Watch This Before You Spend $1000 on a PRS SE 594 or Epiphone Limited Edition 59 Les Paul!

[@coreycongilio]

Enter to Win the Epiphone Limited Edition 59 Les Paul in this video! kingsumo.com/g/fxfdsr/win-an-epiphone-limited-edition-1959-les-paul-presented-by-corey-congilio

[@toddmcmakin]

I have owned the Epi 59 and currently own the PRS SE 594 (exact color as the one you demoed). They are both great guitars and bring a little something unique to the table. Ultimately, I decided to keep the PRS because I love the neck. The tone, at least to me, is kind of a cross between a Les Paul and a Fender. It has better clarity to me than the Epi. However, I am primarily an acoustic player and can't call myself a great electric guitar player by any means. Great demo and comparison!

[@edwinmartinez9787]

Your deaf epi has higher reading on the neck than the prs. That you like more the prs is understandable

[@TheAlexCruz]

I own a Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s that I had professionally setup and upgraded the nut and let me tell you...that baby is the LP that I've been looking for without spending the Gibson price tag. Epiphone has really stepped up their game lately and I for one am VERY happy about that. I had looked at all of the various options including PRS and opted for the Epiphone. Thanks for the comparison video Corey as it's always great to be able to hear the differences before buying.

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks for sharing that. Thx for watching too!

[@vernethibodeaux507]

I have the same guitar. Ice-T finish. I love it.

[@darko714]

I have an old Epiphone Les Paul that got used 4 years ago. It has all kinds of annoying problems - the pots are noisy, the neck is slightly warped so the action has to be set up high and intonation is compromised, and it weighs a ton - but it sounds great.

[@steves12strings]

Agreed. Had both of these and neither held up to the 60s standard I have. Still prefer the Gibson Tribute overall but that Epi 60s is damn close.

[@DanilloPSantos]

​@@vernethibodeaux507​the best one! Got one too.

[@stratstruck324]

Last week, my friend lent me his PRS SE 594 in Vintage Sunburst for a few days. I was so impressed that I bought one online yesterday and am now eagerly awaiting its arrival. The feel is indescribable.

[@Brykk]

Ive got the 594 double cut in blue. The range of the stock pickups is impressive and i think would easily be good enough for most peoples style of play. I play everything from blues and classic rock to folk and bluegrass. The prs with its versatility and sound covers everything i need.

[@billydworrell8259]

I recently purchased the exact same guitar you did , PRS 594 double cut away. The fit , finish and playability is flawless. Throw in the versatility aspect and quality craftsmanship and you have 1 very well made quality guitar. It wasn't cheap , it wasn't out of range tho $$$ speaking. A ( sound investment ) imho.

[@yvaliquette]

@@billydworrell8259 me three! Got mine less than a month ago and haven't touched my other guitars since. It does everything and I love the way it plays. Mine's elephant grey.

[@CosmicIsStoned]

Gonna be getting a McCarty 594 SE in a few days for 500 dollars off a coworker who doesnt really have the time to play anymore. couldn't be asking for a better deal

[@Brykk]

@@CosmicIsStoned good deal. Enjoy it. They are a fantastic choice.

[@coreycongilio]

Hi All, PLEASE be AWARE of Spammers posing as me telling you you have won a prize. We NEVER contact winners on KZbin or in comments.

[@peterschmidt9942]

Yeah just got one of them. They do it on a lot of channels

[@dragan4658]

The Prs sounds better, richer sounding than the Epi and the Prs looks nicer imo. Both nice guitars! Thanks for sharing!

[@DennyBob521]

Both sound great. I’m a PRS fanboy, but along with a core Singlecut 594, I also have a Gibson Les Paul Traditional from 2010. I love both and wouldn’t part with either, but the PRS is a work of art and has a classic low output PAF sound, where my Les Paul has the hotter Burstbucker 3 in the bridge, giving it a gnarly growl that Les Pauls are known for.

[@titobattaglia7932]

Came for the guitars - I'm sold on the Epi :D - stayed for the tasteful playing. Fabulous! The warmth and competence of the talk-through are also a pleasure. Thanks Corey!

[@robyates136]

Fortunate enough to have two Les Pauls (73 Custom and 03 Std, plus Fenders and plenty other guitars). Added the PRS 594 SE Doublecut to the collection recently and have been blown away. It's definitely NOT a Les Paul. I felt immediately at home with the neck shape but what keeps me playing it is the articulation and clarity of the guitar. The strings plead for string bends and vibrato like no other guitar I have and it sings from clean to over-driven. Definitely earned it place near the top of my favorite every guitars.

[@tomstegall1346]

I have the P.R.S. now and love it, I had to adjust the intonation when it arrived took about 30 minutes, loved doing it, helped me become more acquainted with the guitar, it plays wonderfully

[@ranigps]

The pickup is possible to change but Indian Laurel against rosewood is not,, for me is easy to get here!!!

[@theprisonier]

I bought the 59, nice surprise, specially with my NOVA by hugosierro, no wax pickups, made the woods sound so good, and the 59 by epi (that doesn’t cost an arm and two legs) does a good job for the pickups.

[@Richardgreenmusic.]

I have the new 1959 EPI and love it. Yes, the neck is large and in charge but it feels great. The specs all around make this guitar a great value. I do like the versatility of the PRS but the EPI is old school cool and sounds awesome.

[@truescotsman4103]

I spent $1600 on the S2. The SE line is okay but the S2 line is a Gibson custom shop killer for sure. I got a blemished McCarty 594 S2 for $1499. I has one tiny little bubble in the finish I had to spend 20 minutes looking for. The pickups are awesome and to me that's a real selling point. Usually OEM pickups in production guitars are crap but these are really nice.

[@GuessMyNameOnceMore]

The SE and S2 line are basically the same except hardware. Electronics still is not the US stuff but asian stuff. Not bad at all, but the only difference between the SE and S Line is the hardware and optics.

[@ZacharyRyanMusic89]

@@GuessMyNameOnceMoreactually 2024 S2s made after I think July are all USA electronics now as well. as well the SEs get the same S series version of the pick ups the S2s used to get idk what they put in SEs before. But they now get what used to be for S2 and the S2 get the American stuff.

[@PeterFerguson9]

I’ve got an Epi ‘59 on the road right now as a backup, and it is remarkable!

[@coreycongilio]

Nice!

[@johnl.6930]

Great demo comparison! To my ears I prefer the Les Paul. I hear more balanced tones in every position clean or dirty on the Les Paul. As you mentioned, more traditional sounds. Playing is impeccable as usual Corey!✌️❤️

[@JayDoge]

A little bit of EQ and you can make both sound to the other

[@kingstumble]

Eight months on from this video and the most striking thing for me is the way the prices have changed---in the UK anyway. The Epi has increased by a couple of hundred pounds whereas the PRS price has fallen by the same amount, so now the Epi is almost twice the price of the PRS!

[@peterschmidt9942]

I've got plenty of older Epiphone SGs and always found them solid bases to upgrade from. I also bought a PRS SE SC a few years back and was very impressed with what you get for the price. One thing to note is the necks on the PRS are a smidgen wider than Gibson style necks. Which you'd think might make them harder to play, but doesn't seem the case. And as you said, the pickups can be a bit more aggressive in general. I don't think you could go wrong with either, but there's other options in the mid priced market too like Tokai, Edwards etc if you're after a LP style guitar.

[@Cookie4yabro]

All my Epiphones needed a setup and came with unpolished frets while all the PRS SE’s I have had have been near perfect out of the box.

[@ajdaames]

No matter how well you set them up they still go out of tune when you do a few bends. Played Epiphone from 1997 up to 2023. Finally had enough of tuning all night while the audience has to wait. Switched to PRS and no tuning problems ever.

[@felefun]

@@ajdaames Had the same issue with my Epiphone Les Paul 59. Got the nut cut properly, and now it stays in tune forever. It's imperative to cut the nut slots so that they have the same break angle as the string coming from the tuner, or else they will bind in the nut causing the string to go out of tune as soon as you bend.

[@truckmonkey68]

@@ajdaamesit took 26 years of tuning while your audience waited before you got fed up? 😂

[@truckmonkey68]

@@felefunI agree… first thing I do when I buy a new guitar, string change and whilst they are off I get the nut filed to perfection and check/ tighten tuners if needed and properly restrung my Epi’s all stay in tune very well.

[@longotown]

Great video! I have the hots for a PRS, but think I actually prefer the Epi in this comparison. It seems to have a bit more of an old school woody tone to my ear. Love them both & thank you!

[@27Pyth]

I feel the same as you.

[@beatleleebailey]

I have one of each and love them the same. They each have a unique sound. The sound changes with the amps used.

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

One thing most people overlook is that how you EQ them and other factors can make them sound darn near exactly the same. It is like Cannon vs Nikon with cameras. You can't tell the camera once processed. Guitars can be much the same way. Overall I think the PRS offers more though. Cheers!

[@thmmke6926]

the best head to head comparison video that i have seen, the epiphone pickups are more open sounding and the prs are more voiced focused, so it will sound more different with different amps while the prs sounds similar no matter which amp or pedal,

[@coreycongilio]

Check out more specs on the guitars! PRS SE 594 sweetwater.sjv.io/se594 Epiphone Limited Edition 59 Les Paul sweetwater.sjv.io/epiltd59lp Get the Free Track here! workingclassguitar.com/courses/best-of-corey-s-youtube/lectures/48389800 Get the 14 day free trial for 100’s of lessons! working-class-guitar.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=4024248

[@THEItchybruddah]

Hey Corey, somebody posing as you trying to give me a guitar if I reply to him on telegram. Might wanna “shock the pool”. As always, thanks fir the good sauce.

[@coreycongilio]

@@THEItchybruddah On it. Thanks!

[@azizaziz7007]

Great Video. I think you nailed the sound comparison. For me, it’s 59 all day. The pickups are more open and less compressed. It rivals my PRS core guitar. For me the 59 neck is perfect. Please do a comparison against DGT SE and 59.

[@dwise3651]

Very thorough analysis and comparison. Thanks for taking time to put this together.

[@chrisvsmusicny]

I had a '59 Epi that I just let go of today. Selling the Epi (with some other gear) helped fund my first PRS, which happens to be the exact SE 594 singlecut in Vintage Burst that you're showing in this video. I have a Gibson LP as well, so I didn't feel like I was losing anything. Looking forward to getting to know my new PRS! 🤘

[@StevenRoby]

I have the Epi, and I love it. Especially when I look at the price of an R8 or R9. I also have a PRS S2 Semi-hollow Singlecut, and to me, its pickups are too hot - but it's kind of its own thing. I'm really glad that you did the shoot-out, and you are a hell of a player! Thank you.

[@coreycongilio]

Thx Steven!

[@norseman61]

Thanks for the great comparison video. I’m a fan of Epiphone because I like how they do “Gibson” for way less… and sometimes with better execution. But to my ears, the PRS was more guitar in almost every way. Can’t go wrong with either of them, though!

[@JohnMaag-f3t]

I've owned the PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594 for 5 days now. I also own an Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50's Goldtop. They are both unique in their own way but they're both similar too. Anyway they're both amazing guitars for under $1000.

[@stricknine8623]

One thing about veener that some people do not understand is that it is real wood. Maybe not this 1959 Epiphone but the 50s and 60s Epiphone Les Paul Standards are flamed maple cut from a solid piece of flame maple...The veneer is a very thin cut of flame maple that gets glued on to a real, plain maple top cap. Its really the smartest way to build a guitar...It saves a lot of money that can be passed along to the consumer. It also does not effect quality or tone in a good or bad way.

[@1rukie]

I just picked up my PRS 59 MCcarty two days ago I have owned epi and Gibson lespauls I wish this prs was available years ago these pick ups are incredible especially for low voltage pickups the guitar is gorgeous I bought the charcoal finish I have been wanting a prs but but this one sold me . 🎸

[@drewbarries]

I’m hearing more upper mid bite on the Epi with a more focused or overall less harmonic content. The 594 sounded a bit less punchy with a smoother and more mid harmonic content. I preferred the Epi on bridge and middle but to my ears the 594 neck was much better.

[@fredlorf6970]

I traded in my PRS Custom 24 SE for the Epiphone Limited Edition 59 Les Paul and don't regret it. I liked the PRS but had tuning stability issues with it. It also was VERY bright sounding. I like the beefier neck on the Epi and the pickups just sound better to me.

[@bordstumalian5174]

U didn't consider non trem PRS like SC or 594 in the video?

[@seanmurphy26]

I have the SE HB II Piezo, and it is super Stratty! Obviously hollow bodies are going to sound brighter, but I have always heard that PRS always sounds Stratty..

[@thedude3364]

Interesting video. I think the epiphone does the better job at sounding like a classic LP. That’s generally what I’m wanting when looking at a single cut guitar like this. I’m always rooting for PRS because I know their instruments are consistent. I’m always afraid of budget guitars from the other notable brand. That might be something to consider, especially if you’re ordering your guitar online.

[@THEItchybruddah]

Excellent appraisal Maestro. As an owner of both brands and a TV/Film guy, I’m at the point where sometimes I’d rather track than get outta the chair to change Instruments. Thus I lean toward the 594. It seemed to have more “oomph” in both clean and dirt modes but also had more of a hi fi vibe too. Also, the middle position seem to sparkle in an almost Fender-ish way. (Your comment about Paul voicing the pickups more like they’d sound in a mix makes sense. It also saves me time as often I’m a “one man band” when it comes to the entire audio production.) All that combined with coil splitting makes it a no brainer for the chores I’m usually saddled with. Again, thanks for the kickass analysis and great playing.

[@MadeAtTaylor]

As an acoustic player that's only been playing for a short while, I am eventually going to get an electric and have considered both of these. Both are pretty fantastic, and the price is excellent. Really appreciate the review. I'm going to have to go in and play both of these. From what I understand from talking to a guitar teacher, the radius of the guitar is pretty important and can affect your playing.

[@BurnyTone]

Literally everything Corey plays, sounds good to me! Corey come to London, uk, would like to go to your gig.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

Tough choice. Ideally, BOTH! I can attest to the quality of both recent Epiphones and SE's. You can't go wrong. Maybe need a setup, but either will be killer. The Epi does have a very nice case, but SE gig bags are actually really quite good.

[@kerrymcauliffe9906]

nice video. I have a '59 Epiphone Lazarus LP...fine instrument. FYI the Epiphones do indeed use veneer tops...says so right on their site. I also own a '94 PRS Custom 24 10 Top. Glorious instrument. Both are very nice. The PRS plays better, but also costs 2.5 times as much when I bought it.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

This is an old video, but I agree - veneers, Cory was mistaken (I forgive him because he plays great and is a nice guy).

[@DrumTipTuesday]

Hey Corey, it's Gabriel. You really brought me into the conversation and ultimately enjoy this video even more when you instructed us all to "listen to how the guitars compress and push the amp in a different way" 2:32

[@coreycongilio]

Hey man! Thanks for that. Hope all is well!

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

Enjoyed watching this as I have both guitars, although my 594SE is the Double Cut. I dig playing both equally. I took some wet sandpaper to both necks to get a more woody feel, similiar to the Silver Sky necks.The 594 is lightweight and very easy & comfortable to play and has more cleans than the Epi. The Epi is just a nice all around LP, mine is 8.4 lbs..

[@andrewmunro8971]

I tried both and load of others when I spent a day in the guitar shop in Newcastle. Every time I came back to the Les Paul. Sound, feel, quality. The only thing in the shop that beat it by a fraction was a Gibson Les Paul. 😂

[@akjl01]

Up the Toon!

[@viperBSG]

I own the Epiphone Limited Edition 59 Les Paul Outfit. I can say very good playing and sounding. came to be well setup and ready out of the box. Nothing to add. For what it's worth My Epi has as much right to the "Les Paul" name on the head stock as most Gibson's, I feel it is that good. The 594 SE I haven't even played but I have owned SE models and high end model PRS in the past. Never played a PRS that wasn't great. It would seem to come down to what's your poison. Tradition vibes and sound or more modern. Best to all in your deciding. This was a great video on the subject. Hope to see more hopefully with a Gretsch of some kind? hint hint. :)

[@coreycongilio]

I do need some Gretches so maybe!

[@jc6721]

I liked the twangy-ness of the PRS when played clean, add in the more clearly defined bass from the PRS and that would be my choice from a sound perspective because it would be more versatile. I think I could play country and maybe Rockabilly on the PRS as well as get a great classic rock tone from it, while the Epiphone didn’t have any real twang to it. That’s just what my ear is telling my brain. Aesthetically I prefer the Epiphone. So it would be a tough choice. Great video.

[@adamwatson6916]

I have no problem getting twangy tones out my Epi 59s. Tele on steroids all day long . Dude in this video Could have gotten the Epi to twang had he altered the tone controls and changed amp settings..

[@jasonmoffett5420]

I've had the LTD edition Epiphone 1959 Les Paul standard outfit for a little while now and am very happy with it. It's about time that a guitar they call a Les Paul actually sounds like a Les Paul. It'd b good to see them do other models like a 60s LP.

[@alcortinovis]

I did try in a shop the Epi, quite impressed but...not a gibson of course: good sound, quite well built (some imperfection here and there) but personally I didn't perceive that the cost was justified with the quality offered. On the other hand, I went to a shop for trying the PRS 594 se, without any expectation...but wow...I was extremely impressed and no way, no comparison with the epi...the prs in my hands felt really amazing...the quality is amazing and yes...I HAD TO BUY IT :-) this video comparison seems to convince me to get a epi but trust me, once you try them both...you know what you want...prs!!! I only swapped the humbuckers...now is my first guitar at all (I owe few gibsons but I do love the prs!)

[@jamnee]

To me the PRS had a more defined low end while the Les Paul was great in the mid and high ranges. Both sound wonderful. Honestly, it would be a hard choice between them. As I listen to this video more it seems like the PRS is more open and has some spank to it while the Les Paul is more restrained like you really have to push it.

[@ForrestWest]

I really like the warmer fuller sound of the PRS. You can always lower the mid-range tones if you needed to.

[@piemmetubo]

Thank you for your video. I watched it and I keep on saving money to buy a PRS SE 594 double cut. 😎 It' not a question of sound. I played both in a shop, recently. Il like the voice of both guitars, but for me the feeling, playability and overall quality of the PRS are superior.

[@MythosPedals]

I think the SE sounds miles above the Epi, which I've played those and really liked. But yeah, given the choice I'd pick the PRS.

[@rickhammel9541]

great job with the A/B with the two guitars really quickly, the only way to really compare!!!!

[@peacefulruler1]

The 594 that I bought had dull and muffled sounding PRS strings on it. Sounded weird till I changed the strings. I think the PRS pickups sound cheap and I’ll swap them out asap. The primary value of the 594 is getting a lighter weight Les Paul at a great price.

[@mswoodydad]

both are great sounding The Epi has a slightly richer sound while the PRS has a slightly dirtier sound it would be the preference of the musician as to the sound they would want for a particular song. The Epi does also have a deeper tone when you played it through the bass amp. The Epi personally I would use it more for the blues while the Prs I would use it more for hard rock like that of AC/DC

[@KYCDK]

I was gonna get th epiphone, but I ended up gettting an SE 245, and i don't regret it in the slightest, gibson and epiphone guitars are so uncomfortable, and prs just molds to the shape of teh body, it's great, I love it, it does the les paul thing, and is insanely fun to play

[@donvape336]

I have a Fender 50s modified telecaster that I love and have bonded with. The sounds are excellent. I do like both the guitars you played. I think, when i get better in a couple years, it would be the LP. I already have hot single coils.

[@Not_Sure-2020]

I liked the Epi better in the middle and neck when you played clean. Wasn't fond of either clean on the bridge but liked the Epi less on that pickup. I liked the PRS all the way around when playing dirty. Also liked the way you did the video. Playing the same thing and not making us wait for you to fumble with the cable gives me a better chance to keep the last sound in my head when listening to the new sound. I found that was something sorely lacking in a lot of other comparison videos.

[@stratman5762]

I believe the 594 has a maple cap AND veneer. But I could be mistaken. I currently have 2 Epis, a 58 V and a GhostHorse, and 2 PRS SEs, a Custom 24 and Tremonti Custom, and all are excellent guitars...regardless of price point.

[@pdb4]

Yes. The PRS has a 3 piece, solid maple cap with a real maple veneer on top.

[@davew8542]

Hi Corey, great channel love what you do. Epiphone do actually state "Carved Hard Maple Cap with AAA Figured Maple Veneer" for the '59. Both nice guitars regardless. PRS for me.

[@ultimoadventures6279]

i have epi lazarus and prs dgt.both great guitars and different sound.lazarus more on fat smooth sound and dgt more bright articulate sound.depends what music you play both are great vice versa when you play gigging on different genre you play.

[@tedevans2095]

I like the looks of a PRS and came close to buying one right before I purchased my 2012 LP standard gold top. So I would prefer to have the EPI LP.

[@miguelpessanha]

I came thinking I was gonna like the PRS McCarty more...however this Epiphone comes with Gibson Pro Burstbucker pickups and they really sound great - much more open and hifi, while the PRS's (even being lower wounded) sound much more mid forward. Plus the satin finish really looks great

[@edwardfletchertheoneandonly]

Hey dude, I have a lot, a lot of guitars… love Gibson and PRS… and watch you all these gear stuff… this is as good as I’ve seen for comparisons of the les paul and PRS as I’ve ever heard. Both great, and different. This really captured it

[@coreycongilio]

Awesome thx!

[@BFromUpNorth]

The epi is now $1299 vs $900 for the prs, which is on sale for $764 for Black Friday sale so price is not close anymore.

[@aperezdeal]

@ BFromUpNorth the epi that’s now $1,299 is the newer one w the custom buckers open head stock and different neck shape. The one in the video you can get for around $799 new or used for as low as $500. Cheers

[@JosiahDietrich]

This made it harder for me to decide. I was full leaning PRS. I like Les Paul style...but price point and quality control with PRS is slightly better. The Epiphone sounds so classic and sweet. PRS sounds slightly more pointed and radio. I have to play both for feel and response

[@JRRiso]

I hear the Epiphone as a darker more mellow tone verses the PRS - Both sound Good. The next question is how does it feel. I own a 2022 '59 Gibson LP that plays like a sweetheart. Ir cost $2500.00 USD Thanks for the demo. JR ,owner of 8 guitars , 50 years picking and grinning.

[@markb3758]

I recently bought a Gibson Les Paul Tribute, which sounds more like the Epiphone, but after listening to this, I may want to add a PRS Mccarty 594 SE. The tones are different enough to have both. Great video.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

The Tribute comes with 490/498 pickups, like Epiphone uses in the new Les Paul Custom (Gibson uses them in the LPC too), which are darker sounding than the burst-buckers. The custom-buckers in the new version of the '59 are my favorite PAF clone, and the necks have been made slightely less chunky, perfect for me - the previous '59 neck had big shoulders that made getting around on the fretboard harder for my medium paw, but it does give you better leverage for bending, so......?

[@discotex2236]

Put some nice PAF pickups in that PRS for the win. That said, I have an Epiphone SG Modern that rings like a bell, plays great, completely stock.

[@andrewbecker3700]

I also now have one of each, and can say they are different enough to justify owning both. I got great deals on them, which helps. The main differences are the Epiphone comes with a decent hardcase, and needs nothing but straplocks. On the other hand the P.R.S requires spending a little extra for a good quality case, upgraded tuners, and complete rewire and replacement of ALL the electronics except the pickups, which are excellent. All in, the P.R.S. was $975 total for everything, while I paid only $799 for the Epiphone when they first came out. The P.R.S ends up being superior in every way for $25 less than the Epiphone costs now ($999). Both excellent value for what you get. Be forwarned, the P.R.S has complete garbage electronics, but great pickups.

[@emhezmfe]

Regarding the flame maple 'top' on the Epiphone, this is directly from their website: "Made in partnership with the Gibson™ Custom Shop, the Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul™ Standard is Epiphone's stunning recreation of the rare vintage classic. Featuring a mahogany body with a maple top with a AAA figured maple veneer, comfortable 1959 hand-rolled neck profile with long neck tenon....."

[@denmar355]

So close. The consistency I’ve seen in PRS SE usually carries a lot of weight with me. And if there is a chunky neck I look for a little rolled shoulder relief. Sound is only part of it. Both sounded great to me. Good video!

[@TheHuester44]

Both guitars are quality pieces . Personally I’d go for the double cut PRS SE 594 . Just prefer that style of body over a single cut . I have a couple Epiphanies already that I like and would like a PRS for something different.

[@pauljohnson3686]

That Les Paul sounds so good... The prs is ok but the LP sounds sweeter across the pickup tones... The burst buckers are very versatile and really make themselves known in the Epiphone..

[@DamianS1893]

Love the Vintage Sunburst 594 look ... I own a PRS SE 245 Custom in Charcoal Burst... It's a great playing and beautiful guitar. I think for now, I will just replace the pups with a set of Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special pup's in my SE 245.

[@joe-dp3ng]

Well in my case the nut on my 59 Les Paul Epiphone was to high and not cut even. So I put a bone nut on it the way I like it. Also I smoothed out the frets with fine steel wool and then oiled the fretboard as it was dry. I brought the string height down a bit when I put Ernie ball super slinkys on. I then adjusted the truss rod and finished up with the intonation. It's now a very good playing guitar and has Gibson USA electronics so obviously it sounds like a Gibson Les Paul. As far as what it says on the headstock it says Les Paul and that's what it is I don't plan on selling it. One more thing my Timex watch keeps as good time as my friends Rolex. He's happy and so am I.

[@idontgrillonwed]

I feel like this really shows how individualistic these things are. Both are insane for the price in the hands of a good player AND A GOOD SETUP. Most of these boil down to preference and live use. The only PRS I’ve ever seen fail in a live setting was from another instrument being slammed into it, while I have seen countless epis and Gibsons lose tuning and even headstocks from small stuff (I own both Les Paul and PRS).

[@idontgrillonwed]

Also for neck finishes: Satin: 800 grit wet sanding Gloss: any generic (no silicon!) polishing compound for cars in an auto store with an old tshirt

[@FreeSpeechWarrior]

The SE is too bright and tinny in the mid-range. It's a good-looking guitar, but I love that satin finish on the Epiphone. I usually don't like the thick chunky Les Paul, but this is the first one that grabbed me with that finish.

[@cromBumny]

Any of these sound comparisons on line don't give you a true sound relative to sitting in the room/amp

[@johndaugherty4127]

My Slash Les Paul goldtop is the best Les Paul I have ever played. Not a Slash fan per se, but this thing is fantastic. Im a player, not a collecter.

[@seanfitzpatrick7878]

I've owned an Epiphone Les Paul that I loved, but eventually sold to purchase an amp. I now own a PRS CE24 and I'd only sell it if it was the absolute last way I could keep a roof over my family's head. That being said, I thought the PRS had noticeably better clean tones and with saturation, I heard better note definition and clarity. Regardless of that, I liked the dirty tones of the Les Paul more. It had a grit and a bite that the PRS didn't. So in conclusion, I want them both. But then I do have GAS so that's no surprise.

[@serolrom]

I want to find a model "that is not a secondary or subsidiary", but when comparing sounds, at the end the Epi has "that something" so Gibson that no others have...

[@sid35gb]

My experience is the PRS will have better build quality and will be good to go out of the box. The epiphone will be a gamble. I own both makes I’ll always go PRS over epiphone.

[@genesistotalhealth]

I prefer the se 594 but I have never owned one. I used to have a Gibson LP Tribute model and the Epi LP '59 edition sounds a little better than the 490R and 490T pups that come in the tribute Great video!

[@mkrj2576]

Agree about the neck feel being super important.

[@blues4jesus]

I have that 59 (selling it btw) I would have to say the PRS sound wise really sounded better than the Epiphone. I like my Epiphone except that fatter neck and my hand don't get along, My thumb ends up hurting after a few songs, Guess the 60's necks are more me. Id shave it down but no resale value then for the Epi. Both are well made guitars.

[@blues4jesus]

I ended up selling the 59 the neck was just too much, guess the 60s profile is what Im used to. It was a great guitar just that neck... Looking at maybe a prs se or s2 soon

[@pharmerdavid1432]

The new IBG '59 Epiphone Les Paul has a less chunky neck, less shoulders, easier to get around on with my medium sized paw. The "custom-bucker" pickups sound better than the "burst-buckers" in the earlier version (I have it too), also chunkier neck with bigger shoulders. Mine weighs 7.7lbs. (bad back loves it) and is very resonant. They also changed the color of the back and neck to a darker brown, rather than the cheap looking cherry they used on the earlier version. Still and all, I wish the body was gloss, but the satin neck definetly feels better to play than gloss. I love the new Epi '59, and feel I got my $1,300 worth of guitar, considering the price of "custom buckers" - they sound so good, and are used in the ES-355 1959 reissue, another awesome guitar for the same price!!

[@backlineguy]

I've owned PRS and SE guitars, as well as Epiphone Les Pauls from the Korean era as well as more modern models- I actually worked at Epiphone as an Inspector for a couple of years handling around one hundred guitars a day...so I've played the Epi LP's extensively...for MY money, hands down, quality, tone, fit and finish, features and fun, PRS blows Epiphone out of the water. Full stop. Great video Corey. Keep 'em comin!

[@LesPaulVOS]

12” radius wins for me. Both sound good. Nice licks.

[@jonbauer4598]

I grabbed an epiphone Lazarus (bonamassa model)... Absolutely love the feel of that neck and the electronics for the price. The finish isnt as nice as some epiphones but I find myself playing it more than my gibson traditional lp. If you ever get your hands on one would love your honest review

[@beesong2450]

very different beasts. both sound real good. the LP has that spikey top end while the PRS has that present mids. excellent comparison video

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks!

[@frankpratte8358]

Great comparison video. I was surprised that I preferred the more full-throated tone of the Epiphone... on second thought it's not so surprising, tone is subjective and cultured, my formative music guitar listening years where in the 70s and Les Paul's where a big part of that experience. I've been conditioned to like that tone.

[@ryanguffy4739]

Good straight forward review, both look like sweet setups to me.

[@ognistakropla]

At this comparison I am sold on the Epi. There is lack of something in PRS, Epi has it all, full bodied, full sounding mojo. IMO to be in the middle not always is na good idea.

[@TJ-qo8io]

It is difficult to determine the winner between the two guitars. The PRS has a good combination of notes The epiphone has a crunch box. It will eventually be divided by the difference in taste.

[@TVsBen]

In the clean sections, the 594 broke up a bit where the Epiphone didn't. Especially in part 1. It was also definitely very forward and almost nasal. Which is my own opinion about my personal 594. It feels hot when I play it. Basically everything you said, showed in the clean section in part 1. I love my 594 but it's definitely not a Gibson. Whether that's good or bad depends on how vintage you want to be.

[@jburdsinfuse]

I got the 594 SE. the shop threw in a complimentary plek job…the tuners had to be replaced before I could gig it. I would say…it’s just okay. I don’t think I would have been happier with the Epi. I’ve had two Gibson LP Tributes and both played and sounded better than these. My Standard LP and Classic both crush these for tone and playability. The Classic was $1099 with a case, new and on sale.

[@21stcenturymetal31]

I own the 595 double cut and a Bjorn epiphone LP I love both however I think I 595 is a tad better in the hardware department .

[@perseus31]

PRS always has higher QC, but I love this Epiphones sound. Its amazing

[@steveliberty]

Great comparison video. In my room with my m-audio desktop monitors, the PRS sounded like the pickups were noticeably hotter than the Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups in the Epiphone. I like low output vintage style pickups, so I'd probably say I preferred them a little bit, but truthfully, if this wasn't a side by side A/B, the difference wouldn't really be that noticeable. For some players, gloss vs satin will be a decision point. For me, it's neck shape. I hate flat back necks. But you suggested that the flatness was not severe, so maybe it would be OK. I recently bought the PRS DGT SE, and love it. The slightly wider feel of the neck is new for me (mostly a Gibson guy), but it is very comfortable (just different), and its a great instrument.

[@CrazyCalabrese78]

I like the vintage style pickups too but preferred how the PRS mids cut through more in the mix. I recently used an Epi SG custom and that seemed like the best of both worlds - nice mid range cut and it didn’t push the amp as hard as the hotter pickups of a more modern pickup. I believe those pickups are modelled on the 57 classics

[@jamesofalo6247]

They're burstbuckers in the EPI

[@NelsonBlakeII]

The Epiphone, as expected, has a tone more authentic to the tradition of blues rock. This video has a heavy blues rock bias, but I think the PRS shines in its cleanness and versatility. There were a few chords and moments that leaned more towards R&B and funk and I think the PRS has a great tone for that stuff, as well as prog, ambient and metal.

[@coreycongilio]

Hard to cover all styles on one vid. Thx for sharing!

[@NelsonBlakeII]

@@coreycongilio Wasn't a knock. Great vid! Your blues lesson with Ben Eller helped me a lot. Keep it up, man!

[@coreycongilio]

Thx man! Yeah didn’t take it as such just wish I could make it li get and do even more tones!

[@chriscolabella880]

Owned both these models. For me the PRS feels and plays better, but the Epi sounds night and day better. There's just so much more dynamic information from those Burstbuckers. I always feel that the SE ranges flawless quality is indirectly it's own nemesis: they make those guitars sound exactly as good as they want them to so they sit comfortably in the range below the US stuff. Can't help but feel they therefore deliberately hobble the SE range with pup selection.