Tough to say, it's one of those things where with the right amp, pedals, and settings there's a lot of overlap and in the right hands a good player could fool me with either into thinking they were playing one or the other. Great video.
The LP sounded more bright but yet still has incredible tonal control. I think LP's have the best humbuckers to date. The Tele, however, is not too far behind. It has this sort of warmer, fuller tone, nothing you wouldn't expect from a Fender.
Les Paul, no doubt. More ressonant, pu's are wax potted, more control on high gain, also, compared with that Tele. The sound has more sustain, more definition. By the way, I saw you replaced the nut. Stability issue on the G string ? Both beautiful guitars, but I think I'll go LP all the way. The choice will be betweem Traditional and Standard 2020 line. 1st world problem on a very expensive guitar. Cheers !
Honestly, I like the LP just a tad more. To me, it's a little richer in the sustain and tone departments, sort of evident across the various settings. But I have to tell you, 1) you play WELL and 2) the Tele sounded far, far better (and closer to the Les Paul) than I thought it would have. And it's lighter. Thanks again.
No bro. I'm experiencing it right now. At the moment, I'm feeling to get a HH Telecaster instead of a LP (which i have been dreamingto get one for 10 years).
For quick comparison: 6:47 Tele neck pickup, clean 7:07 Les Paul neck pickup, clean 7:35 Tele bridge pickup, chime 7:50 Les Paul bridge pickup, chime 8:07 Tele both pickups, blues 8:27 Les Paul both pickups, blues 8:56 Tele bridge pickup, distortion 9:10 Les Paul bridge pickup, distortion 10:41 Tele bridge pickup, solo 1 11:33 Tele bridge pickup, solo 2 9:35 Les Paul bridge pickup, solo 1 10:27 Les Paul bridge pickup, solo 2 10:52 Tele neck pickup, solo 10:06 Les Paul neck pickup, solo Great video, thanks for making it. Anyone would be lucky to own either guitar.
The Tele you can use to beat up stage divers and it will still be in tune. The Les Paul you have to RUN and hide from the divers so the headstocks stays attached Lol
The extra tension afforded by the longer scale length of the Fender never fails to satisfy my ears. The Les Paul sounds great, but there's extra clarity with the Tele, which can sometimes be the difference between being heard, or not. However, a Les Paul through an old Marshall, which is typically a bright amp, is a force to be reckoned with. :)
Agreed! I want to see what YOU can do with a Harley Benton TE 70 Rosewood Deluxe!!! If interested FB friend me on messenger John Paul Bacon and you can use mine
Do you guys really think the Tele Deluxe can do LP tones though? It's hard to tell through the internet...in the room, I find it hard to believe an alder/maple bolt-on could emulate a mahogany set neck! ..But with the covered humbuckers...who knows?! I want to believe...(!) The Tele would suit me for practical means - durability and ergonomics - not to mention the retro vibe... But I won't compromise on the tone. I bought a Gibson LP Tribute, and the tone is phenomenal! But I'd rather not gig with it - it's bulky and, well..fragile! How close does the Tele get, really - in the room?
For me the tele wins clean but the gibson shines with overdrive. Gibson definetly has the thicker and warmer overdrive and hits the front of the amp harder.
N Hoekstra it will pretty much sound the same, but the tele will still have a little less low end. Notice how the clean bridge chime on the tele is missing ? Pafs are unmatched on that. But put them in a tele and you won't hear much of a difference though
The difference in scale length makes a difference in sound, too. You can hear the extra wobble in the Gibson. Great demo. I never considered buying a Tele Deluxe until today.
I have the vintage Tele Deluxe... it weighs more than any of my six BASSES. I think the point of the Thinline was mostly just to make a lighter guitar, not one that sounded too different... Fender made some real boat anchors in the 70s.
It's interesting that the WR H/B was discontinued by Fender for some 18 years from the early 80s to 1999 when they started to make a comeback ...I think the WR along with the 2 volume 2 tone was as much about fresh marketing as innovation
Very informative comparison. I've been looking at the new Fender Telecaster Deluxe lately and I think you persuaded me to take the plunge. Thanks for the legwork! 👍
That's the best looking and sounding Telecaster I've ever seen. Fender has definitely upped their game with these pickups, but to my ear the Les Paul was still a little more richer and fuller. Still, I could be very happy owning one of these new Tele's, Thanks for the comparison. It was well done.
Try out the original 70s Tele Customs. The pickups are different sounding than the new ones (different magnets) and all the 3-4 I've played were a lot better than the 2-3 current ones. I have 20 guitars including a high-end LP but my vintage Tele Custom is probably my favorite.
A week or two after I bought my Gibson SG, I watched your "Guitar Headstock Rant - Why Les Pauls Don't Stay in Tune!" video. I love the SG, the looks, the feel of the neck and easy access to the higher frets. But yes, it has that tuning issue. Just brought it in to the shop to get it properly set up and possibly get a new nut on it. In the meantime, I've been thinking about a go-to "utility" guitar. Something I can bring to a jam that's rock solid on tuning, and has humbuckers, split coils etc. My strat is rock solid on tuning. Never an issue. I'm getting compensated brass bridge on my regular telecaster since tuning was a bit of an issue. Hopefully it solves that. Had started thinking about the Telecaster Deluxe. This video is very convincing!
I watch every video I can of yours, your guitar playing is extraordinary and you use so many unique techniques it's impressive. thank you for taking your time to make these videos
This is great work, Darrell. I have that same tele. One thing I'm having a hard time with: the knobs, and knob placement. The Les Paul-style speed knobs are nice and chunky, and you can turn them up/down really quickly. Plus, they're perfectly spaced from each other. On the Tele, the witch hat-style knobs are not as easy to grab on to and not as easy to turn up/down in a smooth motion because they're so skinny, and they're close together and cramped feeling. I was thinking of putting gibson style speed knobs on the tele, but I think the pots might be too close to each other.
First time that I liked a Telecaster over a Les Paul. The Telecaster is a little brighter and I like the mid strings sound better. But I feel that it could be the difference between the two sets of strings, it's that close. Great comparison.
I own a Les Paul Standard. 2003 Honeyburst. Always love the look of it when i open the case. I hate to say this but that Fender looks magnificent. Sorry if this sounds stupid but the back of the Fender seems to have a character all of it's own, the paint work and the cut is superb. Needless to say the front is just as incredible.
The Tele tone is more "focused" all along the range,if you close the tone down on the neck pickup you reach that "perfect" mellow creamy tone as well.I own both and play the Tele a lot more,even the neck is better.
While you were playing the Les Paul I was thinking , man, that’s just has that Gibson sound, hard to describe but you know it when you hear it. Yes, I totally agree with your observation on the qualities and sound of both guitars. Excellent comparison Darrell
7:34 onwards reminds me of Rush's 'The Spirit Of Radio' 😀 And I liked both guitars! I love Teles and especially Deluxe ones, but the Les Paul too will always have a place in my Heart 😊
Great video, great player! For me the Tele clarity wins. I would sound half crap with either and you would still be great with a strung up wood plank. This is really useful for me as a lefty since shops never have lefties like this to try. I was on the verge of ordering a les paul, but not now. Tele it is. Keep it up!
Darrell....that soloing at the end of the video is outstanding! Great playing, buddy! Both are nice guitars....but I must say I prefer the tone of the Les Paul. Love the "meatier" low end growl! CHEERS!
Me too! I have always loved the way Leo Fender engineered his guitars (pure genius), and the fact they aren't so heavy hanging from a strap. But that Les Paul just sounded so good! I'd be really happy with the Tele. But I could listen to Darrell play blues on that LP all day.
You forgot to mention the price difference: In England the Fender American Deluxe Tele ShawBucker 2017 £ 1'469 - the Gibson Les Paul Traditional HP 2017 Cerry Burst £ 2'299 (The Fender is 36% cheaper). Great Video thanks!
Thank you a thousand times over for not starting the comparison with distortion. I play clean and everyone just loves to distort the shit out their playing. You're also an amazing guitarist. Thank you!
Really good video! Thank you. I prefer glued on neck guitars, so goes my partiality to Gibson. On a side note however, there is a significant discussion within the luthier community that argue in favor of bolt on necks being the superior neck/body joint based on the premise that the clamping force is greater than that of glue, plus neck replacements are far more easy to do.
One of the best players on YT and seems like a genuinely nice guy. I vote for the Tele! Love every kind of Tele configuration out there. Keep up the great videos!
Well after watching and listening to this video four times, I've come to the conclusion that you can't go wrong with either Guitar 😁🎸 Great playing as usual Darrell!
@@DarrellBraunGuitar It's important to remember the WR p/up was discontinued by Fender for some 18 years; early 80s to 1999 -so cant have been that popular or dramatically different in sound. I feel they were as much about marketing as anything else, and putting Gibson elements into a Fender ...
Wonderful comparison! They are what they are, and you revealed the best attributes in both of them! I have a LP and a Strat. You're absolutely right about the comfort factor of the Fender. When I record I love the way the Fender doesn't take up too much space in the mix. When I am in the mood to hear just the guitar I grab the Les Paul. Just get off on the power and smoothness... Yeah man!!!
Both great at every aspect and you man are a great player and demonstrator. Gibson has a better finish indeed. Tele looks more beautiful overall. Les Paul Sounds better on dirty sounds, but Tele sounds better on clear sounds I think. Even I'm a lot into thick sounds I think I go with the Tele for sure.
Like always a great video. Thank you :-) I have an old Epiphone Les Paul and a Fender Thinline with the wide-range humbuckers. What makes the Fender design a winner for me is the fact that I can setup the string action individually. The "one-size-fits-all" approach of the Tun-O-Matic bridge is often not leaving enough room for a satisfying custom setting.
You should do a video with the Epiphone and Squier versions of the Les Paul and Tele Deluxe. Great vid, enjoying your content. (Really dug the Tele Deluxe.)
horrorland01 I have the Squier Tele Deluxe and a Les Paul Studio 50's Tribute. I must say , the Squier at $399 is a bargain. Build quality and feel are surprisingly good. I have several other guitars and yet keep picking up the Squier. My only beef was with the poly on the neck..it's not satin like the Fender. But, 5 minutes with a green scotchbrite pad solved that. The Les Paul 50's/60's tributes are very raw , stripped down versions. With fit and finish not close to a Standard. But , that's the point of that series , no bindings, flat finish etc.. At 800 bucks , it was cheap way to get some of that Les Paul vibe and mojo. Out of the box , the LP needed some set up and nut attention, whereas the Tele was plug and play. Overall , I enjoy both guitars , I'd say the Les Paul met my expectations at the 800$ price point , while the Squier exceeded my expectations. I'd be curious to see how the Squier and Epiphone standard match up.
Excellent comparison. While the LP had a more focused violin-like sustain, the Fender definitely has much clearer lower and low/mid notes which lends to a very nice level of clarity, both clean and overdriven. I'd gladly take one of each 😎 but if I could just have one, I think I'll take the Tele.. especially if I have to pay for it.
This is the demo I suggested back in June (four way switch vs. HH) and here it is, thanks! I've got basically the same singe coil Tele as you although it's a Highway One. I put in the four way switch you recommended and now get the best of both worlds. Next, I'm thinking of getting a hotter neck pickup so I can lower it and hide it under an Esquire pick guard for some serious vintage looks. Thanks again for the vid :-)
Hey Darrell, thanks for the awesome video. I have been watching your videos for a while now and right when I was thinking about getting a Les Paul Traditional 2015 this video found me. After seeing your review I knew I was right about it, and now I am having plenty of fun with it! Thanks a lot mate!
I had a '77 Tele Deluxe. They used to have a Strat shaped headstock. I didn't like the V neck and sold it. I would absolutely buy the Fender over the Les Paul. The Tele is way cooler imo. Sounds great too.
At first I fell in love with Gibson Les Pauls ... But your Video Changed my mind so that now i'm interested in having a Fender Telecaster as well :D Thank you for this amazing video so that we can distinguish the differences.. both of them are awesome... Nice play by the way... Final play of yours really touching !....
IMO, the Les Paul has a very warm, rich tone. The Tele has a really hot, sharp tone. They are both very beautiful sounding. I own a custom shop Tele and I love it.
You have a very nice vibe, Darell. I'm pissed off today, but you made me feel a bit better. I always enjoy your videos. Very well done, mate.Thanks for sharing. I hope you'll have a great day. \m/ -> edit: oh.. and awesome playing !
+Ray Torvalds Thanks! There are so many stressful things in life, I hope a little music every Monday helps a litte bit 😀👍 I hope the rest of your week gets better!
well, yeah, but for me the point is the different sound. I already have an LP to sound like an LP. The Tele Deluxe pickups have more bass and high-end, less midrangy. For driven soloing, the Tele will just need a bit more gain and a bit less bass and treble to get pretty close to the LP sound.
Finally, somebody actually showing the Tele Deluxe with chrome buckers vs a Les Paul. All I've seen so far is the whole single coil Tele and Strat vs hh Les Paul's.
Darrell, I keep missing the point of the exercises in your comparison videos...because you play so sweet, with SO much FEEL. I end up spacing out and drifting into your music. Oh well...
Been looking forward to this one for a while! The difference was super clear when you were playing with gain and I'm glad in a certain way that Fender didn't simply create a full scale LP clone. Two different axes. Love it!
Fun comparison! Great vid as always! A really interesting comparison! I'll get the easy stuff out of the way first: I definitely prefer the look of the Les better. This one is not even close for me. A Les is nothing short of a piece of art! However, I suspect I'd prefer the feel of the Tele better. As for the sound, there are things I liked better about both. And sometimes an aspect of one that I found worked in its favor one second felt like it worked against it the next, but I think I can say that very big picture, I still think I can render a verdict here, but I want to do it in two parts: 1) which overall sound did I "simply enjoy" better, and 2) which sound did I find more interesting. To the first question: there's just some kind of amazing alchemy to the Les Paul sound that I can't get over. So, in terms of which sound I preferred overall, I have to give it to the Les. But it was close. However, what was not even remotely close was the second question: which did I find more interesting? Gods almighty, a thousand times over the Tele! I know that this is reductionist as hell, but the humbuckers and Les-ish wiring scheme married to a flat alder body, maple bolt-on neck, longer scale length and string thru body creates a sound that I can only describe as a beautiful and intoxicating "perfect middle-ground" sound between the Les, and a standard Tele or Strat. So much of what's good about the Les' sound (or even an SG sound) is present, but so much of that signature Fender tone is retained too. It's magical! I get a hint of this same alchemy out of my cheap, Indonesian-made $400 Ibanez RG450, but on an actual Fender, at the higher price-point, and using all the correct woods and everything, it's that RG idea amplified to 1000! If I could only have one of these, I think I'd still have to choose the Les....but my God that Tele is such an alluring, captivating machine! If I can get one for reasonable, or if the Squier cheapie equivalent is even a fraction as good and still captures that same magic.....I think I may, I think I might! Thanks again for the vid!
I absolutely love the tele! The Les Paul sounds amazing also, but I have a soft spot in my heart for Fender guitars. Awesome comparison and great playing as always. Thank you for posting.
Awesome clip dude.. I really dig it! By experience I can say that these are two great instruments and to put then where they sound best is together in a song.. they really do compliment each other!
I agree with all your points Darrell. As for looks the Les Paul takes it, I love my Honey Burst but my Tele does have that vintage look which is cool too. As for tones, I choose by what type of tone I'm using. If I do lead I grab the Les Paul every time, it just sustains so much longer than my alder guitars.
yessir, you do very good work! this was an honest and fair shake for both contenders. i have an el cheapo tele now and am open to any and all suggestions, so vids like this help me along my path. :)
I closed my eyes and tried to guess the guitars and it was very hard to tell them apart. They are both equipped with Humbuckers. The tele did sound a little chimy at times because of the lower output pickups. However if they had the same exact pickups, I believe it would sound identical and probably settle the whole "Tone Wood" debate. Great comparison!
Perfect video. Scratched my LP itch a couple of years ago (16 LP HP) but now have a hankering for a Tele and was wondering about those HBs. LP was definitely darker and beefier for crunch tone but otherwise they seemed pretty similar Think I’ll stick with the single coils for the Tele for more differentiation. Great playing! Loved the mellow “Spirit Of Radio” (rip Neil☹️)
Can anyone explain to me what makes the tele sound so different even though it has similar pickups? Is it the circuitry, the saddle and the nut or does the wood make more of a difference than I thought.
Darrel, you could put a Spanish translation in the subtitles of your videos since there are many Latinos who see and hear your channel, but there are certain things that you say that when translating them they are not understood and your channel is very good and I am sure that you would gain subscribers.
Which guitar did you think sounded the best?
Guitar Links:
Les Paul: imp.i114863.net/Zayb1
Tele Deluxe: imp.i114863.net/PxrJX
Tough to say, it's one of those things where with the right amp, pedals, and settings there's a lot of overlap and in the right hands a good player could fool me with either into thinking they were playing one or the other. Great video.
The LP sounded more bright but yet still has incredible tonal control. I think LP's have the best humbuckers to date. The Tele, however, is not too far behind. It has this sort of warmer, fuller tone, nothing you wouldn't expect from a Fender.
Les Paul, no doubt. More ressonant, pu's are wax potted, more control on high gain, also, compared with that Tele. The sound has more sustain, more definition. By the way, I saw you replaced the nut. Stability issue on the G string ? Both beautiful guitars, but I think I'll go LP all the way. The choice will be betweem Traditional and Standard 2020 line. 1st world problem on a very expensive guitar. Cheers !
Honestly, I like the LP just a tad more. To me, it's a little richer in the sustain and tone departments, sort of evident across the various settings. But I have to tell you, 1) you play WELL and 2) the Tele sounded far, far better (and closer to the Les Paul) than I thought it would have. And it's lighter. Thanks again.
Tele -- I liked the jazz tone.
Am I the only one who was never into tellies but am starting to really admire them as I get older...
Happens to all of us
No bro. I'm experiencing it right now. At the moment, I'm feeling to get a HH Telecaster instead of a LP (which i have been dreamingto get one for 10 years).
@@shinobi880127 Just picked up a Squire ‘72 Classic Vibe Thinline and it quickly became my #2 guitar. Humbuckers on a Tele body just WORK!
Nope. You are not. I think I want a Schecter PT though, not a Fender.
same
For quick comparison:
6:47 Tele neck pickup, clean
7:07 Les Paul neck pickup, clean
7:35 Tele bridge pickup, chime
7:50 Les Paul bridge pickup, chime
8:07 Tele both pickups, blues
8:27 Les Paul both pickups, blues
8:56 Tele bridge pickup, distortion
9:10 Les Paul bridge pickup, distortion
10:41 Tele bridge pickup, solo 1
11:33 Tele bridge pickup, solo 2
9:35 Les Paul bridge pickup, solo 1
10:27 Les Paul bridge pickup, solo 2
10:52 Tele neck pickup, solo
10:06 Les Paul neck pickup, solo
Great video, thanks for making it. Anyone would be lucky to own either guitar.
The Tele you can use to beat up stage divers and it will still be in tune.
The Les Paul you have to RUN and hide from the divers so the headstocks stays attached
Lol
keith richards moment
you know that gibson is going downhill when you love them for their input jacks
🤣😂
Except that they're *output* jacks.
So true! Thanks for pointing that out. Peace!
And Quality Knobs
@@chrise.3814 thanks man. So true to
For the first time in a while I am having a great day! Just figured I'd share
+Connor PB That is really good to hear! 😀😀😀
Connor PB
good to hear 👍
Im late but that's great to hear!
Two years later, has your joy curdled into grief?
Gosh...I didnt expect that TELE to sound THAT good! Way more versatile than the LP for sure. so much more clarity when played clean than the LP too.
Versatile is the guitarist, not the guitar
forgot to tell the les paul costs two teles....
+jukaprocesso 😄 👍
jukaprocesso Is priced at, yes, costs, no.
JoseitoEdlVodao yeah, man, it costs. The debate is if it's worth it or not.
Haha yessir
Depends which Les Paul and which Tele.
The extra tension afforded by the longer scale length of the Fender never fails to satisfy my ears. The Les Paul sounds great, but there's extra clarity with the Tele, which can sometimes be the difference between being heard, or not. However, a Les Paul through an old Marshall, which is typically a bright amp, is a force to be reckoned with. :)
LP is sexy, but, I have to go with the Tele. I think you could play a washtub strung up with barbed wire and make it sound great, though.
+Joy Benko 😄 😄😄 Thanks!
I'm partial to Tele, just because, but I loved both. You could play a string on a shovel and make it sound good! cheers!
+lando27music 😄 Thanks!
I'm scared to hang Gibson guitars too! I've seen too many broken headstock pics. I never worry about my maple neck Fenders
Agreed! I want to see what YOU can do with a Harley Benton TE 70 Rosewood Deluxe!!! If interested FB friend me on messenger John Paul Bacon and you can use mine
Do you guys really think the Tele Deluxe can do LP tones though? It's hard to tell through the internet...in the room, I find it hard to believe an alder/maple bolt-on could emulate a mahogany set neck! ..But with the covered humbuckers...who knows?!
I want to believe...(!) The Tele would suit me for practical means - durability and ergonomics - not to mention the retro vibe... But I won't compromise on the tone. I bought a Gibson LP Tribute, and the tone is phenomenal! But I'd rather not gig with it - it's bulky and, well..fragile!
How close does the Tele get, really - in the room?
For me the tele wins clean but the gibson shines with overdrive. Gibson definetly has the thicker and warmer overdrive and hits the front of the amp harder.
@@gilroylibbs2947 what will happen if you put gibsons 57 classic pickups in the telecaster ?
@@gilroylibbs2947 I dont have the guitar :(
@@gilroylibbs2947 Hahah great idea if I want to live outside the house with Christmas... :D
N Hoekstra it will pretty much sound the same, but the tele will still have a little less low end. Notice how the clean bridge chime on the tele is missing ? Pafs are unmatched on that. But put them in a tele and you won't hear much of a difference though
Its because he got the wrong tele, the single coil bridge pickup on a tele screams like a howlin wolf
The difference in scale length makes a difference in sound, too. You can hear the extra wobble in the Gibson. Great demo. I never considered buying a Tele Deluxe until today.
The Tele sounds more open the LP more compressed. Both sound great just different and your playing, as alway, is stellar.
+Dane Nichols Thanks Dane!
Tele for me. I just can't deal with the weight of an LP. And then there's the price tag.
Neal B but you could buy an epiphone and mod it
@@walkerpendleton760 probably would be far better off with the Tele.
I have the vintage Tele Deluxe... it weighs more than any of my six BASSES. I think the point of the Thinline was mostly just to make a lighter guitar, not one that sounded too different... Fender made some real boat anchors in the 70s.
And the tuning!
Great comparison. I've always been a bit fascinated with fender humbuckers.
+Foxxy Gear Reviews Yeah, me too! I think Fender did a good job on this model 👍
+onemorebrando Thanks!
I'll see what I can do! ☺
Darrell Braun Guitar thanks mate
those are not real humbuckers but the wide-range p.u's. with more twangy sound.
+Donk'Q Donk'Q These pickups are "shawbuckers" which are just regular humbuckers that are voiced for a Tele ☺
Man, Teles just have it. Love the Custom '72 model w/both a single coil and humbucker. One of the greatest solid bodies ever.
Tele weighs half as much and cost half as much....
not to mention the headstock AND the ability to switch guitar necks.
and it is always in tune :D
The tele is like 400 less
It’s amazing how close both sound even with very different electronics. Some subtle differences but overall… very very close.
It's interesting that the WR H/B was discontinued by Fender for some 18 years from the early 80s to 1999 when they started to make a comeback ...I think the WR along with the 2 volume 2 tone was as much about fresh marketing as innovation
Very informative comparison. I've been looking at the new Fender Telecaster Deluxe lately and I think you persuaded me to take the plunge. Thanks for the legwork! 👍
+Matt Smith Glad it was helpful 😀
Matt Smith Same here!
Your G-Force tuning made my day. Greetings!
+Kacper K 😄👍
That's the best looking and sounding Telecaster I've ever seen. Fender has definitely upped their game with these pickups, but to my ear the Les Paul was still a little more richer and fuller. Still, I could be very happy owning one of these new Tele's, Thanks for the comparison. It was well done.
+Jon Doh Glad you liked the video 😀👍
i agree, all the other teles look really weird to me
Try out the original 70s Tele Customs. The pickups are different sounding than the new ones (different magnets) and all the 3-4 I've played were a lot better than the 2-3 current ones. I have 20 guitars including a high-end LP but my vintage Tele Custom is probably my favorite.
You can get that tone with the Tele by just turning down a bit the tone knob
Great comparison video! Both guitars have such rich tone to them, tough call on which one I prefer. Safe to say I'd be happy with either one.
+Adam Bickers Absolutely!
😱Darrell your guitar playing is amazing! I love the video! Always Looking forward to the next one 😄👍
+Ian Gonzalez Thanks!
I agree with Ian! Your playing is just gorgeous. I aspire to sound like that.
Thanks for the kind words Sam!
A week or two after I bought my Gibson SG, I watched your "Guitar Headstock Rant - Why Les Pauls Don't Stay in Tune!" video. I love the SG, the looks, the feel of the neck and easy access to the higher frets. But yes, it has that tuning issue. Just brought it in to the shop to get it properly set up and possibly get a new nut on it. In the meantime, I've been thinking about a go-to "utility" guitar. Something I can bring to a jam that's rock solid on tuning, and has humbuckers, split coils etc. My strat is rock solid on tuning. Never an issue. I'm getting compensated brass bridge on my regular telecaster since tuning was a bit of an issue. Hopefully it solves that. Had started thinking about the Telecaster Deluxe. This video is very convincing!
I watch every video I can of yours, your guitar playing is extraordinary and you use so many unique techniques it's impressive. thank you for taking your time to make these videos
+Jstone2334 Thanks! I appreciate the kind words :)
Wow! I love how the playing videos were cut so precisely between the Tele and Les Paul that they were on the beat. That was super cool.
id never imagined they would sound so similar! definitely a LP alternative for Fender people
This is great work, Darrell. I have that same tele. One thing I'm having a hard time with: the knobs, and knob placement. The Les Paul-style speed knobs are nice and chunky, and you can turn them up/down really quickly. Plus, they're perfectly spaced from each other. On the Tele, the witch hat-style knobs are not as easy to grab on to and not as easy to turn up/down in a smooth motion because they're so skinny, and they're close together and cramped feeling. I was thinking of putting gibson style speed knobs on the tele, but I think the pots might be too close to each other.
I love your beautifully detailed guitar comparisons and never miss to watch them...
+Rahul Miah Thanks! 😀😀😀
I actually watched again all your comparison videos just to hear you playing again ahah, really man, you are great
+Leo Bargianni 😄 Thanks!
I really appreciate the kind words :)
First time that I liked a Telecaster over a Les Paul. The Telecaster is a little brighter and I like the mid strings sound better. But I feel that it could be the difference between the two sets of strings, it's that close. Great comparison.
+blanchae Thanks! 😀
I own a Les Paul Standard. 2003 Honeyburst. Always love the look of it when i open the case. I hate to say this but that Fender looks magnificent. Sorry if this sounds stupid but the back of the Fender seems to have a character all of it's own, the paint work and the cut is superb. Needless to say the front is just as incredible.
The Tele tone is more "focused" all along the range,if you close the tone down on the neck pickup you reach that "perfect" mellow creamy tone as well.I own both and play the Tele a lot more,even the neck is better.
love your playing...the tele is cleaner...but man, I love them both!
I appreciate your positive energy and thorough comparisons
While you were playing the Les Paul I was thinking , man, that’s just has that Gibson sound, hard to describe but you know it when you hear it. Yes, I totally agree with your observation on the qualities and sound of both guitars. Excellent comparison Darrell
I can totally tell your playing at this point. Thats how many of your videos I have watched. Keep living the dream!
Wow. Never even considered the telecaster, but sounded amazing. Loved that bluesy sound.
7:34 onwards reminds me of Rush's 'The Spirit Of Radio' 😀 And I liked both guitars! I love Teles and especially Deluxe ones, but the Les Paul too will always have a place in my Heart 😊
Great video, great player! For me the Tele clarity wins.
I would sound half crap with either and you would still be great with a strung up wood plank.
This is really useful for me as a lefty since shops never have lefties like this to try.
I was on the verge of ordering a les paul, but not now. Tele it is.
Keep it up!
+Robbah99 Thanks!
I always love to hear when my video helps! 😀😀😀
Waiting for this comparison so long :)
+Darkuddy Hope it was worth the wait! 😀
Darrell Braun Guitar Love it so much....thanks 3 time :D
Darrell....that soloing at the end of the video is outstanding! Great playing, buddy! Both are nice guitars....but I must say I prefer the tone of the Les Paul. Love the "meatier" low end growl! CHEERS!
+George Pichl Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the comparison :)
as always.. LP for me.
both great machines, but Les Paul has the warm tones my ears drool over
Me too! I have always loved the way Leo Fender engineered his guitars (pure genius), and the fact they aren't so heavy hanging from a strap. But that Les Paul just sounded so good! I'd be really happy with the Tele. But I could listen to Darrell play blues on that LP all day.
Same here....
@@BrianRPatersonemañolĺ
Emanelvoceestafzoque
You forgot to mention the price difference: In England the Fender American Deluxe Tele ShawBucker 2017 £ 1'469 - the Gibson Les Paul Traditional HP 2017 Cerry Burst £ 2'299 (The Fender is 36% cheaper). Great Video thanks!
+Roland Muri Good point :)
Thank you a thousand times over for not starting the comparison with distortion. I play clean and everyone just loves to distort the shit out their playing. You're also an amazing guitarist. Thank you!
Neck pick sounds better on Fender but Brigde Pick rocks in the LP. Great Video Darrell!!! Thanks for share
Excellent comparison and great playing. I love the sound of that Tele on your soloing at the end.
+Rob Baskerville Thanks!
Really good video! Thank you. I prefer glued on neck guitars, so goes my partiality to Gibson. On a side note however, there is a significant discussion within the luthier community that argue in favor of bolt on necks being the superior neck/body joint based on the premise that the clamping force is greater than that of glue, plus neck replacements are far more easy to do.
One of the best players on YT and seems like a genuinely nice guy. I vote for the Tele! Love every kind of Tele configuration out there. Keep up the great videos!
+im58woody Thanks man!
I appreciate the kind words ☺
Well after watching and listening to this video four times, I've come to the conclusion that you can't go wrong with either Guitar 😁🎸
Great playing as usual Darrell!
+Eric Sell 😄 It's true!
Thanks for the kind words!
@@DarrellBraunGuitar It's important to remember the WR p/up was discontinued by Fender for some 18 years; early 80s to 1999 -so cant have been that popular or dramatically different in sound. I feel they were as much about marketing as anything else, and putting Gibson elements into a Fender ...
Wonderful comparison! They are what they are, and you revealed the best attributes in both of them! I have a LP and a Strat. You're absolutely right about the comfort factor of the Fender. When I record I love the way the Fender doesn't take up too much space in the mix. When I am in the mood to hear just the guitar I grab the Les Paul. Just get off on the power and smoothness... Yeah man!!!
Both great at every aspect and you man are a great player and demonstrator. Gibson has a better finish indeed. Tele looks more beautiful overall. Les Paul Sounds better on dirty sounds, but Tele sounds better on clear sounds I think. Even I'm a lot into thick sounds I think I go with the Tele for sure.
Like always a great video. Thank you :-)
I have an old Epiphone Les Paul and a Fender Thinline with the wide-range humbuckers. What makes the Fender design a winner for me is the fact that I can setup the string action individually. The "one-size-fits-all" approach of the Tun-O-Matic bridge is often not leaving enough room for a satisfying custom setting.
+Harald Engels Thanks! I'm glad you liked the video :)
You should do a video with the Epiphone and Squier versions of the Les Paul and Tele Deluxe. Great vid, enjoying your content. (Really dug the Tele Deluxe.)
+horrorland01 Thanks!
I'll see what I can do :)
Darrell Braun Guitar yeah it will be very interesting
horrorland01 I have the Squier Tele Deluxe and a Les Paul Studio 50's Tribute. I must say , the Squier at $399 is a bargain. Build quality and feel are surprisingly good. I have several other guitars and yet keep picking up the Squier. My only beef was with the poly on the neck..it's not satin like the Fender. But, 5 minutes with a green scotchbrite pad solved that. The Les Paul 50's/60's tributes are very raw , stripped down versions. With fit and finish not close to a Standard. But , that's the point of that series , no bindings, flat finish etc.. At 800 bucks , it was cheap way to get some of that Les Paul vibe and mojo. Out of the box , the LP needed some set up and nut attention, whereas the Tele was plug and play. Overall , I enjoy both guitars , I'd say the Les Paul met my expectations at the 800$ price point , while the Squier exceeded my expectations. I'd be curious to see how the Squier and Epiphone standard match up.
I liked the extra clarity and chime of the Fender, great comparison! 👏👏👏
Excellent comparison. While the LP had a more focused violin-like sustain, the Fender definitely has much clearer lower and low/mid notes which lends to a very nice level of clarity, both clean and overdriven. I'd gladly take one of each 😎 but if I could just have one, I think I'll take the Tele.. especially if I have to pay for it.
I'd get the Les Paul so I can sell it and get two teles
Excellent video thank you. One of the best comparison vids I've seen, I think I learned at least two new techniques watching you too....:-)
Thanks James!
This is the demo I suggested back in June (four way switch vs. HH) and here it is, thanks! I've got basically the same singe coil Tele as you although it's a Highway One. I put in the four way switch you recommended and now get the best of both worlds. Next, I'm thinking of getting a hotter neck pickup so I can lower it and hide it under an Esquire pick guard for some serious vintage looks. Thanks again for the vid :-)
+Jeff McKoskey The 4-way switch is really cool isn't it!
Glad to help!
Wow. Close enough for me. My old Les Paul may have some competition. I also crave that belly cut 😂
you can reach the highest frets easier on a tele, it''s lighter, stays in tune better and is more unique
Reaching higher frets easier on a Tele Deluxe? Perhaps.
Reaching higher frets easier on a regular Tele? I don't think so.
Hey Darrell, thanks for the awesome video. I have been watching your videos for a while now and right when I was thinking about getting a Les Paul Traditional 2015 this video found me. After seeing your review I knew I was right about it, and now I am having plenty of fun with it!
Thanks a lot mate!
Thanks Darrell. I've always thought the tele deluxe was a very underated instrument. This vid shows how well the TD stands up against a les paul.
I had a '77 Tele Deluxe. They used to have a Strat shaped headstock. I didn't like the V neck and sold it. I would absolutely buy the Fender over the Les Paul. The Tele is way cooler imo. Sounds great too.
They both sound great in your hands, but for me I like the extra clarity of the telecaster.
Great comparison, as usual, Darrell! That Fender seems like it might finally check all the boxes for me. Gotta love the tummy cut!
+Glenn Gardin Thanks!
👍 +1 for the tummy cut!
Hey Darryl, have you seen or played a Fender Tele FTM HH? They were from Korea, now Indonesia. Two Humbuckers, tummy cut, set neck.
Hi!
Yes. One of my friends has the spalted top version. It's pretty cool!
Just added one to the collection! Korean, trans red. I'm in love again!
At first I fell in love with Gibson Les Pauls ... But your Video Changed my mind so that now i'm interested in having a Fender Telecaster as well :D Thank you for this amazing video so that we can distinguish the differences.. both of them are awesome... Nice play by the way... Final play of yours really touching !....
+Buddhima ChalanuBevo Thanks!
I'm glad the video was helpful :)
nice chops dude. i enjoyed the review AND rocked out.
+Matthew S 😄 Thanks Matthew! 🤘
IMO, the Les Paul has a very warm, rich tone. The Tele has a really hot, sharp tone. They are both very beautiful sounding. I own a custom shop Tele and I love it.
7:34 I was not expecting to be blown away by that Telecaster's clean bridge tone - Nice riff too!
You have a very nice vibe, Darell. I'm pissed off today, but you made me feel a bit better. I always enjoy your videos. Very well done, mate.Thanks for sharing. I hope you'll have a great day. \m/
-> edit: oh.. and awesome playing !
+Ray Torvalds Thanks!
There are so many stressful things in life, I hope a little music every Monday helps a litte bit 😀👍
I hope the rest of your week gets better!
Thank you sir :) I hope you'll have a great week yourself.
90k subs!!👌👌 Congratulations!! Keep up the wonderful work sir !😊👍
+Angel Singto Thanks! 😀👍
Prefer the LP tone by a fairly small margin. Can't help but think the tele would come much closer to a les paul with the same pickups.
well, yeah, but for me the point is the different sound. I already have an LP to sound like an LP. The Tele Deluxe pickups have more bass and high-end, less midrangy. For driven soloing, the Tele will just need a bit more gain and a bit less bass and treble to get pretty close to the LP sound.
Damn Darrell your channel is so epic my dude you always make the videos I look for on RUclips but never really find
+Suede Maid Thanks man!
Glad to help 👍
It’s amazing how much the longer scale on the Tele makes the clarity of the notes stand out compared to the shorter scale of the Gibson
Finally, somebody actually showing the Tele Deluxe with chrome buckers vs a Les Paul. All I've seen so far is the whole single coil Tele and Strat vs hh Les Paul's.
I really, really like this video. I wasn't expecting that.
+JoseitoEdlVodao Glad to hear it! ☺
Loved this video Darrel!
+The Golden Badger Thanks 😀
Darrell, I keep missing the point of the exercises in your comparison videos...because you play so sweet, with SO much FEEL. I end up spacing out and drifting into your music. Oh well...
😄 Thanks for the kind words!!
This was really helpful! I've been back & forth between the tele & the les paul. This gives me a little bit more of an idea of both guitars.
For the price, I'd get the tele and an overdrive or boost pedal to replicate the LP tone when desired... plus I like the feel of Fenders better :)
7:35 A huge smile came across my face cause I was immediately reminded of The Spirit of Radio by Rush. Love that happy progression!
Been looking forward to this one for a while! The difference was super clear when you were playing with gain and I'm glad in a certain way that Fender didn't simply create a full scale LP clone. Two different axes. Love it!
Woah. Nice playing. I would love tutorials on the solos you have written. They are amazing
+Elijah D. Trump Thanks!
I definitely have plans to do some soloing tutorials :)
Yay!
I totally dig the Telecaster and your playing. Congrats !!
+Marco Zani Thanks!
It's a pretty sweet guitar :)
Fun comparison! Great vid as always!
A really interesting comparison! I'll get the easy stuff out of the way first: I definitely prefer the look of the Les better. This one is not even close for me. A Les is nothing short of a piece of art! However, I suspect I'd prefer the feel of the Tele better. As for the sound, there are things I liked better about both. And sometimes an aspect of one that I found worked in its favor one second felt like it worked against it the next, but I think I can say that very big picture, I still think I can render a verdict here, but I want to do it in two parts: 1) which overall sound did I "simply enjoy" better, and 2) which sound did I find more interesting.
To the first question: there's just some kind of amazing alchemy to the Les Paul sound that I can't get over. So, in terms of which sound I preferred overall, I have to give it to the Les. But it was close. However, what was not even remotely close was the second question: which did I find more interesting? Gods almighty, a thousand times over the Tele! I know that this is reductionist as hell, but the humbuckers and Les-ish wiring scheme married to a flat alder body, maple bolt-on neck, longer scale length and string thru body creates a sound that I can only describe as a beautiful and intoxicating "perfect middle-ground" sound between the Les, and a standard Tele or Strat. So much of what's good about the Les' sound (or even an SG sound) is present, but so much of that signature Fender tone is retained too. It's magical! I get a hint of this same alchemy out of my cheap, Indonesian-made $400 Ibanez RG450, but on an actual Fender, at the higher price-point, and using all the correct woods and everything, it's that RG idea amplified to 1000!
If I could only have one of these, I think I'd still have to choose the Les....but my God that Tele is such an alluring, captivating machine! If I can get one for reasonable, or if the Squier cheapie equivalent is even a fraction as good and still captures that same magic.....I think I may, I think I might!
Thanks again for the vid!
I absolutely love the tele! The Les Paul sounds amazing also, but I have a soft spot in my heart for Fender guitars. Awesome comparison and great playing as always. Thank you for posting.
+george macris I'm glad you enjoyed the comparison :)
Awesome clip dude.. I really dig it!
By experience I can say that these are two great instruments and to put then where they sound best is together in a song.. they really do compliment each other!
I have nothing to add, other than great playing. Thank you.
+Howard Frischer Thanks!
You're welcome
I agree with all your points Darrell. As for looks the Les Paul takes it, I love my Honey Burst but my Tele does have that vintage look which is cool too. As for tones, I choose by what type of tone I'm using. If I do lead I grab the Les Paul every time, it just sustains so much longer than my alder guitars.
+JamCave Studio Nice! It's definitely nice to have the choice :)
mmmmmmmmmmm, that Tele is just brutally cool. Thank you for this!
+Derek Odom I'm glad you enjoyed the comparison 😀👍
yessir, you do very good work! this was an honest and fair shake for both contenders. i have an el cheapo tele now and am open to any and all suggestions, so vids like this help me along my path. :)
8:08 to 8:49 tele sounds better with both pickups, is that line from a song?
I closed my eyes and tried to guess the guitars and it was very hard to tell them apart. They are both equipped with Humbuckers. The tele did sound a little chimy at times because of the lower output pickups. However if they had the same exact pickups, I believe it would sound identical and probably settle the whole "Tone Wood" debate. Great comparison!
+Ali ZAIDI Thanks!
Great video. Thanks for doing it. Love them both for different reasons.
+Brian Raap 😀👍
WOW TELECASTER DELUXE WIN! FOR ME ( RICH / SUSTAIN/ HARMONIC)
I can see that you connected with the tele more in that solo. Love how guitars do that!
First of all I'm not having a great day, cause Im now wanting one of those telecasters.. 😍
Perfect video. Scratched my LP itch a couple of years ago (16 LP HP) but now have a hankering for a Tele and was wondering about those HBs. LP was definitely darker and beefier for crunch tone but otherwise they seemed pretty similar
Think I’ll stick with the single coils for the Tele for more differentiation.
Great playing! Loved the mellow “Spirit Of Radio” (rip Neil☹️)
Can anyone explain to me what makes the tele sound so different even though it has similar pickups? Is it the circuitry, the saddle and the nut or does the wood make more of a difference than I thought.
Scale length, bolt on neck, neck stiffness, headstock angle, bridge type and distance from pickup to bridge saddles. Lots of variables there
The pickup is different
Darrel, you could put a Spanish translation in the subtitles of your videos since there are many Latinos who see and hear your channel, but there are certain things that you say that when translating them they are not understood and your channel is very good and I am sure that you would gain subscribers.