sire....

[@AllSystmsGo]

I have the s7 in Sherwood green, the neck is unbelievable, it’s the nicest playing guitar I’ve ever owned, and out of the 6 guitars I own, it was the second cheapest (cheapest being an Epiphone Les Paul Jr. which is as affordable as it gets). I might swap out the bridge pickup with a JB for more bite but that’s only because I play in a band that requires a fairly high output. If you want the feel, sound and near-quality of an American Professional II, but only want to pay 1/3rd the price, I absolutely recommend the Sire S7!

[@stephenstephen1217]

Interesting comparison, says a lot for Sire that you put it up against a guitar 3 times it's price! You explain that well later in your video (12:00). I found my Sire to be very well built, fit and finish, right out of the box! I have many Gibson/Fender guitars that cost upwards of $6k, that I had to pay $250.00 set ups to get them right! So far, I'm playing my Sire without having to send it to my guitar tech! I cannot think of a better guitar in their price range than Sire!

[@johnnathancordy]

Ok sweet - like for me it's really difficult to say except that this one that I bought seems incredible for the money - glad to hear your experience was similar!!

[@maraviyoso8473]

Which Fenders? Which Gibsons? I'm curious

[@stephenstephen1217]

@@maraviyoso8473 You may think it's apples and oranges in comparison, but I was talking about "out of the box" setup & playability. Guitars I needed setup's on before I could play them are 94 & 99 Les Paul Custom Shop R9's (purchased new), 2002 ES 335, Stratocaster Roadworn (purchased new), Telecaster Roadworn (purchased new). The only other guitar I own that was playable from date of purchase is a 1987 Valley Arts Strat!

[@Charlieboy2680]

​​​@@maraviyoso8473I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard and a Fender Strat American Performer and I like the s7 better than both of them. Maybe I got lucky and got a perfect one but out of the box intonation was perfect even the action was good . I've had the s7 for over 6 months and there's been absolutely no problems. It's just so comfortable and smooth to play I can't get enough! The newer s7s have a coil tap.

[@arumyn3070]

Came for a review, subbed for the tasteful playing. Keep up the good work dude

[@fento9]

Great comparison video!! I have an AZ and it’s pretty awesome, but the Sire that you’re playing seems to give the AZ a good run for its money. You’re also an incredible player!!!!

[@7Boots]

OMG, very eager to find out how you like the Ibanez AZ! Sounds fantastic so far!

[@terrydactylspontaneous2596]

The AZ sounds really good. Most of the ‘designers‘ who had input use Fx multi processors and it shows in the pickups they went with. It’s a very good guitar that allows your gear etc to shine. As I said in last video the Sire is very bright in the demos I’ve heard. That can be a taste thing though.

[@doitolright3139]

Blind fold your eyes and just listen the tone I swear you cant say which is which

[@getattrs]

Loved the improv, tone and the video but I subbed for the shin kicking story

[@jonaslundh8496]

Superb playing as always and good honest opinions! Refreshing 👍🏻👍🏻

[@wesworach7441]

Your phrasing & melodic approach is very inspiring & mega melodic ! Great review , mate !!!

[@katsafone]

After owning 6 quality Ibanez guitars over many years, the Sire S7 is looking a refreshing alternative to buying an expensive Fender or Suhr guitar for Strat type tones. To me, the Sire had more balanced tones and levels across the 5 switch positions. The tones on positions 2 & 4 can be a deal breaker for me.

[@DandoGB]

Of course are your hands and brain that gives justice to the Sire but WHAT A SOUND! Looking forward to try it here in Italy as soon as it available 😁

[@maxamgilbert]

I own an Ibanez AZ242BC and it's wonderful and I've orderer the S7 in deep blue and can't wait for it!!

[@MikeJBlues]

Been watching a lot on this Larry Carlton guitar. Sounds awesome

[@ibdurime8943]

did you buy it ? if yea are u satisfied

[@MikeJBlues]

@@ibdurime8943 nope I did not , sorry

[@ibdurime8943]

@@MikeJBlues okok no prob, i actually bought it yesterday

[@MikeJBlues]

@@ibdurime8943 how is it? I have a couple strats

[@Charlieboy2680]

I have a s7 and I can't put it down! I own a Gibson Les Paul Standard a PRS and a Fender Player series and I can say the S7 is the least expensive but feels and plays like the most expensive guitar ive ever played!

[@davidwoods358]

IMO a bit more Strat tone with the Sire (due no doubt to the 2 single soils) that being said the S7 tones are pristine and fantastic. I have a strat that sits in the corner simply because I have never got long well with the volume knob so close to the E string. both of these guitars have solved that problem for me and I think I would be thrilled with either. Nice comparison.

[@jakollee]

Funny, I've always liked the placement of the volume knob on a strat for doing volume swells. I have a PRS Swamp Ash Special - great sounding and playing guitar, but I find the longer reach to the volume knob on it very frustrating (and the pickup selector switch is sort of blocked by the trem bar)!

[@fabronaut7478]

yeah, the standard placement of a volume knob on a Strat tends to be a love / hate thing. I'm with you, I can't stand it. :) depends on the player's attack / style and if you play standing, where you like to hang your guitar. some people can really rip around the Strat knob and having it close is no hindrance. it drives me bonkers. you can easily get an aftermarket pickguard with the volume knob moved or with two knobs only (especially for "standard" Fender Strats -- not sure if that includes Mexican or American ones?). for my money, the best Strat style guitar I've ever touched was a production Schecter. wasn't even a fancy custom shop one... it was just a damn good guitar and I'm still kicking myself for not buying it, as it was at a price point I could afford! wouldn't surprise me if it's the same with these Sire models. the made in Korea stuff is made to such a high level that it's no surprise the price points have followed suit. PRS SE models and a whole pile of Schecters are MIK and they tend to be excellent value. (the Schecters especially, as they're all supposed to be sent to the US to be given final QC and setup before the dealers get them. not sure if that only happens with ones over a certain price point, though.) edit: this is also in part why the made in Indonesia stuff is going up in not just price but quality. happened to Japan, then Korea, and now Indonesia :) more of an average baseline sort of thing, as it comes down to the skill and experience of the people making the guitars, so great stuff can be made everywhere! Squier's Classic Vibe line from whichever factory in China they use is consistently excellent, for example. the extra money goes to QC and not letting bad stuff out the door, which is well worth maybe 20 - 30% premium than what it might go for otherwise.

[@jakollee]

Wonderful playing! Both guitars sound good (in your hands); I prefer the Sire.

[@cosmitron67]

Have to admit I watched the entire video for your music more than for the comparison. Thanks for your taste!

[@GaryKatz]

Beautiful playing, bro. Best demo of the Sire S7 out there. Well done, John. Much appreciated. G

[@humansnotai4912]

Just got the Sire in natural flame maple. It is unbelievable. The neck is pure genius. Got it set up by a luthier I use, he said it was a stunning guitar. Told him I paid £459 brand new from Andertons - he nearly fell off his chair. Highly highly recommend getting one. Namaste x

[@louisanthony266]

Love this comparison. To be honest, I got captured in your playing and forgot it was a comparison haha! I’m personally a huge Ibanez guy and prefer the tone, but I think the sire did very well on the neck pickup with the cleaner tones. The AZ can be a little thin with some of the pickup selections, but for the most part it’s very rich in tone.

[@mariorojas3724]

Man!!! For the price...I stay with Sire!!! Lovely tone!!!!🙏

[@Brandontsmith85]

Dang, the AZ sounds great. Looks great too! Love the shell-pink finish.

[@onehotrocker99]

I had to subscribe to your channel once I heard your playing style and tone. You're an amazing talent on the guitar! Thanks for sharing this demo. Great job.

[@spryrecords5418]

Good story John! Thanks for the review. Very interesting and useful as I was looking at buying the Sire S7.

[@jaymarasigan3302]

I love my AZ Prestige 2204. I'm a stratguy ever since. The only downside for that sire is, it's not a stainless steel frets. I would love to try a sire too someday soon.

[@patising3]

Ibanez is brighter and clearer to my ear . lovely Improvisation btw

[@johnnathancordy]

AH thanks!!!

[@tjjr1062]

Started watching for the S7. Stayed for the playing.

[@GaryKatz]

It was CLEARLY interesting! Nothing vague about it. Thank you.

[@triforceguitarist]

Your videos convinced me to buy this guitar. I'll be doing an unboxing, def gonna shout you out brother

[@adriannegrean1252]

Fantastic sound! I also dig the music style! Thanks!

[@deanz9161]

For me playability is everything in a guitar. I can aways change out pickups, etc. i am very interested in Sire. Hope I get one soon!

[@petersuddath6477]

I vote for the Sire, traditional tones are just plain sweeter!!!

[@lrob1234]

I’ve bought the same Sire based on your reviews. After having nothing but issues with guitars 3x the price, it’s definitely worth a punt. The treble bleed will go when I arrives I reckon.

[@johnnathancordy]

Which guitars have you been having issues with out of interest?

[@lrob1234]

@@johnnathancordy the latest was an Eastman, but I tried a few other ‘high end’ brands in store and they just weren’t where they should be. The main culprit was frets, the Eastman however, was a half functioning truss rod!

[@johnnathancordy]

@@lrob1234 weird...the sort of problem that you'd hope the shop would pick up?!

[@lrob1234]

@@johnnathancordy they just don’t check them. Sadly!

[@lrob1234]

@@johnnathancordy it’s here, it’s brilliant and will be played at a live show on Saturday!

[@Q76]

really nice. How about Scheckter Nick Johnston Stratocaster? Have you tried it yet? Thanks, Ludek

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

I've played the Nick Johnston Strat. It wasn't just good for the money. It was good, period. It is a fantastic guitar.

[@thorpenator9148]

I have one...its amazing. It's the guitar that Fender will never build. 14 degrees radius...killer angle on the neck joint. Jumbo frets. It's a strat killer.

[@arnieg65]

The Schecter NJ is one of the best kept secrets outhere, soooo much guitar for the money, I love the fretboard!

[@johnnathancordy]

I hear lots of good things about the Schecter!!

[@MrAnders1976]

i wonder if the single coils is wired to a 500k tone pot in the Sire.. This could explain the brightness when pots are at 10.. A humbucker is normally coupled to a 500k pot to get enough brightness and cut. single coils to a 250k pot.

[@andrewmilligan6730]

Late AF reply, but my hunch is you’re right. It’s a Jeff Beck thing. Pots to 500K, allows him to retain sound while doing swells.

[@cheenu711]

Dude you have some amazing tracks.

[@pokeround]

Mate, your playing is so damned tasteful. I've been learning a couple of Vinnie Moore tunes to try and upscale my technique a bit and then I listen to you and think "what am I doing?". lol. Oh, nice guitar review/comparison btw! 🎵👍👍

[@etibkel]

great review, great playing, great music!!!

[@onevoiceinc]

That playing, tho.... great job. Great sound. And yes, I've been eyeballing these Sire guitars. Hoping somebody will do a video with the tele model. But great job.

[@Deep_Jimpact]

Shin kicks are your weakness.

[@db5837]

Aside from the guitars that is beautiful playing.

[@bluematrix5001]

7:20 so cool

[@KaosII1968]

Something about the Sire's upper horn bugs me.... I think I'll try the tele version.

[@jeroenpurkhart]

just sweet guitar playing. what else can one say?

[@aidanguitarshamiwhatever]

lovely playing!

[@kyawtehhtoo]

I order exact the same as the one you playing right now, if I have good experience with this sire s7 I plan to buy “ L7” version I check out the demo it sound better than PRS

[@kyawtehhtoo]

Update: my guitar arrives today I really love it, quality not perfect but worth every penny. Can’t complain at this price. I not worry of getting L7 with top maple flames

[@MartinStrang]

Doubt it, you really need to try a PRS yourself, the huge price difference between them have many reasons why

[@W4rriorOfLight]

@@MartinStrang not necessarily...

[@john808welk]

But how does the neck pickup on the sire compare to the springfield? Give the people what they want. Back to back K-line and Sire comparison with the same rig.

[@johnnathancordy]

Lol is this what the crowds are baying for now?

[@aaronwolford7406]

Thank you! Loved the video

[@tonystartup3817]

My father in law has gone all in with the AZs. I think he's bought one of every configuration of the prestige range, selling off a couple of his custom shop Strats. I've only had a quick go with one of them. I just seen to remember being surprised at how big the neck was

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh the neck is a nice size init!

[@tonystartup3817]

@@johnnathancordy I've gone the other way (though I actually like quite a big neck) and bought one of the fender EVH Wolfgangs. That's got a tiny neck by comparison. Not thin, but very narrow, and with thin vintage sized frets. Does make for fast playing once you get used to it

[@MrAntpre]

Great comparaison. Tks. I m a bit turned down by the brightness of the pickups on the sire. Is it something u can tame easily with the tone ans volume control? Regards

[@jakollee]

I've always found it easier to darken a bright-sounding guitar than to brighten up a dark-sounding guitar.

[@bluwng]

@@jakollee darker is subtractive and you can’t add frequency that doesn’t exist. You found this out intuitively without a background in physics.

[@craigsanderson3722]

New to your channel “BEAUTIFUL” like the Sire.

[@tims6824]

John I see you still play your S7 once in awhile but I'm not sure I've seen a video with your Ibanez AZ after this. Did you end up selling it?

[@mrwoohpa919]

Got my Sire S7 this last month! Hope to make it sound as good as you make it sing!

[@mido3ontheway]

How's it going so far?

[@mrwoohpa919]

@@mido3ontheway Absolutely love it! I believe it is the same high quality as an American professional Fender Strat . Highly recommend it!

[@mido3ontheway]

@@mrwoohpa919 Thanks for the reply! I'll try to get my hands on one. Happy for you!

[@mido3ontheway]

@@mrwoohpa919 one more question please, how's the hum on the singles?

[@deanz9161]

If I could play like John I would quit my day job!! Lol

[@philfasulo]

Amazing playing! How can I access this backing track?

[@martinoneill5996]

Hi Jonathan, lovely tone you have there. Which of your patches are you using and what's the signal path?

[@soulpatrolhawaii5409]

I’m thinking of purchasing a Sire S7 Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive though a few people changed out the pickups (one person said low output/unusable) My main gigging instrument is a mid 90s American Standard Stratocaster modified with single coil Antiquity pickups in the neck and middle positions and a Seymour Duncan humbucker in the bridge Wondering how the S7 would compare with my instrument? None of my local shops carry Sire, so I can’t do a test drive…

[@sourabhbhattacharyaYT]

May I please know what song you played in the intro and throughout the video! Amazing playing man 👌🏽👌🏽

[@PatDeJongeSoundwise]

nice video and nice playing! I did a similar one comparing the L7 to an Epiphone (same price range). It looks like the fretboard on the Sire is lacqeured...does that not hinder your playing? Cheers!

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey Pat - what did you conclude with the Epi/LZ? I thought it would, but actually, the lacquered fretboard isn't an issue, I just initially thought it would be!

[@PatDeJongeSoundwise]

Hi Johnnathan, I think the Sire is an Epi killer. Same price range but with a headstock logo that doesn't say: 'I wish I could get the real deal' :) I think the new Epi's are very well made, but Sire's attention to detail is spectacular! The Epi sounds 'rounder' and more (nicely) compressed, the Sire feels a lot more modern and sounds a bit brighter. The Epi feels like a LP, the Sire like a modern single cut.

[@user-ug3qk2pz1o]

How can i get a beautiful backingtrack like this ..

[@Airavida]

I like the sound of the Ibanez more

[@WilliamApplegate1959]

Great playing

[@wzard70]

Really nice video and comparison! I’m seriously considering the sire s7 but isn’t the fretboard radius too vintage for a modern supersttat?

[@TommyTadeo]

Do you still play your Ibanez AZ? How do you like the sound?

[@briane.paulson]

I still love my S7. Neck and middle position is the ticket.

[@mido3ontheway]

Hows the hum on the singles?

[@briane.paulson]

Zilch

[@shubhadeepx]

​@@mido3onthewaypractically zero tbh

[@Robert_Fordin]

Weight is very important. Every others details are speaking for Sire. Especially single coils. Humbuck at the neck is not what I'm looking for, so I say goodbye to Prestige 🙂 Great playing btw.

[@givemeajackson]

the sire looks huge in comparison. is it really that big?

[@EC66OK]

Just my opinion, and judging by my wonky computer speakers, the Ibby's pickups sounded thin compared to the Sire.

[@kylekim6598]

You are fully aware of our intentions. Thanks. / Thick Solid Clear Sound / Studio session man's tone [Guitar + preamp + compressor]

[@arnieg65]

Comparing a $600 guitar against a $2,000+ guitar???

[@johnnathancordy]

Yes, the cheap one is better...

[@TheWaveFiles]

Truly great music here ...great playing.I'm on your Patreon since..yesterday :) is there a backing track of this track ? cheers

[@johnnathancordy]

I'll have to have a check of this - could you remind me in a day?

[@TheWaveFiles]

@@johnnathancordy Will do !

[@TheWaveFiles]

@@johnnathancordy Hello, comment for the backing track name if it's already in the dropbox on patreon or not . cheers, have a good day

[@tonystartup3817]

John, I sent you a Facebook messenger about loaning you the PRS. I guess you don't use it (neither do I really) but it's cleaned up and ready to go whenever you have a slot to try out a new guitar

[@deans.4705]

not sure it's a fair comparison between a humbucker vs a single coil. Great playing though. Regardless, I bought an S7 and unfortunately returned it. The neck was a bit too large for me. I did notice that the s7 has 500K pots for the single coils which will attribute to its very bright tone.

[@bluematrix5001]

is the Fretboard in the Ibanez wider? I mean more separation between the strings?

[@germanCrowbar]

No, both 42mm wide.

[@nacienlos70]

I tried the sire in shop. Fantastic neck and tremolo. Pickups weak and not very balanced. Very good pkatform for upgrading.

[@leejean1985]

Great video! Have you tried a music man cutlass hss or a silhouette special hss? I'd recommend them if you get a chance!

[@jonniegibbins]

Useful info - thanks. Very tasty playing too, well, tasty and tasteful :-)

[@gregorydorrell5543]

When you’ve got this guitar did it come set up or did you have to mess about with it thanks

[@ahall3823]

I slightly prefer the sound of the sire.

[@johnnathancordy]

Likewise I think!

[@johnbenny7235]

@@johnnathancordy you should compare it with fender player stratocaster.. I bet it would have an edge

[@onlyguitars]

How is the Fret size compared to the ibanez? I know ibanez has jumbo, big tall frets. The sire should be smaller, but is like Fender medium jumbo?? Or are bigger? thanks!

[@vincemesaboogie6572]

#tone🔥 & Tasty notes 🤔 sounds like u seriously fancy each guitar 😲

[@StayHomeEatGreat]

What's the name of the patches you are using here? Thx!

[@bishwarupborah7805]

Plz do a comparison with sire s7 vs harley benton fusion 2..btw you play like butter ..so tasty..

[@juliosantillana8608]

Can you share the Backing track? Its so beautiful

[@wolfgangcordsen3430]

Very nice 👍

[@rockstardr]

I've got a Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS.... I'd be interested how these compare to it

[@johnnathancordy]

Never heard a bad word about those schechters?

[@rjyulo5012]

Do you think i should get a sire right now? Or save up for a mexican strat? Cheers!!

[@lick3129]

I don’t know if you’ve played a fender player strat, but if you have, would you say it’s similar to the Sire or better?

[@lucasimmons075]

I own both (sss strat and hss sire) and I can tell you that the sire is a million times better. The sire is so much more playable and personally I found it has the best sounding strat pickups I have ever played

[@BlowUpTheOutsideWorld]

"So yeah, that concludes my very expensive experiment" 😂

[@ericlinfoot7419]

Could you tell me if the Sire has stainless steel frets ? I don't remember seeing that on their website

[@johnnathancordy]

It doesn't have stainless frets as far as I'm aware

[@ericlinfoot7419]

@@johnnathancordy that's a shame. I was thinking about either one of those or a Harley Benton Fusion 2 . Those have roasted maple necks and stainless steel frets but unfortunately no hss configuration

[@germanCrowbar]

Who will me hier verarsching?

[@rambleify]

I like your playing style! I’ve never heard of this Sire brand before. I really dig those Ibanez AZ series! I’m not a fan of maple fretboards because I get finger burn where my fingers drag on the neck - I do like the roasted maple better - it doesn’t seem to drag as much .. also the very white maple necks I’ve seen more recently on fenders - they don’t have a hi gloss finish..

[@user-qb7ei3cu5i]

Is the S7 a three single coil version? Thank You!

[@SubutaiTuul]

so i know this is a month ago and you might have gotten your answer by then, but yes there is, its called the S7 Vintage.

[@coneban6508]

Carlton s7 👍👍

[@tstm3570]

Which rig bro? I already finalised sire sh7

[@dragan4658]

Both nice guitars, however, I too prefer the Sire, more melodic! Thanks for sharing!

[@user-kz4gf1wp2d]

Thank you very much, thais was the first real music I heard today. By the way the expression An eye for an eye has its roots in the Jews religioun, according to their tradition it is not to be consrude in its express form rather it is a guide line for monitary compensation. Ask any learned Jew, globaly, they will all express this idea. Have a great day.

[@aeguitar9294]

Has any one seen LC play these thins?

[@johnnathancordy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp3UgJaBpJt3i5I

[@johnpauldeguzman823]

How's the feel between the 2 for you

[@Pascal270]

Is the backing track on your Patreon, John?

[@johnnathancordy]

Should be!

[@yuultube]

I couldnt find the backing track, neither the tab for this video on patreon :'(

[@johnnathancordy]

@@yuultube the backing track will be, but I haven't tabbed it out as it's completely improvised - if there are licks from it you want broken down?

[@johnnathancordy]

@@yuultube just posted the BT again so it's at the top of the list!