YOU Decide: Which Les Paul Do I KEEP?

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I CAN ONLY KEEP ONE. Which Les Paul Should I Keep? You Decide, Vote in the Comments!
John has to pair down his personal Les Paul favorites. Help us decide which one he should Keep! Candidates include a 2000 Heritage H150, 2001 Gibson Custom 1958 Reissue, and a 2022 Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s. We also shoot them out and compare them to the giveaway guitar, a Gibson Custom 1957 reissue.
DROP A COMMENT: Vote 1,2, or 3:
1- 2000 Heritage H-150
2- 2001 Gibson Custom R8
3- 2022 Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
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Gleam Giveaway Entry Link
Uncasing
Heritage H150
Gibson Custom R8
Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s
Gibson Les Paul R7 Giveaway Guitar
Playing Samples
DI Cleans
Riffs Head to Head
Performance
Fender '68 Deluxe Reverb
M. Britt Kemper Profile
Pedals - Ibanez Tube Screamer
#gibson #lespaul #gibsoncustom
PLAY AND TRADE GUITARS // PLAY IT and TRADE IT.

[@patrickhale424]

Based on looks.....the 2022 Standard. That top is absolutely sick looking. That's the kind of top you can stare at for hours 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🍻🍻🍻

[@oonamorrioghanblackthorne]

I can tell already number 2 the 2001 Les Paul r8 is your favorite just by your expression and response.

[@ltgray2780]

I agree with David Wonpu. But to pick one, I'd have to go with the 2022 Standard 50's. She aint even broke in yet, and I think she'll only get better over time. Plus, you're the one experiencing it all. Priceless.

[@antreb15]

That Wildwood spec, Standartd is a must keep in my opinion. So, 3.

[@MashaT22]

I think #3’s pickups have the most life in it, and really enjoy #2 as well - they sound very different, so it all depends what you’re going for in the tone department. I really don’t think you could go wrong with keeping either of these options. The Heritage is a nice sounding guitar, but I feel like those pickups are missing something - and by that, they’re nice, just they don’t have the same luster in the tone as either LP. This is my least fave. I would tell you to keep it if it maybe had pickups with more life since it’s clearly been very used and loved by you. By looks, I personally enjoy flamed tops 🔥 , so my fave is #3 - but #2 is really a close second. The Heritage isn’t the top I would go for, but some people love that - if you didn’t love it, you never would have gotten it. #2 is probably going to be quite valuable soon if it isn’t already, so that’s something to consider if that’s important to you to keep a guitar that you might be able to sell or keep as an heirloom in your family. You also went on a special trip to the Memphis factory and purchased #2 on that trip. I was at the Memphis factory too on a family trip, well before I ever played guitar. Now I’m wishing I had played and purchased one from there lol. How would you feel letting that guitar go knowing it has sentimental value too? Some people don’t care about that, while others always regret letting go of a special guitar from a trip or special experience/event. Ask yourself if you will regret that in the future? Are you really letting us pick based on a vote or are you going to pick one you actually feel comfortable and happy with? I guess you’re indecisive like me, lol. I always let everyone else decide for me when I can’t choose! I hope you’ll ultimately make the choice that works for you, although it’s fun to take a poll and see what others think!

[@mwpv11]

I would opt for the 57 Humbuckers

[@toddmoore2324]

My pick is #3 also. And I've checked out a few Heritage guitars at a local shop and was not impressed by them. Not a Gibson, that's for sure. Oh, and I work on Saturdays now so no more Dave Live for me.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thanks for the thoughtful comments! It's a hard choice and yes I really am leaning heavily on the advice and opinions here haha, yes maybe I am indecisive but it's time to thin the collection! 3 seems to be in the lead, thanks for watching.

[@fredriksandegren1948]

Option 3, the 2022 one, it looks and sound amazing! Option sounded really good with some gain on it as well...

[@mickylicky5265]

#3 is a keeper.....& the character in the flame top is my kind of gorgeous....

[@markdakel9253]

Option 2. It’s a tried and true road tested instrument- you know it’s Nuances, it sounded very balanced with the subtle differences in tone and aging from the other two it’s seems a good fit for you in my opinion, that’s when you should keep

[@fredericadda]

I would keep the Standard 50's. Looks the best and sounds the best IMO.

[@jasonshackelford2639]

The Standard 50s is the prettiest and has the thickest neck. Also have to love the Wildwood low output pickups. Love your videos.

[@danthedem]

Really like guitar #3 (the 2022 Wildwood Standard) the best. I figured I’d like the one with the Gibson 57 Classic pickups better, but those Wildwood 59 pickups have a better, more balanced sound. Great comparison video!

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

The H-150 really has quite a slim neck for an LP, thinner than the Slim Tapers according to your measurements. Great video as always.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Yea it's the odd one out from this bunch in terms of neck measurements. It does feel great though! Thanks for watching

[@grahams6769]

Option 3, looks and sounds amazing, love the flame.

[@kerrynance1777]

Although the thought of having a R8 is super cool, keep the standard. Gibson knocked it outta the park with the 50s and 60s standard.

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

I vote for the 22 Standard. Has the best top and to me had the most clarity. But who knows. My ears are blown out. I tend to look for clarity.

[@chip7851]

I started off digging 2, but I think 3 won me over at the end. Awesome choices for the shoot out!

[@jcoulter43]

Option 3. Plus, it's probably less expensive and punches above it's weight in looks. Congrats on the growth of your channel! God bless and rock on 👍😎🎸

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thank you I appreciate it! Option 3 is in the lead

[@patrickhale424]

Really love the way that Green Machine sounds..... I doubt I will win but it would be nice to get a Les Paul. Especially since my '77 Standard was stolen from me by a former bandmate.

[@achill3usoverclocking874]

The early '02 Custom R8 killing it all sound vise if you ask me, it has the best balance and most vintage sound. Of course the top is the best on the Wildwood 50s Standard.

[@jasonmyers3847]

My vote is option #3. That flamed maple top is gorgeous. It's just an awesome guitar all around. That GLEAM link doesn't work. I keep trying it.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thank you, lots of love for #3! Here's the link, thanks for watching: gleam.io/M8oXN/gibson-custom-les-paul-50k-subscriber-giveaway-play-and-trade-guitars

[@thepizzaveteran]

It's tough, clean the 2022 Standard sounds better to me but dirty the Custom R8 sounds the best. They all sound great in the mix so good luck choosing. If it were me I would pick the R8.

[@georgemoore7231]

All 3 sounded great. I know the reissue Les Pauls really hold their value. So, the R8 is probably the best investment, but for me you can’t beat the sound and looks of that 50’s Les Paul with the Wildwood special pickups.

[@catdaddy57]

Number #2 . Hands down Buddy...i'm jealous you can pick one ...always wanted a Gibson LP

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Looks: #3 flame appeals to my eye the most #1 loses half a mark for not having a Heritage pickguard 😜. #2 is really nice, but if I'm spoiled for choice and splitting hairs it's very regular stripes whereas #3 is wider and more irregular - it has more visual interest to me. Sound: Clean - anything but #2 (muddiest?). Gain - anything but #1 (weak by comparison). Solo - any of them. Combined sound+visuals result, #3. But sound can be tweaked with tone dials, pedals, or pup swaps. Feel is bigger, and only you know what feel you're looking. So ignore all of us (you were going to anyway 😉).

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Haha good catch on Heritage, I bought it second hand and the previous owner changed the pickup rings and pickguard. I agree about the wider/more irregular stripes on 3. I appreciate the thoughtful comments

[@_Julian__]

The best feeler by far. I’ve realized that not every Les Paul is made the same at times. I got to play a used R9 verse a newer one and I absolutely adored the older one. The other option is, if someone crazily thru all of them in the air which one would you catch? Haha pretend you’re holding something and have one hand to spare 😂

[@mikepj1025]

The 22 Standard in looks and sound. By far in looks and that growl from those buckers is insane.

[@tellicoadventuretrail]

#2 for looks and perceived or actual custom shop value, but probably #1 for sound just because it sounds the most different between the other three (two). I'm close to winning the green top!, interestingly it seems the most muted overall in this comparison.

[@CyberRabid.]

The 2022 standard looks awesome 😎

[@usurper001]

#3 for looks, one of the best tops I’ve seen.

[@timmytVA]

Favorite top: Standard 50s Favorite clean pickups: Custom Buckers in the green R7 Favorite dirty pickups: Standard 50s Favorite in the mix: Standard 50s I'd keep the Standard 50s. And this coming from a guy with three Custom Shop Les Pauls - two of which are Wildwood guitars.

[@oskarbil]

My vote is for #3 . Open and clear tone than others.

[@davidwonpu353]

Surprisingly I did not think the R8 sounded that great in this shootout, and it would get you the most money back as well. The Heritage had a great middle position tone, which is my favorite on an LP. The Wildwood 50s sounded the best overall and also looks the best. 1 or 3 for me and get more money selling 2.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Great points made, thanks for watching!

[@jaminpartanen9058]

Keep option #1. Heritage guitars are so consistent and incredible.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

True, I've owned a few and couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching

[@AzureMagi]

#3, sounded and looked the best IMO.

[@tone1798]

Going for #3 standard for a reason! Best sounding.

[@DrJeebles]

Btw, this is a great editing job in the play-through portion. I just thought I would mention it.

[@kennyfordham8653]

Difficult to tell without actually playing them By looking at them, I like the R8 But.. The Wildwood pickups sounded best for the clean tone, and maybe a toss-up with the green one for the gain tone.

[@michaeljames6216]

I'd have to go with #3 It has the Look and tone. But I would have to feel that neck to say 100%

[@Rhinodo99]

The R8 is a keeper. It sounds amazing.

[@thseed7]

Feel wrong saying it but #3 the 50's Standard. Heritage top has all that beautiful mineral streaking and the R8 has the stunning flame, but the Standard looks incredible (UnBurst or Dirty Lemon Burst) 🤘

[@MrTPF1]

#2 with the '57 classics sound the best to my ears.

[@hod8931]

I like number 2 best, the tone and the looks

[@jungdo99]

I like #3, looks and sound. If it were me that would be the one I'd choise.

[@ZodiacGallery]

#3 looks and sound. Best option!

[@jfiery]

The #3 standard top is stunning.

[@ChristopherClause]

Have to say, based on what I could hear, my vote would be for #3 (the Standard 50s). You get the beauty of the R8 and the better pickups of the lot. Good luck!

[@Nizodizo]

I would keep the one with the binding.

[@ryanhollman5265]

Overall, I’d say option 2. I did love the neck pickup of option 3 with gain though!

[@Addam1978]

100% the R8. I had one like that on layaway in 2001 and was hurt at work and lost it…would love another chance at owning one.

[@gregoryrobb2604]

To my ear the 50s Standard sounds great and looks amazing!

[@jeromebrownjr.8853]

Whichever you do decide to keep, you definitely deserve it my friend! Great channel! Keep up the good work.

[@tonyb9864]

Keep the 2022 Standard 50's. That's the better guitar to me.

[@Sig8066]

Wow ... Tough decision. I think you should hold on to the R8... beautiful.

[@sixstringer3783]

I would go with guitar #2 there's nothing like a custom shop 58 that thing is simply fantastic 👌 but the choice is yours !

[@capitan_sevilla]

1 & 2 Sounds the best for me.... but I would be really happy if I win number 4...

[@Wooodstock69]

id keep the wildwood spec one and let go of the rest id say altough they are all great guitars!

[@TheErickTrick]

Oh my... that's a hard decision. But I'll go for the 2022 model.

[@alveramps]

That´s a top decision. I would keep the #2 because I prefer the tone and the look. But if I want to get more cash I´d keep #3 and swap the pickups. I hope this help you decide 🙂

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Yes solid advice! Thanks for watching

[@stoffel4847]

Option #3, sounds and looks fantastic!

[@BrandonOutside]

Oh man, tough call! You really can’t make a bad decision here! I’m going to vote for the Heritage though. There are some unique markings in the grain, almost little “blemishes” even, that stand out to me and make it unique, even tho the flame on both the Gibson are beautiful! Plus you mentioned you’ve spent some time with it, and it sounded like you already had a bit of a bond with it. Tone wise, they all sound fantastic!

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Great great points, the top on the heritage is deceptively beautiful. The closer you look, the more you see and yes, it really does sound fantastic to me too. Thanks for watching!

[@festushaggen2563]

Option 2. The Custom R8. It’s a looker, has top notch pickups and it’ll keep its value forever

[@mcexley001]

#3 has the cleanest, most distinctive sound across all the options. Definitely #3.

[@jameswhite1450]

Keep the R8. The 57 classics are the pickups to have imho.

[@jtbandy1]

Keep the Wildwood. They all sound pretty similar, but the wildwood top is the best looking. Best bridge pickup: 3 Best neck pickup: 2 Best top:3

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Solid thank you!

[@michaeltaeffner3820]

All 3 guitars are great. For me the Seymour Duncans in the heritage are not so good for a 50's sound. The best looking guitar is the 50's standard. But my favorite is the R8. It have the most smoothiest and perfect sound for a 50's guitar. That's my opinion only by hearing and looking while I can't nothing say about the playability.

[@Datimdavis2900]

Option 3 gets my vote.

[@Fret-knot]

#3 for the win! Both 2 & 3 look the biz, but slightly preferred the sound of 3.

[@chadshelton4340]

50 standard

[@kolchak357]

The 50’s standard from Wildwood would be my keeper. I love the looks of all 3, but I slightly prefer the sound overall on the Wildwood standard 50’s. 🤘

[@toddflowers8052]

Yep ...still option 2 ...fat neck and 57's great top !!!

[@elevenAD]

My favorites were choice 3 and the giveaway guitar!

[@oscarvasquez2114]

Hello John, i would ask you to keep guitar #3, i like them all but from the 3 guitars, #3 sounds the best to me.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thank you, that's what I'm leaning towards especially with so many votes!

[@guitarman430]

Les Paul selection is personal. I prefer the 60’s thinner neck as it fits my hand better.

[@DrJeebles]

I think if it were me, I would keep that Wildwood. There's something special about that guitar. I know I've heard you talk a lot about The Heritage. It's a tough choice. They all seem pretty amazing. Good luck, John! Peel that sticker, now!

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thanks Adam, If I keep 3 I'm committed to the sticker at this point and I don't even know why lol

[@devinwilliams4038]

Honestly I think #3. The 50’s LP. I think it has the best top and those wildwood spec pickups sounded the best to me. They had a different kind of bite to them. I think the custom shop actually had the “worse” sounding pickups of all of them. I just didn’t dig how those pickups sounded.

[@kyokushin-tobi]

My Order 1(Best overall Sound), 4 (😜), 2 and 3.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Yea the Heritage is the real deal! Thanks for your vote, maybe 4 will be on its way to you soon!

[@thomasfritsch3536]

Yeah I watched again maybe we can raise some money for you but if you really love guitar you know they are all unique and contribute to your sound beautiful hunks of wood fine tuned to your perfection the heritage sounds incredibly sweet good luck choosing there's a tear in my eye. For you

[@davidparker1342]

#3 was may favorite sound wise. But, why not keep them all? Nothing wrong with a different guitar each day of the month.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Haha nothing wrong at all, just a lot of strings to change! Thanks for watching

[@willkupers]

The 50's Standard 2022 looks best. What a beauty. But I would change the pups.😉

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

I'm getting a lot of votes for 3 for sure. I look forward to featuring some pickup swaps, any requests?

[@willkupers]

@@PlayandTradeGuitars Lot of options. I would go for '57 classic. 😉

[@jespo999]

I vote to keep the 5O's Standard. Such a beautiful top.The Wildwood pickups to my ears sound better than the #1 & #2 pups and rivals the R7's Custombuckers.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

I've found the Wildwood Pickups to be pretty close in character to the custombuckers in many ways for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@Squall6575]

I found Heritage's pickups to be the most lacking. From what I heard, the Heritage's pickups are louder, but not clearer, bordering on muddy. The middle position didnt have that spank to it like a good set of pafs should. I liked the r8, but its also the easiest to sell. I actually liked the r7 as well, and the wildwood standard 50s was really good too. Id keep the r7, but I dont like the green, so would prefer the wildwood standard or the r8. Beautiful tops on both. Also, keep in mind im listening on my laptop's speakers, not even with headphones lol so maybe my observations are a bit whack.

[@robertbeaver7804]

I think you should keep the Gibson 50s Les Paul Standard. #3

[@rtellomx]

1. Heritage H-150 2. Standard '50s 3. R8 - I just feel one can't justify that price tag

[@popeye089]

Keep the one that feels better

[@dw7704]

Based on sound, keep the R8, although the top on the 2022 is the best. But for me to decide which I would keep, it would be the one with the neck I liked the best But for the purpose of the video, keep the R8

[@scottdalrymple1716]

#3. Beautiful top and sounds amazing.

[@jonwanrocks]

honestly lets work out a trade on the heritage

[@yjersey]

2 and 4 are best

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Option 2!🎸👍🏻

[@peterwalliste8232]

I love the No. 3!!!

[@ElbertTreble]

My first guitar i got is a les paul 100 but my second guitar is a les paul jr. I like the Jr more its easier to me play. But i want to upgrade my Les Paul 100 Epiphone to make it better and look better.

[@tariks8636]

The real question is, can you let the green LP go at this point?

[@j.r.g3548]

no because it's a giveaway guitar, in an official sweepstakes. Would be illegal to keep it for himself now having advertised it as a sweepstakes so heavily.

[@tariks8636]

@@j.r.g3548 just kidding. I was implying that they're attached to it at this point

[@MAGToysandGuitars]

In my experiencia you should Keep the R8, I had 5 R8s in my Collection cause are the best, and I want that green les Paul!😊 could be match with my Collection perfect!

[@jaymurray8776]

Do away with the Heritage. Sounds cheap! The green top sounds the best and has a nice clean sound even when using distortion.

[@thomasfritsch3536]

Why does the green one sound just a little sweeter then the rest it must be a made on a Wednesday guitar or something else but all are so close bravo to heritage for even competing

[@mihaiionescu3713]

Hello I’m MIHAI from Romania and my vote is for Gibson Standard, in my opinion it the most beautiful guitar! Listen I have a Fender Stratocaster made in USA Corona California and I want to change with a Gibson les Paul! Can you help me with that! Or maybe explorer or Flying V I wish you and all your team a great day!

[@ronaldgibson8886]

Well which one did you enjoy playing the most? I liked the sound of number 3 the most so that would be the choice for me. Which one will you pick up the most?

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

R8. Sounded the best. Also, when are you going to do the contest to decide which one to give to me?

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I want the green one

[@edwardsmith9801]

So I like #2 but, experience & opinions from great guitarists says you should probably keep #1 being that it's the most played. There for being an obvious favorite. I mean there all great, but you should probably keep the one you play the most #1