Thanks for the reply Darrell! I didn't know that.. I see more and more every year that Gibson are responding to this PRS have done on their guitars. Even the high performance stuff seems like a response to PRS practicality.
Thanks for the reply Darrell! I didn't know that.. I see more and more every year that Gibson are responding to this PRS have done on their guitars. Even the high performance stuff seems like a response to PRS practicality.
I’ve just picked up a 2019 SE and I have to say it is so much better made, better set up and nicer to play than my 2019 Gibson LP Standard which was more than 3 times the price. Wish I’d got the SE first.
i like how real this guy is. hes not trying to just show off his chops but really showing the differences between the guitars and letting you decide which you would prefer. thanks Darrell!
Yeah man, Darrell seems like a good dude. Someone you'd want to drink a beer with and pick his brain. Thanks for being cool Darrell & not a showboater!! Haha. (Even though you could with your great abilities)!
PRS SEs usually slaughter Epiphone Les Pauls on overall build quality and quality control. Scratch that, they can slaughter even a lot of low to mid range Gibsons...
David RF So I take it you are basing that on the fact that you are head inspector in charge of Quality control for Gibson and Paul Reed Smith? People say the stupidest things with zero facts to back up their claims! 😂
@@wildebeast6065 Dude, I've been to the PRS factory and they have more quality control check stations than they have assembly stations. Maybe if Gibson took the same approach they'd have a decent and reasonably priced product. Also how do you know he has 0 facts? He probably made that observation by playing different guitars. Which is kind of how you find out if it's true or not. Just trial and error. You should maybe not make blatant ill-informed assumptions about people.
Garrett Warman you have been to A PRS Factory!!???? hahahahaha you keep believing your random propaganda. 😂😂 to make such a blanket statement is asinine on so many levels.
@@wildebeast6065 you seem to literally not believe anyone. I doubt anyone's ever won an argument against you for the fact they cant prove they actually exist
Let me know if you guys are #TeamLesPaul or #TeamPRS :) Stay tuned to the channel for the comparison between the American versions of these two amazing guitars!
Darrell Braun Guitar #TeamPRS, the PRS is definitely the more versatile of the two and is a little brighter all round, but particularly the neck pickup, the epi is a little muddy there. Looks the biz too!!
#TeamPRS. They have this brighter cut and snap that I could never get out of an LP. More comfortable, lighter, more articulate and clear...hands down winner!
Very sweet comparison ! My heart always beats for LP's sound, but they are the MOST uncomfortable guitars I've ever played too ... Heavy like a brick, terrible balance on thigh, cutting right forearm and chest ... Why does they sounds that good and feels that bad !
Because it's a man's guitar. Lol, I'm only joking, but I have a 2013 Gibson Les Paul Traditional that sounds incredible, is beautiful, and I absolutely love the way it feels. It's very heavy at about 10.25 pounds but that doesn't bother me, it's my go to gigging guitar
With you there. I really wanted to love my Gibson LP but I hated it, I know, blasphemy. Sorry. I sold it after three weeks. So uncomfortable, torture to play sitting. Love my strat and going to the PRS custom 24 for the HH setup I need.
I agree too. I really really like the PRS but the les paul has that warmth to it. Throughout the video i was hoping to hear that on the PRS but it didn't quite do it.
Custom 24 SE by far. PRS customer support is amazing, and the guitars feel like they make it the best guitar they could for the price. Epiphone lately feels like they make the cheapest guitar they can get by with.
Also, if you need any kind of customer service from Epiphone, you're SOL. Might as well not even bother. Another big thing is that the SE Customs are made in South Korea, which are very akin to Japanese and even American build quality in my experience. Typically, the Chinese made guitars are nowhere near that build quality.
I recently got my first PRS. I've been wanting a PRS since 1987, so this is literally a dream come true. The craftsmanship, playability and tone are simply unparalleled. The only thing better than a PRS is another PRS. BTW your reviews and your knowledge of guitars and guitar playing is wonderful. Keep up the great work!
My PRS is the 22 fret model. My favorite feature of it is the 25" scale length. Fret spacing is more comfortable to my hand from each end of the neck. Also the tension required for standard tuning with a .009 gauge string set is lighter than that required on the 25.5" scale of a Strat but only slightly more than that of the shorter (24 3/4") Les Paul. For my finger strength and playing style (I do a lot of string bends). To me this tension on the mid-length PRS scale is perfect. Your mileage may vary.
Agree. My PRS plays like the best of any guitars I've played at any price, whereas my Epi- well I have to make some compensations. I love the way both play, but with PRS, it's got everything. I can easily get up to the 24th fret which is great at my age. Also can split the pups to simulate the sounds of single pup guitars. Mine has the abalone birds which gets a big thumbs up too. Plays sooo easily. but that's just my opinion.
I preferred the LP, but, as Darrell noted, I can see the need for the clarity of the PRS when a solo needs to stand out among other instruments during the course of a song. Both were excellent, regardless.
Great comparison. I'm thinking if you roll back the tone on the PRS a trifle the tone would match the Epihone a lot more. Adjusting the amp EQ to compensate for the brighter tone would also make a difference. I think the maple neck would brighten up the PRS too.
It's just a descriptive word. No need to be sensitive about it. Angus Young plays an SG. Guess what the SG originally stood for. I dont hear him whining about it.
Its because if you broke it by accident at least it is not very expensive. Try buy an expensive guitar and give it to a beginner and let him play all day, lets see how you feel
Both sound great and both are very usable instruments, but the PRS is just a hair better in my opinion. It sounds more defined and articulate, although the Les Paul is fat and generally thicker sounding. However the PRS is just a little more practical and more versatile, so that's why I would choose it!
CreamFreshCream. Yes. I agree. You can get that close Fender strat sound out of it as well with the split coil pickup option which is what I like about it.
So having owned both( epi and se) and loving both and now owning a 09 Gibson LP trad pro and 17 S2 custom 22 i can say:1. prs always play easier, just easy. 2. lp neck pickup for riff/solos has no equal 3. lp kicks my ass after a 3 hr gig,prs no sweat 4. prs have better coil tap 5. slash plays a LP
This is a timely video. I'm trying to figure out which of these two guitars to buy. The PRS is in between the Strat and LP sound. LP is the LP with that rich tone. It really is hard to decide, "fat sound or more bite"? I'll just have to see how things develop as I learn more about playing. Thanks for an excellent video, Darrell!
You have such a pleasant, optimistic attitude dude! Makes your videos so much more enjoyable. Love your videos, comparisons, reviews- you name it! Keep it up Darrel! 👍
I was fully prepared to prefer the PRS but I like the Epiphone best. I'm very impressed by the sound quality. plus it looks fantastic. Question: why not the PRS custom 22?
danmar007 I have a PRS '03 Custom 22, with a single wrap around stop tail bridge and Dragon 2 pickups. It DESTROYED my Gibson Les Paul Standard. I loved my LP but is just sounded thin and spiky by comparison. Ended up trading the LP for another PRS!
I went to a music store two weeks ago to check out those two guitars. I brought home a Gibson SG Standard. The way you made the LP and PRS sound is giving me second thoughts on my purchase. You make everything sound great.
for anyone who wants to know, you can find that epiphone les paul at Marty's Music Store and something a lot like the Custom 24 at Creter's Guitar Shop, both in Pennsylvania. Your welcome :)
I am lucky enough to own both an Epiphone Les Paul and a PRS 245 SE. Let me start off by saying because of a car accident I have severe neck problems and arthritis in my wrists and fingers. I can’t play my Epiphone Les Paul standing up, and even sitting down I sometimes feel it’s too heavy, although I love the tone of it. My PRS is definitely lighter, I don’t have a tremolo on it (I didn’t want one) but I love the open coil pickups and how light it is. I am a Les Paul man all the way, but the fact that I can get so many tones out of my PRS makes me like it that much more, but on the days where my neck and fingers aren’t bothering me I’ll grab my Epiphone or Gibson Les Paul in heartbeat. Thank you for your great videos, I am a subscriber and make sure not to miss any of them. Keep up the great work.
For me I like the versatility of the PRS I think more bang for your buck with a guitar that sounds like a strat and a Paul with that awesome trem so I'd say I'm team PRS !!
+Ed Mathews The PRS was lighter, with better upper neck access, and has a belly-cut too. So it was super comfortable to play. The LP is less refined as it represents a traditional design. It was fun to play on too, just not as ergonomic as the PRS.
I bought a PRS SE24 and I love it. MY wife got me a Firefly FF338, and after swapping the stock pups for Dragonfire screamers I sold my Epiphone LP. The only thing the Epi did better than the PRS was 80s/90s stuff like AC/DC and the FF with the screamers did that better for a lot less.
Darrell, Darrell, Darrell. These comparisons are so freakin hard due to the fact that any guitar you play, you make it sound like a million bucks! You are so talented my friend. Love your channel. BTW, I got a PRS SE custom 24 with spalted maple top this year and I love it. My other guitars are collecting dust right now. lol \m/
The PRS got a more balanced sound while the LP has a lot of mid range. Also the PRS sounds more modern. The neck position sound on LPs is unbeatable in my opinion.
This was a great video. Imo a blind test would've been better since all the LP fans will always pick the LP when they see it & all the PRS fans (like me) will always pick the PRS. Like it or not, a lot of guitarists listen with their eyes
This comparison is pretty good, though I guess a PRS SE 245 would be a better apples to apples comparison. I would love to find a good comparison between the Custom 24 and the Telecaster Deluxe. Apparently I'm the only person weighing those two models because there's very little out there, even though they have a lot in common. If anyone has thoughts hit me with a reply.
I just love a great Les Paul. The new Epiphone's are really good. I recently sold a bunch of gear and purchased a Custom shop Les Paul 59 reissue all I can say is OMG!
Hi Darrell, as always a very informative and entertaining video. Just one point, how much involvement did Les Paul really have in the design of the LP guitar? We know he had experimented with solid guitars and actually built the "Plank", but I've seen it written that it was actually Ted McCarthy who designed the LP. Certainly one can say that Les Paul inspired the design, though.
I have both of them and about 15 guitars in total. I love them all, but really enjoy my Godin LGXT and Roland GR-55 Synth. If I had them 40 years ago, my life would be different. Thanks Darrell, really enjoy your videos! Keep them up!
I happen to own both of these guitars for almost a year now, ofcourse the prs was slightly more expensive, and came with an amazing gig bag with a cord! I honestly prefer the prs for its neck profile and double cut body, much more comfortable to play. my epi LP has a D shape neck, maybe my hands aren't big enough but it just doesn't feel quite right. something about having a les Paul is just satisfying so that's my main justification for having one LOL.
One thing about these comparison vids: I would assume the settings on the Amp were the same going from the LesPaul to the PRS. That makes sense when comparing the distinct sound of each guitar and works great for this "synthetic" test. But, in the real world you would tweak the settings differently for each guitar, so it brings out the best tone of each instrument. What I'm trying to say: Yes ,the instruments sound different. But there is sooo much you can do to the tone with tone control, EQ, compression etc. I wouldn't make the tone of a video like this your deciding factor when choosing a guitar.
Hi Darrell, both are professional sounding instruments to me, but the Les Paul roars when the distortion gets bigger, so to me it won this comparison. All the best!
Nice video, and great playing! I'm in the PRS camp. I have a Gibson Les Paul Classic which is a really nice guitar but just doesn't feel as good to play - I actually prefer my Epiphone Rosso Corsa. Nothing beats the PRSs, though. Re the tone of the neck pickup, of course you can also get a Custom 22 which has 22 frets and a more mellow-sounding neck pickup.
I have an epiphone LP with Gibson pups and I love it, it can be uncomfortable if played for a long time but it is a really good sounding guitar, I've also played SE custom 24 and it is an interesting instrument too, while I tend to like the clarity on the PRS, there's always room for that huge LP sound/tone
Darrell, dont forget when we judge pickups sound your test videos ALWAYS have to have a good part of CLEAR tones with no distortion or overdrive with the amp EQ all in the middle, its the easiest way to fairly judge the sound of pickups.... because with distortion on it then the sound depends of the distortion and not on the pickups only
You didn't mention the weight difference. I don't really play Les Paul guitars because they are so heavy, especially the cheaper models like Epiphone. I just happen to own an SE custom 24 and I have never played a LP that notes as clear as the PRS guitars do. It's just a superior instrument, although I think it probably costs a little bit more that the Epiphone.
After over 20 years of playing nothing but American strats and teles I decided to buy a PRS SE Custom 24 with a roasted maple neck. I haven’t received it yet but I’m extremely optimistic. Great video. I prefer the PRS over the Epiphone. 🇺🇸🗽🦅🇰🇷
As I've said before you could make a biscuit tin with rubber bands on it sound like a £m guitar. The neck pick ups were very different but they both sounded great. I have two Gibsons, two Fenders and two Epiphones in my collection and I play the Epiphones all the time. Sadly not like you. A great comparison. Thank you.
I just bought a PRS SE 24 and have owned a Epiphone LP for the past 10 years. So have these two guitars at home :D The PRS is much more comfortable to play for me. Everything is easier to reach and the overall build quality is superb. In terms of tone they are very similar. To my ears the PRS has more clarity in the sound, it's more transparent with both pickups. The LP has a slightly fatter sound with more low-end, while the PRS has more brilliance in the mids. The big thing though: The pots on the PRS are amazing and give you way more nuances compared to the Epi even without splitting the coils. The only sound I was not able to "dial in" on the PRS is the neck pickup Gary Moore style lead tone. All in all I prefer the PRS because of quality, playability and versatility.
I have a 79' Les Paul Custom that i installed a Kahler tremelo system on back in the 80s. Needless to say--I played it to death, literally. I have always been intrigued by the PRSs and yet never had the oppurtunity to play one, perhaps a little too late. Nevertheless, I recently purchased the Jeff Beck Signature Strat (Olympic White) and I have to say that I really love how it has been set up, moreover, I'm fonder for a Fender than I expected and have been doing a lot of research, more than usual, on Hendrix, Vaughn, Clapton and need I mention--Beck. Personally, I like how Fender has set up the floating tremelo and has adjusted, as I had hoped, the fingerboard to the higher deck. That said, I do not know how it would compare to a PRS. I'm not sure anything can compare, but I am happy with my new Strat and it would be intersting to see, unless of coruse I have missed it, a review of the Beck Signature Strat. Thank you. Love your reviews.
Everytime you have a Epi Les Paul comparison it always does so well. It looks great and sounds awesome. For the money both hard to beat, can go either way and still a great choice.
If you really love the rich creamy tone from the neck pickup, don't buy a 24 fret guitar. You'll never quite get the "right" tone from the neck pickup on any 24 fret guitar. The pickup is simply not in the right place. You really do sacrifice alot of tone for those 2 extra frets. How often do you even use those extra notes? I would hazard almost never. Just something to think about when out shopping for your next guitar. More isn't always better.
Jason T. ; Point taken, but I find most 22 fret guitars sound too warm, to the point of muddy. Personally, I like the clarity of the 24 fret guitars - depending on the pickups, of course. Some can sound too bright or even brittle.
I think you right. I have A real custom 24 PRS and I now have a USA Les Paul standard Pro Guitar and I would have to say that my Gibson is a better all around guitar. and with the coil taps it Rocks peace bro. .
while it may be true that I seldom use the extra two frets, the fact that they are there makes it a lot easier to get to 20, 21 and 22 - which I do use somewhat. Personally I prefer the feel of the PRS neck/fret board, but everyone's hands are different. For what its worth, I have an American PRS as well as an SE like what is reviewed here and I have replaced the pick ups in both of them, while the original pick ups are still in both of my Les Pauls.
Thanks for the video dude. I have an epiphone les Paul and prs se, both great, the prs has slightly more bite to the tone, which some may prefer not to have... all depends, but both lovely to play.
I have a singlecut PRS SE, and my dad has about 3 Epis. I like the PRS sound a bitter better. It has the flair of a strat, but the bite and warmth of an LP at the same time. Plus, it's lighter. Not to take anything away from Epiphones and Les Pauls of course. I guess after playing my PRS for 3 years, my ears and fingers have grown to love it the sound. haha
Nice comparison! both worthy guitars that's for sure, the PRS sound a little brighter to me but either one would be great I like the PRS. It's good to see that the quality of the overseas built instruments has improved over the years.
Thanks for the comparison, I just pulled the trigger on a PRS SE Custom 24-08, I have played on a Epiphone LP, which I have and a American Strat shawbucker 2016 standard. I recently bought a couple of cheap Harley Benton Guitars, that were on special so they were less expensive than normal. The one I got was a PRS rip off, CST-24 and a Fusion III. The Fusion is OK, but I fell in love with the feel of the CST-24, It is one of the easiest to play, and as an intermediate player...hint hint, no where near Darrell's level of play, I thing I have found the right instrument to continue my practice sessions with. I am still a student but I wanted an upgrade, and the PRS SE Custom should do it. Thanks for the information and the video, I wanted the 24-08 for more options as I grow as a player. Nothing wrong at all with the PRS SE Custom 24 at all and I recommend it since I hear it is very comfortable an a new students hands, if you can't afford the Custom get the standard its cheaper and is more than enough for a long time.
LP has best sustain and the notes swell a sing out. The trem sucks some of the tone out of the PRS (which is normal), but it's still at the top for what it is. The LP surprised me with the beautiful tone.
I have a PRS Standard 245 and recently bought the cheapest Epiphone Les Paul to have in my boat. The biggest difference was that PRS was very well setup from the factory while the Epiphone was horrible!! However after many hours work with fret leveling, neck, string height, pickups and a lot more it feels really good too.
I always perceived that PRS SE as being somewhat like a HSH Strat (MIM) - Would be interesting to see a comparisson between those models, actually. Awesome channel btw., keep up the good work!
I am a long-time subscriber and your videos are always very good and very informative. I’m just surprised that there are no clean tones in your demonstration of either Guitar. I know that you know that is the true way I hear the voice of any Guitar i’m surprised at the amount of distortion while visiting the bridge pick up on each guitar. It sound like crap. I’m just surprised because you are so good at what you do. Thank you for all that you do for all of us all the time.
The coil-split on the PRS makes it far more versatile giving as close to a Les Paul and Strat sound as you are likely to get from a single instrument at this price-point.
#TeamPRS The looks, design which fixes most problems on the Holy Trinity of Les Paul, Strat and Tele and the clarity of the Custom 24 gives in my opinion just the room to expand in. While the Les Paul is a lovely instrument im not too big a fan of it.
Excellent comparison. The PRS sounded brighter for sure, but man, that LP just has "the sound" that LP's are famous for. I don't own a PRS, but I think it would come down to how the neck feels for me. I do find that the thick heel on the Les Paul can hinder access to the upper frets. Of course you can work around that, but on other guitars, that heel doesn't hit your hand like it does on a LP.
I have the same model of PRS. It's a great sounding guitar and it plays very well. The only complaint I have is the trem is pretty much useless for holding it's tune. But otherwise it is a fine instrument. I don't know as I would say it's a cross between a strat and a Gibson, more like a cross between a tele and Les Paul, IMO.
The Les Paul on the 80’s ballad was what I call “haunting highs”. Love the sounds, but both distinctly different in their own good ways. As a “Gen X”, kid I just float hearing that Les Paul singing! Now, that’s not to say the PRS didn’t bring anything to the table. If I were to buy my youngest son or my grandson a new axe I’d most likely go PRS. Love the video & keep crankin’ em out DB!
I own both a PRS SE and an Epiphone LP and I love them both. I'd have to say the overall quality of the PRS is only very slightly better. The Epiphone is an excellent specimen for a mid-priced LP and it plays and sounds wonderful. The neck and the action on it are outstanding. If it didn't say Epiphone on the headstock, it would be very hard to tell the difference from a Gibson costing several times more in a blind test.
For anyone interested in these, I spent about 2 hrs in the store plugged in with the plustop epi w/ pro humbuckers and the prs custom 24 with 85/15 pickups and the prs destroys the epi. Sound and playability don’t even compare. I thought I was walking out with some form of les Paul but the prs is so much better.
I take it back. After playing the se for a month I couldn’t get the tone I wanted. I took it back and got the plus top pro. NOW, I’m happy. This thing is a beast and with 11-48 strings on it, it produces the exact tone I’d been looking for. I guess it depends on the sound you’re after but PRS wasn’t for me.
@@delesdog I couldnt get to like the PRS either. I have an epiphone les paul with pro buckers and recently got a 2018 custom 24 to see the fuzz about them, and I just couldnt get to like the tone. The guitar itself is built pretty good, and feels great to play, but tone wise, its cleans dont come close to a good strat, and the dirty doesnt touch a les paul. Im probably going to return it too.
The PRS sounded better and would probably stay in tune . This particular LP looks better thorugh. Of the two, he LP would hang on the wall and the PRS would be played on. Keep on tthe good work!
I never thought I liked prs guitars, but every time you have one in your demos they sound so good. Plus I had the dreaded headstock snap on my epiphone les paul and from a short drop.
I was debating between these two last year. I prefer the tone on the les paul but the prs was more practical, comfortable and lighter and the tone is good as well.
I just acquired my first Paul Reed Smith a couple weeks ago; a 1994 Custom 24. I have picked up and played MANY PRS’s over the years, but never played one I liked...until I picked up the ‘94 Custom 24. It is an AMAZING instrument. I have a Paul also, and, forced to choose, I would choose the PRS over the Paul.
I love this channel! Thanks for another fantastic review.
My wife just said "This video is no help at all" because now her husband wants both guitars....
Darrell... Great job 👍👍
Gibson and PRS should collaborate and make the Les Paul Reed Smith
+Ben Forsey It's too bad they hate each other 🙁
Well, Gibson did try to sue them out of existence...
Thanks for the reply Darrell! I didn't know that.. I see more and more every year that Gibson are responding to this PRS have done on their guitars. Even the high performance stuff seems like a response to PRS practicality.
Thanks for the reply Darrell! I didn't know that.. I see more and more every year that Gibson are responding to this PRS have done on their guitars. Even the high performance stuff seems like a response to PRS practicality.
Less of Paul and more of the Smith.
Hahahahaha that made my day man
I’ve just picked up a 2019 SE and I have to say it is so much better made, better set up and nicer to play than my 2019 Gibson LP Standard which was more than 3 times the price. Wish I’d got the SE first.
i like how real this guy is. hes not trying to just show off his chops but really showing the differences between the guitars and letting you decide which you would prefer. thanks Darrell!
+Rhett Harris Glad you liked the comparison! 👍
Yeah man, Darrell seems like a good dude. Someone you'd want to drink a beer with and pick his brain.
Thanks for being cool Darrell & not a showboater!! Haha. (Even though you could with your great abilities)!
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les paul has that ever so thick sound I just can't get enough of!
PRS SEs usually slaughter Epiphone Les Pauls on overall build quality and quality control. Scratch that, they can slaughter even a lot of low to mid range Gibsons...
Scratch that, my signature SE's play better than every single Gibson I've played except for 1
David RF So I take it you are basing that on the fact that you are head inspector in charge of Quality control for Gibson and Paul Reed Smith? People say the stupidest things with zero facts to back up their claims! 😂
@@wildebeast6065 Dude, I've been to the PRS factory and they have more quality control check stations than they have assembly stations. Maybe if Gibson took the same approach they'd have a decent and reasonably priced product. Also how do you know he has 0 facts? He probably made that observation by playing different guitars. Which is kind of how you find out if it's true or not. Just trial and error. You should maybe not make blatant ill-informed assumptions about people.
Garrett Warman you have been to A PRS Factory!!???? hahahahaha you keep believing your random propaganda. 😂😂 to make such a blanket statement is asinine on so many levels.
@@wildebeast6065 you seem to literally not believe anyone. I doubt anyone's ever won an argument against you for the fact they cant prove they actually exist
Let me know if you guys are #TeamLesPaul or #TeamPRS :)
Stay tuned to the channel for the comparison between the American versions of these two amazing guitars!
Oh Man! I knew something didn't feel right! :D
#TeamJackson ftw
Darrell Braun Guitar #TeamPRS, the PRS is definitely the more versatile of the two and is a little brighter all round, but particularly the neck pickup, the epi is a little muddy there. Looks the biz too!!
Darrell Braun Guitar #TeamPRS for me. Just overall awesome
#TeamPRS. They have this brighter cut and snap that I could never get out of an LP. More comfortable, lighter, more articulate and clear...hands down winner!
Very sweet comparison ! My heart always beats for LP's sound, but they are the MOST uncomfortable guitars I've ever played too ... Heavy like a brick, terrible balance on thigh, cutting right forearm and chest ... Why does they sounds that good and feels that bad !
+The Woman With No Head 😄 Too true!
Because it's a man's guitar. Lol, I'm only joking, but I have a 2013 Gibson Les Paul Traditional that sounds incredible, is beautiful, and I absolutely love the way it feels. It's very heavy at about 10.25 pounds but that doesn't bother me, it's my go to gigging guitar
With you there. I really wanted to love my Gibson LP but I hated it, I know, blasphemy. Sorry. I sold it after three weeks. So uncomfortable, torture to play sitting. Love my strat and going to the PRS custom 24 for the HH setup I need.
Les Paul's neck is so chunky and so hard to reach the higher frets. Plus, takes more time to get use to
Put LP pickups in a single cut PRS
I dig the PRS guitars.... but the LP sounds warm and round and I like that. Oh, and that quilted maple sure doesn't hurt anything either.
Never Mind
I agree, there is something about the les paul that makes it sound more alive
I agree too. I really really like the PRS but the les paul has that warmth to it. Throughout the video i was hoping to hear that on the PRS but it didn't quite do it.
A more fair comparison would be with the PRS SE Custom 22. The 24 fret version creates a less round neck sound because of the longer fretboard.
If you lower pickups on the prs it'll sound warmer. Big difference in pup height effect on them.
It sounded better on the chords, you could here the les Paul sound, but the split coil is really good on the PRS
Custom 24 SE by far. PRS customer support is amazing, and the guitars feel like they make it the best guitar they could for the price.
Epiphone lately feels like they make the cheapest guitar they can get by with.
Also, if you need any kind of customer service from Epiphone, you're SOL. Might as well not even bother. Another big thing is that the SE Customs are made in South Korea, which are very akin to Japanese and even American build quality in my experience. Typically, the Chinese made guitars are nowhere near that build quality.
I recently got my first PRS. I've been wanting a PRS since 1987, so this is literally a dream come true. The craftsmanship, playability and tone are simply unparalleled. The only thing better than a PRS is another PRS. BTW your reviews and your knowledge of guitars and guitar playing is wonderful. Keep up the great work!
Yeah, PRS is in a whole other's league. The Epiphone is good but is not even comparable orveven close to PRS Cor-Tek manufacturing.
My PRS is the 22 fret model. My favorite feature of it is the 25" scale length. Fret spacing is more comfortable to my hand from each end of the neck. Also the tension required for standard tuning with a .009 gauge string set is lighter than that required on the 25.5" scale of a Strat but only slightly more than that of the shorter (24 3/4") Les Paul. For my finger strength and playing style (I do a lot of string bends). To me this tension on the mid-length PRS scale is perfect. Your mileage may vary.
Agree. My PRS plays like the best of any guitars I've played at any price, whereas my Epi- well I have to make some compensations. I love the way both play, but with PRS, it's got everything. I can easily get up to the 24th fret which is great at my age. Also can split the pups to simulate the sounds of single pup guitars. Mine has the abalone birds which gets a big thumbs up too. Plays sooo easily. but that's just my opinion.
I use Billy Gibbons Reverend Willy .007 set through.009 sets! Easy bending , g8 tone and they stay in tune incredibly well
Darrell, your reviews are head and shoulders above ALL others I have seen....keep them coming and THANKS!
I preferred the LP, but, as Darrell noted, I can see the need for the clarity of the PRS when a solo needs to stand out among other instruments during the course of a song. Both were excellent, regardless.
Great comparison. I'm thinking if you roll back the tone on the PRS a trifle the tone would match the Epihone a lot more. Adjusting the amp EQ to compensate for the brighter tone would also make a difference.
I think the maple neck would brighten up the PRS too.
+David Taubner Absolutely, great points 👍
I love your guitar lick at 1:55. So simple, yet very musical, and a great way to throw in a bunch of notes without going truly crazy
+Adam Miller Thanks Adam! ☺
Why is a guitar under $1000 a "student" guitar? Just because I can't afford a $6000 American made guitar I'm classified as a student?
It's just a descriptive word. No need to be sensitive about it. Angus Young plays an SG. Guess what the SG originally stood for. I dont hear him whining about it.
Its because if you broke it by accident at least it is not very expensive. Try buy an expensive guitar and give it to a beginner and let him play all day, lets see how you feel
You learn more every day
It's a sales technique to get you to buy more expensive gear.
@@bongoscot sg is for solid guitar
PRS the most versatile , il knows how to do everything ! shred , rock , blues , jazz .....
Both sound great and both are very usable instruments, but the PRS is just a hair better in my opinion. It sounds more defined and articulate, although the Les Paul is fat and generally thicker sounding. However the PRS is just a little more practical and more versatile, so that's why I would choose it!
CreamFreshCream. Yes. I agree. You can get that close Fender strat sound out of it as well with the split coil pickup option which is what I like about it.
Good thing you don't seem to know any jazz guitarist.
So having owned both( epi and se) and loving both and now owning a 09 Gibson LP trad pro and 17 S2 custom 22 i can say:1. prs always play easier, just easy. 2. lp neck pickup for riff/solos has no equal 3. lp kicks my ass after a 3 hr gig,prs no sweat 4. prs have better coil tap 5. slash plays a LP
I think i started liking prs just now
This is a timely video. I'm trying to figure out which of these two guitars to buy. The PRS is in between the Strat and LP sound. LP is the LP with that rich tone. It really is hard to decide, "fat sound or more bite"? I'll just have to see how things develop as I learn more about playing. Thanks for an excellent video, Darrell!
You have such a pleasant, optimistic attitude dude! Makes your videos so much more enjoyable. Love your videos, comparisons, reviews- you name it! Keep it up Darrel! 👍
+Legolas Greenleaf Thanks man! I appreciate it ☺
+Darrell Braun Guitar Anytime bro!
I can't tell you how much I love the slow spin Darrell.
+Parker Hatcher ☺👍😀
I was fully prepared to prefer the PRS but I like the Epiphone best. I'm very impressed by the sound quality. plus it looks fantastic. Question: why not the PRS custom 22?
+danmar007 I wanted to compare the most iconic guitars from each brand. The Custom 22 is a stellar instument though ☺
I wasn't aware the Custom 24 was the big daddy. :)
Most iconic or with the same price range?
me too!
danmar007 I have a PRS '03 Custom 22, with a single wrap around stop tail bridge and Dragon 2 pickups. It DESTROYED my Gibson Les Paul Standard. I loved my LP but is just sounded thin and spiky by comparison. Ended up trading the LP for another PRS!
I went to a music store two weeks ago to check out those two guitars. I brought home a Gibson SG Standard. The way you made the LP and PRS sound is giving me second thoughts on my purchase. You make everything sound great.
+Musicmaker1428 Congratulations on the new guitar!
Thanks for the kind words ☺
Dude! You got some serious skill. Great job playing and great job comparing these two great guitars.
+lewisbeeman Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed the comparison 👍
for anyone who wants to know, you can find that epiphone les paul at Marty's Music Store and something a lot like the Custom 24 at Creter's Guitar Shop, both in Pennsylvania. Your welcome :)
I am lucky enough to own both an Epiphone Les Paul and a PRS 245 SE. Let me start off by saying because of a car accident I have severe neck problems and arthritis in my wrists and fingers. I can’t play my Epiphone Les Paul standing up, and even sitting down I sometimes feel it’s too heavy, although I love the tone of it. My PRS is definitely lighter, I don’t have a tremolo on it (I didn’t want one) but I love the open coil pickups and how light it is. I am a Les Paul man all the way, but the fact that I can get so many tones out of my PRS makes me like it that much more, but on the days where my neck and fingers aren’t bothering me I’ll grab my Epiphone or Gibson Les Paul in heartbeat. Thank you for your great videos, I am a subscriber and make sure not to miss any of them. Keep up the great work.
one is built better and plays better, the other sounds better and looks better
Andrew Levister no it wont!.. do you have ears?!
Andrew Levister PRS V Les Paul
Andrew Levister I am a fender and ric man myself
Prefer the SE. I have 2. Lighter than the LP. Like the 25" scale length better also. Great job with all of your reviews
Wow! In my opinion the les paul solo is one of your best improvosed solos you have on youtube. amazing!
+Jiffy Guitar Thanks man! I appreciate it ☺👍
@@DarrellBraunGuitar It sounded more Mike Oldfield than Mike Oldfield himself!
i think you forgot to mension that the prs has a coil split on the tone knob well mine does
You beat me to it! :)
Some Les Pauls can do that too
For me I like the versatility of the PRS I think more bang for your buck with a guitar that sounds like a strat and a Paul with that awesome trem so I'd say I'm team PRS !!
Eddie Hoffmann I'm definitely on Team PRS after many years on the Gibson/Epiphone train.
I just wish PRS did lefty at affordable prices. Love the fretboards.
they do
wilko they do
Bjbbbbjkoiuu . Bbnnnmnjbj bujio
it must be xmas ur wish comes true
Now they do
So the question is, which one felt better to you?
+Ed Mathews The PRS was lighter, with better upper neck access, and has a belly-cut too. So it was super comfortable to play. The LP is less refined as it represents a traditional design. It was fun to play on too, just not as ergonomic as the PRS.
Yeah, belly cut. I'm gonna need that!
I'm gonna get a PRS Custom someday and play some Fates Warning stuff
the les paul sounds better for sure
@@powerslave7876 go for it. Prs is the best! I'm currently saving for a more expensive one but I still love my 900 dollar 24 se
Prs 4:56 neck - both 5:47 - bridge 6:33
Lp 4:32 neck - both 5:29 - bridge 6:14
I bought a PRS SE24 and I love it.
MY wife got me a Firefly FF338, and after swapping the stock pups for Dragonfire screamers I sold my Epiphone LP.
The only thing the Epi did better than the PRS was 80s/90s stuff like AC/DC and the FF with the screamers did that better for a lot less.
So it sounded old
Darrell, Darrell, Darrell. These comparisons are so freakin hard due to the fact that any guitar you play, you make it sound like a million bucks! You are so talented my friend. Love your channel. BTW, I got a PRS SE custom 24 with spalted maple top this year and I love it. My other guitars are collecting dust right now. lol \m/
Thanks so much Terry!
Congratulations on the new guitar - those are very beautiful 👍
The PRS got a more balanced sound while the LP has a lot of mid range. Also the PRS sounds more modern. The neck position sound on LPs is unbeatable in my opinion.
Thanks, great review. I went and bought the PRS custom and I,love it!
This was a great video. Imo a blind test would've been better since all the LP fans will always pick the LP when they see it & all the PRS fans (like me) will always pick the PRS. Like it or not, a lot of guitarists listen with their eyes
I personally liked the tones coming out of the PRS.
This comparison is pretty good, though I guess a PRS SE 245 would be a better apples to apples comparison. I would love to find a good comparison between the Custom 24 and the Telecaster Deluxe. Apparently I'm the only person weighing those two models because there's very little out there, even though they have a lot in common. If anyone has thoughts hit me with a reply.
I just love a great Les Paul. The new Epiphone's are really good.
I recently sold a bunch of gear and purchased a Custom shop Les Paul 59 reissue all I can say is OMG!
+Bob Boitt Congrats on the new guitar!!!
Hi Darrell, as always a very informative and entertaining video. Just one point, how much involvement did Les Paul really have in the design of the LP guitar? We know he had experimented with solid guitars and actually built the "Plank", but I've seen it written that it was actually Ted McCarthy who designed the LP. Certainly one can say that Les Paul inspired the design, though.
+promerops Thanks!
Ted and his team (presumably including Les) were responsible for the model 👍
Great demo. I'm in the PRS camp.
I have both of them and about 15 guitars in total. I love them all, but really enjoy my Godin LGXT and Roland GR-55 Synth. If I had them 40 years ago, my life would be different. Thanks Darrell, really enjoy your videos! Keep them up!
You could swich to single coil mode on the prs, go to neck position and blow the les paul away with some srv riffs ...:)
I happen to own both of these guitars for almost a year now, ofcourse the prs was slightly more expensive, and came with an amazing gig bag with a cord! I honestly prefer the prs for its neck profile and double cut body, much more comfortable to play. my epi LP has a D shape neck, maybe my hands aren't big enough but it just doesn't feel quite right. something about having a les Paul is just satisfying so that's my main justification for having one LOL.
One thing about these comparison vids: I would assume the settings on the Amp were the same going from the LesPaul to the PRS. That makes sense when comparing the distinct sound of each guitar and works great for this "synthetic" test. But, in the real world you would tweak the settings differently for each guitar, so it brings out the best tone of each instrument. What I'm trying to say: Yes ,the instruments sound different. But there is sooo much you can do to the tone with tone control, EQ, compression etc. I wouldn't make the tone of a video like this your deciding factor when choosing a guitar.
Hi Darrell, both are professional sounding instruments to me, but the Les Paul roars when the distortion gets bigger, so to me it won this comparison. All the best!
+Beck Nader Hey Beck! Glad you enjoyed the comparison ☺
I have one PRS SE custom 24 and I'm happy with it... Here in Brazil, the price of a PRS USA is R$ 12 000 or more.
8 views! I'm finally early haha. Awesome video so far 😀 Love and support from Croatia :)
Thanks for being a part of the channel! I really appreciate it!
Nice video, and great playing! I'm in the PRS camp. I have a Gibson Les Paul Classic which is a really nice guitar but just doesn't feel as good to play - I actually prefer my Epiphone Rosso Corsa. Nothing beats the PRSs, though. Re the tone of the neck pickup, of course you can also get a Custom 22 which has 22 frets and a more mellow-sounding neck pickup.
I have an epiphone LP with Gibson pups and I love it, it can be uncomfortable if played for a long time but it is a really good sounding guitar, I've also played SE custom 24 and it is an interesting instrument too, while I tend to like the clarity on the PRS, there's always room for that huge LP sound/tone
Darrell, dont forget when we judge pickups sound your test videos ALWAYS have to have a good part of CLEAR tones with no distortion or overdrive with the amp EQ all in the middle, its the easiest way to fairly judge the sound of pickups.... because with distortion on it then the sound depends of the distortion and not on the pickups only
You didn't mention the weight difference. I don't really play Les Paul guitars because they are so heavy, especially the cheaper models like Epiphone. I just happen to own an SE custom 24 and I have never played a LP that notes as clear as the PRS guitars do. It's just a superior instrument, although I think it probably costs a little bit more that the Epiphone.
After over 20 years of playing nothing but American strats and teles I decided to buy a PRS SE Custom 24 with a roasted maple neck. I haven’t received it yet but I’m extremely optimistic. Great video. I prefer the PRS over the Epiphone. 🇺🇸🗽🦅🇰🇷
As I've said before you could make a biscuit tin with rubber bands on it sound like a £m guitar. The neck pick ups were very different but they both sounded great. I have two Gibsons, two Fenders and two Epiphones in my collection and I play the Epiphones all the time. Sadly not like you. A great comparison. Thank you.
+Andrew Bryan 😄 Thanks!
That's a great guitar collection you've got going on!
I just bought a PRS SE 24 and have owned a Epiphone LP for the past 10 years. So have these two guitars at home :D The PRS is much more comfortable to play for me. Everything is easier to reach and the overall build quality is superb.
In terms of tone they are very similar. To my ears the PRS has more clarity in the sound, it's more transparent with both pickups. The LP has a slightly fatter sound with more low-end, while the PRS has more brilliance in the mids. The big thing though: The pots on the PRS are amazing and give you way more nuances compared to the Epi even without splitting the coils. The only sound I was not able to "dial in" on the PRS is the neck pickup Gary Moore style lead tone.
All in all I prefer the PRS because of quality, playability and versatility.
I have a 79' Les Paul Custom that i installed a Kahler tremelo system on back in the 80s. Needless to say--I played it to death, literally. I have always been intrigued by the PRSs and yet never had the oppurtunity to play one, perhaps a little too late. Nevertheless, I recently purchased the Jeff Beck Signature Strat (Olympic White) and I have to say that I really love how it has been set up, moreover, I'm fonder for a Fender than I expected and have been doing a lot of research, more than usual, on Hendrix, Vaughn, Clapton and need I mention--Beck. Personally, I like how Fender has set up the floating tremelo and has adjusted, as I had hoped, the fingerboard to the higher deck. That said, I do not know how it would compare to a PRS. I'm not sure anything can compare, but I am happy with my new Strat and it would be intersting to see, unless of coruse I have missed it, a review of the Beck Signature Strat. Thank you. Love your reviews.
+charles simpson Thanks!
Congrats on that beautiful Strat!
Very informative as usual as is with all Darrell's videos. Hard to choose, both very nice guitars! Thanks for the post!
Anytime! ☺
Everytime you have a Epi Les Paul comparison it always does so well. It looks great and sounds awesome. For the money both hard to beat, can go either way and still a great choice.
+JamCave Studio I agree! It sounds great to me too 😎
Agile, Hagstorm, Harley Benton pretty much beat Epiphone.
Team Lp FTW! Rock on, Fellas! 🤘🤘🤘
Darrel, you make my mood with your videos! Thanks for your time doing that!
+Παναγιωτης Νικελλης Anytime! 😀
If you really love the rich creamy tone from the neck pickup, don't buy a 24 fret guitar. You'll never quite get the "right" tone from the neck pickup on any 24 fret guitar. The pickup is simply not in the right place. You really do sacrifice alot of tone for those 2 extra frets. How often do you even use those extra notes? I would hazard almost never. Just something to think about when out shopping for your next guitar. More isn't always better.
Yeah, 24 fret guitar always seemed "weaker" on the neck pickup, not because of the output, but rather on the overtones and sound thicknes...
Jason T. ; Point taken, but I find most 22 fret guitars sound too warm, to the point of muddy.
Personally, I like the clarity of the 24 fret guitars - depending on the pickups, of course. Some can sound too bright or even brittle.
I think you right. I have A real custom 24 PRS and I now have a USA Les Paul standard Pro Guitar and I would have to say that my Gibson is a better all around guitar. and with the coil taps it Rocks peace bro. .
while it may be true that I seldom use the extra two frets, the fact that they are there makes it a lot easier to get to 20, 21 and 22 - which I do use somewhat. Personally I prefer the feel of the PRS neck/fret board, but everyone's hands are different. For what its worth, I have an American PRS as well as an SE like what is reviewed here and I have replaced the pick ups in both of them, while the original pick ups are still in both of my Les Pauls.
@@pneumatica3 just to know, what pick ups did you replace them by? Seymour Duncan Jb jazz?
Very thank you, a comparison between PRS se 24 and Harley Benton s cst24 would be amazing. Your doing great, kèep on doing 👏👏👏
Thanks for the video dude. I have an epiphone les Paul and prs se, both great, the prs has slightly more bite to the tone, which some may prefer not to have... all depends, but both lovely to play.
I have a singlecut PRS SE, and my dad has about 3 Epis. I like the PRS sound a bitter better. It has the flair of a strat, but the bite and warmth of an LP at the same time. Plus, it's lighter. Not to take anything away from Epiphones and Les Pauls of course. I guess after playing my PRS for 3 years, my ears and fingers have grown to love it the sound. haha
I'd like to know more about your impressions of the weight, scale length, neck shape and the frets.
Nice comparison! both worthy guitars that's for sure, the PRS sound a little brighter to me but either one would be great I like the PRS. It's good to see that the quality of the overseas built instruments has improved over the years.
Thanks for the comparison, I just pulled the trigger on a PRS SE Custom 24-08, I have played on a Epiphone LP, which I have and a American Strat shawbucker 2016 standard. I recently bought a couple of cheap Harley Benton Guitars, that were on special so they were less expensive than normal. The one I got was a PRS rip off, CST-24 and a Fusion III. The Fusion is OK, but I fell in love with the feel of the CST-24, It is one of the easiest to play, and as an intermediate player...hint hint, no where near Darrell's level of play, I thing I have found the right instrument to continue my practice sessions with. I am still a student but I wanted an upgrade, and the PRS SE Custom should do it. Thanks for the information and the video, I wanted the 24-08 for more options as I grow as a player. Nothing wrong at all with the PRS SE Custom 24 at all and I recommend it since I hear it is very comfortable an a new students hands, if you can't afford the Custom get the standard its cheaper and is more than enough for a long time.
LP has best sustain and the notes swell a sing out. The trem sucks some of the tone out of the PRS (which is normal), but it's still at the top for what it is. The LP surprised me with the beautiful tone.
I have a PRS Standard 245 and recently bought the cheapest Epiphone Les Paul to have in my boat. The biggest difference was that PRS was very well setup from the factory while the Epiphone was horrible!!
However after many hours work with fret leveling, neck, string height, pickups and a lot more it feels really good too.
I always perceived that PRS SE as being somewhat like a HSH Strat (MIM) - Would be interesting to see a comparisson between those models, actually. Awesome channel btw., keep up the good work!
+Steff Martens Thanks Steff!
I am a long-time subscriber and your videos are always very good and very informative. I’m just surprised that there are no clean tones in your demonstration of either Guitar. I know that you know that is the true way I hear the voice of any Guitar i’m surprised at the amount of distortion while visiting the bridge pick up on each guitar. It sound like crap. I’m just surprised because you are so good at what you do. Thank you for all that you do for all of us all the time.
The coil-split on the PRS makes it far more versatile giving as close to a Les Paul and Strat sound as you are likely to get from a single instrument at this price-point.
The Ephiphone has this function too.
That is the most beautiful Epiphone Les Paul I have ever seen
#TeamPRS The looks, design which fixes most problems on the Holy Trinity of Les Paul, Strat and Tele and the clarity of the Custom 24 gives in my opinion just the room to expand in. While the Les Paul is a lovely instrument im not too big a fan of it.
Excellent comparison. The PRS sounded brighter for sure, but man, that LP just has "the sound" that LP's are famous for. I don't own a PRS, but I think it would come down to how the neck feels for me. I do find that the thick heel on the Les Paul can hinder access to the upper frets. Of course you can work around that, but on other guitars, that heel doesn't hit your hand like it does on a LP.
Les Paul is warmer while the PRS is more defining. A matter of choice and owning both would leave no sound untouched.
Woah that solo of them both kicked ass! I'm really tempted learning a couple of licks from it ahaha
+André Fontes Thanks André!
Feel free to add some of the licks into your repertoire 👍
I own and gig both. Great guitars, and amazing bang for buck. It really does come down to personal preference at this level and price range.
I have the same model of PRS. It's a great sounding guitar and it plays very well. The only complaint I have is the trem is pretty much useless for holding it's tune. But otherwise it is a fine instrument. I don't know as I would say it's a cross between a strat and a Gibson, more like a cross between a tele and Les Paul, IMO.
The quality these days of mid range guitars is amazing.
+PhotoTrekr Agreed!
Your videos are always so helpful for me. Thank you so much for your effort in making these videos.
Love from Nepal.
+Bhushan Pradhan Glad to hear it!
Love right back at ya from 🇨🇦
0:11 I already know the answer: BOTH... shall I continue to watch now?? :)
Deserves more subs
+Ryan Nienaber Thanks man!
Nice comparison. PRS all day long for me. More vibrant, alive.
The Les Paul on the 80’s ballad was what I call “haunting highs”. Love the sounds, but both distinctly different in their own good ways. As a “Gen X”, kid I just float hearing that Les Paul singing! Now, that’s not to say the PRS didn’t bring anything to the table. If I were to buy my youngest son or my grandson a new axe I’d most likely go PRS. Love the video & keep crankin’ em out DB!
I own both a PRS SE and an Epiphone LP and I love them both. I'd have to say the overall quality of the PRS is only very slightly better. The Epiphone is an excellent specimen for a mid-priced LP and it plays and sounds wonderful. The neck and the action on it are outstanding. If it didn't say Epiphone on the headstock, it would be very hard to tell the difference from a Gibson costing several times more in a blind test.
The LP was gorgeous and sounded great! But I prefered the clearer mid/high freq of the SE. The SE is also noticeably more comfortable.
For anyone interested in these, I spent about 2 hrs in the store plugged in with the plustop epi w/ pro humbuckers and the prs custom 24 with 85/15 pickups and the prs destroys the epi. Sound and playability don’t even compare. I thought I was walking out with some form of les Paul but the prs is so much better.
I take it back. After playing the se for a month I couldn’t get the tone I wanted. I took it back and got the plus top pro. NOW, I’m happy. This thing is a beast and with 11-48 strings on it, it produces the exact tone I’d been looking for. I guess it depends on the sound you’re after but PRS wasn’t for me.
@@delesdog I couldnt get to like the PRS either. I have an epiphone les paul with pro buckers and recently got a 2018 custom 24 to see the fuzz about them, and I just couldnt get to like the tone. The guitar itself is built pretty good, and feels great to play, but tone wise, its cleans dont come close to a good strat, and the dirty doesnt touch a les paul. Im probably going to return it too.
The PRS sounded better and would probably stay in tune .
This particular LP looks better thorugh. Of the two, he LP would hang on the wall and the PRS would be played on.
Keep on tthe good work!
Congratulations on another great comparison! I own an Epiphone Les Paul and just love the warm tones she delivers. So, #TeamLesPaul.
+Camila Paeroi Thanks!
PRS. Only brand used by professional stage bands in almost every genre and best guitar in the world. LP's are a dated block of wood.
I own that exact PRS, same color as well. I absolutely love it. Great guitar for the price. I am saving up now to get a Mccarty 594.
I never thought I liked prs guitars, but every time you have one in your demos they sound so good. Plus I had the dreaded headstock snap on my epiphone les paul and from a short drop.
+Christopher Kaesemeyer Oh man that sucks! I do think the PRS SE is more durable for what it's worth ☺
I was debating between these two last year. I prefer the tone on the les paul but the prs was more practical, comfortable and lighter and the tone is good as well.
I just acquired my first Paul Reed Smith a couple weeks ago; a 1994 Custom 24. I have picked up and played MANY PRS’s over the years, but never played one I liked...until I picked up the ‘94 Custom 24. It is an AMAZING instrument. I have a Paul also, and, forced to choose, I would choose the PRS over the Paul.