So This Is The REAL Gibson

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This was one of the most fun ones both to film and to edit. I think it's also really cool that my friends are able to challenge me on a lot of my opinions on les pauls. Thanks to Andrew as well for being a part of this!

[@moomoopoopoo3123]

Shes gonna respond soon bro

[@davidjairala69]

Who, Disney's legal team?

[@chrisgoblin4857]

Wise words from Andrew. LPs and Strats together on recordings work so well. Like it was always meant to be.

[@Tcrunk365]

Pearl Jam . Stone Gossard on the lp and mike mcreedy on the Strat. It’s the best sound.

[@elevenAD]

so true, discovered this randomly one day and yeah they go together like chocolate and peanutbutter!

[@danmillward3480]

Tele and LPs are THE combination... .

[@Tiptronics]

@@danmillward3480 it really doesn’t need to be that specific. The intent really is that a shorter scale guitar mixed with a brighter and more open longer(mid) scale guitar hits the spot because of the timbre difference. The les paul is the ultimate deep warm fat sound, almost anything fender at 25.5” without humbuckers will sit on the other end of the spectrum. You will get different harmonic structures and “texture” but for the most part in a mix, it’s mostly the difference of 25.5 with S vs 24.75 with H

[@danmillward3480]

@@Tiptronics deep fat tone is the 335....les paul is pretty mid rangey to me...got that bark (maple cap)...woman tone is specifically neck pickup with the tone rolled off...still quite a high tone being a woman's tones...

[@guitartim2128]

A Les Paul rhythm combined with a Telecaster on lead is a magical tonal combination.

[@schmoemi3386]

The Clash... no... wait... that was the other way round... 😅

[@samright4661]

😂😂You got it Backwards

[@maxwellblakely7952]

The stones

[@dwaipayanbose169]

Or a tele rhythm and the les paul as the lead guitar.

[@al271987]

The Pixies did it the other way.

[@JacobRestituto]

bro, I just discovered your channel like 2 days ago and ive been binge-ing content - so good man - so good

[@guilhermearoeira8900]

I remember when I played a Gibson Les Paul Standard on a store here in Brazil, in... 2010, 2011, IDK. All I can say is: Oh my God. The feeling texture, the weight, finish, the sound. I could spend the rest of the day playing that guitar.

[@ElenaTheMenace]

Yeah me too... but I'd walk out with an SG or a Gretsch

[@s0da.-.]

Nosotros siendo de latino América no tenemos tanta diversidad como los americanos o europeos en cuanto a guitarras. Así que el tocar una Gibson es increíble, yo recuerdo cuando recibí mi 70s Deluxe Gold Top y me dio miedo gastarme mi dinero guardado en algo que nunca había tocado, pero ese "feeling" NADA se le compara.

[@andypeacockmusic]

I started with a second hand 2011 traditional (like the current standard) and it’s changed my life, the clean sound in the middle, amazing and underrated. As you get a bit older and have a bit more finesse it’s amazing how much mojo and vibe they have

[@luthravin4774]

Yeah I totally agree!! I have two 2011 Trads a Desert Burst w/ Seymour Duncan Whole Lotta Humbuckers(Page) tone and a Gold Top w P-90’s.. love them both.. They are great bargains!! thanks for sharing!!

[@johnbartley1044]

New subscriber. Really enjoy your content and ARTICULATION . Very informative and enjoyable!

[@BobLeach_DarkWolf]

I bought an Epiphone LP 60s standard in 2020. I had it plekked at Sweetwater, switched out the pots for the Gibson pots, and added Orange Burst capacitors. It plays great, sounds great, and even after the upgrades it was 1/2 the price of a Gibson.

[@firecoded8314]

your videos are my favorite! keep it up my dude

[@marshallgibson8872]

I've had a epiphone les paul for over 20 years now and it just feels natural to me, I've put some really old super distortions in it and a good treble bleed on the pots. It's very versatile and will always be a staple for playing.

[@lyrixandlicks3029]

Also, you were spot on about that middle position! There’s a lot of good tones there!

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

Love your videos man. It's like putting a rewind on my life and I can review all the stuff I use to do in my guitar hunting journey.

[@cataclysmicconverter]

Same here. I wish I could go back to that feeling of "firsts" in the guitar journey. Nothing like it.

[@blakesorie1]

“Buy once, cry once.” Definitely using that. Great info. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

[@brianritchie8920]

I go to my American tele or my LP studio, but I’m an even bigger fan of my Gretsch falcon. The tonal difference between those three guitars is insane. Also the J Mascis Jazzmaster (squier) is a tone cranking machine and the cheapest of the bunch.

[@elevenAD]

J Mascis is one of the coolest JM around, the real P90s make it sound unique and badass! If i ever buy a Jazz Master thats the one im buying! True Jazzmaster pickups are not my favorites but i love P90s!

[@billieg826]

You pulled out some great tones here !

[@avjake]

Absolutely love my Tribute in Honeyburst. The maple cap IS the binding. I think it's beautiful, and the 490R and 490T have the classic sound.

[@strawsparky33]

Just bought a 2020 50s HCS standard on Tuesday. I'm in puppy love.

[@mikepj1025]

My 2016 Gibson Les Paul Tradiotional was the one for me. I played quite a few Les Pauls over a months time span and came home with the Traditional. Nothing sounds like a Gibson Les Paul. If your looking for that classic sound, you have to get one. Never once regretted spending the money. Love the video man.

[@bigtills6271]

I have a 1991 Gibson std I love its clean and angry tones, also a old school 1985 Charvel model 5, nice vid man.

[@jimsalman7257]

Whenever I pick up and place a good example of a Les Paul Standard or Custom in my lap I have this immediate thought: Now THIS is a serious guitar that means business!

[@jogo2000]

The clean tones in the middle position are super versatile. You can really sculpt the tone to your liking with those volume and tone controls. Jangly or smooth or classic blues or anything in between.

[@jbenben2]

I've purchased many guitars over the years and kept all of them. Each one is for a unique playing style for many of the reasons you've shown. I've learned a few things through the endeavors, but one of the biggest is that the brand doesn't really matter that much. It's the quality, type, and config that matter. There are plenty of choices for a les paul type guitar (solid mass, maple top, chambered?, dual hum) that you can get without having to deal with Gibson's QA track record, or hunting vintages. The key that I always ask myself: "Does it inspire me to play? Does it fit the sound profile I'm hunting? and last, is it worth the price?"

[@carlosfernandez3565]

I only own 2 Fenders, and I am looking for an LP type guitar, and I agree that if you don't absolutely want a Les Paul (any price range), you can easily gravitate towards a more modern thing, like an LTD, a PRS, the new Epiphones, Ibanez, etc. to get the same escence within a variety of specs and looks.

[@Jaidezilla]

I've had the same 1984 Les Paul standard since early 1985. It has been my main gitar pretty much my whole life.

[@MichaelEMJAYARE]

Makes me want an LP now. I got my first strat ever, a 2019 MIM, a handful of months ago. And I was missing out. Now I need that LP!

[@WeaponizedKarma]

I generally fill the heavy, set neck, dual humbucker space with my D'Angelico Ludlow. Original pups swapped out for a Seymour Duncan 59/JB set. Not an LP, but I use it to do LP things, and it works. I also love my Squier contemporary tele with the traditional style humbucker at the neck and hot-rail single coil sized humbucker in the bridge.

[@Guitarest17]

The best Les Paul I’ve played/owned is my PRS Tremonti. Has blown away any LP I’ve played and has some of the common LP issues fixed.

[@ctsilva45]

Same. I put a pair of Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates in mine with 50s wiring and push/pull for an out of phase neck. It's pretty great

[@andrewbondarenko5114]

I own lp classic as my main guitar. And i love it. It's probably the best purchase i did in my life so far. And I particularly bought the classic model because of the pickups with the choice of coil tapping.

[@badGamr]

In 1980 I bought a 77 Norlin/Gibson Les Paul Custom. Mahogany with a maple cap and a maple fretboard. It was my first electric guitar. That guitar was my #1 until 2010 when I bought a Am Std Tele. Since that day the LP has been in it's case. For me the Tele was just a MUCH better fit. More comfortable and more fun for me to play. I have had many offers to buy that LP but I must admint, it still holds a very special place in my heart and I could never part with it.

[@a.j.porter5601]

i have 4 les pauls, a raw power, a tribute, a p90 tribute and a custom shop 57 standard w/p90s. my go to is which ever has the sound that works for the song. my favrorite one to play is the 57 reissue, it just feels soooo nice.

[@TAkridge]

I recently bought a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's goldtop with P90s and am in love it!! I also have a Gibson Sg Standard and special in pelham blue, and a Gibson Flying V. All made in these recent years. I love all of them and I will say after gotten a few Gibsons I am huge fan.

[@GNeuman]

Looks good on you, Mike. 👍👍👍

[@linleechiun]

Love the Pro talks!

[@manleybadger8311]

I've had my Les Paul for almost 20 years. I love it. It's my number one. When i bought it, the difference between a standard and a studio was binding and gold plated tuning keys, not just gold plated tuning machines. The difference in price was like a thousand bucks. I went with the studio. Mine is kinda special, it's got a quilt top and it sounds and plays just amazing.

[@westernrider100]

Some look down on that guitar as a knock off. As the owner of multiple SG's and a couple LP's and a LP Studio, I have found it to be an exceptional value. The body and neck are pure LP, and they play as nice as any Standard or LPC and have the sound.

[@brinsonharris9816]

Was talking guitars with a guy, and he told me his son tried out a Studio and couldn’t put it down. He could have had a Standard or a Custom (graduation present from Dad), but none of those sounded like the Studio he chose. I wanted a Standard and got one. Then another. And recently another. They all sound different.

[@bradulberg1982]

Love your videos Mike! I’m 40, used to play a bit when I was a teen and I’m just getting back into playing guitar. Definitely enjoy listening to your stories and your opinions, you crack me up bro ! And I love that pink custom Tele !! I just bought myself an Epiphone Les Paul 50’s standard and I’m definitely digging it, next purchase is going to be a fender …. Tele or Strat ….🤔 I was on the fence but after your pink Tele video I think I know my choice !! Anyways just wanted to say hello and keep the cool videos coming bro !! 😎🤙🏼

[@justnik8727]

I got a gibson les paul standard 50s as a beginner because now i cant put it down and cant wait to jam.

[@manson9083]

Love my 2019 LP Standard, best damn guitar ive ever played. Dropped some 61 classics pups into her and she rocks.

[@Bacontruffle]

I absolutely wish they made 70's les pauls. The neck, the vibe, is something I would love. Specifically I can't get along with the chunky necks Gibsons tend to have. It's what made me try out an ESP Eclipse, which I ended up falling in love with and playing every single day. That said, in Gibson's lineup, the Adam Jones standard seems absolutely nuts, I especially like that it has the 70's neck profile and an ebony fingerboard.

[@cheezyridr]

try one with a 60's slim taper, compound radius neck. you might like it

[@Bacontruffle]

@@cheezyridr Is that the one that's one the studio's? I've tried their tribute and their studio, and while I liked them, the necks on those made my hand hurt even playing in the store after a while.

[@ntwze]

@@Bacontruffle I know the Standard 60's, the Studio/Studio Plus and the LP Classics all have slim taper necks so you might look into those.

[@cheezyridr]

@@Bacontruffle if you don't don't like chuncky necks, the 60's slim taper is very close to the generic size and shape you'll find on most guitars by almost anyone.

[@Bacontruffle]

@@ntwze Yeah so I tried those and the neck on that one was still too thick for me

[@thomasmartinscott]

I recently got a '69 Les Paul Recording model that had the diagonal pickups and the push/pull volume controls. It had been trashed... severely! My go-to Guitar builder, Master Craftsman, Bill Reigel completely rebuilt it as a Les Paul Custom. Humbuckers that are vertical, not diagonal, and made it a Gold Top. It is absolutely an incredible Guitar. Very linear volume & tone controls, still with the push/pull tap coils. I can get different tones out of it all afternoon. I Love it. (I'm mainly a Strat Guy, too.)

[@delbert9357]

In 2023 things are changing. I have Gibsons and a Ibanez Destroyer from 1983 I bought in 1983. I recently purchased 4 Firefly guitars each were around 200.00 shipped 2 Explorer types and 2 Les Paul styles. I replaced all the electronics with EMG H4 passive pickups in 2 of them and active EMG's in the Les Paul ones. Did a full setup on them. They play amazing, look amazing and I can get any sound I want out of them with my amp and effects. What more do you need? Great video .

[@GNeuman]

Owned a Gibson Les Paul Custom since 1998, the sustain on it is amazing. Pure rock and roll, but I also own a hand-built by a Luthier Strat copy since 1984. They are both awesome guitars, chalk and cheese.

[@Squeekyflamingo89]

Your videos keep getting better and I love the lack of pretentiousness

[@mbontekoe3358]

I have 3 - One is a Les Paul recording model from 73 which I have alerted to active controls to replace the "decade" (11 position switch) with help from a guy in Germany, this has many voices and the neck is superb I have a 79 The Paul with T top pickups - which does every thing a Les Paul should do and is quite indestructible any wear and dings only add to its and I have honey burst Heritage HS 150 that I have for around 25 years basically the same guitar as you highlight here built by ex Gibson personnel but I changed the pick ups for some SDs

[@hkguitar1984]

Very cool. My main Gibson Les Paul is actually a custom built R9 (not a Gibson) that utilizes all Gibson hardware and Burstbucker pickups. My other Les Paul is a 1986 Gibson Les Paul Custom that I keep in an alternate tuning. After that I have custom built early '60s Strat and mid '50s Telecaster. Strangely enough, my main heavy rock guitar is a solid all rosewood Telecaster that has been converted to a single pickup Esquire! Ya can't go wrong with basic vintage style guitars, Les Paul, Telecaster and Stratocaster, those are the electric guitar models I own.

[@QarmatianState]

I have the same setup. Gibson Les Paul standard 60’s and AmPro II strat. They’re totally worth it.

[@boctok55]

In college, I had the opportunity to use a 1979 Les Paul Custom Silver Burst that belonged to a friend who had joined the Marines. It was my first real experience with pretty much any guitar, besides the old $100 acoustic with the 3/4 inch action that I had in high school. That one spoiled me. The tone and sustain were unreal. After freshman year, I took it back, but never forgot about it. Since then, I've had several Epiphone Les Pauls, got into Telecasters and Strats, have a Jaguar and a Jazzmaster and a couple of ES-335 type guitars. They all have their own place. Heck, I have 2 Teles, one traditional and the other with a mini-humbucker in the neck (Keef!) that I wouldn't dream of parting with. I tried a ton of different Gibson LPs, trying to find one that measured up to that Custom, but couldn't until I found my 1987 Burny RLG 90. I know it's difficult to compare guitars unless they are both present, but this one blows away any I can find currently and I'm inclined to believe that it sounds and plays as well or better than that 78 Custom. Sorry for the long comment.

[@Kipperbob]

Good advice on the Eppiphone, some of them now sound every bit as good as the Gibson in my opinion, my favourite Les Paul is still a Squier Tele with twin humbuckers, and my favourite Fender is a Gretsch Streamliner, just how it works out, some guitars just speak my language.

[@moustachio334]

The Epiphone Ultra with the chambered body is a great guitar

[@jessebrigden2920]

I have a 2012 LP Traditional. It just does what it's supposed to do. I did mod it with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge and 59 in the neck which to me is the best sounding set in an LP.

[@cataclysmicconverter]

I have several LPs and my oldest is a 2012 Traditional in wine red that is very sweet. I've only replaced the pots along with orange drop caps and it's a great, great guitar. Your Duncans are the supreme pickup combo for it. Besides maybe a set of Seth Lovers, which I highly recommend and money well spent. It's a full 10lbs. I've read that they're non weight relieved and also that they are, so I'm not sure. Either way it's a beast!

[@lazvt8469]

LOL...I have a 2010 LP Trad also...the 59's were weak...the JBs really brought mine to life. Did the same thing to my PRS Custom SE...JBs are amazing.

[@michaeledmondsonrock]

Nice hat my dude!

[@Metro_Gnome]

I have a chibson with Dimarzio dactivators in it...after hours of work setting it up perfectly it's really nice.

[@acdclexu6296]

i use my pickups and volume as kinda channels sometimes neck 2-3 for cleans and rocky bridge sound 3-5 and solo up the knob you want

[@rveurope]

I can't play guitar , but i love all LPs , Standard , Studio, Traditional, R8,R9 and even some LP copies with P90 or Single Cut copies from PSR

[@breinhol]

I got a 2016 Standard last year.Before that I had appreciated them, known their sound, known their look and appeal, but never thought about wanting one. I gravitate towards metal music and sounds, so the Gibson Explorer has always been my favorite (I've owned 5 of them over almost 40 years). The humbucking, rock, big sound is ingrained in those too. Having this LP now, I guess its now I can afford it, and I appreciate the total package more. Mine looks amazing, sounds amazing. Its heavy, yes, and cumbersome versus a Strat, or SuperStrat type. But soooo much sustain. Play a note on Monday, still hear it on Friday

[@frankwebster9110]

Lp Studio is pretty close to a standard. That tribute you have may just need a little mod love. Lp Special is a great lower cost option also. Do a few quick mods to get your intonation straight and the pickups you like to hear and everything else is right in line with the set neck mahogany beast that is a standard. SG's are another good slightly lower cost option. Especially on the used market. I learned on and played a Strat for my entire 30+years of playing and the SG is now my go to guitar. That may change over time but, it hasnt yet after a few years...

[@briangrobe9544]

I have a 2018 Tribute and its my favorite style of Les Paul. That year they made them all mahogany and the neck profile is my favorite by far, its the most resonant guitar I own.

[@Herodotusjones]

I often play the 90s X-Men cartoon theme when I first pick up a new guitar, so good choice!

[@philliphunt-uz8oz]

I dove into the deep end with a 02 LP Standard 50s from a pawn shop(when you’re a lefty and find one for a good deal you have to bite the bullet). What hooked me was the sustain and beauty of it sonically. Now with that being said, I do have an Epiphone LP that I put Hetfield EMGs in. Yes they are the “same” guitar model but my goodness they are night and day. It all comes down to taste and how you want to play.

[@MrTPF1]

My best LP is a gold top special with '57 Classic pickups. It was from when Gibson was in trouble for it's importation of rosewood a few years ago, so it's got a roasted maple fretboard, but it looks and feels great to me. That guitar is just rock and roll all day long, but it can clean up nicely too.

[@cornbreadandtruth8195]

I have an Epi 59 Les Paul, it has burstbuckers. Great guitar, especially for the money.

[@Zaaggs]

That's a sickass hat my guy. Love it.

[@anthonybowers7571]

Do all the newer Les Paul humbuckers have the split coil possibility ? I have a Les Paul Studio ..love it , very light , 7 possible different pick up settings , makes it much more versatile on the clean sounds and it still sings beautifully on high gain

[@ludlow555]

I’ve had several Gibson Les Pauls, including an R7. I’ve got a thing for Classics. I don’t know why. My #1 is an 01 Classic, but I recently got a Tribute because they are so fun to play. It sounds more like a Tele than an LP, but I love it.

[@johnmartin898]

my #1 is a 1976 les paul standard, a beast that does it all; except for that Tele bite......

[@estenray6685]

I’ve felt the same way in that I do love what LP’s do but my main guitar tends to be a Telecaster. I also have a couple Gibsonesq 335’s one Epiphone with three P90’s and a Bigsby tremlo as well as a Harley Benton H3 Lemon Drop with coil splitting Humbuckers. So I ended up going with a Montana built 2000 Gibson LP Studio tobacco burst and it checks all the LP’s boxes that I require. While only costing me $400.00 with a hard shell Gibson case, used in pristine condition from a local pawnshop!

[@nmcrawfordphd]

I went with a Greco. It’s fantastic and plays similarly to the Les Paul Standard I’ve played.

[@leoh1885]

I have a Gibson Les Paul special, and as a hobby guitarist with disposable income, it was the best value for me. I would love to buy a Standard but the cost is too much (again, hobby guitarist and the Special was bought at a low point in the market), and I dig the TV yellow and the p90s are perfect break up sound, as I don't go overboard with distortion, and the dynamics are great.

[@kingarthur1776]

Gibson P90s are amazing

[@lynyrddeville]

My best Les Paul pick is the Custom Shop R8, and I say this as someone who ponied up the bucks and got one because quite honestly the difference in feel between the Custom Shop historic spec reissues and the standard American factory Les Paul is night and day. They just feel nice and relaxed where the standard models feel very stiff. Plus, I was always a fan of the guys playing 58 and 59 bursts so I wanted one like they had at a lower price than a house. And finally I pick the R8 over the R9 because I love the feel and tone of that big fat neck and while technically they are listed as having a plain top, a lot of them have some nice figuring, I know mine does, and they are pretty much a grand less than the 59 reissues.

[@stevebernard221]

Sounds great! How did you find the tuning stability? For me, with Les Pauls there is very little stability. I tune constantly.

[@Evilroco]

I had that issue with an LP studio ,a good friend who is much better at setups than me worked on the nut and now it's rock solid no matter what abuse I give the strings He took a little material off the rear to bring it closer to the break angle ,made sure the cuts were clean and lubed with graphite ,it may be worth just lubing your nut (god that sounds wrong) and seeing if their is any improvement.

[@continentalaquatics2725]

Lately, I’ve been using a Les Paul Studio as my main guitar (I do some scoring, but I mostly play as a hobby). It has the big Humbucker sound that I use for volume, but I specifically chose it because I can split the coils and get a bit of a Strat sound. It may not be the best single coil situation in the world, but it largely supplants my Strat for most intents and purposes. I found that I prefer a Les Paul with coil splitting over a Strat or Tele with a Humbucker in most cases. Cost was a consideration for me; hence, I went with a Studio over some of the more expensive models.

[@ficknoti]

My 59lp and my sg are my favorite axes... then my strat then my tele

[@robvallee]

Saving up for a Gold Top!

[@jrdlabs]

I have a 2020 Standard that I love to play...love the '60's neck.. I also have a 1970 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty that I bought used in 1973, and it has a very different sound. I usually switch from one to the other. The Custom is road worn, and comes by it honestly. It's seen countless smokey bars through the years. The paint, while still, mostly, shiny, has visible little cracks that are only caused by time and, the white binding is no longer white, but yellow. That guitar is loaded with mojo and I love to play it, even after all these years. I have Strats, Teles and a PRS that I love, as well. Different guitars for different purposes. But, if I had to have just one, it would be a Les Paul. Come on in, Mike, the water's fine!

[@dennisgormley6123]

I have a 79 Standard, it's kinda beat up, but it sounds phenomenal and plays like butter!

[@jbbeaudry]

I have been a fan of both the Stratocaster and the Les Paul ever since I started playing, as a teenager. They are different tools that do different things. The Stratocaster has a wider tonal range, but I was never really comfortable with the bridge single coil. The LP is reassuring : you can plug it into anything and it will give you that « here’s the boss » tone. Eventually there are things I would play on the LP, others on the Strat and vice versa. They shine in different territories, and where they overlap they both do a great job. Back then, my savings wouldn’t buy me a Std LP and I hated the Juniors I tried. I went for the Std Stratocaster instead and I still have it. Years later I got a Std LP, second hand, cheap and with lots of dings because I didn’t want to spend too much on it. But it is a great sounding guitar. More recently I treated myself to a Custom Shop and I haven’t stopped playing it since.

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

I love Andrew's channel and I must agree with what he said. I own five Gibson Les Paul's, an R9, two classics and two Standards (different years). With that said, I also own three Epiphone Custom's with CTS pots etc, the newer 2020+ series. I have a 2022 Jerry Cantrell Wino Custom, A 2021 Silver burst Custom and a 2020 SG custom Ebony. The Epi's are great guitars but they don't come close to the Gibson's. They way the Gibson's resonate, the way they feel and sound, the neck, the tonal variety they offer and the mix of playing with the vol and tone will greatly change your tone palette. If you want a good Les Paul without breaking the bank... then go used. There are so many great deals to found but gotta watch out for them, because some people seem to have a crazy imagination on what certain things might be worth! You can sometimes score a R edition or even an older LPC for the price a Standard new. Deals are out there. But if someone can't wait, and If they insist on getting new but don't want to spend that $2500 to $3000 i'd suggest looking into the Les Paul Studio version. A great place to start with significant upgrades from the Tribute line at a decent price. But I will always recommend going with a used Gibson Les Paul.

[@garyarmstrong9542]

I have the Epiphone Les Paul. I haven't gotten over how thick the neck is compared to my Tele B-Bender, Strat or Rick is. But I like the sound. Heavy!

[@hawkcrossfamily]

Value for a Gibson - SG Special. Great playing with two P-90s and a case, orange drop caps, best value, IMO. After that, it depends on what you are looking for. What pickup combo etc. Les Paul classic or Standard, V, 335, or Explorer, what feels right to you? The neck carves vary between the models so that can be a factor.

[@jacobmusic8298]

I use a Les Paul tribute but I would love to try playing a standard or a custom shop one day.

[@OliverAmberg]

Funny. I picked up my first Les Paul Standard '60s Unburst this week. It feels and sounds fantastic. I checked also two Murphy Lab Les Pauls and they were amazing. The price tag was 13 000 Dollars. So I sticked to the Standard and I love it! ☺

[@willv2747]

How did the Standard’s sound compare with that of your Tribute? Aesthetically, I prefer the Tribute because of the satin finish on the body and especially the neck. I currently have an Epi Standard and love the sound but don’t much like the lacquered feel of it; I’ve tried the Gibson Standard and it feels the same (it also sounds the same, to my ear). So I’m thinking of switching from my Standard to the Tribute, but not sure what I’ll miss in tone.

[@timscarrow9151]

Clean tone first, then when it gets dirty it's wonderful. Had my LP for 40 years. Love my butterscotch tele too.

[@ratwynd]

Mike, the sensitivity of the instrument you mention is something I find is characteristic of most high end, high gain instruments. I have not owned a LP, I have owned an SG and American Strat and currently own a Gretsch G6128T Jet and a ES335. All are VERY sensitive to the dynamics of the playing technique. It took me actually quite a while to get used to that and be able to start to use it effectively. I am still learning every time I play them. I have another guitar with DiMarzios (Hotrails, I think) and it is a beast as well. Learning to tame them makes for much better playing on other less dynamic instruments as well. I came from an acoustic background, started on electrics later in life. The playing dynamics are much different. I agree a mix of two very different guitar (or other instrument voices) sounds much better than 2 of the same. I love a 12 string or mandolin in a mix if done right also. They can be too easy to overplay if not well arranged, but the paired strings and octave harmonics really fill a space behind a voice. Always enjoy your presentations. Always learn something. Never stopping learning is my passion. Thanks and enjoy.

[@omega1845]

That’s cool my dad has a custom Gibson R0 VOS. It has a mahogany top instead of a flame maple but it’s still cool. its 9.5 pounds.

[@___LC___]

I don’t even play guitar, but a high point in my life was when BB King played the club I worked at and when I asked if I could just touch his guitar (I was working the green room that night and had brought his dinner to him) he let me hold it and showed me how. It was really touching that a favorite musician took time and not only let me touch (the current) Lucile, but hold her. That and talking with Marcel Marceau (he stayed at the hotel I worked at years later) were high points at that time in my life.

[@EggTamago7]

I’d be curious to hear a tone comparison between your HSS Strat (you had one, right?) and the Standard… specifically comparing the humbuckers.

[@johnedwards9790]

I think this is what makes the Les Paul so special and why it’s always my go to. It just works with anything and still adds it’s own voice to anything you play.

[@bernardf.6337]

I personally own a 2021 Les Paul traditional pro V. It sounds great and has a 60's neck and " Tradbucker " humbuckers. They still haven't patented them yet, that's why you can't just go out and buy those humbucker pickups. They sell for $2,500 new after taxes and I bought mine used from a collector for just $1,600. Next month I plan to buy a Gibson ES-335 from Gibson's best production years . Those years are from 2014 -to 2019. Those years, the fret wire was cryogenically treated. They were also made in the Memphis factory before it moved to Nashville in late 2019 I'm not into buying fakes or clone guitars. I always buy name brand. Because as a player and collector, you get more return when you buy name brand. No Harley Benton for me. Even if it was free. My friends are professional musicians and they don't even come close to my gear. But then again, they don't spend 2-3 hours a day on eBay, reverb, and search 5 neighboring states on Craigslist.

[@joshbittner]

I have an 81 wine red Les Paul Custom. Honestly, it’s the looks. I’ll happily take down a Tribute to demo amps at the store, it’s close enough. But the Custom was my dream guitar and with its Tarback pickups, it just sounds like classic rock and roll at mid-gain. And then yeah, it’s decently high output for hard rock and metal, although then I might go with one of my PRS for the metal stuff

[@johnbush5443]

You mention the Burstbucker pick ups in that Les Paul standard. Great pick ups. The 490r neck pick up in the Les Paul tribute you have can sound muddy or get distorted too easily UNLESS…you set the neck pick up in the tribute much lower (farther away from the strings) than the neck pick up. The 490r can sound great, they come standard in several American SGs and other Les Pauls, but move them away from the strings. I think properly set up pick ups will make you happy with the Tribute and 490r pick ups in general.

[@rocknrollresignation93]

I recently got a 2018 tribute goldtop. The weight is right (just under 9lbs) and satin finish feels great. I cannot justify what a Standard costs now.

[@Patrick33194]

At the moment, my go to lp is ab epi sg that i put a killswitch in 😂

[@kq6878]

i've owned and still own several gibson and fender guitars. They all have their own unique qualities. People have to take into account a les paul costs more than strats and teles in general because of the labor involved in doing set necks, binding, maple caps over mahogany, and nitro finishes. I enjoy all my guitars and appreciate each one for what it does and the les paul has it's sound and feel that is perfect for that style just as my strats,tele, and musicmans do. Sometimes things just cost a bit more to make.

[@EricRShelton]

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard that I bought back around ‘02 because it was the best I could afford. I’ve swapped tuning machines, pickups (a couple times), strap buttons, stickers… no matter what I do to it it just feels right. That carved top is where it’s at, for me.

[@VN9001]

I really look forward to watching your videos Mike, and always enjoy them. I am a Tele person. But I've always wanted a Les Paul because that's the era I grew up in (late 60's and 70's classic rock). It's the sound in my head, whereas my Tele was a practical choice that worked in all the genres that I played. It had to have a bound neck or it wasn't a Les Paul to me (my own personal misguided feeling, no hate on Tributes or Studios at all). I loved my LP Standard that I bought but later came across a unique opportunity to play an R8 (1958 Reissue from the Custom Shop). It was an astounding guitar in sound, feel and playability to me. From that day forward, the bar was set higher and there was no going back. I eventually acquired an R8. It is THE definitive Les Paul to me and feels, sounds and plays like nothing else I've ever played. It is WAY overpriced and no way is it worth twice the price of a U.S. Standard from a "value" perspective. It's a diminishing return thing. I am very fortunate and blessed to be able to have it but it makes no practical sense whatsoever. But it entices me to play guitar every day and if I could only have one single guitar, it would be the R8 (yes, over my Tele!). Did I say it was way overpriced?! 😄

[@aitken1965]

I love my Les Paul Tributes! (Sure, a Les Paul Standard 50s Gold Top with P90s and a Sunburst with PAFs would be wonderful!)

[@synonyx]

Mike, we're going to need a lesson in powerline k? Thanks!

[@Chino_kochino]

All I heard is “money money money, epiphone les paul” so I actually bought an epiphone les paul. 😂 Good video. Cheers

[@ashleyjackson8538]

Another video proving that I do need 20 guitars . Thanks dude , great video and description . Peace out

[@jasperchance3382]

les paul traditional from 2014. do it and you'll never regret it. Honorable mention for a guitar that is unjustly overlooked: Guild Bluesbird

[@503punxoioioi9]

Nice outfit by the way. Looking sharp!

[@SomeCanine]

That's a pretty sweet looking guitar