Most authentic comparison I’ve seen between the Standard 60s and a Custom Shop. Great job on this video. Went and bought my Standard 60s today and will upgrade parts over time. Thanks for putting this together. Cheers!
Thanks, really happy to hear that! And glad I could be of help. The 60s Standard is really great and the right pickups can already do a lot to make it more to taste.
Experiences differ, as you’ve said. My True Historic 58 is the be all end all for me. Never could get along with the entire feel of Standards. After more than 100 gigs with the TH, it’s so broken in and fits like a glove. My experience: buy two cheaper guitars less, less pedals, save up and get a real good CS guitar and…don’t look back 👌🎸✌️
Glad that it has been that way for you! I actually had hoped for the same. Sold off some stuff I didn't need and had money for a Custom Shop. But my Standard 60s has been played in for a few years and a lot of gigs, and felt so similar to play to the Custom Shop. Maybe one day, but this wasn't the day unfortunately.
Same here. I've tried dozens of Gibson USA Les Pauls and none of them spoke to me. Then I picked up an R8 on Reverb for a good price hoping to flip it; 3 years later, it remains my favorite guitar.
Awesome shirt!! Just got an R9 yesterday! (2011) it’s awesome. I got a bunch of USAs and they are all awesome too but yeah I love it. I’m already pining for a Custom Shop Strat though.
Thanks! I'm a big John Carpenter fan 🙂 Great to hear that you found a lovely R9, and I'm sure I'll end up with one someday despite this video. In the Fender department those reliced telecasters are always calling my name.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar as many people have said previously there's a law of diminishing returns the further up in price you go, but hopefully I'll get a chance to try both custom and standard in my local shop. Awesome video though. P.s. love your office chair lol
@@JSW104 that my thought on it for now as well, the diminishing returns bit. But I wouldn't have known until I tried it for myself. I went another way, a video on that is in my queue. And thanks for complimenting my office chair ;) I'm tall, so I needed a good one with arm rests that pop up when I play guitar... and one that also looks decent. Been happy with it for more than two years now haha!
Nice comparison and honest review! I love my Gibson CS 2018 1958 VOS Les Paul for a wide variety of tones and styles from classic rock to country to jazz. Probably my favorite guitar of many over 50 years of playing. I especially like the large neck.
Sounds like a great guitar, and that's all that really matters: finding a guitar that's great for you! I think Gibson has been nailing it the past couple of years, you can find a killer guitar that works for you at different price points. I glad you enjoyed this video, thanks for watching and commenting! 🙂
20 years ago a standard would be a precious thing to me. I still have my first LP, which is a Junior, for more than 30 years now. It is the most played guitar in my collection but I rarely play that guitar in the last 20 years. People’s taste and preference will change with time, especially, when they have options.
I'm sure! When I bought my first Gibson in 2018, which was a SG Tribute in worn brown, that was a thing for me as well, owning a real Gibson. I always thought that a Gibson Les Paul would be out of my reach, until I got one in 2020 and a second one after trying this Custom Shop. And I'm sure a Custom Shop will be there too down the road.
Great video! I have a 60’s Standard USA Unburst that resembles a honey burst. Great figuring on the maple top as well. I purchased it at Gibson at their Gibson Garage. Point of my post is that I played a few CS LP’s while I was there. Great guitars no doubt but they felt marginally better than the 60’s standard USA model I ended up with. Granted, the staff at Gibson helped me pick out the Standard 60’s USA based on their opinions, but it was splitting hairs between my Standard USA 60’s and the CS examples I played for SUBSTANTIALLY more money. I felt the same watching your post. For a guy playing in his basement, it just didn’t make sense. You recording artists may justify the price point difference. Cheers!
Glad to hear I'm not the only one with a similar experience. If I made more money making music and/or if I was a better guitarist, I'd go for a Custom Shop, they're great. But if you can find a really good USA Standard, it's so close, I couldn't justify it. Eventually I ended up with a second 60s Standard in iced tea, in which I put Wizz pickups, a different wiring harness and last week I replaced the hardware for aged nickel Faber stuff to '59 spec. To me it now almost sounds and feels the same as that Custom Shop.
Great review Steven! It's easy to always 'want' more. On most occasions, what you already have is all you need. Haha, I also got rid of the Burstbuckers in my 2022 50s Standard - far too bright for my liking. I had a pair of cheap Vanson 59 humbuckers (£39 a set) lying around from an old project. Dropped them in before ordering something more expensive and to this day they are still there. Who would have guessed 🤷♂
Thanks! And you're right. These days there's plenty of affordable stuff that is actually than adequate to make good music with. There are plenty of cases where you actually get more value for money, but I have an Epiphone Firebird and a Squier Esquire that I'm about to use in the studio amongst much more expensive guitars, simply because they play and sound great. In the end all that matters is what works for the person playing it.
Absolutely stunning comparison in the video. I was leaning in focused trying to determine the difference and it was a difference in the low mids we're stronger in the Cs. I was really strange to hear a difference in the mix of the backing track. Again, stunning analysis in comparison there it is. Thank you very much for a job excellent, well done. ~ st
I have played CS Les Pauls that I didn’t like as much as my 2018 Traditional… to me, the purchase of a CS guitar is you being able to treat yourself to a guitar that is gorgeous, but at best marginally better than a Standard Gibson Les Paul.
Agreed. There's not a huge difference between the R0 I own and my Standard 60's, minus the price. I set them both up and installed my preferred set of pickups in both so aside from how they look, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference in a blind test.
I think you’re right! The best guitar is the guitar you’re comfortable and you love to play with! I own an Epiphone Les Paul for more than 3 years which is a great guitar with its Gibson pickups (high end Epiphone). I do love to play this one. Since the end of August I also own a Gibson Les Paul Standard Limited Edition with Manhattan Midnight Blue colour, ebony fretboard, burstbucker pickups and special headstock with a crown (mother of pearl)… It was the Les Paul of my dream and I do think this is the Les Paul for me… it does sound great and it’s one of the most beautiful Les Paul I have ever seen! For some of people it’s just a standard one but for my case I prefer this one instead of a Custom Shop. Question of taste!
Great to hear you've found your dream guitar! And it doesn't matter which brand it is or how expensive it is, it just has to work for the individual player. And besides that, it's an amalgamation of things. In a similar situation I might feel different in the future, when other circumstances might've changed. I don't think it's the end of my Custom Shop story, though it is for now. Sometimes it's just good to be happy with what you've got without spending money on something you don't need.
I have a 59 custom shop and a standard from early 2000's. Everyone says the standard sounds better and it was £1400 compared to £4999. Obviously the custom shops are nice to own and historically accurate but im sort of over that, might sell the r9 for another standard and pocket the difference. Nice vid thanks!
Thanks! Glad to hear you have a similar experience. A Custom Shop has stayed in the back of my head ever since I made this video, but everytime I play my Standards I don't feel like I'm missing anything.
Interesting as I had the same experience! Playing the same Custom Shop 59 VOS re-issue a few times at the local shop, 9k CND plus taxes…I loved it. Then I tried a few 60’s Standard and found one in Ice Tea and then had to buy it :) I did swap the pickups for a set of Bareknuckle Peacemaker. I’m super happy with my choice and i agree about the differences being so minimal but the difference in cost was just to high for me. I would love to own a Custom Shop one day!
I don't know whether you've seen the follow-up, but I ended up with a Standard 60s in Iced Tea as well and also swapped the pickups. But just like you I'd still like to own a CS one day.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar The only reason I didn’t buy was obviously the cost. I do also own a Gibson Les Paul Black Custom Shop 😊 I can’t be more happy 👍🏻
My R8 is the finest guitar I've ever owned and I've owned over 100. It's so inspiring, worth every single penny. Got mine used so saved a lot. Best investment ever, zero regrets. Ironically my R8 has a thinner neck than the R9 I used to have.
Great video and man two beautiful LPs right there. I experienced the same thing. CS LPs are awesome but most of the USA LPs are also insanely good. No need to get a CS imo but if you find the perfect one for you it doesnt matter if its USA, CS or Epi.
Great demo. I've recently acquired a 58 custom shop true historic and it's great. I was in the " is it worth it " ? camp for a long time,and couldn't see the difference. I've had and sold / traded a good few standards cos none of them were exceptional. The 58 is .
I am all for folks playing what they want. I have worked as a touring musician and also as a authorized service tech for multiple guitar brands. Again I am cool with folks playing what they want. For the last 3 years I have put away my pricey stuff and gigged on a 89$ Grote strat and a 155$ Grote thinline. Man! The liberty enjoyed by using an inexpensive rig has been a total joy. I don't baby these. I don't worry about someone knocking them off the stand I have not encountered any reduction in performance over pricey stuff. Not any. The thinline is stock. The 89$ Grote strat has 33$ worth of alnicos in it. So it is about a 125$ axe. Bottom line, play what ya want. But recognize that value equipment sure can be a lovely experience for a working musician.
I agree. Currently I love love in the middle: something that's nice but not overly expensive for my wallet. But I have (and had) plenty budget guitars that were gig worthy. Though some of them didn't take the road very well for an extended period of time.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I have had such fun with these Grotes. The thinline came with Korean Jin Ho parts!! I don't feel like I have to watch the stage now when on break. I actually leave them on stages after sound check. I bought several of the 89$ Grote strats. I left one in a shed in my backyard with a tiny battery powered amp. I just grab it and play when I like. They are like disposable lighters. It is quite liberating. And lovely to practice on knowing I am wearing out frets on a guitar that cost less than a fret job!!!
@@rustyshackleford9557 peace of mind is priceless. I would rather buy 3 nice USA made guitars than 1 uber expensive custom guitar. More so if I was a touring gigging musician.
@@GuitarsAndSynths Agree, we all have different incomes. My gigs are 150$ a man so for me, my 155$ Grote is perfect. If I made more money, say 300$ a night, and did 275 dates per year, I might very well play a pricier or even U.S built axe, especially by a builder.
Great vid as always! And I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who came to similar conclusions. I’ve tried many Custom Shop Les Pauls, and though all were amazing, I didn’t notice that big of a difference compared to my standard 60’s. Other than being lighter and the custombuckers having their own sound, I couldn’t find enough of a difference to justify the cost of the custom shop. OTOH, I also agree, I notice big improvement in feel and sound when comparing Epiphones to my Gibson USA guitars. I guess it’s the law of diminishing returns as price goes up. For now at least, I’m sticking to my standard 60’s and also find my sweet spot to be the current Gibson USA guitars.
I did a big brain pivot move instead. I bought a MIJ Tokai Love Rock. Made like how the original 59 were made with correct tonewood and hardware. The Japanese already mastered making the Les Paul decades before Gibson finally sort that out via the custom shop. And still costs less than a standard gibson. It is not the brand on the headstock that makes the guitar but the construction and Gibson unfortunately reserve that only for the custom shop reissue.
@@vmx23 I still have to try one of those. But just as the brand doesn't matter to me as much, vintage correct construction also doesn't matter all that much to me. As long as the guitar feels, plays and sounds good.
I had 2017 Traditional, and it only sounded good overdriven. Sold it. Bought a new Junior, swapped in Tyson Tone '57 Wraptail p90, and black Grovers. It's awesome. Find myself thinking about an eventual purchase of an R9 in the coming years
I've found that greatness in a Les Paul has more to do with how the different woods resonate together than the model or the price, and that no amount of mods or setup tricks can turn a mediocre LP into a great one. It either sings or it doesn't.
@@MyMotherTheCar I agree that a Les Paul either songs or not. Other mods can only improve on what's already there. Still don't have a Custom Shop, but I still think I own a few very great Gibsons.
I’ve had a few newer LP 60s, and the neck pick up is dark and muddy. I swapped them to varying winds of OX4s and it makes a huge difference. I find I like the 50s neck more though. I’ve never been able to justify the CS to the USA standards. There’s just not enough difference in sound and feel to me for it to make sense. I’ve had a 59 vos and it was great, but not for the money.
@@yrahcaz1967 mine doesn't have the original pickups in it either. I do have them in my SG and I'm currently running into the same issue. I'll probably lower it before I replace it.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I found that no matter what I did, nothing made it better. What I did do though was check the resistance on different 59 clones and paired the different readings to better balance, like a both being closer to 8 and 9 respectively versus 8k and 10k, and adjust height and poles accordingly for tone and volume
I own a 58 Gibson Custom Shop VOS and am thrilled to death with it, so much so I sold my Gibson USA Les Pauls. I just didnt play them after owning the Custom Shop Historic.
Anyone who's looking for their Custom Shop guitar to be $5000 'better' than a USA version is probably going to be disappointed. Do the CS Les Paul's sound better? I think they do, but chances are if you recorded with both USA and CS guitars nobody would be able to tell which is which. The USA guitars are professional-level instruments. The CS guitars represent a different kind of value. When you buy a CS guitar you're buying an instrument that's made as close to the way they were made in the 'Golden Era' as humanly possible. Where I notice the biggest difference is in playability; the neck's on the CS LP's just feel noticeably better than the USA versions, especially with regard to the 50's profile. The USA 50's profile is too big for me to play comfortably, while the CS 50's profile feels absolutely perfect. Buying a CS guitar also represents an investment in something that's made at the absolute highest level possible; in an age where so many of the things we buy are essentially disposable or made just 'well enough' to do the job there's something to be said for real craftsmanship. Anyway, just my personal take, liked the video and hope you treasure your new guitar.
I was well aware of those things before buying. Maybe I"m just not there yet, maybe this wasn't the right Custom Shop for me. The Custom Shop was slightly better than my Standard 60s, but even though I'm a sucker for details, it wasn't big enough for me. And the neck on it was actually a bit of a letdown. The Standard 50s neck has too much shoulder for my taste, but the 60s neck could be a bit bigger. Somehow the neck was smaller on this Custom Shop, if there even was a difference. I really hoped it would feel special to play and possibly own/keep a guitar that was made as exactly as possible to the kind of 59 Les Paul my guitar heroes played, but it turned out I feel really good about my USA Standard already. Who knows what the future brings though, I haven't ruled it out!
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I have a 2015 Ltd Edition Les Paul Traditional and if it's the only Les Paul I play for the rest of my life I wouldn't feel I was missing anything so I totally get what you mean. Gibson USA make fantastic guitars and I think people tend to overlook that somewhat - the Custom Shop guitars are works of art but in terms of how they perform as a musical tool there's probably very little difference, if any, compared to a USA model.
@@johnnewman8412 true and for what one custom shop costs, you can buy a nice Gibson LP Standard, Fender American Telecaster and a Gibson USA 1970s Flying V guitar and have all needed for every style of music from jazz to blues, rock, metal and country. Buying a 6k custom is for the wealthy now.
I started life with an '81 Les Paul custom and went from there to a 60 standard which I liked incredibly well. The only change I made on a standard was I went to the bumblebee caps along with new 500 pots as an assembly from Gibson. My sound was upgraded a bit and with the burst buckers seem to be a good compliment. I purchase a Gibson Les Paul 1960 anniversary RO and I'm doing the same thing you're doing doing comparisons and sound checks with it. The RO has custom buckers and is 100% stock but as you said I just like the feel I like the case I like the guitar I like the finish I just like the feel of it maybe it's all in my head because the sound is a bit crisper and doesn't have the mid drop that I have in the 1960 standard again every guitar is different and if I compare both of these to my 81 West Paul custom that's a tough sell. What's better I really couldn't say all I know is I'm keeping all three and enjoying them forever.
That last sentence, that's the most important part. And if the differences matter to you, then they simply matter and you should keep all three if your wallet allows it.
I have an R8 but I still find myself playing my inexpensive Gibson SG special all the time. It's a Workhorse! sounds great and I don't worry if it gets banged up. Is a great playing custom shop worth owning you say ? Absolutely!!! Most people would agree it's dishing out the money that's the main concern for most.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar Looks like the deal for it fell through 😞Man something does not want me to own a CS Re-issue.! This is the second time i missed out on a good deal on one!
@Steven Anthony, Good news the seller just contacted me and we still might work something out. He is bringing over a 2022 CS R8 Vos in iced tea and the 2016 historic R8 Lemonburst and i will buy the one i like best. Glad i will have more than one to try so i can compare. I have never played a Custom shop re-issue.
Great video man! I have also turned into a Les Paul (Gibson) guy in the past year. I have a Gibson LP 50’s Standard that I am absolutely in love with. Your video came in handy, as I am looking to get another Gibson guitar, this time the SG. Although I love the LP, I do want to have the brighter tone and thinner neck of an SG. I own a lot of guitars and this is simply the next on the list. I’ve decided on the SG Standard 61 (stopbar). Recently I have toyed with the idea of getting the Gibson Custom 61 VOS. I couldn’t find a Custom/USA side by side comparison for the SG, but your Les Paul video definitely has me thinking. The Custom Shop will be about 1200 more. I know the Custom VOS is probably going to have better playability and definitely hold its value better. But I did not hear much difference in your 60s vs the R9. Ah, decisions, decisions! Thanks again!
Glad I could be some sort of help. Given the fact that it's a SG you're looking for, maybe this video is helpful as well: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-y2jBQmOUeBg.html
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar appreciate the link to your SG video. I too love the look of the trem systems they offer, but do want the simplicity and tuning stability of a stop bar. Beautiful guitar!
@@w.english5368 I can understand those concerns, but I can tell you in honesty that with the Mojoaxe Vibrostop installed this SG stays in tune as well as all my other guitars. Maybe (somehow) even better. Had it since december and gigged and recorded with it a lot since then, and it's really really great. I've got no horse in this race, but this SG had been such a step up from the 2018 Standard I used to own.
I own a 2023 Murphy lab heavy aged R9 I got last Monday and I definitely prefer it to the 2018 historic R9 I traded. Before the 2018 R9 I had a 2022 standard 60's. It really comes down to what you personally want. I was after the closest possible to an old vintage 1959 LP that I could get with the money I had and the Murphy lab is definitely just that. To some they may not be worth the money? It's really a personal Choice👍
Honest and very good comparison. Totally agree with you, Steven. I owned a great CS LP 1960 Anniversary. Great guitar, but it cost a load of money. Was it worth it, for me? Somehow, I'm not so sure. Now I own a 2022 Standard LP '60s and I couldn't be more happy with that one, perfect, everything, right out the box, and it sounds as good as any LP to me.
It's been a year now since I tried that Custom Shop, and even though it was a great guitar, I never had any regret for not keeping it and I still enjoy my USA Standard extremely much. And after a year, that's usually a good sign, especially while having this video evidence of my experience to possibly keep me in doubt of my choices. But my USA has been played in for almost 4 years, I put pickups in there that I love the sound and feel of, and I feel like I've got nothing more to wish for.
I have an Adam Jones Standard (Gibson USA) and my dream is an R9. The pickups are so different between the two that I think it'd be worth having both. One day 🤞🏻
Even of the pickups are the same, it's always worth having two, you can swap the pickups! But I too still hope to own a Custom Shop, be it R9 or something else, someday. Just got to find the right one for me.
Good video. I had the opposite experience - after I got my R8, I traded my 50s Standard for a PRS. The R8 feels like it was custom made for me specifically - everything from the weight to the neck thickness to the tone is just perfect. I have a 2013 Standard, which has the asymmetrical neck, push/pull knobs etc, so it's sufficiently different and they're both perfect in their own right. The cost is definitely not indicative though - the jump from USA Standard to Custom Shop isn't 2x or 3x, because what we're paying for changes at this point. Gibson prices them high to control demand, for example. We're paying for historic accuracy, different people working on them, higher quality wood etc etc. I can't justify the Murphy Lab prices at all. In comparison, the jump from Epiphone to Gibson is much bigger. The Epiphone has a maple veneer instead of a solid cap, the wood grade would be lower, the electronics are lower quality, many of them use Indian Laurel for the fretboard. All these things have a much more pronounced effect on feel, tone, and playability.
I hope I'll find a Custom Shop that's perfect for me too down the line. I feel inclined to try a R8 once I get the chance. But I'm already really happy with what I got. Great to hear you found one that fits like a glove, there's almost no feeling like it.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar Too true! The nice thing about an R8 is the fat neck really does make it different to the Standards. I think I would have had the same thinking that you did with the R9.
@@six_string_sage I was surprised with the R9 that the neck was slimmer than I thought. Maybe even a hair slimmer than my Standard 60s. But I was afraid a R8 neck would be too fat for me, as the Standard 50s has a bit too much shoulder for my taste. Somewhere between the Standard 50s and 60s would be perfect for me. The 'thick soft v' neck on my 50s Vintera Modified telecaster for instance is perfect.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar Yeah, the annoying thing is the necks aren't consistent - my R8 is thick, but others are thinner. I have heard some R9s are thicker than others. And apparently, Gibson has recently found original Bursts that indicate the original necks weren't as fat as they thought, so newer reissues might be slimmer! So I think we need to see a video of you spending a whole day playing different custom shop models and telling us how they feel! (The R6 and R7 should also be bigger necks too)
@@six_string_sage oh man, I wish I could! I'd have to find a store with plenty in stock willing to let me do that. Ordering them myself on a return policy would be too pricey and risky 😉
I agree with you on your views. I've never tried an R9 because I'm left handed so yeah. I always get a good laugh at the people who con themselves into thinking an Epiphone is as good as the Gibson. I have owned an Epiphone. I probably had it less than a year a long time ago.They are not in the same class, and how could you expect them to be at the price points?
We are currently in the golden era of the cs/murphy reissues. There's really nothing that can beat that. What great guitars..look, feel, playability, authenticity yust gorgeous
Oh yes, what they're doing is amazing and that love for craftsmanship as well as the iconography of these guitars is what makes me want to want one. I decided not to jump om this guitar from a player's perspective, because they also make truly great guitars in the Standard line. But once I can economically justify such a purchase with some extra disposable income, I still see a Custom Shop in my future.
they really don't sound different with the custom shops.. its' the workmanship and old school craftsmanship you're paying for.. the woods are better, etc.. That is a very expensive premium for a reason... I have the Les Paul Custom - not a re-issuse, and the quality on it is just a lot better than my Les Paul modern's.
I think in the case, the Custom Shop sounds a bit better, but not by much. But I agree that they usually feel different to play, which is probably more important. In this case they were still too close to pay extra for, but I do understand and respect the premium price tag.
Cool... I only have a LP Ebony Classic and a weird LP Limited Edition Faded Flamed Iced Tea Classic (which doesn't have push-pulls, weird) Both are great, and I love the resonance of the Faded Gibsons, they really chime out your picking in the air.
Wow. The CS sounds just like an authentic 50s LP. The 60’s is good too but has a slightly raspier sound. Although the CS is only marginally better, better is still better and for that it’s worth it.
Absolutely, it CS was a great guitat and worth it if you can justify triple the price. For my it wasn't at that point and some upgrades get you a long way, but one day I still hope to own a CS.
That's kinda the double edge sword about Les Paul's, is that you really have to play them before the purchase because their all so drastically different, not only in sound but feel.
True! But that's also what I like about them. And I think there's a good chance that there is one out there I would've liked enough to keep, but I will find that one in due time 😉
I’ve owned and played many Gibson Les Pauls throughout the years. I’ve owned a lot of really great Les Pauls including a Jimmy Page signature. I don’t have my Les Paul’s anymore except for not to long ago I tried out a R9, R8 and a R0. Out of the 3 I purchased the R8. Unplugged you notice right away it rings the best. It feels just right in the hands, big fat neck. My hands aren’t large so I don’t know why it works best for me, it just does. The sound and feel is by far my #1! Everyone has to at least try what works for them instead of just having an opinion without trying it out? Yes you do spend a pretty penny. For me, I can’t put her down and that’s the only thing that matters.
Agree, everyone shoud take their time and try and compare until something clicks, although everyone should do that within their own budget. Good chance I will own a Custom Shop too eventually, just haven't found one I clicked with enough to make me want to spend that kind of money. Did have that with two Standards so far.
I kinda feel the same I have a Gibson USA Slash and a Gibson USA Modern (which is amazing) and I just bought the 59 Custom Shop VOS Washed Cherry I feel like I have to like the 59 the most but it was for my 50th birthday so it's special.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar true think that the Les Paul 60s and 70s necks are thinner and more suitable for metal shred playing. They do not have the baseball necks of 1950 type Les Pauls.
@@wiseguy9202 there was a bit of difference between both, but not huge. How different do your two guitars feel and play? Because even when they almost sound the same, better feel and playability could still be worth the upcharge.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I set them both up so feel-wise not a huge difference(neck profiles are both flat with broad shoulders). Plus I have a tendency to yank the pups(edit: in my LPs) and install their 496R/500T set in all of them. So technically me purchasing a reissue is a waste since I'm not beholden to tradition. Curiosity mixed with habit.....Lol
It depends what type of CS you're looking for. I didn't want no fancy aging, tarnished hardware nor zebra tops. What I wanted was the quality of the make, of the woods, pickups etc. I got my 2018 Historic R8 for 3,5k, which is not that big a difference with current standards that go for 2,8k In comparison to my Std, the CS feels different (not better), simply because they are not the same necks, weight, fret style etc but both are very good. Where the difference is most tangible is in the sustain, the vibration of the guitar, and the openness of the tone. They are two very different beasts and the R8 is a much better instrument. So, knowing what I wanted, I got it at a good price and to me it's worth every additional penny. I wouldn't have bought a 8k Murphy though, because the extra cash goes into the looks, not the music
For that price I would've bought a Custom Shop as well. I didn't look into R8s, because the necks on the ones I played were too big for my taste. I don't need flamy tops and although I like aging, I wouldn't pay thousands extra for it at this point in my life. In my video I compare a €2100 guitar with a €6000 guitar, and even though there was a difference, it wasn't enough for me to justify paying almost three times as much. If this R9 would've been €3500, I would've kept it.
I have, though not extensively. I like what they do with the colors and aging, though I'm not sure if I like the narrow-but-thick neck shape. And I think they're at a price point currently where it's hard to sway me over a good Gibson USA model. But interesting for sure. Would like to get one to try out sometime for a video.
Whats really messed up if you think about it is that the ones that we covet ...original 59, 58's etc, they were not "Custom" Shop models. They were the standard models. Meaning now we have to pay more for what used to be a standard model. We have to pay more for a model to be built the way its SUPPOSED to be made.
Yeah but I get it. The production methods and materials have changed, and so have the costs. If you want to buy a Ford Mustang to almost exact spec as 1970, you'd also pay more than a current model. Good news is that the current spec Standard model is also great, even though it might be a bit different. And they're more consistent. Don't know how that is with the Mustangs though, haven't tried either 😜
Thanks! I've got no reason not to be honest, besides possibly avoiding some hate for my opinions in the comments ;) But glad to hear it's appreciated! :)
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I agree, gigging with it can lead to having it stolen, I know many guitarists that will gig with the Epiphone Les Paul for gigs that aren't secure.
The Gibson 60's LP Standard is a fantastic guitar for the price. For 3 times the retail price, you really have to want a '58, 59, or 60 reissue. Does the custom shop sound three times as good? Probably not, but of course whichever guitar you choose is purely a subjective decision. Gibson has been building really great guitars the past few years since new ownership. Proud to own a 60's Standard in cherry sunburst finish. Love it!
True, the guitars since the new ownership really have been great! I've had a few older models and the ones I've had don't compare to the new ones. Currently I have two 60s Standards (both with different pickups), a SG Special and a SG Standard with vibrola. All of them are truly great! So was the Custom Shop by the way, but I just didn't feel I was missing out on anything, just happy with the ones I have 🙂
It's not just about the sound though with a Custom Shop guitar. You have to appreciate the value for the price of a guitar being built with materials, components, and electronics that are authentic to the original '58, '59 or '60 LP Model. Not to mention the mostly hand-built vs. mostly machine-built aspect. If these things don't matter to you, you can save yourself a lot of money or buy 3 Gibson USA LP's instead of one Custom Shop LP.
@@markn4526 I do see the value of that and I remember mentioning that in the video. But in the end I buy my guitars to play them, and the difference in feel and sound was not big enough for me to justify spending that amount of money, at least not at this point. Also taking into consideration that it would feel different to bring such an expensive guitar to most gigs, as opposed to the USA Standard. Once again: the Custom Shops are great and if I ever have some extra cash to throw, I'm sure I'll buy one eventually. As a player it was not necessary for me though. For some people that will be the case with an Epiphone versus a USA Standard, and that's all fine. I think both Epiphone and Gibson are making great guitars in all different price ranges these days and it depends on someone's wallet amd what they're willing to spend on a certain model which one is the right one 🙂
Agreed! I was actually replying to the original comment that was made. Marketing is a huge factor and Gibson, Fender, etc. are experts at this. That's why they have guitars at different price points for every customer. I'm not saying that the guitars priced at premium levels are not worth it (I think they are), but the buyer has to recognize and understand the added value, be able to afford the added price and feel that it's worth the added cost.
@@markn4526 absolutely. But it is a think. A lot of our heroes played guitars that said Gibson or Fender on the headstock, so a lot of this (myself included) are willing to pay a premium for that, since there are smaller builders that make similar guitars for less. But with boutique brands becoming more popular, that's becoming less of a thing it seems.
Custom shop Gibsons vary a lot. That was a real leap of faith buying one mail order- I tried mine out before I bought it. I really recommend that people try out the potential custom shop purchase if possible before they spend the big bucks . The weights of the Les Pauls can vary as much as two lbs. , even if the guitars are the same model. It is a lot of money to shell out and if the guitar is everything you want , it will be worth it. Is there a huge difference between the Gibson USA and the custom shop ? I think not, but the details in construction and wood quality really mimic the original versions and in some cases the new custom shop Gibsons might be the best stuff they have ever made. If the custom shop guitar makes you want to play more than you really can't put a price on that. If it sits in the case most of the time , then you just spent a lot of money for something you really are not benefitting from.
I'm absolutely all for trying something in a store, especially at this price points. I know how Gibsons can vary. I had tried some R9's in a store, but I found it hard to decide, so I wanted to try one out in the comfort of my own home, in my own studio with my own gear. I knew the weight and the look of this guitar before I bought it and the store has a good return policy. Simply a great guitar, just not worth the investment for me at this moment, as I can enjoy my Standard just as much.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I have heard good things about that store. Nice that you could return it. Really nice to have it delivered to your door. I fully agree with trying the guitar in your own home if you can- that's what I did when I was considering the R-0 that I have now. I was lucky to have it for many weeks to try, even played a gig with it. I bought it from a friend-totally different experience-I was lucky to find it.
You made the point that the current CS LPs may be the best guitars Gibson EVER made. That IDEA is one of the reasons i had to have one. I'm glad I have it. I agree one hundred percent with everything said in the video, but it's worth it for me.
Got to say it looks pretty good possibly sounds a little bit shrill on the high volume bridge pickup but perfectly acceptable. Low volume sounds good. If you can afford it, why not…. You one day you may be able to afford a real 1959 one.
The neck is muddier on the Standard 60s, but otherwise they sound damn near the same. Honestly, the thing it appears buyers pay for with a Custom Shop is a killer top, maybe a thicker neck, maybe some degree of relec-ing. Any improvement in tone that the CS has can be mimicked by switching the pickups, which is a small price relative to the cost to just from a USA to a CS. It’s just the looks. That’s not a diss to the CS. A guitar that looks great will inspire you to play more. But is the jump necessary? Probably not.
I would say it's more than the looks, the feel is different as well, and that in turn can make you play different. It just has a little more definition and harmonics due to construction, hardware and electronics, but even with some upgrades you can come very close. But as with any guitar, you just have to find the right one within your budget I think.
I'm planning on my first CS. With all the les pauls I have had vs just saving up and getting the CS the first time around, it will probably cost me 10+k for the guitar counting all the losses etc...
But normal people don't get a Custom Shop straight away. I've had Epiphones before I could afford my USA Standards. And I will get a CS at some point too, but that doesn't render all my other guitars useless. If you had just saved up you hadn't been playing guitar in the meantime 😉
Might be possible, I have times when I'm a bit too excited when recording something and I'm playing the guitar when it detunes, only to find out when editing.
Judging from the recordings, if it sounds like it does in the room, I bet the 59 sounds better at home and the one with the lovers sounds better in a band context. Lovers we’re a lot more honky but that would help cut
I was looking to buy a Standard LP and the shop happened to have some awesome Custom Shops too. No comparison, imho. The CS model is a different beast altogether and definitely worth it. If you're willing and able to spend €2.5-3K on a guitar, you're obviously serious about your hobby. So why not save a little longer and get the much better product for 2-3K more, which will give you much more than double the pleasure in the long run? Ppl bitch about the CS prices but to think, if you had the opportunity to buy an almost perfect reproduction of a vintage Porsche 356 (actually made by Porsche, not some knock-off brand) for 5-10% of the real deal price and the replica felt, handled, drove and sounded exactly like the real version, would you say no? I highly doubt it.
@@tito.tarantula awesome you found a great one! But I either have good USA Standards or have not been able to play a Custom Shop that is so great that it felt worth it to me to spend three times more. To be clear, I think the CS is great, but if you take the time to find a USA that fits you perfectly, that might be enough 🙂
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I feel ya, but finding a Standard almost as well built as a CS is definitely the exception, not the rule... or someone messed up labelling the guitar😅 The workmanship, feel and tone of a CS isn't by accident. I'm no where near being an awesome player capable of coaxing dream tones out of a Squire and tin can for an amp like some ppl are, but one would have to have winter gloves on not to feel the difference between a Standard and a CS model (tone is too subjective to discuss, imo). But that doesn't mean the Standard isn't good... I liked it - but only liked it. Love is different. Value is also subjective, of course. 3X more for a CS is 59 territory and moving towards Murphy Lab (not worth it for me either). But the €2K more I paid for the 58 vs the Standard was worth it for me. Great vid and discussion. New sub here. Keep it up.
@@tito.tarantula thanks for subbing! And I totally get you, I would always pay more for something that feels better. In this comparison there just wasn't enough of a difference and I don't want to pay three times as much for something that's great on paper but little difference playing it. But I'm sure I picked out a few USA's that are way above average. I'm sure I'll own a CS down the line, once I find the right one at the right time. That just hasn't happened so far, but I would've done the same as you based on your description and experience!
@@tito.tarantula I'm sure it will! Recently I wound up with a Gibsonesque guitar made by a smaller company that's Custom Shop like, but that's for a later video 😉
Not only yes, but F'uck yes... I've A & B'd dozens of Epiphone, Gibson USA, and Gibson Custom and they are accordingly priced ... And if you really want the best stuff, get the higher end Custom Shop stuff with the 5A tops and "Spare no expense" build specs.
I really thought that after buying the 2022 Les Paul standard i would not still be lusting after a Custom shop R8 or R9. Part of me is thinking maybe i should have just added the extra $2K and went with a used R8? Don't get it twisted The new Standard is a killer guitar but unfortunately for me i still really want a Custom shop.😞
Yeah I have to admit that the urge recently came back to me as well. Although I love my two Standards, a Custom Shop is still in the back of my head and I think I'll end up with one eventually anyway. Also considered a R8, but still not sure if the neck would be for me.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I hear ya about the R8's neck but also found out not all of them are real massive. Seems there are quite a few R8's that have a thinner, almost a 59 profile so i guess IF you handpick one there would be no issue. another thing for me is weight. My Standard is 9lbs 11oz so it is really close to a 10 pounder. I prefer 8.5 or even lower. BTW the only reason i am speaking of the R8 is due to cost. For whatever reason R8's are quite often less money than R9's and R0's?
@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 yeah I think because the lack of a flame top and less popularity than a R9 or R0 makes them a bit cheaper. I would have to try one, also to judge the necks.
@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 and by the way, I seem to have been lucky, both my Standards are just around 9lbs, so that's a weight that's reasonable for me.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar Yeah you are right typically the R8 does not have the flamed top although there are plenty that do. I just looked over at reverb and a figured R8 goes for about $4K-5K used and new is $5,300. I paid $2600 for my Standard brand new so that is a quite a hike in cost. About $2000 more on average for used and $2700 new
Yeah LP and SG, Im totally happy with standards. BUT when it came to 335 side by side it was night and day so I would say VOS 335 is worth the extra. But LP and SG are jus5 good solid guitars after you get some miles on them. Custom buckers are better pickups, but you can always drop some throwbacks in a standard and get that same thing. The nitro feel thicker on a standard and the binding is a different material. But really I only found itbto be worth it on the 335. SG, LP, and Junior.. Even my SG EB3 bass is all production and, side by side, I couldnt justify the extra money. Only the 335. Thats my experience FWIW. All the custom shops were amazing though.
Yeah Custom Shops are great, but I'm already so happy with my USA Les Pauls and SGs. Haven't tried the 335s of either though, but given the fact that it's a semi-hollow, it could make sense that all the small differences make up a bigger difference in total.
My Standard is 4,01kg and the CS I tried in this video was 3,98kg. So didn't have to do it for much weight relief, though I agree that makes a difference!
It is worth it. What's difficult is deciding which CS to buy. If you're able to test out multiple side by side, you'll notice that they will all sound different and feel different and look different and weigh different.
In my experience that's the case with all Gibsons, not just Custom Shops. They're worth the money, but I think it's rather subjective whether it's worth spending it.
I know what you mean, but the difference wasn't as big as I expected. Note that I'm playing a USA that I've had and played in for a few years, so the gloss has been played off a whole lot more. In my experience the difference between an USA and an Epiphone is lot bigger, plus that poly finish doesn't wear off on the latter. But maybe I've got a (now two) above average USA standard, and maybe I'll find a CS that is worth the difference to me in the future! 🙂
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar that’s true! And don’t get me wrong the Les Paul standard is a bloody amazing instrument, especially the one you have! Greetings from Germany
As long as you put a set of either Curt Mangan or Ernie Ball strings.....new custom shop may come with dead strings so....you should update and try again. But...pretty honest. Still Epiphone is a first guitar for the first 2 years. After that, boat anchor. imo
I put Ernie Ball Regular Slinkys on all my guitars, so no problem there. It was a great guitar, but I felt that my USA is also already great enough. And nothing wrong with Epiphones either, though I usually prefer the Gibson versions 😉
The pickups I mention that I put in the USA are by my knowledge also unpotted, though they are A2 instead of A3 magnets and yes, that still makes a difference ofcourse. I'm not sure I tried a '58, but I will do so in the future. The necks on the 50s USA Standard have too much shoulder for me, I think the CS should have less.
@@Richard_Lush aren't the necks on those huge? I do have a SG Special and Les Paul Junior with P90s. Have lusted after a P90 Goldtop Les Paul for a while before that. But once I actually do get a CS, I think I'd first go for a burst. But I think I'd have to try more next time, with my latest search I went for R9 or R0 V1.
Comparison makes no sense since your standard isn't stock. I actually prefer the standard for a more modern sound, but the custom has more character im a vintage way. Probs harder to hide mistakes on it, it seems to pick up more subtleties
Depends on why and how you look at this video. Upgrading to a set Seymour Duncan Seth lover is still less than half the price of this Custom Shop, so in my eyes the comparison is still relevant. I think the way they feel and play makes a bigger difference, as pickups are more of a matter of taste.
@StevenAnthonyGuitar so habe you still got them both or have you sold one, or are you gonna keep the custom stock and use the standard as am upgrade platform?
@@roberttodd2414 I did a follow-up back then. Didn't keep the Custom Shop, because it was too expensive back then for my needs. Got another Standard and did some different mods to it over the course of a year, which made a great guitar excellent, while still being very well below Custom Shop prices. But I'm not saying you get the same experience, a Custom Shop is a thing of its own, but it's subjective whether you need one I think.
@StevenAnthonyGuitar alright cool, tbh I think you got a good standard there. I've just bought a custom shop gold top 57 reissue at auction but it's limited edition with the slimmer v2 neck which will suit my small hands and black pickguard and hardware. Looking forward to it
It is a bit more clear, but it also has Alnico 3 magnets instead of the Alnico 2 in the Seth Lovers. I've got a set of A3's in my other Les Paul that have that same quality. The A2's have a bit of a different character. Personally, I like both, though I must confess the Custombuckers in this one sounded a little bit better to me, though not enough to warrant the €3500 difference.
Honestly, from the sentimental POV probably yes. From the practical POV absolutely no. The true working professional models are the USA. The CS stuff is for artists to have a touring guitar and not going everywhere carrying vintage expensive and highly valuable stuff....and also for doctors and lawyers that don't know what to do with their money. People, remember: Slash's most well known Les Paul is a copy, yes, is a good luthier copy, but if Slash didn't record AFD with it nobody would know about that guitar. Another of his most beloved and best sounding guitar is Jessica, a '87 USA model that sounds bigger than earth. Is not just the guitar, 90% is the player (if it is a good guitar).
Congrats on your new guitar! In your comparison, your R9 sounds more organic and expressive with more overtones and undertones. Your 60's LP, while being a bit louder, sounds a little more sterile (harsh) by comparison. I think there would be even more of a difference if your 60's LP still had the stock pickups as Seth Lover's are really good pickups. One thing worth mentioning is that every R9, R0, R8, R7, etc. is different and have their own individual character. Neck profiles, pickups, wood, etc. vary from guitar to guitar all of which contribute to how it feels and sounds. All these things are what makes each Custom Shop guitar special...just like the guitars back in the golden era. That's where the perceived value vs. price factors into the buying equation.
Frankly one must be deaf to not hear the difference the 60 is closed and a bit muffled, clearly the custom shop doesn't sound 3 times better but it'open, broader, clearer, focused, chimy, spongy. At the end beautiful playing
There is a difference, but not a huge difference. And the feel informs a lot of that for me. But I agree that the Custom Shop had the edge, but at the time of filming not enough for me to justify paying that much more. Still I hope to own a good one someday.
I've had countless and not all were great and I agree with you it's difficult to create a solid bond cause there is something impersonal, you can't modify, play and carry freely cause they cost too much.
@@biagiocauso2791 that was part of it. I was scared to get such an expensive instrument out of the case. My two Standards are gigging guitars that I'm no longer too precious with. But 10 years ago a regular USA would've been the expensive guitar that the CS now is. So hopefully in another few years that changes too 😉
several k for a guitar that feels like a bat , cracked finishes and wont stay in tune ...just blows my mind. I dont get it. My esp's, schecters, washburns etc.. dont have any of those issues and some of them are 20+ years old.
When I was a 15 years old boy, a shiny guitar is a beauty. Now a vintage or a light aged Murphy lab guitar with finish checkings and cracks, scratches and dings, and play marks all over its body along with its unique sound is a beauty.
Hey man! i’m the guy who got your epiphone LP, interesting to hear your views on the differences in quality in the gibson-lines. How would you describe the quality difference between the gibson tribute series and the gibson standard line?
Hey man, hope you're still enjoying that black beauty! I think the tributes are really good as well. I have two Tribute Juniors, they're great for the price. I like the satin finish these guitars have. But if you go outside the realm of P90 pickups, the Tribute series has in my opinion lesser electronics, but you can change those ofcourse. Personally, I wouldn't want to own a Les Paul without binding. But there's nothing wrong with the Tribute series, just in many ways a bit more plain and straight forward. I cannot say I have noticed that they're worse quality wise, just simpler.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar no im Belgian and I recently bought myself an R8 CHERRY BURST plain top I had an r9 and r0 and came back to an R8 I think sound wise its heavier
@@Hackr069 I have to say I was very tempted this week to get a Custom Shop in the Gibson European Demo Shop sale on Reverb. Might regret not doing it...
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar cuz long short, buying CS LP is like buying a 1000 dollar steak... out of all the production les pauls 2013 LP Trad has all the appointment and recipe of a real les paul (no holes) with 57/57+ which is the consistent version of PAF. all post pandemic guitars are garbage including fender. just my opinion tho. thanks
@@keun123 well, my Les Paul in this video is pre pandemic, so I'm happy to know you'd not see itnas garbage then. It doesn't even have holes! But you're entitled to your opinion, even though I can't agree with it 😉
