Im the sales manager at the guitsr store you bought that from. Thanks for buying from Liberty music! That guitar was insane! I got to play it a bit before it went out to you. The checking aging all that was the best I've felt. They're just getting better and better. If anyone wants a dream guitar like this at the best price hit us up!
Oh well, my 2019 Classic is my perfect Les Paul. That means I really can't afford nothing better, so I just learn to live with it. And indeed it is an amazing guitar.
I believe I have an 01. LP01XXX9 Picked it up the day of 9/11. It seemed like the world was ending and I had the guitar on layaway. I ran to the store to grab it because I feared NYC would shut down. Crazy to think people were going through a disaster and my main focus was that LP. Doubt if I’ll ever get rid of it. And unlike others, I actually like the sound of the pickups, I only wish they were covered.
Really nice. You mentioned raising and lowering your stop bar, and how the instrument lost some of its liveliness when you reduced the break angle, that has also been my experience. The specifications and details of a Les Paul (any instrument really) are endless, which is part of what I love about playing and choosing a guitar. Good Luck and enjoy this fantastic journey, I feel fortunate to tag along with you.
Thanks as always! Great to know about the break angle. It is fascinating to learn about and experiment with the seemingly endless parameters to tweak. It's all about the journey and I've enjoyed having folks like yourself tag along!
I only own one Gibson Les Paul but it's a P90 version gold top and now on the quest of a flame burst such as yours. It looks perfect in my opinion and I prefer the dark boards as well. Your LP sounds so smooth! Is it just me but the pickups sound more compressed and almost EMG like but with much more clarity. Awesome video brother.
Nitro cures either “hard” or “soft” depending on the environmental conditions when applied and being cured. Given the heavy aged to you feels harder is no surprise given the cooking and freezing methods used in the lab. In contrast, the ultra light has likely spent more time sat on a rack after a light cooking period, hence it’s softer. Also worthy of note, soft cured nitro finishes are more susceptible to “binding bleed”;this is where through playing, heat exchanger on the neck reacts over time and may cause the dye to bleed into your binding, giving it in areas most played a reffish stain.
@@RatherBeRiffing My 2023 heavy aged has the really hard glass like nitro you spoke o on your one ML f. it is very smooth and glass like whereas My previous 5 VOS LP's all had a soft nitro due to the plasticizers they added. I may be wrong but i think the hard nitro allows the wood to vibrate more.
Hi John, another great video. Thank you for letting us join your Les-Paul-journey. I would keep your Non-Murphy Lab LP. As for the other two, I would like to wait for your compasrison of the two. The position of the stopbar is really worth experimenting with. From what I have experienced lowering it down all the way does not automatically give you the best result. Another important tone-factor is the ABR-bridge. There are some great replacement bridges on the market that are worth trying. One thing that makes me sad reading some comments is the envy of some people and the agression others react to it.
@@garyslash7552 how do you know they're envious? I'm sure some are maybe but how do you judge that? Personally I don't understand the "relic" thing beyond the clever marketing - if I had 7 grand to spend on a guitar I'd buy something that wasn't relic-ed. Custom Shop the hell out of it, yes, the best woods, electrics and craftsmanship, but I'd want it to wear in my hands and save a couple of grand.
Thanks as always, Gary - appreciate hearing your experience on this! I've got a 4 uncles replica ABR that I will try in there eventually. Any others you like?
Interesting video. I was on a quest a couple of years ago to find my "perfect" LP checking out probably 2 dozen R9's and a few R0 V1's and owning 3 of them before trading for and ending up with the 2020 R9 in Golden Poppy Burst example I have now. It's amazing how different each sounded and how different each felt to play. A few big factors that come into play for me when checking out a LP are the weight (I like it to be about 8.5lbs.), the neck depth/profile (I like it to be full C-shaped and 0.89-0.90 @ the 1st and 0.99-1.00 @ the 12th frets), a dark fretboard, straight-grained mahogany back and a significantly steep break angle at the bridge. To explain that last point a bit more...I've found that the break angle can vary from guitar to guitar with some (few) guitars able to achieve a steeper, adjusted break angle than others with the strings still being able to clear the back of the bridge. These guitars tend to resonate more and sound more dynamic. The one I ended up with doesn't have a "perfect" top, nor does it have an eye-popping color, but it's still very nice as they all pretty much are. The selling point for me was its tone, sustain and resonance that blew away the others that I have tried and/or owned. The entire guitar vibrates in your hands and against your body when a chord was strummed and even when individual notes are played. The strings' break angle was steep, yet the strings felt slinky. Even the sales guy, who I know, that was helping me agreed that it had a certain type of mojo that the others didn't have and he's primarily a drummer. It turns out that this particular R9 was a M2M model with a hand-picked top, color, back wood and neck profile that the ordering customer cancelled on. Lucky for me! The mahogany back has the straightest, most uniform grain I've ever see on a guitar which I believe to be the biggest contributing factor to its tonal and sustaining properties.
I am currently on that quest. It's been about two years and I've played somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 guitars. All of them have been different. My boxes are much more in line with yours. While appearance is still a factor, it's probably 4th in the hierarchy. Basically, I don't want one that looks like it was run over by a tractor, and there's a few colors I don't want.
@@Fishing_Fiddles Yeah, all the bursts look great...some I like more than others. My favorites are Golden Poppy Burst, Slow Iced Tea Fade (rare) and Dirty Lemon. For me, a LP has to be either a burst, a gold top or black and only if it's a Custom.
try the wrap-over as well (if it doesnt matter the scratches), it adds to slinky-ness without raising the tailpiece. Oh god it is so beautiful, your check marks for a good les paul is very accurate.
Works perfect for me! 👍 as i had originally heard this just relives some tension on the strings for a slinkier feel. That was definitely my findings with this wrp over method.
I like the beauty of the Les Paul, but it's uncomfortable. Which means less time Practicing. Also notice strat / superstrat players in general are technically better than les paul players. Maybe strat players practice more. Because it's more comfortable
WOW that’s a spectacular top, Jon! Great tone too! I really enjoyed its voice; very warm with beautiful subtleties. As for the feel of the finish on the neck, I’m fairly certain that this is mostly a result of the heavy aging process and the fact that with this category of Les Paul, they are finished on a particularly individual basis. In the normal process, the guitar will go through a series of sanding steps. Between the first and second sanding, grain filler is applied to fill in the pores and level the surface. From there, each successive sanding step uses finer grit sand paper. My guess would be that Gibson finished with a 220 grit. At that point color is applied (the Heritage Cherry color on the back and then a different color of stain for the maple top). After this, a sealer coat is applied. A very light sanding step is used to remove any raised areas in the finish (the sealer’s moisture actually raises the wood’s grain slightly). From there, usually two or more layers of lacquer top coat are applied (with a very light sanding step between coats). A series of processes are then used to add the aging to the newly finished guitar. One of these steps includes very selective application of a solvent and some sanding to simulate wear. In areas that show more wear, this is done more aggressively. Ideally, even in these areas, the objective is to thin the existing finish more than go into the wood. When this is done, it creates peaks and valleys in the finish. My guess is that this is likely what you are noticing. Personally, I’m not a fan of this being done on the neck as my hand feels enough of the variation to find it a little distracting. That said, I’ve known players that prefer this to anything else. With heavy aged finishes, the art aspect generally has a larger impact than the “science” and certainly one of the BIG objectives with heavy aged instruments is that each one exhibits uniquely individual differences and characteristics. Kind of like people (arguably the coolest thing about human beings is their individuality)!
Thanks as always and appreciate the continued insight on this subject! That makes sense to me, especially the extra solvent, sanding to simulate wear. It's always like the heavy aged is somewhere between satin and glass. Luckily I don't feel any peaks a valleys as I too am not a fan of that. And totally agree - the individuality of each instrument is what maintains my passion for this! They all bring out a little something different in my playing too which is fun to discover.
I have a 2013 Les Paul Traditional Pro ll, this guitar is a Musician’s Friend Exclusive. When I bought the guitar I bought it because it appeared to have a plain top. When I received her, she has a plain top half and a slight flamed bottom half, it’s definitely not book matched. I was a bit disappointed when I unboxed her. The Burst is a Beautiful Iced Tea, has a great vintage look to it. I was immediately contemplating sending her back the same day I received her. The guitar was in tune when I received her. I began to play her for a few hours the guitar never went out of tune and it has great body resonance. Went through the pros and cons of her, the only con was she didn’t have a full plain top. That was 11 years ago, needless to say she is still with me. I’ve played a $15,000 Murphy Lab Les Paul and the guitar really felt soulless. The search for a great guitar is if the guitar resonates and speaks to the player, it’s all personal preference. Body resonance is very important when choosing a guitar, playability and the guitar staying in tune, these are the three most important qualities of a great guitar. Aesthetics and price have nothing to do with it. Cheers 🍻
My Holy Grail is the “GREENY” So l thought, l ended up selling my 2013 CS 58 plain top poppy burst then sold my 59 CS 2019 to buy the Murphy Lab ultra light aged took the pick guard off put two vintage reflector knobs on have to admit looks great however be careful what you wish for, at the end of the day my 58 even though it was a plain top is the one l miss the most as Peter Green would say “Oh well” …..
Wow that sucks and i can sympathize! That has happened to me in the past. However i have zero regrets trading a 2016 VOS R9 and some cash for a leftover new in box Murphy Lab R9 heavy aged poppy burst i now own. Best guitar i have owned in 30+ years.
You have a great taste in guitars ;), very beautiful guitar! The aging and color are very well done and, for me, the aging is just enough where it gives the guitar a great vibe but it's not too much. I also love the look of your customshop, I just love the vivid color but it's a completely different guitar of course. Really looking forward to the comparison!
Jonathan so glad you’ve found your perfect LP! A couple things to comment on… It’s gorgeous. Love the relic job. So well done. One thing I’ve noticed is that both of my light aged ML, A ‘59 LP and a ‘64 SG in Pelham blue both have checking that you can feel on the neck, so that’s consistent. I swear the other heavy aged ML LP’s also you could feel the checking too. So that’s strange on yours you can’t feel it much. Counter-intuitive. I love the feel of the checking myself and I’ve noticed it doesn’t get very sticky with sweat like my old R0 did. Yeah those pickups are little darker in tone but still sound fantastic, IMO. Maybe you only put the neck tone knob on 6 and not 3-4, haha. I actually have a LP with stock Ron Ellis “Lee Roy Parnell PAF” pickups and those are, for me, as good as it gets. Bursts are meant to be a little bright, but in a pleasant way, with harmonics and bloom. That’s what those Ellis pickups do. You might want to check those out if you get the itch for something different. And finally it must be something about the finish that takes an already very resonant guitar, in a LP, to super resonance, lol. My ML’s are very loud acoustically and suuuper resonant. Actually their resonance and acoustic ring is only rivaled by my aged Collings I-35 LC (think 335 but slightly smaller bout), which is the best ES guitar I’ve ever played. The common theme is the relicing on those instruments. It definitely does a thing, IMO. Congrats my friend and well done on another great video with beautiful playing.
Gibson Les Paul Standards are my favourite so watching RUclips video is such a treat I cant always watch Gibson Garage show tv I love it , your show is professionally well done I can’t wait for part two and please find away to give us more lol simple love it !!!❤❤❤
Which one has to go! NOoooooooo, keep them all because they are all different and have a unique feel and voice. KEEP THEM ALL! Love your playing and content, thanks for sharing. Chris
Thanks as always for the kind words, Chris! I really considered keeping them all for those reasons. It’s the most Les Paul’s I’ve owned at once and it really put into perspective how unique each example is.
I swear I can smell that beautiful aroma when you opened the case. Congrats, she is beautiful ! I don't have kids, but I do have the baby picture of my les paul that gibson gives you when you buy one.
Excellent video, thank you. I love the Lemon Burst color but I personally prefer plain top LP's with Black top particular, I guess I am obsessed with black guitars.
Thoroughly enjoyed the vid and my preference would be the light aged. Just feels right - kind of goldilocks thing going on with it. However, the highlight is the "On an Island" Gilmour tone and feel in your playing :)
Straight up brother, I love them all. They all look amazing to me and the tone is freaking amazing and your playing is off the charts! Sorry, id have to keep them all and be very happy with it. I can listen to you play all day big daddy…let us know where we can check out some of your music. Keep all the guitars and make a video of you playing from start to finish with music like what you you played in this video
Thanks for the kind words! I'd love to keep 'em all, but somethings got to go this time. Thanks for the suggestion - I think that would be a great idea to jam all 3 over this backing track. No music out there at the moment. Will share more here when I do release some.
@ tells us little about yourself… musical influences, do you play in a band or do studio work? You defiantly have great taste in beautiful guitars… just a complement to your playing. Brother… I’m a fan of all your tonal layers, when you roll into those low chord changes and melodic intricate bends… just resonates with me. Very inspiring…
I love the Murphy Lab heavy aged LPs they are sooo nice. I have one and it’s THE best electric I’ve played to date. It’s Wildwood spec’d and it honks. Got a killer deal. I’d never buy a new one they depreciate too fast. 😊 Super nice guitar man. Cheers and enjoy. My figuring preference is minimal. Not too much tiger striping. Yours is very nice. Oh I just love the neck finishing. Feels played and it is now😊 and raise your hands all you want😂
I can hear that fat woody tone through my phone speaker. That is a keeper! Amazing to find one that so closely looks like the one from the book. I recently acquired a 2011 classic custom in cream with the baked maple fretboard. Its bright and snappy and definitely tele on steroids. It brings the sound of the early 80s imo. Like Alex Lifeson or new wave/punk. I dig it. Can play it for HOURS! That murphy labs sounds way different and I could definitely get accustomed to that beefy sound. Lots of resonation n that piece of hog. Sounds almost like it's more dry or porous. Anyway SWEET guitar! Enjoy!
Thank you! Dry is a good word for it. The notes have a lot fundamental to my ears. I didn't expect the voice it has but I'm really digging it! I remember those classics - cool guitars!
Great video! My perfect Les Paul took a lifetime to find. Has to be light 8.5 lbs Carmelita neck is the soul of it. Kindred top which is a tobacco with no or low red. I like a 58 Mismatched top that is not perfect. I like more of a gold Gibson logo and a brown back ( like on a 335 ) rather than a cherry so it appears to have faded the red out.
I think the hunt is part of the fun and must be so satisfying to have found yours! I love a tobacco burst with low red. I've though about having Historic Makeovers redo my 2019 R9 in that finish.
After hearing your explanation of why those other guitars weren't your "perfect" Les Paul, I can't help but feel like you didn't understand why you were chasing it to begin with. As you talk about this latest 59, it sounds like you really just wanted a guitar that reminded you of your father and the book he gave you. Thinking that way, your perfect Les Paul could probably only be the exact one you saw on that cover - though hopefully this new one is close enough. Those are just my thoughts, anyway. Rock on, and thanks for doing what you do! 🤘
Congratulations on yet another beautiful example. As far as looks go, I love your NOS with that gorgeous red and my idea of the best flame top, I realize this planer top has some sentimental aspects to it and so that’s just personal preference. Feel is one of my key factors too. As far as break angle and bridge setups go, I never used to be a fan of top wrapping and was always looking for stop tail all the way down and strings clearing back edge as a sign of perfection but with my MLB, it came setup top wrapped and I just sort of changed and went with it, now even when I change strings I’ve been sticking with that. I love the tone of this one and wonder what PUPs are in it as you know me, I’m always curious about magnet types and their effect on tone. If I had to guess I’d say A5 🤷♂️ regardless I thought the tone was very sweet and powerful.
Thanks as always, Drew! Someone else commented that the best sounding ones have a break angle that clears the bridge. I may try top wrapping, that worked great on my Huber Orca 59 but that was to get the 25” scale to feel shorter. This one has stock custombuckers so A3 I believe, but they sound different due to the sweeter and more powerful acoustical properties of this guitar.
I was just about to suggest you check out Gil Yaron's website when you mentioned you own a Bone. I've owned many Gibson Les Pauls, five different Bones, and five of Gil's LP replicas, and I have to say I've never found anything better than a Yaron. Like you, I've also owned a few Nik Huber Orca 59s. But as much as I like those, I see the Orca 59 as a companion to a Les Paul, not a replacement.
Beautiful guitar and great playing as usual, your tone is really amazing. Is that a Brazilian Rosewood fretboard?? Can't wait to see which guitars will make the cut...Congrats!
Congrats! In my experience, you definitely want that tailpiece tightened down onto the body for maximum sustain. More bridge mass = more sustain (think trem blocks). If a LP's tailpiece isn't in good contact with the maple cap, the lightweight aluminum tailpiece doesn't have enough mass to produce much sustain by itself. Not surprised that the heavy aged resonates louder than the others. As I mentioned on your last video, that was true of mine as well. You may find that the worn heavy aged neck finish grows on you. A LOT.
@@RatherBeRiffing You can see if you like it, but top wrapping it for sustain has been debunked (at least for me). See YT vid: Johan Segeborn's Top Wrapping your Les Paul for better sustain and tone! (can't post the link) To me, it sounds like the standard stringing method produces more tonal bite. The top wrap was mellower. But it also sounded to me like the standard provided more sustain as well. Though it's hard to tell from the video exactly when the note stops wringing, if you go to where he's holding the single notes and check the video player's seconds timer, it seems like the standard method was ringing for 11 or 12 seconds compared to the top wrap's 9-10 seconds. If the top wrap actually produced less sustain, then the myth that this way produces more sustain is busted, and the only remaining reason to use it would be if you want less tonal bite, and that slinkier feel on the strings that he mentions (caused by the flatter string angle over the bridge).
Hi John, you have a beautiful choice of guitars. That Gil Yaron... Regarding the LP's I'll be waiting with pleasure for the comparison between the 2 ML. The heavy aged has nicer looks to me, the weight is a bit over mine (8,25 Lbs). It's a washed cherry VOS, with the perfect feel and neck profile. Very inspiring.The 10-46 string gauge is slinky enough to leave the stopbar touching the body. It sustains very well and has a loud and vibrant acoustic sound. The Custombuckers AL3 are very responsive and dynamic. You guessed it: this is my holy grail after a 48 years quest. Good luck in your choice, cheers !
Played a bunch of R9s and many other Les Paul styles and my guitar I’ve landed on is my Nik Huber Orca 59. It seriously is the best, try one if you come across one they’re next level
Stumbled across your video while doing some research. You now have a new subscriber. Your videos are really well done. Quality and sound are superb! May I ask what amp/speaker/medals you are running your Les Pauls thru? Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the kind words and sub, Jason! I'm using a Two Rock Bloomfield Drive and Blankenship Twinplex in stereo, set clean, going into two Suhr Reactive Loads with Friends 4x12 Cab impulse responses. I use pedals for gain. Typically a Vemuram Jan Ray for light drive and boosted with others flavors (e.g., BK Butter Tube Drive, Tube Screamer, Etc.)
Really liked your playing, sir. Gorgeous guitars too. Liked and subscribed :) As for the tailpiece, you could still deck it and use top wrapping. I've tried it a/b on guitars I owned and I believe you still get the added benefits of the tailpiece decked, but a slightly slinkier feel. It does damage to the coating of your tailpiece over time. Something to keep in mind if you care about that (I don't).
Thanks for the kind words and suggestion! I've lowered the action more and it's feeling a little more slinky. I'll try top wrap next string change. I don't mind if it wears the tailpiece either (the ML already took care of that!)
One of my favorites is the African Burst..( in beauty of the Burst.. I don’t like any aging, not all burst have finish checking. I’ve never found any custom shop LP’s, that played the same as a real Burst. It’s, always settling for a guitar , that’s an LP in looks and name only. Remember, these Gibsons only have their name in common. My Max comes the closet. Very nice laidback video..
Just recently found and subscribed to your channel. Love the video’s and really love the Les Paul’s and the tone your fingers get out of them. I own a Heritage H-150 that looks really similar to your new Les Paul, even has the really dark almost black rosewood fingerboard. I run a Fractal FM3 with headphones due to noise constraints, but have yet to be able to get that true Gibson Les Paul Murphy Lab tone even though my guitar was made in the original Gibson factory. I play guitar for me and have never gigged or been part of any band so my skillset is more mid-level. Where can I get some of your backing tracks and do you have tabs for some of the music you play on your video’s that you have shared? Thanks again for posting these video’s as they are fantastic. Eric
Thanks for the comments and sub, Eric! Those Heritages H-150's in similar finishes look beautiful! I don't have back tracks/tabs out yet, but plan to eventually. I'll announce here when ready. Thanks for the interest!
I’m here to tell you it’s totally okay to own several LPs. Tele on steroids is always a great way to describe a good LP. That particular guitar is extremely loud. Love it.
Great video completely understand your desire to get as close to an original burst as you can. Take the non-Murphy lab Les Paul and send it to Historic makeovers in Sanford Florida. They will get you where you wanna go. You can hear Joe Bonamassa sing their praises on his Lazarus video Paul Stanley on his guitar collection video also recommends some highly as do I. even though there founder, Kim LaFleur has recently passed sadly his team is still in place and going strong. Great video.
Thanks for the kind words and recommendation! I’ve always been intrigued and curious about their work. I’ve considered sending them the non-ML. The examples Paul Stanley showed were absolutely stunning as well as Joe’s Lazarus!
Does the new one still have the red under the poker chip, pickguard and neck pickup ring/routes? Have you tried top wrapping? You'll have the tailpiece decked a get a little slinkier feel from the top wrap. I do this on the 3 TOM bridged Gibson I play. Cheers.
I can’t really speak for that level of guitar but i recently did a pickup change for my gibson lp standard from the stock burstbucker pro to a dimarzio superdistortion and it perfectly woke it up. The guitar already had the perfect top and weight and plays like a dream but the sound was just too boring. You don’t have to go as aggressive as i did but a pickup change is more than enough to get what you want out of any guitar. Maybe try some nice pickups next. It’s not like if you could not install the older ones again after 🤷🏻♂️ Not every pickup works for every guitar. Even if you love a particular pickup in a guitar that doesn’t mean it will work for every guitar (well, maybe emg’s do 😂). Sometimes the frequencies of the guitar clash with the ones from the pickup and it is cheaper to just change the pickups than to get a whole new guitar 😂
That’s a very nice looking and sounding Les Paul, beautiful top, just one small thing, the pickguard is not quite the right color. But I guess it's me who's picky. 😅
Thanks! I have mixed feelings on it myself. I may put a Bartlett guard on it. The originals are all over the map (I.e., some match the rings, others don’t)
I sincerely already have a Gibson Les Paul standard and I would try a Les Paul custom Murphy lab reissue from 57 with 3 pickups. I think that if you try that guitar you will see a totally different horizon.😊 By the way, could you tell us if you see any tool marks or anything bad to point out on your Les Paul, especially on the fretboard? Thanks.
If you want a more slinky feel without raising the stop bar, then by all means please try top wrapping the strings. I started doing it years ago and never looked back. IMO you loose no sustain but do get a much slinkier feel. I apologize if someone has already recommended this.
You have the vintage bug, can't say I blame you! But here's a question: if you had a choice of a genuine 59 LP (built in 1959) in brand new factory condition, or a 2024 reissue perfectly built and aged like a typical real 59 - which would you choose? Not based on value btw (if possible)
@@RatherBeRiffing Yeah this question was a No brainer! 😁 I do not know many that would opt for a modern Burst over a original even in very used condition!
I've listened to it too. Some of the tone is from a decent amp, modeler, signal chain, whatever they used, some from the guitar and most is from the playing. You may need to spend 10k to get a decently assembled Gibson branded guitar, but not to get that tone. Recording and playing skill on this level and a 1500.-- quid guitar will do the job. You could get there cheaper, but ~1500.-- is the price for a brand new Epiphone with the same pickups and electronics, that would sound the same or very similar, within the margin of tolerances in wire and cable lenght, cap and pot tolerances, etc. With the Epi you may need to replace the bridge with a decent product and do some cleaning up to the tailpiece treads etc, which they hopefully already did with the CS Gibson.
I love my les paul guitars.... it took me a while, but I finally bought a heritage h150 custom shop.... I'm not a fan of the headstock, which in person isn't bad, but could be improved....but it feels like a classic straight from the case....maybe because they're made in the Kalamazoo plant?🤷🤷🤷 its a great guitar though
This one sounds great, but then neither of your other LP’s sound bad. They all sound great, just a bit different. I look forward to your side-by-side comparisons with your other two. I am curious as to whether you have noticed something. I have heard it said that a new guitar takes a while to forget that it isn’t a tree. I.e., after a few months of playing, it will sound better because it is “broken in.” I have found this to be true sometimes, but not always. My 335 and my 594 Semihollow both sounded good when I bought them, but sounded noticeably better after 6 months or so of playing them. My DGT has sounded great since I received it. All three were bought new. Have you experienced this? Have you notice this in a used guitar (perhaps one that sat around and was rarely played) that changed after you played it for a few months?
Thanks! Agree - they're all great and just a little different in feel/tone. I've heard something similar about guitars opening up. George Gruhn was showing me his acoustic line and demonstrated "waking up" one of the examples that hadn't been played much. Given that your guitars are semi-hollows, perhaps there is something similar going on there.
I saw ya trying not to smile. But for that , I do believe I’d be smiling too. Have fun, PS. Like Cole says on the Guitaristas YT, channel. He’s a Gibson fanatic, and always says he’s on the quest for the One. Even after he says he found several , he’ll sell them off and get depressed, Turn around. And do it all over again. There really is an insanity , that goes along with playing guitar. I bought a SG special , I have 1 or 2 payments left. $1,600.00 bucks. It plays great but it’s not the one. I paid $500.00 bucks for a Epi Coronet reissue. And it blows the speacial away. No contest. So there’s a big ? In the room, ya know. I’m not giving up though. I’m gonna do more homework first. Then jump out there. PSS. I haven’t tried it yet, but with in the next few weeks I will try wrapping over top of the stop tail. The easing of the strings break angels, absolutely will affect your tone. And after that it’s just do you like it or not. But I’ve caught several renown players, live in concert , with the camera sweeping close on their Les Paul. And just happened to notice the wrap around the top. If you got the clearance for it. The cost of a set of strings might unwind something that one never knew.
I have the same issue. I spent time in Nashville earlier this year. Fun place and got to sample a ton Gibsons at Gibsons Garage, Guitar Center (flagship location), and Carter’s.
@@RatherBeRiffing saw him on the 4th, he brought it out for a few songs! i came here to say it sounded very gilmourish too lol great video + playing man!
Jimmy Page #1 tighter flame, not too dark and slightly misaligned. Call me sentimental. I actually have a very very close Chibson JP #1 copy that I replaced all the electronics and hardware.
I have never understood why Gibson can’t just build 59’ ri that is identical to real 59’ burst. They have so many versions of a reissue with every year a new change. How hard can it be?
I hear you. It's a frustrating dynamic. Many businesses are novelty driven, but in the case of Burst lovers, we just want '59 specs. It seems Gibson has mashed up the two ideas by constraining the accuracy and dripping it out incremental improvements as novelty over time.
My wish is to buy a Gibson eds 1275 duel neck ,a 58 les Paul and a 59 less Paul all custom shop that's my bucket list I live in England I retired last year I am 67 and when I go I would like to leave them to my grandson ,but my finances won't stretch at the moment
It's a beautiful guitar. Not the "Tele on steroids" sound, it's a bit "thicker" sounding I'd say? Might I even suggest it sounds a bit like the fabled Beano Les Paul?...!!!!!!!!
Brazilian rosewood is all about the texture and grain not the color. Not all looks like dark at all, its a faulse expectation that ppl try to use authenticate/differentiate it from madagascar or indian rosewood. I'm not saying you do so just wanted to highlight it.
Dang bro I’m so happy for you man. I love your videos. Glad you got that beauty
Thank you so much! I'm really excited about this one.
I have 6 les pauls now and have owned about 25 or so. What i learned about my 9th instrument was i had to let a box or two not be ticked.
Im the sales manager at the guitsr store you bought that from. Thanks for buying from Liberty music! That guitar was insane! I got to play it a bit before it went out to you. The checking aging all that was the best I've felt. They're just getting better and better. If anyone wants a dream guitar like this at the best price hit us up!
Oh well, my 2019 Classic is my perfect Les Paul. That means I really can't afford nothing better, so I just learn to live with it. And indeed it is an amazing guitar.
I also have LP Classic, mine is a lemon burst…. Love it..👌
@jackplug9586 damn good guitars! 🤟
Man I'm with on that . I just purchased a used 2017 Les Paul Traditional and that's all I can afford! So I hear what your saying.
@slimfire5475 Trads are also amazing, more you play it better it will sound 🤟
I believe I have an 01. LP01XXX9 Picked it up the day of 9/11. It seemed like the world was ending and I had the guitar on layaway. I ran to the store to grab it because I feared NYC would shut down. Crazy to think people were going through a disaster and my main focus was that LP. Doubt if I’ll ever get rid of it. And unlike others, I actually like the sound of the pickups, I only wish they were covered.
Really nice.
You mentioned raising and lowering your stop bar, and how the instrument lost some of its liveliness when you reduced the break angle, that has also been my experience.
The specifications and details of a Les Paul (any instrument really) are endless, which is part of what I love about playing and choosing a guitar. Good Luck and enjoy this fantastic journey, I feel fortunate to tag along with you.
Thanks as always! Great to know about the break angle. It is fascinating to learn about and experiment with the seemingly endless parameters to tweak. It's all about the journey and I've enjoyed having folks like yourself tag along!
@@RatherBeRiffing I wonder if top wrapping would make a difference. you get the reduced break angle but also get to lower the bar as low as possible.
Stunning guitars, & the lighting in the video really compliments the finishes! Nice playing also!
Thank you!
I only own one Gibson Les Paul but it's a P90 version gold top and now on the quest of a flame burst such as yours. It looks perfect in my opinion and I prefer the dark boards as well. Your LP sounds so smooth! Is it just me but the pickups sound more compressed and almost EMG like but with much more clarity. Awesome video brother.
I’m after a gold top with p90s now. Maybe I’ll find a deal during the shopping season.
Nitro cures either “hard” or “soft” depending on the environmental conditions when applied and being cured. Given the heavy aged to you feels harder is no surprise given the cooking and freezing methods used in the lab. In contrast, the ultra light has likely spent more time sat on a rack after a light cooking period, hence it’s softer. Also worthy of note, soft cured nitro finishes are more susceptible to “binding bleed”;this is where through playing, heat exchanger on the neck reacts over time and may cause the dye to bleed into your binding, giving it in areas most played a reffish stain.
My non-murphy lab has the blinding bleed and I always wondered what caused it. Thanks for the info!
@@RatherBeRiffing My 2023 heavy aged has the really hard glass like nitro you spoke o on your one ML
f. it is very smooth and glass like whereas My previous 5 VOS LP's all had a soft nitro due to the plasticizers they added.
I may be wrong but i think the hard nitro allows the wood to vibrate more.
@@Murphy_R9 I'm guessing the Murphy Lab has more natural resonance as it has less nitro finish
@@-Atmos1 I would agree since other than the nitro they are the same parts.
@
Murphy Lab 59 Les Paul is on my wishlist .
Thanks for reply
Hi John, another great video. Thank you for letting us join your Les-Paul-journey. I would keep your Non-Murphy Lab LP. As for the other two, I would like to wait for your compasrison of the two. The position of the stopbar is really worth experimenting with. From what I have experienced lowering it down all the way does not automatically give you the best result. Another important tone-factor is the ABR-bridge. There are some great replacement bridges on the market that are worth trying.
One thing that makes me sad reading some comments is the envy of some people and the agression others react to it.
"sad" why?
It's opinions.
@@nigelsmith721 Envy is not an opinion!
@@garyslash7552 how do you know they're envious? I'm sure some are maybe but how do you judge that?
Personally I don't understand the "relic" thing beyond the clever marketing - if I had 7 grand to spend on a guitar I'd buy something that wasn't relic-ed. Custom Shop the hell out of it, yes, the best woods, electrics and craftsmanship, but I'd want it to wear in my hands and save a couple of grand.
Thanks as always, Gary - appreciate hearing your experience on this! I've got a 4 uncles replica ABR that I will try in there eventually. Any others you like?
Thanks!
Thank you for the kind support, Eric - it’s much appreciated!
Hey John !!!! That tone . How good . What amps or effects are you using . Please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Interesting video. I was on a quest a couple of years ago to find my "perfect" LP checking out probably 2 dozen R9's and a few R0 V1's and owning 3 of them before trading for and ending up with the 2020 R9 in Golden Poppy Burst example I have now. It's amazing how different each sounded and how different each felt to play. A few big factors that come into play for me when checking out a LP are the weight (I like it to be about 8.5lbs.), the neck depth/profile (I like it to be full C-shaped and 0.89-0.90 @ the 1st and 0.99-1.00 @ the 12th frets), a dark fretboard, straight-grained mahogany back and a significantly steep break angle at the bridge. To explain that last point a bit more...I've found that the break angle can vary from guitar to guitar with some (few) guitars able to achieve a steeper, adjusted break angle than others with the strings still being able to clear the back of the bridge. These guitars tend to resonate more and sound more dynamic.
The one I ended up with doesn't have a "perfect" top, nor does it have an eye-popping color, but it's still very nice as they all pretty much are. The selling point for me was its tone, sustain and resonance that blew away the others that I have tried and/or owned. The entire guitar vibrates in your hands and against your body when a chord was strummed and even when individual notes are played. The strings' break angle was steep, yet the strings felt slinky. Even the sales guy, who I know, that was helping me agreed that it had a certain type of mojo that the others didn't have and he's primarily a drummer. It turns out that this particular R9 was a M2M model with a hand-picked top, color, back wood and neck profile that the ordering customer cancelled on. Lucky for me! The mahogany back has the straightest, most uniform grain I've ever see on a guitar which I believe to be the biggest contributing factor to its tonal and sustaining properties.
I am currently on that quest. It's been about two years and I've played somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 guitars. All of them have been different. My boxes are much more in line with yours. While appearance is still a factor, it's probably 4th in the hierarchy. Basically, I don't want one that looks like it was run over by a tractor, and there's a few colors I don't want.
@@Fishing_Fiddles Yeah, all the bursts look great...some I like more than others. My favorites are Golden Poppy Burst, Slow Iced Tea Fade (rare) and Dirty Lemon. For me, a LP has to be either a burst, a gold top or black and only if it's a Custom.
try the wrap-over as well (if it doesnt matter the scratches), it adds to slinky-ness without raising the tailpiece. Oh god it is so beautiful, your check marks for a good les paul is very accurate.
Works perfect for me! 👍 as i had originally heard this just relives some tension on the strings for a slinkier feel.
That was definitely my findings with this wrp over method.
I like the beauty of the Les Paul, but it's uncomfortable. Which means less time Practicing. Also notice strat / superstrat players in general are technically better than les paul players. Maybe strat players practice more.
Because it's more comfortable
Very interesting perspective that I hadn’t considered, but can relate to. I have several guitars that I prefer ergonomically and therefore play more.
WOW that’s a spectacular top, Jon! Great tone too! I really enjoyed its voice; very warm with beautiful subtleties. As for the feel of the finish on the neck, I’m fairly certain that this is mostly a result of the heavy aging process and the fact that with this category of Les Paul, they are finished on a particularly individual basis. In the normal process, the guitar will go through a series of sanding steps. Between the first and second sanding, grain filler is applied to fill in the pores and level the surface. From there, each successive sanding step uses finer grit sand paper. My guess would be that Gibson finished with a 220 grit. At that point color is applied (the Heritage Cherry color on the back and then a different color of stain for the maple top). After this, a sealer coat is applied. A very light sanding step is used to remove any raised areas in the finish (the sealer’s moisture actually raises the wood’s grain slightly). From there, usually two or more layers of lacquer top coat are applied (with a very light sanding step between coats). A series of processes are then used to add the aging to the newly finished guitar. One of these steps includes very selective application of a solvent and some sanding to simulate wear. In areas that show more wear, this is done more aggressively. Ideally, even in these areas, the objective is to thin the existing finish more than go into the wood. When this is done, it creates peaks and valleys in the finish. My guess is that this is likely what you are noticing. Personally, I’m not a fan of this being done on the neck as my hand feels enough of the variation to find it a little distracting. That said, I’ve known players that prefer this to anything else. With heavy aged finishes, the art aspect generally has a larger impact than the “science” and certainly one of the BIG objectives with heavy aged instruments is that each one exhibits uniquely individual differences and characteristics. Kind of like people (arguably the coolest thing about human beings is their individuality)!
Thanks as always and appreciate the continued insight on this subject! That makes sense to me, especially the extra solvent, sanding to simulate wear. It's always like the heavy aged is somewhere between satin and glass. Luckily I don't feel any peaks a valleys as I too am not a fan of that. And totally agree - the individuality of each instrument is what maintains my passion for this! They all bring out a little something different in my playing too which is fun to discover.
I have had my 57 LP Custom ML Ultra Light for little over a year now and I absolutely love it. Definitely a pretty penny but absolutely worth it imo 🍻
Nice! Love a gold top. I bet it’s killer!
I have a 2013 Les Paul Traditional Pro ll, this guitar is a Musician’s Friend Exclusive. When I bought the guitar I bought it because it appeared to have a plain top. When I received her, she has a plain top half and a slight flamed bottom half, it’s definitely not book matched. I was a bit disappointed when I unboxed her. The Burst is a Beautiful Iced Tea, has a great vintage look to it. I was immediately contemplating sending her back the same day I received her. The guitar was in tune when I received her. I began to play her for a few hours the guitar never went out of tune and it has great body resonance. Went through the pros and cons of her, the only con was she didn’t have a full plain top. That was 11 years ago, needless to say she is still with me. I’ve played a $15,000 Murphy Lab Les Paul and the guitar really felt soulless. The search for a great guitar is if the guitar resonates and speaks to the player, it’s all personal preference. Body resonance is very important when choosing a guitar, playability and the guitar staying in tune, these are the three most important qualities of a great guitar. Aesthetics and price have nothing to do with it. Cheers 🍻
My Holy Grail is the “GREENY” So l thought, l ended up selling my 2013 CS 58 plain top poppy burst then sold my 59 CS 2019 to buy the Murphy Lab ultra light aged took the pick guard off put two vintage reflector knobs on have to admit looks great however be careful what you wish for, at the end of the day my 58 even though it was a plain top is the one l miss the most as Peter Green would say “Oh well” …..
Great point! Thanks for the cautionary tale.
Wow that sucks and i can sympathize! That has happened to me in the past. However i have zero regrets trading a 2016 VOS R9 and some cash for a leftover new in box Murphy Lab R9 heavy aged poppy burst i now own. Best guitar i have owned in 30+ years.
You have a great taste in guitars ;), very beautiful guitar! The aging and color are very well done and, for me, the aging is just enough where it gives the guitar a great vibe but it's not too much.
I also love the look of your customshop, I just love the vivid color but it's a completely different guitar of course.
Really looking forward to the comparison!
Thank you! This one and the custom shop really compliment each other visually and sonically.
Another beauty and this upcoming caparison is going to be exciting and very interesting.
Thanks! I think so too. Almost done filming.
@@RatherBeRiffing Awesome!
Jonathan so glad you’ve found your perfect LP! A couple things to comment on… It’s gorgeous. Love the relic job. So well done. One thing I’ve noticed is that both of my light aged ML, A ‘59 LP and a ‘64 SG in Pelham blue both have checking that you can feel on the neck, so that’s consistent. I swear the other heavy aged ML LP’s also you could feel the checking too. So that’s strange on yours you can’t feel it much. Counter-intuitive. I love the feel of the checking myself and I’ve noticed it doesn’t get very sticky with sweat like my old R0 did. Yeah those pickups are little darker in tone but still sound fantastic, IMO. Maybe you only put the neck tone knob on 6 and not 3-4, haha. I actually have a LP with stock Ron Ellis “Lee Roy Parnell PAF” pickups and those are, for me, as good as it gets. Bursts are meant to be a little bright, but in a pleasant way, with harmonics and bloom. That’s what those Ellis pickups do. You might want to check those out if you get the itch for something different. And finally it must be something about the finish that takes an already very resonant guitar, in a LP, to super resonance, lol. My ML’s are very loud acoustically and suuuper resonant. Actually their resonance and acoustic ring is only rivaled by my aged Collings I-35 LC (think 335 but slightly smaller bout), which is the best ES guitar I’ve ever played. The common theme is the relicing on those instruments. It definitely does a thing, IMO. Congrats my friend and well done on another great video with beautiful playing.
You could try top wrapping the strings over the tailpiece. You'll get the added slinkiness without losing the sound.
Thanks for the suggestion. Will give that a try!
Gibson Les Paul Standards are my favourite so watching RUclips video is such a treat I cant always watch Gibson Garage show tv I love it , your show is professionally well done I can’t wait for part two and please find away to give us more lol simple love it !!!❤❤❤
Thanks for the kind words - more to come for sure!
My dream guitar
Which one has to go! NOoooooooo, keep them all because they are all different and have a unique feel and voice. KEEP THEM ALL! Love your playing and content, thanks for sharing. Chris
Thanks as always for the kind words, Chris! I really considered keeping them all for those reasons. It’s the most Les Paul’s I’ve owned at once and it really put into perspective how unique each example is.
0:00 in and I've already liked the video. 🤣 LOVE IT!
Haha! Thanks man. Always appreciate your comments!!!!
If I had a $ for every time you raise both hands when you speak I'd be able to afford a Murphy lab lololol
Can’t unsee it now
Hahaha! I wish it worked that way!
Likewise haha... I'm going to work on dialing that back a touch now that is fully in my awareness.
LOL, that is too funny!
Facts 😂
I check every day lol and I know it must take along time to put together these shows you God Bless you peace !❤❤❤
Thanks for recognizing the time it takes and appreciate the interest. Next video will be out tonight!
Great video and amazing guitars! Congrats! ❤
Thanks, I’m really excited about it!
I swear I can smell that beautiful aroma when you opened the case. Congrats, she is beautiful ! I don't have kids, but I do have the baby picture of my les paul that gibson gives you when you buy one.
Man you know that smell! It was there in spades when that case was unlatched for the first time.
It would be interesting to compare a Murphy Lab to a Historic Makeovers.
I would love to try a HM.
I certainly hope you’re gonna be keeping your two other Les Paul’s!👍
Excellent video, thank you. I love the Lemon Burst color but I personally prefer plain top LP's with Black top particular, I guess I am obsessed with black guitars.
Thank you! A ‘59 with a black top, natural back, and some light checking would be stunning.
Thoroughly enjoyed the vid and my preference would be the light aged. Just feels right - kind of goldilocks thing going on with it. However, the highlight is the "On an Island" Gilmour tone and feel in your playing :)
Thanks as always, Lorenzo! DG concern coming up soon. I can't wait!
I think the neck pickup tone on this is great. so many times I feel thats too congested on an LP
Yeah I’m feeling it too!
Looks and sounds great. Thanks for sharing. Dig your playing! To my ear i hear shaded of Gilmour, but also Rodriguez-Lopez.
Thank you! Love DG. Just saw him live at MSG in NYC - incredible!
Beautiful playing that sound is sweet
Thanks - much appreciated!
Straight up brother, I love them all. They all look amazing to me and the tone is freaking amazing and your playing is off the charts! Sorry, id have to keep them all and be very happy with it. I can listen to you play all day big daddy…let us know where we can check out some of your music. Keep all the guitars and make a video of you playing from start to finish with music like what you you played in this video
Thanks for the kind words! I'd love to keep 'em all, but somethings got to go this time. Thanks for the suggestion - I think that would be a great idea to jam all 3 over this backing track. No music out there at the moment. Will share more here when I do release some.
@ tells us little about yourself… musical influences, do you play in a band or do studio work? You defiantly have great taste in beautiful guitars… just a complement to your playing. Brother… I’m a fan of all your tonal layers, when you roll into those low chord changes and melodic intricate bends… just resonates with me. Very inspiring…
I love the Murphy Lab heavy aged LPs they are sooo nice. I have one and it’s THE best electric I’ve played to date. It’s Wildwood spec’d and it honks. Got a killer deal. I’d never buy a new one they depreciate too fast. 😊 Super nice guitar man. Cheers and enjoy. My figuring preference is minimal. Not too much tiger striping. Yours is very nice. Oh I just love the neck finishing. Feels played and it is now😊 and raise your hands all you want😂
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you found the one! Agree about buying used... I buy most of my guitars that way for that reason.
I can hear that fat woody tone through my phone speaker. That is a keeper! Amazing to find one that so closely looks like the one from the book. I recently acquired a 2011 classic custom in cream with the baked maple fretboard. Its bright and snappy and definitely tele on steroids. It brings the sound of the early 80s imo. Like Alex Lifeson or new wave/punk. I dig it. Can play it for HOURS! That murphy labs sounds way different and I could definitely get accustomed to that beefy sound. Lots of resonation n that piece of hog. Sounds almost like it's more dry or porous. Anyway SWEET guitar! Enjoy!
Thank you! Dry is a good word for it. The notes have a lot fundamental to my ears. I didn't expect the voice it has but I'm really digging it! I remember those classics - cool guitars!
Great video!
My perfect Les Paul took a lifetime to find.
Has to be light 8.5 lbs
Carmelita neck is the soul of it. Kindred top which is a tobacco with no or low red. I like a 58 Mismatched top that is not perfect.
I like more of a gold Gibson logo and a brown back ( like on a 335 ) rather than a cherry so it appears to have faded the red out.
I think the hunt is part of the fun and must be so satisfying to have found yours! I love a tobacco burst with low red. I've though about having Historic Makeovers redo my 2019 R9 in that finish.
After hearing your explanation of why those other guitars weren't your "perfect" Les Paul, I can't help but feel like you didn't understand why you were chasing it to begin with.
As you talk about this latest 59, it sounds like you really just wanted a guitar that reminded you of your father and the book he gave you. Thinking that way, your perfect Les Paul could probably only be the exact one you saw on that cover - though hopefully this new one is close enough.
Those are just my thoughts, anyway. Rock on, and thanks for doing what you do! 🤘
Congratulations on yet another beautiful example. As far as looks go, I love your NOS with that gorgeous red and my idea of the best flame top, I realize this planer top has some sentimental aspects to it and so that’s just personal preference. Feel is one of my key factors too.
As far as break angle and bridge setups go, I never used to be a fan of top wrapping and was always looking for stop tail all the way down and strings clearing back edge as a sign of perfection but with my MLB, it came setup top wrapped and I just sort of changed and went with it, now even when I change strings I’ve been sticking with that.
I love the tone of this one and wonder what PUPs are in it as you know me, I’m always curious about magnet types and their effect on tone. If I had to guess I’d say A5 🤷♂️ regardless I thought the tone was very sweet and powerful.
Thanks as always, Drew! Someone else commented that the best sounding ones have a break angle that clears the bridge.
I may try top wrapping, that worked great on my Huber Orca 59 but that was to get the 25” scale to feel shorter.
This one has stock custombuckers so A3 I believe, but they sound different due to the sweeter and more powerful acoustical properties of this guitar.
@@RatherBeRiffing very cool, I'll always love the balance on my 60th anniversary R9 with the A3s.
I find the tone of my goldtop better with the tail stop decked to the body, but to keep that slinky feel, I top wrap. Just a suggestion.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try that next!
Best bursts I’ve ever seen: Burst Beleivers 6: pages, 174-177 The Fire, p 242-243 Moonburst, 9b262-263 Sandy… .those three dear lord
Hadn’t realized there was a volume 6. Ordered and just flipping through now. Man those are some stellar examples!
sandy and moonburst! 🤤
I love the lemon burst. Used to love the tobacco, but I think the lemon is best.
I was just about to suggest you check out Gil Yaron's website when you mentioned you own a Bone. I've owned many Gibson Les Pauls, five different Bones, and five of Gil's LP replicas, and I have to say I've never found anything better than a Yaron. Like you, I've also owned a few Nik Huber Orca 59s. But as much as I like those, I see the Orca 59 as a companion to a Les Paul, not a replacement.
That has been my experience as well after trying nearly every top builder. Agree about the Orca - it does its own thing feel and tone wise.
REALLY love this one! tHAT TONE!!
Thanks!
Beautiful guitar and great playing as usual, your tone is really amazing. Is that a Brazilian Rosewood fretboard?? Can't wait to see which guitars will make the cut...Congrats!
Thank you! The board is just Indian Rosewood but incredibly dark. I was quite happy to find an example like this.
She's a beauty!
Thanks!
Congrats!
In my experience, you definitely want that tailpiece tightened down onto the body for maximum sustain. More bridge mass = more sustain (think trem blocks). If a LP's tailpiece isn't in good contact with the maple cap, the lightweight aluminum tailpiece doesn't have enough mass to produce much sustain by itself.
Not surprised that the heavy aged resonates louder than the others. As I mentioned on your last video, that was true of mine as well.
You may find that the worn heavy aged neck finish grows on you. A LOT.
Thanks as always, David! It was my first time raising the tailpiece and it got decked again real quick. I'll try top wrap next.
@@RatherBeRiffing You can see if you like it, but top wrapping it for sustain has been debunked (at least for me). See YT vid: Johan Segeborn's Top Wrapping your Les Paul for better sustain and tone! (can't post the link)
To me, it sounds like the standard stringing method produces more tonal bite. The top wrap was mellower. But it also sounded to me like the standard provided more sustain as well. Though it's hard to tell from the video exactly when the note stops wringing, if you go to where he's holding the single notes and check the video player's seconds timer, it seems like the standard method was ringing for 11 or 12 seconds compared to the top wrap's 9-10 seconds. If the top wrap actually produced less sustain, then the myth that this way produces more sustain is busted, and the only remaining reason to use it would be if you want less tonal bite, and that slinkier feel on the strings that he mentions (caused by the flatter string angle over the bridge).
Hi John, you have a beautiful choice of guitars. That Gil Yaron... Regarding the LP's I'll be waiting with pleasure for the comparison between the 2 ML. The heavy aged has nicer looks to me, the weight is a bit over mine (8,25 Lbs). It's a washed cherry VOS, with the perfect feel and neck profile. Very inspiring.The 10-46 string gauge is slinky enough to leave the stopbar touching the body. It sustains very well and has a loud and vibrant acoustic sound. The Custombuckers AL3 are very responsive and dynamic. You guessed it: this is my holy grail after a 48 years quest. Good luck in your choice, cheers !
Thanks as always! Glad you found your grail - from the sound of it I can see why you chose it. Cheers!
Played a bunch of R9s and many other Les Paul styles and my guitar I’ve landed on is my Nik Huber Orca 59. It seriously is the best, try one if you come across one they’re next level
Agree! Big fan of Nik’s guitars myself: ruclips.net/video/SvkG5UMZUVY/видео.htmlsi=WIZJ053p17F9FWe9
Stumbled across your video while doing some research.
You now have a new subscriber.
Your videos are really well done. Quality and sound are superb!
May I ask what amp/speaker/medals you are running your Les Pauls thru?
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the kind words and sub, Jason! I'm using a Two Rock Bloomfield Drive and Blankenship Twinplex in stereo, set clean, going into two Suhr Reactive Loads with Friends 4x12 Cab impulse responses. I use pedals for gain. Typically a Vemuram Jan Ray for light drive and boosted with others flavors (e.g., BK Butter Tube Drive, Tube Screamer, Etc.)
When do you launch your riffs ? Looking forward very much
Really liked your playing, sir. Gorgeous guitars too. Liked and subscribed :)
As for the tailpiece, you could still deck it and use top wrapping.
I've tried it a/b on guitars I owned and I believe you still get the added benefits of the tailpiece decked, but a slightly slinkier feel.
It does damage to the coating of your tailpiece over time. Something to keep in mind if you care about that (I don't).
Thanks for the kind words and suggestion! I've lowered the action more and it's feeling a little more slinky. I'll try top wrap next string change. I don't mind if it wears the tailpiece either (the ML already took care of that!)
oh my god, this model is so perfect... for me :D
I’m so poor I have 2007 Gibson les Paul studio still going strong lol
One of my favs was 2000's tribute with P-90's. Nothing "special", but just a killer guitar. Wish I never sold it. Keep rocking your studio!
One of my favorites is the African Burst..( in beauty of the Burst..
I don’t like any aging, not all burst have finish checking.
I’ve never found any custom shop LP’s, that played the same as a real Burst.
It’s, always settling for a guitar , that’s an LP in looks and name only.
Remember, these Gibsons only have their name in common.
My Max comes the closet.
Very nice laidback video..
Just recently found and subscribed to your channel. Love the video’s and really love the Les Paul’s and the tone your fingers get out of them. I own a Heritage H-150 that looks really similar to your new Les Paul, even has the really dark almost black rosewood fingerboard. I run a Fractal FM3 with headphones due to noise constraints, but have yet to be able to get that true Gibson Les Paul Murphy Lab tone even though my guitar was made in the original Gibson factory. I play guitar for me and have never gigged or been part of any band so my skillset is more mid-level. Where can I get some of your backing tracks and do you have tabs for some of the music you play on your video’s that you have shared? Thanks again for posting these video’s as they are fantastic. Eric
Thanks for the comments and sub, Eric! Those Heritages H-150's in similar finishes look beautiful! I don't have back tracks/tabs out yet, but plan to eventually. I'll announce here when ready. Thanks for the interest!
That Black neck is beauty
Very pleased with it!
That intro jam man! Lil bit of heartbreaker and ZZ Top i see....
Glad you caught that! I was trying to channel some classic influences.
Congratulations
Incredible single note clarity on your new LP. What was your signal chain for this vid?
I’m here to tell you it’s totally okay to own several LPs. Tele on steroids is always a great way to describe a good LP. That particular guitar is extremely loud. Love it.
I'm starting to understand why folks end up owning several!
Cool review ,
Great video completely understand your desire to get as close to an original burst as you can. Take the non-Murphy lab Les Paul and send it to Historic makeovers in Sanford Florida. They will get you where you wanna go. You can hear Joe Bonamassa sing their praises on his Lazarus video Paul Stanley on his guitar collection video also recommends some highly as do I. even though there founder, Kim LaFleur has recently passed sadly his team is still in place and going strong. Great video.
Thanks for the kind words and recommendation! I’ve always been intrigued and curious about their work. I’ve considered sending them the non-ML. The examples Paul Stanley showed were absolutely stunning as well as Joe’s Lazarus!
Great video keep them coming
@ will do!
Does the new one still have the red under the poker chip, pickguard and neck pickup ring/routes? Have you tried top wrapping? You'll have the tailpiece decked a get a little slinkier feel from the top wrap. I do this on the 3 TOM bridged Gibson I play. Cheers.
I can’t really speak for that level of guitar but i recently did a pickup change for my gibson lp standard from the stock burstbucker pro to a dimarzio superdistortion and it perfectly woke it up.
The guitar already had the perfect top and weight and plays like a dream but the sound was just too boring. You don’t have to go as aggressive as i did but a pickup change is more than enough to get what you want out of any guitar.
Maybe try some nice pickups next. It’s not like if you could not install the older ones again after 🤷🏻♂️
Not every pickup works for every guitar. Even if you love a particular pickup in a guitar that doesn’t mean it will work for every guitar (well, maybe emg’s do 😂). Sometimes the frequencies of the guitar clash with the ones from the pickup and it is cheaper to just change the pickups than to get a whole new guitar 😂
Great video! I just want to know how this guy is able to afford all these guitars
Yeah...me too
@@martinlahaie6012 Im wondering why all his guitars are basicly the same color, but we cant deny his playing and tone is amazing
bursts w/hb & deluxe reverbs. 😁.. (here we go 😂)
@@american_psycho1147 will keep my 2016 LP over an R9 that doesnt do it for me...
None of your business.
That’s a very nice looking and sounding Les Paul, beautiful top, just one small thing, the pickguard is not quite the right color. But I guess it's me who's picky. 😅
Thanks! I have mixed feelings on it myself. I may put a Bartlett guard on it. The originals are all over the map (I.e., some match the rings, others don’t)
Wait until you compare es 335 to the les paul. Cheers🎉
I sincerely already have a Gibson Les Paul standard and I would try a Les Paul custom Murphy lab reissue from 57 with 3 pickups. I think that if you try that guitar you will see a totally different horizon.😊
By the way, could you tell us if you see any tool marks or anything bad to point out on your Les Paul, especially on the fretboard? Thanks.
If you want a more slinky feel without raising the stop bar, then by all means please try top wrapping the strings. I started doing it years ago and never looked back. IMO you loose no sustain but do get a much slinkier feel. I apologize if someone has already recommended this.
Great to know! I will try that next string change.
The one on the right is superior as far as the visual asthetic imo.
The screws are often overlooked , as in this case too .
You have the vintage bug, can't say I blame you! But here's a question: if you had a choice of a genuine 59 LP (built in 1959) in brand new factory condition, or a 2024 reissue perfectly built and aged like a typical real 59 - which would you choose? Not based on value btw (if possible)
Give me the genuine one all day! … but mainly due to the old growth woods, genuine PAFs, and original metals/pots.
@@RatherBeRiffing Yeah this question was a No brainer! 😁 I do not know many that would opt for a modern Burst over a original even in very used condition!
Excellent Neck Pickup!!
Dear God.. the guitars are beyond beautiful, but man. Let's talk about that TONE. I'd love to know what you're running to get that sound!
I've listened to it too. Some of the tone is from a decent amp, modeler, signal chain, whatever they used, some from the guitar and most is from the playing. You may need to spend 10k to get a decently assembled Gibson branded guitar, but not to get that tone. Recording and playing skill on this level and a 1500.-- quid guitar will do the job. You could get there cheaper, but ~1500.-- is the price for a brand new Epiphone with the same pickups and electronics, that would sound the same or very similar, within the margin of tolerances in wire and cable lenght, cap and pot tolerances, etc. With the Epi you may need to replace the bridge with a decent product and do some cleaning up to the tailpiece treads etc, which they hopefully already did with the CS Gibson.
Thank you! I'll have to go more into in a future video. I have an older video on "how I get my lead tone".
I love my les paul guitars.... it took me a while, but I finally bought a heritage h150 custom shop.... I'm not a fan of the headstock, which in person isn't bad, but could be improved....but it feels like a classic straight from the case....maybe because they're made in the Kalamazoo plant?🤷🤷🤷 its a great guitar though
This one sounds great, but then neither of your other LP’s sound bad. They all sound great, just a bit different. I look forward to your side-by-side comparisons with your other two.
I am curious as to whether you have noticed something. I have heard it said that a new guitar takes a while to forget that it isn’t a tree. I.e., after a few months of playing, it will sound better because it is “broken in.” I have found this to be true sometimes, but not always. My 335 and my 594 Semihollow both sounded good when I bought them, but sounded noticeably better after 6 months or so of playing them. My DGT has sounded great since I received it. All three were bought new. Have you experienced this? Have you notice this in a used guitar (perhaps one that sat around and was rarely played) that changed after you played it for a few months?
Thanks! Agree - they're all great and just a little different in feel/tone. I've heard something similar about guitars opening up. George Gruhn was showing me his acoustic line and demonstrated "waking up" one of the examples that hadn't been played much. Given that your guitars are semi-hollows, perhaps there is something similar going on there.
@ That is a very good point.
I saw ya trying not to smile.
But for that , I do believe I’d be smiling too.
Have fun,
PS. Like Cole says on the Guitaristas YT, channel. He’s a Gibson fanatic, and always says he’s on the quest for the One. Even after he says he found several , he’ll sell them off and get depressed, Turn around.
And do it all over again.
There really is an insanity , that goes along with playing guitar. I bought a SG special , I have 1 or 2 payments left.
$1,600.00 bucks.
It plays great but it’s not the one. I paid $500.00 bucks for a Epi Coronet reissue. And it blows the speacial away. No contest. So there’s a big ? In the room, ya know. I’m not giving up though. I’m gonna do more homework first.
Then jump out there.
PSS. I haven’t tried it yet, but with in the next few weeks I will try wrapping over top of the stop tail. The easing of the strings break angels, absolutely will affect your tone. And after that it’s just do you like it or not. But I’ve caught several renown players, live in concert , with the camera sweeping close on their Les Paul. And just happened to notice the wrap around the top.
If you got the clearance for it.
The cost of a set of strings might unwind something that one never knew.
❤🎸59 Forever! Congratulations brother enjoy, play and love this magic girl! What the guitar, the dirty lemon Wuau! But I don’t like age, just VOS
My issue is I have no store to try out a lot of gibsons. We’re do I go?
I have the same issue. I spent time in Nashville earlier this year. Fun place and got to sample a ton Gibsons at Gibsons Garage, Guitar Center (flagship location), and Carter’s.
FOR SOME REASON, it sounds like a thick strat as in david gilmour tone- very pink floyd-ish. Maybe its just me
He's a big influence on me! ...and occasionally uses a p-90 equipped Lester himself :-)
@@RatherBeRiffing saw him on the 4th, he brought it out for a few songs! i came here to say it sounded very gilmourish too lol great video + playing man!
Jimmy Page #1 tighter flame, not too dark and slightly misaligned. Call me sentimental. I actually have a very very close Chibson JP #1 copy that I replaced all the electronics and hardware.
Love the misaligned top on JP's #1
I have never understood why Gibson can’t just build 59’ ri that is identical to real 59’ burst. They have so many versions of a reissue with every year a new change. How hard can it be?
I hear you. It's a frustrating dynamic. Many businesses are novelty driven, but in the case of Burst lovers, we just want '59 specs. It seems Gibson has mashed up the two ideas by constraining the accuracy and dripping it out incremental improvements as novelty over time.
Question do you like Fender amps
My wish is to buy a Gibson eds 1275 duel neck ,a 58 les Paul and a 59 less Paul all custom shop that's my bucket list I live in England I retired last year I am 67 and when I go I would like to leave them to my grandson ,but my finances won't stretch at the moment
Deck it and top wrap the strings...(Jimmy Page did the same...). Beautiful guitar, enjoy!!
Thank you! Next string change!
What is that intro tune based on?
Was channeling some classic rock vibes (ZZ Top, Zep)
How many $100 gigs to pay for it?
I can’t believe how fricking sexy those guitars are!
Haha! I love hunting them down!
Ok,so this guys got 3 Les Paul’s and still can’t make up his mind. Some if us don’t have any Les Paul’s and would love any of them 🤔
Murphy Lab LPs are the only ones worth buying. It makes all other LPs feel cheap. That’s a fact.
Big bucks. Out of my price range.
Looks almost identical to my2001
It's a beautiful guitar. Not the "Tele on steroids" sound, it's a bit "thicker" sounding I'd say? Might I even suggest it sounds a bit like the fabled Beano Les Paul?...!!!!!!!!
Thanks! That's how I was hearing it too!
My murphy les pauls are also the loudest acoustically
Thanks for sharing. I believe it based on my experience as well!
Brazilian rosewood is all about the texture and grain not the color. Not all looks like dark at all, its a faulse expectation that ppl try to use authenticate/differentiate it from madagascar or indian rosewood. I'm not saying you do so just wanted to highlight it.
Thanks for highlighting that info! The color varies a lot on my Braz board guitars, but the texture is more oily on average than Indian Rosewood.