Great video Benny and what a beautiful work of art. OK, firstly, it’s not a “fake” - it’s a recreation that gives you the authentic experience of playing a time-worn, vintage guitar for a fraction of the cost of a “real” one. As to whether it’s worth the price, that depends on circumstances. If you’re in your 30’s, busting your chops to pay a mortgage and put the kids through school then, no it’s a ridiculous frippery that can’t possibly be justified. But if, like me, you’ve worked your arse off for 45 years and paid for the house, set the kids up in their own lives and saved for a decent retirement then you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labour. In those circumstances, eight grand is not a life-changing amount of money to put into something that will give you pleasure when you’re in the later years of life so yeah, it’s worth every penny.
Thanks for nailing that point. It's not worth it to MOST people but it is worth it to a niche within the market, people like you who are financially stable, appreciate guitars and know what you're playing. Thanks for taking the time John, sounds like you've earned it!
I really enjoyed this video Benny. You explained to people why most of us will never own this type of guitar, an ES model or Les Paul. I feel very grateful that I own 2 custom shop guitars, a 59 reissue ES-335 & a 60 Les Paul. I'm older than probably most of your viewers at 69. I wasn't able to purchase those 2 custom shops guitars until I was way into my 60's. I would have never been able to own those in my 20's through my 50's. Why? Life is why. Most of us do not have that kind of money. We get married and raise a family. To me, that was worth any guitar. Well, maybe a Burst! So, I get to enjoy 2 custom shop guitars for a few years, but to me it was worth that cost. They are outstanding guitars and I'm very proud of both of them. I have 2 kids, they will get one each. Then they can fight over the other 14 that I bought over the years. Talk to you later Benny.
That's amazing lin! They're amazing, but certainly a luxury, like buying a corvette. I certainly don't have 8k to throw towards a new guitar but I will not take away from what it is simply because it's out of my range. Thanks for taking the time lin, cheers to you and yours! Thanks for watching
What an amazing guitar!! Pickups sounded great in every position both clean and distorted. I like how even the pickguard has that hazy look to it like some of the PVC has evaporated from it. Benny… when are we gonna start our own Murphy lab of the guitar cases and the guitar straps? lol. Pre soak them in stale Coors lite beer for a week or so followed up by a week in a cigarette infested smoke house treatment plus a little sweat and grime. If I had the money I would totally by that 335. Would love to see that in the Watermelon
DOOD! I had to throw a case away 2yrs ago. Got my hands on a nice black LP Studio, but the strap, my gawd. The strap was what ruined the case. It smelled like the south end of a northbound skunk! Still unsure if the owner was human or at the very least, knows what soap is.
Haha that's actually hilarious. I got the jeans with the holes in them and I cutoff the sleeves myself. But I do that not to distress the shirt but because it's become a branding thing for me. I wore some band shirts like that early on in filming and then decided to do that to all of my shirts because it always seemed to annoy people. So here we are
I'm very happy with my 2019 Standard 50s LP (no QC issues at all!) but part of me really wants to add a (non-Murphy) Custom Shop R0 to my collection. However there are many people suggesting a Heritage is a much better guitar for less money. How much value do we place on the headstock saying 'Gibson' compared to other expensive brands?
Let's first start off with heritage rocks. They makes great guitars and I wanna say they produce like 60 guitars a day vs the 500-700 that Gibson does, so you are 100% buying a more exclusive instrument where lots of time and effort were put into it. That said, it's a guitar by guitar basis. I think gibson makes great guitars, but some are magic and some not so much. When you have as many guitars as gibson being made some are gonna be winners and some are gonna be duds. I am a firm believer that gibson makes great guitars but I truly suggest TRYING them out yourself and seeing which speaks to you.
There are many non-Gibson LPs out there that will sound and feel superior to the majority of Gibsons. It's strange how the name on the headstock should mean nothing, but many of us still crave it for its symbolism. If I were you I'd look around for the guitar that is looking for you and buy it. The likelihood is that the best guitar for you won't be found in the Custom-Shop.
I couldn't justify spending that much on a guitar, but I'm also a hobbyist. Value is an interesting thing. The cost of production versus perceived value can be so far apart.
Nailed it Jeff. I'm not the guy that spends 8k on a new guitar. But I will not deny how incredible they are. I also have enough of the "real thing" where I don't crave it in a new guitar, but I'd def trade someone for one. That's for sure.
Thank you Benny. Interesting what the relicing fashion is doing to the used market. Guitars that used to be undesirable are now cool ' naturally reliced ' with 'mojo'. Must be very confusing for collectors ! Will the term ' players grade ' become redundant?
Yea Benny, I'm definitely in a quandary over my next guitar purchase. Its between a lightly aged R0 or a figured LP Modern. That instrument certainly sounds great..no question...
People get too upset about the things they cant afford to buy. Probably mostly young people Leave some room for upward motion later in life, and try to enjoy what you have, because comparison is a thief of joy. I’d love to have some absurdly nice guitars one day, but won’t stop me enjoying the guitars that I already have
It's def not just young people. People of all ages who can't afford it get upset as if it gibson is smiting them personally by making something out of their price range. The vitriol towards gibson from random people is astounding.
I'm fortunate enough to have played a few vintage 'burst Les Pauls although I will never be able to afford one. I made the mistake of selling a Historic Makeovers Les Paul in order to purchase a vintage SG, and had been Paul-less until acquiring an Ultra Heavy Aged Murphy Labs LP ten months ago. It's a gorgeous guitar that feels exactly like the real deal and Kim La Fleur's historic makeover. My ONLY concern regards what happens to the finish over time... and I think the jury will be out on that one for a few years.
I'm def curious about that and about the resale value of relicd instruments. time shall tell. congrats on the killer paul, my friend. Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
For $8000 it better be a fantastic guitar, but for someone like me who just wants a fantastic Gibson guitar, I’ll be saving the extra thousands of dollars and getting a regular production model or maybe if I wanted to spend a little more, a Custom Shop one. I will say the Murphy Lab is a much better option than most of the relic aged guitars out there. At least it still looks good and doesn’t obviously look like somebody damaged it on purpose. Honestly though, if I had $8000 to spend, it wouldn’t be on one guitar. I’d have at the minimum, 2 fantastic, brand new guitars, and be perfectly happy with that choice.
I agree with you howard. This is not for price sensitive people who would buy one or the other, it's for someone who has the money and wants something that's just like the real thing. I'd rather the real thing, but I do not deny how incredible these guitars are. I'd be completely down to trade someone for one, but I couldn't bring myself to spend 8k on any new guitar. I don't have that kinda money! But in owning a real 59 I stand behind it plays and sounds like the real thing to me.
Exactly. Getting 2 Paolettis instead sounds like a good plan. They sell Strats that look distressed/rustic, but they're also cashing in on the Murphy Labs school of 'time worn'. You can buy the best sounding Strats ever, handmade, with no added wear if you want. Then there's online configurators like Suhr, Voodoo, Kiesel, etc. $4k will get you an incredible guitar.
As an old dude with disposable income the $8k doesn't offend me - but I get the raised eyebrows. Paul made that thing sing - he is always amazing on your videos. I'd prefer just the patina on the hardware as opposed to the aging they do to the wood but to each their own - and it does really look great. Always love your videos - UDAMAN!
I just noticed the Corvus or Futura! I have a Corvus in silver. I love it! Those tuner buttons on the 335 look old. They look like they're the color of ones old enough to be crumbling. The aging on the hardware looks like the aged nickel parts on my '82 Les Paul.
Time travel !...Love it Benny , I love traditional guitars and that ES-335 is a looker !...I feel the same way about ' aged' guitars yet that one isnt all beat up looking so um...uh...yeah I will take that one ! Thanks ! ( Dig yer T-shirt ! )
Would you be able to compare a murphy lab Gibson to the same model custom shop Gibson for a value test. I would love to buy a Gibson custom shop 1959 reissue but is it worth it to spend a bit more to maybe get a Murphy Lab ultra light aged 1959 reissue model.
So a few things to think about: 1. The murphy lab selects whatever guitars they want from the custom shop or USA do they get to cherry pick their favorites from the start (so you're not getting a dud) 2. They're different construction and specs so although they may look close They're not the same thing at all 3. ML come with the custombuckers which are a cool vibe but not everyone's thing. Very different from burstbucker pros that are potted and much hotter (alnico v vs alnico magnets) 4. The FEEL ..they feel different because they roll the edges but you have to really feel for yourself. It's a big difference in price for subtle things that may be personal preference.
I only have what I would consider to be only two truly vintage guitars. I also have a 74 Strat, 74 D-35 and a few 85 and 86 PRS's (as well as a lot more from the 80's) I don't know if these are considered vintage or not. Your collection is awesome!
@rosewoodsteel6656 I'd say anything over 25 years old is vintage, so 90s and earlier. Yup, 90s is vintage. I have a few 86 PRS' but no 85. Custom 24? Pre standard?
Serial# 52, mint condition is a Custom. The other 85's are Pre Standards. The 86's are Pre Standards and the rest of the 80's are mostly Customs. Damn, I guess I have more vintage guitars than I thought if the 80's and 90's are counted. :) But I couldn't open up a vintage guitar shop, like you. :)@@TheNeuroticGuitarist
This one is heavy aged but it's a special heavy aged just for this run of guitars. It's more like medium aged to me. I absolutely love it. I've never been a fan of reliced guitars but they're growing on me.
Great channel - just subscribed! I’m lucky enough to be ‘able’ to afford an $8k guitar, but I couldn’t justify it to myself. I bought a Fender CS Jimi Hendrix for $5k and I love it but that was pretty much a once in a lifetime thing for me. I do respect the work that Gibson and Fender put into their aging, it’s more than just randomly beating up a stock guitar. No hate from me for people who buy and collect these guitars. But I do enjoy my beat up, finish peeling and cracking MIM strat almost as much.
Rock on Brian 🤘 thanks so much, I appreciate you taking the time. Have fun going down the rabbit hole. Please comment on stuff u dig (or don't dig). I read it all. Cheers
With the Murphy Lab Les Paul's, the fact the price goes up £1000 every incriminate from - ultra light aged, light aged, aged, heavy aged, ultra heavy aged, just tells you how nuts it is, an extra £1000 for ultra light aged, an extra £5000 for an ultra heavy aged!!!!! Completely nuts.
If Murphy’s lab , was used for replicating just the limited replica runs , of old skool artists models . I wish they would also build guitars . And just focus on colours and pickup construction . And leave out the ageing process . Unless requested .
I was a little disappointed at the Andertons Murphy Lab video. Rubbing keys and old railroad spikes on a perfectly good guitar doesn't seem very "labbish" to me.
It's it's not all in Murphy labs to, Murphy lab walks through the Gibson factory picks up the guitars they want to modify. They get to pick the best of the best in the Gibson factory. EVERYTHING IN INVENTORY AT THE PREMISE BUILDING,
If people want time-worn, why not just sand the varnish off the neck a bit? No harm done, to each their own, but paying someone else to put wear on a guitar so as to appear/feel 'authentic', is at the very least, artistically dishonest. No doubt, the talent at Murphy Labs know what they're doing & I can't blame Gibson for cashing in, everyone wants the same model. For sure, the '59 Les Paul is the most sought-after guitar in history. I personally prefer pre-CBS Strats, but no question, everyone wants a copy/paste of the king. Fender does the same thing, adding wear to the already-vulnerable nickel frets & damaging the maple fretboards. There's the comfort & appearance of of 'distressed' furniture, and there' certainly a rustic charm. The driftwood effect. However - I've got to call B.S. on it being about the 'feel' of a Murphy labs Les Paul. Anyone can sand the varnish off a neck so it feels well-worn. If it was about feel, people wouldn't be paying ~$5k for 'hipster-wear'. They wish to pose with it. Like I said, sincerely, no harm done - but If it was about 'feel', people would have a boutique builder make one & sand down the neck a bit. As an investment, who knows if these things will retain their value. It all depends on how much the inbound generations appreciate the effort of a person paying someone else to add fake wear to an homage of a classic guitar, so as to appear 'authentic'. Didn't Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein teach us anything? An old Strat with an original color, maybe with a bullet hole through it - there's a signature. Rounding off corners with sandpaper though? Is that really worth the price of a two week vacation in Hawaii?
I never questioned the playability or sound. I will always have an issue with beating up the guitar and then charging thousands for it. I am anti fake mojo on a guitar. And of course you're going to change you mind since they just sent it to you.
I was with you until you said I'd change my mind because someone sent it to me? Why would that change my mind? I don't get paid for this. I do this because I love guitars. Secondly, where in the video do I say that I'd ever buy this guitar? Where do I say it's made for me? When I show you my real 59s? Did you even watch the video? Maybe you should pay attention a little more and type a little less
It’s easy to hate on “aged” guitars, comparing them to ripped jeans, and going “why are you paying that much for wear you’re gonna put on it yourself!” - but, there’s more to it than that. (Just cosmetics) Some of us like worn in instruments, the feel of them, and yes the sound; if you believe that years make a difference. People might say “just buy a vintage one!” But sometimes the case queen doesn’t feel right. Or the one that’s worn in just sooo right, simply has issues/problems. It becomes a unicorn hunt. I think the real point of the pre-aged instrument market, is to give you a vintage guitar, but without any of the negatives that might have occurred over its lifetime
You definitely get it. I personally would rather buy a vintage instrument or something new, but I do not deny how amazing their guitars are. I'd def be down go trade into one.
I played several custom shop and Murphy labs back to back with USA standard models the other day. No difference in playability. Save yourself some money and just get a USA standard, get it set up well and if needed upgrade the pups. I will never be able to get behind the reliced thing because I'll always know it's not the real deal. Same way I've never and never will buy jeans with holes in them.
I hear you completely. I do enjoy the playability but I would NEVER pay the money for a relicd guitar. I have always been an advocate of the real thing, but they're certainly cool for those looking for that sorta thing. just not meant for you or me
It's all about what's important to you. If you think that'll make you happier then do it! Can't wait to see what you end up with, but I'd play one and make sure the difference is worth it to you.
Love the video 👍🏻🤘🏻 But I’m very sorry to say I find it incredibly lame to spend 8k on something made to look like it’s been used for 50+ years. I don’t see the point at all. Gimmick. Keep killin it dude!
Nothing wrong with feeling that way at all! I never want people to hold back their opinions, I certainly don't. I'm not the guy that would spend 8k on a Murphy lab guitar but I'd certainly trade for one and love it for what it is! It'll be interesting to see the secondhand market in 10 years for ML stuff.
Ive just never got on board with the whole "relic" thing. Must be from my punk background. I can easily fk a guitar up on my own within a year. But to have a guitar that just looks old for the sake of just looking old? But then paying extra for it? To each man, i just dont get it. I mean whats the benefit? Fooling people that you got an old guitar. I guess there are people out there that think that old guitar look is cool. Then just buy an old guitar.
Ha ha ha ha Polling the opinion of a Drummer........................... To be honest, my old Drummer is one of my life-long friends. As a Practicing Guitarist I can't help but poke fun at Drummers and Bass Players. Very cool ES, I think the artificial aging is a good thing.
Oh yeah, I've made fun of the fact that my drummer does guitar demos on my channel but he's a great player and I appreciate his opinion, especially for guitars like this
Ive had a twang on a Murphy Lab LP Standard (you shd see Aust prices!!).. Like you said, you can ding ur own gear up, but they do feel, play and sound great. If l had the money, ld get a 335, theyre gd for anything, bar ultra gain.. thing's gorgeous!!
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist $15-26k AU, the $26k was a '23 Brazilian Rosewood 59 model Benny, lve yet to see a 335 mate, but l rekn it'd be about the same... I'd say you cd talk em down a bit, not much tho. We get snaked by shops here mate.
Gibson make’s guitars “As You Mentioned” for $2,000 they make guitars for $20,000 “Oh yes” they even make guitars like the “Greeny” for $50,000 which sold out before you could even strum a G Chord and then you have the “HolyGrails” those guitars sell for $350,000 to 1,000,000,000 Trillion Dollars in other words just enjoy the guitars you own and play, show them all some “AGAPE LOVE “ Yes AGAPE LOVE because at the end of the day a G chord is just a G Chord and needs to be strummed like any other Guitar…….
Hi, I call those "good relation purchase". my Buddy ordered one, hid it from wify who wanted new car at the time. She went to the studio and saw it.........80% chance of divorce, or he sells " New guitar in beat up shape" and gets her a new car. I would leave the wify......lol. be well
The days gone by when people bought a guitar to play and hopefully join or form a band to play live gigs,How times have changed.Most of these high end guitars will never see a stage, yet alone leave the house.
Shouldn't pay for relics. My Les Paul Standard had two dings on the headstock. As a result I got it for more than $1000 less than the going price. That's how it should be.
I’m gonna sum this up for everyone: No, there’s no reason to spend $8,000 on a piece of wood with paint, metal parts, wiring and some strings that a guy beat to shit for me. I don’t care if Jesus Christ made it, I’m not paying that much for an instrument that I only play for myself. I’d rather spend that on parts and materials from StewMac and build it myself.
I hear you. I'm not arguing against your logic, but there are definitely people that it's worth it to. Just not you. And probably MOST people, it's a niche market without question
I have to agree, I am not worthy of an $8000 guitar! But I am sure a lot of people want the best they can afford within their budget. Does a closet guitar player need an expensive guitar? Only if they want it and can afford it while paying their bills. :) PS: Stewmac sent me a free guitar kit when I spent $200 and spun a wheel!! Fun stuff, I am practicing different stain and color techniques and stripping it back until I get one I ❤️!!
I’m planning a build here a a few months. Gonna get an Iceman body and neck from Warmouth and throwing a Gotoh Floyd, probably an L4 nut, Gotoh locking tuners for quick string changes, a set of Jim Root Demonium pickups and painting it all Viridian with a transparent black burst.
No. Once you go over about 2-2.5k there's no improvement in playability/pickup quality/qc. i'm really a metal player but ive played some expensive guitars in that world and a 1.5-2k ibanez prestige is as good as anything costing twice or three times the price.
That's a really good point. You have to decide if the fake boobs bother you to touch. But they're not real. But they look so good. But I know they're fake. Does it matter? Not saying you're wrong but that's a hilarious metaphor
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I know what you mean but objectively speaking it can't be - an $8000 guitar isn't four times better than a $2000 guitar. You get to a point in terms of quality and components where you're splitting hairs over value. I can comfortably say that if I was absolutely loaded I still wouldn't spend that.
I have a Lemonburst 2023 VOS R8 LP. Not a Murphy Lab. SWEETWATER gave me a great deal before the latest price hike. Brand new 3700. Now they want over 5g. Is it a great guitar? Yes. Would I pay 5g for it? No. But I do own a killer guitar now.
it dumb to pay that kind of bread on a regular guitar that some ass hole turned old .Learn how to play forget playing out the ass , I can do anything Murphy can do you are paying money for an illusion. Truth@@TheNeuroticGuitarist
8000$ would change my life if it fell into my lap right about now
It would for a lot of people. I feel that.
I hope things get better for you, DB.
Great video Benny and what a beautiful work of art. OK, firstly, it’s not a “fake” - it’s a recreation that gives you the authentic experience of playing a time-worn, vintage guitar for a fraction of the cost of a “real” one. As to whether it’s worth the price, that depends on circumstances. If you’re in your 30’s, busting your chops to pay a mortgage and put the kids through school then, no it’s a ridiculous frippery that can’t possibly be justified. But if, like me, you’ve worked your arse off for 45 years and paid for the house, set the kids up in their own lives and saved for a decent retirement then you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labour. In those circumstances, eight grand is not a life-changing amount of money to put into something that will give you pleasure when you’re in the later years of life so yeah, it’s worth every penny.
Thanks for nailing that point. It's not worth it to MOST people but it is worth it to a niche within the market, people like you who are financially stable, appreciate guitars and know what you're playing. Thanks for taking the time John, sounds like you've earned it!
My Gibson 1983 Les Paul Custom pearl white is the real deal!! Aged to perfection!! Little wear-n-tear sat in its chainsaw case most of its life!! 🤘😊
Send her my way. PM me for my address blue
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist come get it!
I really enjoyed this video Benny. You explained to people why most of us will never own this type of guitar, an ES model or Les Paul. I feel very grateful that I own 2 custom shop guitars, a 59 reissue ES-335 & a 60 Les Paul. I'm older than probably most of your viewers at 69. I wasn't able to purchase those 2 custom shops guitars until I was way into my 60's. I would have never been able to own those in my 20's through my 50's. Why? Life is why. Most of us do not have that kind of money. We get married and raise a family. To me, that was worth any guitar. Well, maybe a Burst! So, I get to enjoy 2 custom shop guitars for a few years, but to me it was worth that cost. They are outstanding guitars and I'm very proud of both of them. I have 2 kids, they will get one each. Then they can fight over the other 14 that I bought over the years.
Talk to you later Benny.
That's amazing lin! They're amazing, but certainly a luxury, like buying a corvette. I certainly don't have 8k to throw towards a new guitar but I will not take away from what it is simply because it's out of my range. Thanks for taking the time lin, cheers to you and yours! Thanks for watching
Love your t-shirt, mate. Tear the roof off!
You best believe it! My buddy Shannon Larkin gave me that one, so it's extra cool just because he rules 🤘🤘
What an amazing guitar!! Pickups sounded great in every position both clean and distorted. I like how even the pickguard has that hazy look to it like some of the PVC has evaporated from it.
Benny… when are we gonna start our own Murphy lab of the guitar cases and the guitar straps? lol. Pre soak them in stale Coors lite beer for a week or so followed up by a week in a cigarette infested smoke house treatment plus a little sweat and grime.
If I had the money I would totally by that 335. Would love to see that in the Watermelon
Haha no thanks on the aging straps. Marshall is doing it now on amps, too. You pay for the rust. No thanks. Hope you're well brother
DOOD! I had to throw a case away 2yrs ago. Got my hands on a nice black LP Studio, but the strap, my gawd. The strap was what ruined the case. It smelled like the south end of a northbound skunk! Still unsure if the owner was human or at the very least, knows what soap is.
I just have to ask...did you cut off your sleeves and tear your jeans while working or bought that way?
Relic'd or worn?
Suns out, guns out…hahaha
Haha that's actually hilarious. I got the jeans with the holes in them and I cutoff the sleeves myself. But I do that not to distress the shirt but because it's become a branding thing for me. I wore some band shirts like that early on in filming and then decided to do that to all of my shirts because it always seemed to annoy people. So here we are
You know it. 🤘😜🤘
😅 excellent videos sir. I love the shirt too and none of anything you're doing bothers me.
I'm very happy with my 2019 Standard 50s LP (no QC issues at all!) but part of me really wants to add a (non-Murphy) Custom Shop R0 to my collection. However there are many people suggesting a Heritage is a much better guitar for less money. How much value do we place on the headstock saying 'Gibson' compared to other expensive brands?
Let's first start off with heritage rocks. They makes great guitars and I wanna say they produce like 60 guitars a day vs the 500-700 that Gibson does, so you are 100% buying a more exclusive instrument where lots of time and effort were put into it. That said, it's a guitar by guitar basis. I think gibson makes great guitars, but some are magic and some not so much. When you have as many guitars as gibson being made some are gonna be winners and some are gonna be duds. I am a firm believer that gibson makes great guitars but I truly suggest TRYING them out yourself and seeing which speaks to you.
There are many non-Gibson LPs out there that will sound and feel superior to the majority of Gibsons. It's strange how the name on the headstock should mean nothing, but many of us still crave it for its symbolism. If I were you I'd look around for the guitar that is looking for you and buy it. The likelihood is that the best guitar for you won't be found in the Custom-Shop.
I couldn't justify spending that much on a guitar, but I'm also a hobbyist. Value is an interesting thing. The cost of production versus perceived value can be so far apart.
Nailed it Jeff. I'm not the guy that spends 8k on a new guitar. But I will not deny how incredible they are. I also have enough of the "real thing" where I don't crave it in a new guitar, but I'd def trade someone for one. That's for sure.
That guitar is freakin awesome…bonus points for no binding on the neck👍
1958 all the way 🤘🤘🎸🔥
To the person buying a Harley Benton: NO. To the person who values all the things that go into a Custom Shop guitar: YES.
It's pretty incredible what goes into these things. I hope you dig the video, lmk what you think!
I'd say to play any guitar that makes you want to play more guitar.
Nowt wrong with buying a Harley Benton, living with it to develop skills and learn to love the instrument.
cool video ! . would probably never own a guitar like this but i enjoyed watching this !
Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
Thank you Benny.
Interesting what the relicing fashion is doing to the used market.
Guitars that used to be undesirable are now cool ' naturally reliced ' with 'mojo'.
Must be very confusing for collectors !
Will the term ' players grade ' become redundant?
I am really curious what the used market will look like for murphy guitars in a decade
Yea Benny, I'm definitely in a quandary over my next guitar purchase. Its between a lightly aged R0 or a figured LP Modern. That instrument certainly sounds great..no question...
Let me know what you decide to dive into barry!!! A quandary indeed
I do love the checking! I hate when an old guitar checked so bad that half the finish has fallen off and it is bare wood. Murphy checking is killer.
It really does look good for what it is!
People get too upset about the things they cant afford to buy. Probably mostly young people
Leave some room for upward motion later in life, and try to enjoy what you have, because comparison is a thief of joy.
I’d love to have some absurdly nice guitars one day, but won’t stop me enjoying the guitars that I already have
It's def not just young people. People of all ages who can't afford it get upset as if it gibson is smiting them personally by making something out of their price range. The vitriol towards gibson from random people is astounding.
I'm fortunate enough to have played a few vintage 'burst Les Pauls although I will never be able to afford one. I made the mistake of selling a Historic Makeovers Les Paul in order to purchase a vintage SG, and had been Paul-less until acquiring an Ultra Heavy Aged Murphy Labs LP ten months ago. It's a gorgeous guitar that feels exactly like the real deal and Kim La Fleur's historic makeover. My ONLY concern regards what happens to the finish over time... and I think the jury will be out on that one for a few years.
I'm def curious about that and about the resale value of relicd instruments. time shall tell. congrats on the killer paul, my friend. Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
Yup....my 1st run cherry 335 ML has finish chipping....and Gibson now put it in writing.....they do not cover finish issues with ML models..
Bought one today, fantastic guitar!
Hell yeah dude, congratulations!
For $8000 it better be a fantastic guitar, but for someone like me who just wants a fantastic Gibson guitar, I’ll be saving the extra thousands of dollars and getting a regular production model or maybe if I wanted to spend a little more, a Custom Shop one. I will say the Murphy Lab is a much better option than most of the relic aged guitars out there. At least it still looks good and doesn’t obviously look like somebody damaged it on purpose. Honestly though, if I had $8000 to spend, it wouldn’t be on one guitar. I’d have at the minimum, 2 fantastic, brand new guitars, and be perfectly happy with that choice.
I agree with you howard. This is not for price sensitive people who would buy one or the other, it's for someone who has the money and wants something that's just like the real thing. I'd rather the real thing, but I do not deny how incredible these guitars are. I'd be completely down to trade someone for one, but I couldn't bring myself to spend 8k on any new guitar. I don't have that kinda money! But in owning a real 59 I stand behind it plays and sounds like the real thing to me.
Exactly. Getting 2 Paolettis instead sounds like a good plan. They sell Strats that look distressed/rustic, but they're also cashing in on the Murphy Labs school of 'time worn'. You can buy the best sounding Strats ever, handmade, with no added wear if you want. Then there's online configurators like Suhr, Voodoo, Kiesel, etc. $4k will get you an incredible guitar.
Is there any way to get close to the sound and feel of the Murphy lab ES on a moderately priced guitar?
absolutely. just buy an es335.
Great shredding at the end.
Paul rules! Not bad for a drummer!
I was a bit taken aback when Paul kicked into Death Angel's "I'm Bored" @ 12:32 lol... was not expecting that at all lol 😎
Good catch bro
As an old dude with disposable income the $8k doesn't offend me - but I get the raised eyebrows. Paul made that thing sing - he is always amazing on your videos. I'd prefer just the patina on the hardware as opposed to the aging they do to the wood but to each their own - and it does really look great. Always love your videos - UDAMAN!
Paul is really awesome. Have you heard us together with lost symphony? ruclips.net/video/4umRs4RhxGc/видео.htmlsi=4xLtGB03gg545GR6
Yes, have listened to LS on Spotify. This song is gorgeous! @@TheNeuroticGuitarist
As someone seriously considering upgrading from Gibson USA to a Murphy Lab really curious and excited to hear your thoughts on this.
Can't wait to see what you think!
I just noticed the Corvus or Futura! I have a Corvus in silver. I love it! Those tuner buttons on the 335 look old. They look like they're the color of ones old enough to be crumbling. The aging on the hardware looks like the aged nickel parts on my '82 Les Paul.
It's a futura!!! Good eye. That 82 les paul sounds awesome, what color?
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist It's a 30th Anniversary Goldtop. Bought it new in '83.
Time travel !...Love it Benny , I love traditional guitars and that ES-335 is a looker !...I feel the same way about ' aged' guitars yet that one isnt all beat up looking so um...uh...yeah I will take that one ! Thanks ! ( Dig yer T-shirt ! )
Thanks ethan!!! I didn't think it looked heavy aged either, apparently the aging was special to this run!
Would you be able to compare a murphy lab Gibson to the same model custom shop Gibson for a value test. I would love to buy a Gibson custom shop 1959 reissue but is it worth it to spend a bit more to maybe get a Murphy Lab ultra light aged 1959 reissue model.
So a few things to think about:
1. The murphy lab selects whatever guitars they want from the custom shop or USA do they get to cherry pick their favorites from the start (so you're not getting a dud)
2. They're different construction and specs so although they may look close They're not the same thing at all
3. ML come with the custombuckers which are a cool vibe but not everyone's thing. Very different from burstbucker pros that are potted and much hotter (alnico v vs alnico magnets)
4. The FEEL ..they feel different because they roll the edges but you have to really feel for yourself. It's a big difference in price for subtle things that may be personal preference.
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist thanks for your detailed reply. Lots to think about.
That drummer has some serious guitar skills!
Not bad for a drummah! Check out our single with Lost Symphony ruclips.net/video/4umRs4RhxGc/видео.htmlsi=4xLtGB03gg545GR6
I bet he's a killer drummer.
Sounds great
Rock on Charles, Thanks for watching brother
How many truly vintage guitars do you have, Benny?
I have a few, but you look like you have a killer collection of them.
That's a great question, I'd say if you're talking 20+ years at least 130-150
OMG!!@@TheNeuroticGuitarist
I only have what I would consider to be only two truly vintage guitars. I also have a 74 Strat, 74 D-35 and a few 85 and 86 PRS's (as well as a lot more from the 80's) I don't know if these are considered vintage or not. Your collection is awesome!
@rosewoodsteel6656 I'd say anything over 25 years old is vintage, so 90s and earlier. Yup, 90s is vintage. I have a few 86 PRS' but no 85. Custom 24? Pre standard?
Serial# 52, mint condition is a Custom. The other 85's are Pre Standards. The 86's are Pre Standards and the rest of the 80's are mostly Customs. Damn, I guess I have more vintage guitars than I thought if the 80's and 90's are counted. :) But I couldn't open up a vintage guitar shop, like you. :)@@TheNeuroticGuitarist
Hanging out to see this one mate. "Ultra Light Aged" please?
This one is heavy aged but it's a special heavy aged just for this run of guitars. It's more like medium aged to me. I absolutely love it. I've never been a fan of reliced guitars but they're growing on me.
Great channel - just subscribed! I’m lucky enough to be ‘able’ to afford an $8k guitar, but I couldn’t justify it to myself. I bought a Fender CS Jimi Hendrix for $5k and I love it but that was pretty much a once in a lifetime thing for me. I do respect the work that Gibson and Fender put into their aging, it’s more than just randomly beating up a stock guitar. No hate from me for people who buy and collect these guitars. But I do enjoy my beat up, finish peeling and cracking MIM strat almost as much.
Rock on Brian 🤘 thanks so much, I appreciate you taking the time. Have fun going down the rabbit hole. Please comment on stuff u dig (or don't dig). I read it all. Cheers
With the Murphy Lab Les Paul's, the fact the price goes up £1000 every incriminate from - ultra light aged, light aged, aged, heavy aged, ultra heavy aged, just tells you how nuts it is, an extra £1000 for ultra light aged, an extra £5000 for an ultra heavy aged!!!!! Completely nuts.
Definitely nuts for people who don't care about aging a guitar
If the price was closer to fender's custom shop prices then maybe someday..until then I'll enjoy my CS strat.
What type of custom shop strat? Mind me asking what u paid?
Haha both your 335’s, Benny l own a Murphy Lab Les Paul, ultra light it’s fantastic love it plays a mean G chord, keep rocking Bro …
🤘🤪🤘🎸🔥
Without watching the video, the answer is no.
To you! To many people, for sure.
If Murphy’s lab , was used for replicating just the limited replica runs , of old skool artists models .
I wish they would also build guitars . And just focus on colours and pickup construction .
And leave out the ageing process . Unless requested .
The whole thing they do is aging/relicing!!!
I'd be interested if Murphy Lab made no-aged guitars.
Then what would they do to them? That's literally what they do.
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist You said they 'feel' better. Do you have to have checking and missing finish for that?
Murphy Labs just needs to get a broken Headstock down pat. Maybe one day.
PS. Maybe they can charge for a broken Headstock.
🙌
Honestly, they need to stop calling these vintage correct until every Murphy lab has a headstock repair
I was a little disappointed at the Andertons Murphy Lab video. Rubbing keys and old railroad spikes on a perfectly good guitar doesn't seem very "labbish" to me.
Haven't seen it but that sounds like a bummer 😕
Yeah, and you're paying someone thousands for the pleasure 😂 Gibson laughing all the way to the bank.
Cheers to the Canada Dry buddy from Canada lol sweet guitar its worth almost as much as my truck haha
Right? I wish I could afford one 😜
It would make me feel like John Fogarty lol
I don’t even need to watch your video to answer NO.
Sure
It's it's not all in Murphy labs to, Murphy lab walks through the Gibson factory picks up the guitars they want to modify. They get to pick the best of the best in the Gibson factory. EVERYTHING IN INVENTORY AT THE PREMISE BUILDING,
I know! Pretty rad! Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
If people want time-worn, why not just sand the varnish off the neck a bit? No harm done, to each their own, but paying someone else to put wear on a guitar so as to appear/feel 'authentic', is at the very least, artistically dishonest. No doubt, the talent at Murphy Labs know what they're doing & I can't blame Gibson for cashing in, everyone wants the same model. For sure, the '59 Les Paul is the most sought-after guitar in history. I personally prefer pre-CBS Strats, but no question, everyone wants a copy/paste of the king.
Fender does the same thing, adding wear to the already-vulnerable nickel frets & damaging the maple fretboards. There's the comfort & appearance of of 'distressed' furniture, and there' certainly a rustic charm. The driftwood effect.
However - I've got to call B.S. on it being about the 'feel' of a Murphy labs Les Paul. Anyone can sand the varnish off a neck so it feels well-worn. If it was about feel, people wouldn't be paying ~$5k for 'hipster-wear'. They wish to pose with it. Like I said, sincerely, no harm done - but If it was about 'feel', people would have a boutique builder make one & sand down the neck a bit.
As an investment, who knows if these things will retain their value. It all depends on how much the inbound generations appreciate the effort of a person paying someone else to add fake wear to an homage of a classic guitar, so as to appear 'authentic'.
Didn't Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein teach us anything?
An old Strat with an original color, maybe with a bullet hole through it - there's a signature. Rounding off corners with sandpaper though? Is that really worth the price of a two week vacation in Hawaii?
🤘🤘
Nailed it.
They are worth the money !
so… and that‘s the end of the story 😎🤘💪🤝🙌
Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
I never questioned the playability or sound. I will always have an issue with beating up the guitar and then charging thousands for it. I am anti fake mojo on a guitar. And of course you're going to change you mind since they just sent it to you.
I was with you until you said I'd change my mind because someone sent it to me? Why would that change my mind? I don't get paid for this. I do this because I love guitars. Secondly, where in the video do I say that I'd ever buy this guitar? Where do I say it's made for me? When I show you my real 59s? Did you even watch the video? Maybe you should pay attention a little more and type a little less
I have questioned the sound. Do they really sound as good as a good vintage instrument?
Love the hollow bodies Ted Nugent no's how to play them he makes them sound so good great video brother
Thanks so much Ed! I appreciate you. Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already 🤘😜🤘
That’s Collings money. 470 JL anyone?
Those are also very nice.
It’s easy to hate on “aged” guitars, comparing them to ripped jeans, and going “why are you paying that much for wear you’re gonna put on it yourself!” - but, there’s more to it than that. (Just cosmetics)
Some of us like worn in instruments, the feel of them, and yes the sound; if you believe that years make a difference.
People might say “just buy a vintage one!” But sometimes the case queen doesn’t feel right. Or the one that’s worn in just sooo right, simply has issues/problems. It becomes a unicorn hunt.
I think the real point of the pre-aged instrument market, is to give you a vintage guitar, but without any of the negatives that might have occurred over its lifetime
You definitely get it. I personally would rather buy a vintage instrument or something new, but I do not deny how amazing their guitars are. I'd def be down go trade into one.
I played several custom shop and Murphy labs back to back with USA standard models the other day. No difference in playability. Save yourself some money and just get a USA standard, get it set up well and if needed upgrade the pups. I will never be able to get behind the reliced thing because I'll always know it's not the real deal. Same way I've never and never will buy jeans with holes in them.
I hear you completely. I do enjoy the playability but I would NEVER pay the money for a relicd guitar. I have always been an advocate of the real thing, but they're certainly cool for those looking for that sorta thing. just not meant for you or me
Great video! Worth every penny to me! As I said in our group, Im contemplating selling two very fine Custom Shop guitars to be able to get a ML R9.
It's all about what's important to you. If you think that'll make you happier then do it! Can't wait to see what you end up with, but I'd play one and make sure the difference is worth it to you.
I’d be too scared to own it. I’d be a different story if I was a professional musician.
It's already aged!!!! What type of music do you play and what kinda guitar are you rocking?
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I have a 2020 standard, but my first love is my 2018 tribute.
Love the video 👍🏻🤘🏻 But I’m very sorry to say I find it incredibly lame to spend 8k on something made to look like it’s been used for 50+ years. I don’t see the point at all. Gimmick. Keep killin it dude!
Nothing wrong with feeling that way at all! I never want people to hold back their opinions, I certainly don't. I'm not the guy that would spend 8k on a Murphy lab guitar but I'd certainly trade for one and love it for what it is! It'll be interesting to see the secondhand market in 10 years for ML stuff.
Benny, your friend Paul reminds me of the british actor Tim Curry
I've met Tim curry when I saw him on Broadway. He rules.
Yes.
Rock on, do you have one?
If i bought a new guitar, I'd want it shiny
Me too...
Me three, just an aside it IS shiny
Me too! If I’m going to spend big bucks on a new guitar I’d want it to look new not old and beat up.
Exactly. It's a tacky fad.
Ive just never got on board with the whole "relic" thing. Must be from my punk background. I can easily fk a guitar up on my own within a year. But to have a guitar that just looks old for the sake of just looking old? But then paying extra for it? To each man, i just dont get it. I mean whats the benefit? Fooling people that you got an old guitar. I guess there are people out there that think that old guitar look is cool. Then just buy an old guitar.
I hear u on that, it's definitely not for everyone.
Not bad for 800 bucks.
😜
If it replicates a particularly famous guitar, then ok. If just random aging, not ok.
Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
Ha ha ha ha
Polling the opinion of a Drummer...........................
To be honest, my old Drummer is one of my life-long friends.
As a Practicing Guitarist I can't help but poke fun at Drummers and Bass Players.
Very cool ES, I think the artificial aging is a good thing.
Oh yeah, I've made fun of the fact that my drummer does guitar demos on my channel but he's a great player and I appreciate his opinion, especially for guitars like this
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist Glad he's onboard.
Fantastic Content Benny, Thank You both
I can afford a Murphy's Law guitar..
Power to you, my friend. I certainly can't!
I believe you need to re-read my post. :)@@TheNeuroticGuitarist
Ive had a twang on a Murphy Lab LP Standard (you shd see Aust prices!!)..
Like you said, you can ding ur own gear up, but they do feel, play and sound great.
If l had the money, ld get a 335, theyre gd for anything, bar ultra gain.. thing's gorgeous!!
It really is an awesome guitar. What do they go for in Australia?
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist $15-26k AU, the $26k was a '23 Brazilian Rosewood 59 model Benny, lve yet to see a 335 mate, but l rekn it'd be about the same... I'd say you cd talk em down a bit, not much tho.
We get snaked by shops here mate.
"meant to be something it's not..." hmmm, so, is it worth what a genuine, original is worth...why not?
Who said it's worth what an original is worth? An original 58 is minimum 60k, so not even close. Math bro. Math
Gibson make’s guitars “As You Mentioned” for $2,000 they make guitars for $20,000 “Oh yes” they even make guitars like the “Greeny” for $50,000 which sold out before you could even strum a G Chord and then you have the “HolyGrails” those guitars sell for $350,000 to 1,000,000,000 Trillion Dollars in other words just enjoy the guitars you own and play, show them all some “AGAPE LOVE “ Yes AGAPE LOVE because at the end of the day a G chord is just a G Chord and needs to be strummed like any other Guitar…….
You nailed it dude. What gibson are u rocking?
Sorry Benny l need to get my eyes checked l thought you wrote Mocking Cheers Nick
I don't see any point in aged guitars no matter how convincing they look.
Right, you're fundamentally opposed to the whole concept and I get it.
Hi, I call those "good relation purchase". my Buddy ordered one, hid it from wify who wanted new car at the time. She went to the studio and saw it.........80% chance of divorce, or he sells " New guitar in beat up shape" and gets her a new car. I would leave the wify......lol. be well
Well there's that!!! Fortunately, my wife has no interest in my guitars. 🤪
If you resold this guitar you would not get 1/2 that enouth already.
You def could get more than half of it for it. There's certainly a market for murphy lab guitars.
The days gone by when people bought a guitar to play and hopefully join or form a band to play live gigs,How times have changed.Most of these high end guitars will never see a stage, yet alone leave the house.
Maybe?
Shouldn't pay for relics. My Les Paul Standard had two dings on the headstock. As a result I got it for more than $1000 less than the going price. That's how it should be.
They're definitely not for everyone!
Not to me, it is a brand new guitar, that got beat on to become 8grand so no not to me...
Fair enough!
I’m gonna sum this up for everyone: No, there’s no reason to spend $8,000 on a piece of wood with paint, metal parts, wiring and some strings that a guy beat to shit for me. I don’t care if Jesus Christ made it, I’m not paying that much for an instrument that I only play for myself. I’d rather spend that on parts and materials from StewMac and build it myself.
I hear you. I'm not arguing against your logic, but there are definitely people that it's worth it to. Just not you. And probably MOST people, it's a niche market without question
I have to agree, I am not worthy of an $8000 guitar! But I am sure a lot of people want the best they can afford within their budget. Does a closet guitar player need an expensive guitar? Only if they want it and can afford it while paying their bills. :)
PS: Stewmac sent me a free guitar kit when I spent $200 and spun a wheel!! Fun stuff, I am practicing different stain and color techniques and stripping it back until I get one I ❤️!!
I’m planning a build here a a few months. Gonna get an Iceman body and neck from Warmouth and throwing a Gotoh Floyd, probably an L4 nut, Gotoh locking tuners for quick string changes, a set of Jim Root Demonium pickups and painting it all Viridian with a transparent black burst.
@@southernpanda33 let me know how it goes dude! I'd love to hear about it after it's all said and done!
If you have a discord, I’ll post pictures when I’m done.
It's a heavy aged tax write off! Lol
Only if you're a professional musician!
No. Once you go over about 2-2.5k there's no improvement in playability/pickup quality/qc. i'm really a metal player but ive played some expensive guitars in that world and a 1.5-2k ibanez prestige is as good as anything costing twice or three times the price.
If you don't feel the difference then it's certainly not worth it for you! Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
Playing an aged guitar is like playing a Chibson. Some people might think that it's real, but you still know that it's fake.
That's a really good point. You have to decide if the fake boobs bother you to touch. But they're not real. But they look so good. But I know they're fake. Does it matter? Not saying you're wrong but that's a hilarious metaphor
just say no to aged guitars 🤣
🙌
no
Why do u say that?
Seeing what the Murphy lab do to the acoustics actually upsets me. Should stick to electrics
I haven't seem them yet, what about it upsets you?
I would say "NO"! Greedy Gibson. Pitiful.
What's greedy about making a higher pricepoint guitar? You don't have to buy it.
no, not ever.
Why do u say that?
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist i think a reliced should be earned, not bought. just my opinion.
Absolutely no guitar is worth $8000 and the mental gymnastics needed to make it seem so is staggering.
It's worth it if someone will pay for it. It's just not worth it to you. I get it, but that's just economics 101
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I know what you mean but objectively speaking it can't be - an $8000 guitar isn't four times better than a $2000 guitar. You get to a point in terms of quality and components where you're splitting hairs over value.
I can comfortably say that if I was absolutely loaded I still wouldn't spend that.
@@StuartBridsonThe diminishing returns once you go above USA standard are so small and in no way justified.
NO! Ridiculous prices...
🤘😜🤘
No. Unless you are a professional musician.
I wouldn't disagree with that, or someone who just likes nice things and can afford it.
If you're a rock star maybe... regular professional musician => Squier classic vibe and Ramen noodles
No it’s not worth it.
They are totally worth it.
What makes you say that?
Not a fan of relic’d guitars. If I played it I might have a different opinion.
Waste of money.
What makes you say that?
@TheNeuroticGuitarist They're just tacky. That's my view.. Obviously, other people have different views.
I have a Lemonburst 2023 VOS R8 LP. Not a Murphy Lab. SWEETWATER gave me a great deal before the latest price hike. Brand new 3700. Now they want over 5g. Is it a great guitar? Yes. Would I pay 5g for it? No. But I do own a killer guitar now.
Hell yeah man, I'm glad you got it for a deal. What did you think of the es335 in the video?
NO
Why do you say that?
it dumb to pay that kind of bread on a regular guitar that some ass hole turned old .Learn how to play forget playing out the ass , I can do anything Murphy can do you are paying money for an illusion. Truth@@TheNeuroticGuitarist
No
Why do u say that.