Sire Larry Carlton H7 Review, Demo & Comparison with Epiphone
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- These are my initial impressions of the Sire Larry Carlton H7 semi hollowbody electric guitar.
Sire are most well known for the Marcus Miller line of basses, which are designed to have a premium feel and sound, but for an affordable price. And those basses have been phenomenally successful. With the new Larry Carlton series of guitars, they are attempting to emulate that success in the world of electric guitars.
This is not Sire's first foray into the world of guitars. They have already manufactured some very good acoustic guitars, which sound great when you play them amplified thanks to Sire's brilliant electronics. But, these Larry Carlton guitars represent something new. A move into the world of passive electric guitar pickups, like the humbuckers on this H7 model.
Sire manufacture everything themselves, including all of the pickups and electronics, which has helped them to maintain quality control whilst keeping their prices low. And I have to say that I'm very impressed with this new guitar. I haven't yet played the S7 or L7 models, but if this Larry Carlton H7 model is anything to go by, then I think Sire could have another breakaway success on their hands.
Finally a demo that shows all the variety of tones this H7 can do. Sounds awesome!
I played one of these at the end of 2021 and was very impressed with it. Unfortunately, I didn't buy it and went months without seeing one locally in stock. Today I stopped in to one of my local shops and they had both the red and burst finishes. The burst came home with me. I played it back to back with MANY Epiphones and Gretsch guitars in it's price range. The Sire just felt like a much better crafted instrument overall. I also fell in love with the neck profile, where as I dislike the Epiphone D shape. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Setup from the store was okay, but we have had some serious weather swings where I'm from, so I fully expect to have to make some tweaks. For the price, this one is extremely hard to beat. The import guitars are just getting better and better everyday.
Wow the tone is amazing on the Sire H7 I will definitely get one
my guitar heroes is Larry carlton
I bought the L7 and got black fingers too, but after cleaning with lemon oil it’s gone. Love these sire sticks. I’m going back for the H7. Comparing the epiphone vs Sire, the epi sounded like a stick with strings. Next demo try letting guitar sustain longer. That’s where the sire and better guitars show their true nature. But really good video mate!
Must of been the off epi the inspired by Gibson sounds really good. I just compared them In guitar center. The sire does have a good tone, but I noticed when I use the bigger fender reverb tube amp than the blues deluxe, the epi inspired by Gibson definitely sounded fuller, bigger tone
First saw & heard the Sire Larry Carlton semi-hollow guitar on Kirk Fletcher’s channel. I liked it then and like it even more now after hearing your review and sound samples. Thanks.
Thanks very much! 👍🎶
To answer your question, I think the other guitars in the Sire lineup look so good for the money that it's not just about having a Larry Carlton-inspired intrument. They're high end instruments at a mid-range price.
Speaking of which, you just sold me this H7, I'm gonna get the white one for full cheesy effect... cheers, awesome demo!
Great demo. I just played this in a local store, and you filled in some gaps for me in terms of comparison (I actually played the Epiphone Rivera as well) and specs. You demonstrated the switch positions and pick-ups the way a demo should be. We heard clean, with gain, some modulation and some jazz tones as a semi-hollow should demonstrate. I am now subscribed to your channel. Thanks!
Which one did you go for? The epiphone?
Great review. I was after a 335, almost bought a Gibson but over £2500 used felt a bit much!!! Seriously considered the Sire but it seems although good the Eastman is a step above , for a lot more money but way way less than a Gibson and many say they are better quality. I have my Eastman 486 now it's beautiful and very high quality. Looking at maybe getting the anothe 335- a-like as a backup now, could upgrade some stuff in it too . Your video is Swaying me towards the Sire: it will be that or possibly a much less expensive Harley Benton. We will see.... Thanks
I did buy the Sire but returned it. Nice enough guitar but the neck is so narrow at the nut compared with all my other guitars. I bought s brilliant Yamaha Revstar RSS20 instead and find myself using it the most at the moment. Used the Revstar at last 2 gigs, simple controls that are actually useable ,(a bit like a Tele in that regard)
Great video. I had a 1986 Gibson 335 and I like the newer guitars like this much better.
Thank you! Yeah, there's a lot of good guitars being built at affordable prices now. 👍🎶
I realize it's kinda randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to watch new movies online?
@Lochlan Vihaan I use FlixZone. Just google for it :)
@Lawson Jude yea, I've been using Instaflixxer for since march myself :D
Just bought one after trying some Les Pauls, too. Perfect!
Excellent. I hope you love the guitar! 👍🎶
Great classic tone at the neck pickup! 6:36
Yes, i played in a southern rock band for a few years. A really good one. The other guitarist used a 335. that is all he used. He got great sustain and rock tones from that guitar. we both used deluxe reverb amps to get the tube quality and break up at a much lower gain than a Marshall or say a a 120 watt Peavey tube amp. He rolled every thing to 10 on the deluxe including the reverb that stayed active the entire time. We put a mic on it and and covered the amp with a furniture packing blanket. No F hole feedback at all and great rock sound with a 335.
Fantastic review! Finally, someone did a proper review without completely shredding. 👍
Thank you! 👍🎶
Nice one, great video! Just ordered the Larry Carlton S7, can't wait! I think i'll end up buying this one too... what the heck, for the price maybe even the Less Paul and Tele style as well! Had the Marcus Miller V7 bass for a few months now... and the build and finish on these instruments is very high end!!
A proper demo! Thanks for posting. 👍
My Larry Carlton H7 arrived yesterday. No case, just cardboard box and bubble wrap, yet I tuned it up, and I could have played a gig with it! You are right about it playing well "straight out of the box"! Mine weighs 8lbs 4oz, so it's not light, but sounds good, plays great, and the price ($599.00) is agreeable. The neck is very much like Larry's 1969 335 (I have played it), being on the narrow side at the nut (1" 9/16th) but I can still play clean at the first position. The radius is perfect, and bending the E, B, and G stings is very easy. Action is 4/32nd at 12th fret low E, 2/32nd 12th fret high E from factory. Not Bad!!!!!
Awesome! I'd love to hear the story of how you came to play Larry Carlton's 335!
@@johnnycoxguitarbassschool3957 I was setting up his son Travis' bass equipment at The Baked Potato, Larry came in early to do an interview. We started talking & at one point he just asked if I'd like to play his 69 335!
@@stephenstephen1217 Fantastic! Do you work regularly at the Baked Potato? Travis is also a brilliant musician. 👍🎶
@@johnnycoxguitarbassschool3957 Sadly, I do not. Covid has stopped music life here in LA.
@@stephenstephen1217 I know how you feel. It's the same here in London. Thanks so much for sharing the story. It's definitely the coolest story anyone has posted on this channel so far.
I did not get a case with my H7, but ordered one from Guitar Center for $129.00 & free shipping. H7 fits very well in that case.
what case
You got a new fan , excellent Demo my Man!!!!!
Thanks Ric! 👍🎶
Had 4 issues with mine and returned it. Issues included being unable to have set up even professionally and even after proper truss rod adjustment. Frets are not even though they look amazing. Guitar needs to be pleked, at least this one did and that is $300. Or refiled and crowned. Add to it the pickup cavities were not large enough for the pickups to sit in properly however the guys @ Guitar Center routed these out for me. Also the tailpieces had to be replaced as it was slicing up e strings and sanding the e string hole didn't resolve the issue either. Also the input jack decided to unloosen and fall in the body.
Great video, good to hear an independents opinions
Thank you! 👍🎶
Thanks mate for the great video
Now i orded one with slikbag EG335
👍🙏🏻
I have the Epiphone ES 335 Inspired by Gibson model and it is absolutely superb in every regard. However, the Larry Carlton H7 does look and sound like an excellent alternative. It's a great looking and sounding instrument in the same price range as the Epiphone equivalent. I agree, it is a far better option than the Epiphone Riviera if it is a 335 style you are after. Either the Sire or the Epiphone Es 335 are superb options at the £500 mark but it is unfair on Epiphone to compare it with the Riviera. Great review of a lovely guitar Johnny.
Is the Riviera cheaper in the UK, or just too different to be a good comparison? Here in the US, it's between $50 and $100 more than an Epiphone ES-335.
@@rayscholtens3176 Hi Ray, the Riviera is around £40/£50 on average, dearer than the ES 335 Inspired By Gibson in most stores in the UK. ( £499 for the ES 335 / $677.85 and £540 / $ 733.54 US for the Riviera with twin Humbuckers ) I can only speak for my Epiphone ES 335 when I say it is a superb version of the Gibson ES 335. I was referring to Johnny's specific Riviera with the 3 P90 pickups when I said it wasn't really a fair comparison. I have never actually owned a Riviera so I couldn't really comment on whether it is a better option. I have owned an Epiphone Sheraton ( many years ago now ) and, in my opinion, the new ES 335 Inspired By Gibson is a better guitar .... but not by much. I love all the Semi Hollow / Hollow bodied Epiphone's - the Casino being my favourite guitar.
Excellent review, thanks!
Beautiful clean sounding guitar, I have the Sire Acoustic, absolute bargain.
Yeah, they are great guitars for the money.
For the money..?
Very through demo, thanks for posting.
Thank you! 👍🎶
Thanks for a great review. I'm thinking of buying one and this was exactly what I was looking for. An honest appraisal, plenty of tone options to hear (but not too many 😁) and also the comparison with the epiphone. Perfect.
Thank you!👍🎶
Comparing to epiphone Which is the better...?
Bought one yesterday, love it😊
Well done on the review. Nice playing skills. 🤘
That's an excellent review. Many thanks.
Thank you! 👍🎶
Great review, best I've seen for any guitar. Damn fine playing, too. Thanks Johnny.
No need to post immature profanity, son.
I'd like to see it compared with the Epiphone inspired by Gibson 335. The H7 is a bit bright sounding for my taste other than that it's a beautifully built guitar.
The guitar sounds great, and so do you! Curious about the weight. Some of these semi-hollows are like boat anchors. Thanks for the excellent review.
Hi Frank. Thanks very much. It's not too bad. It's not light but it's lighter than my '95 Gibson Les Paul Studio.
Have to say, what a super review. Very thorough, you really take it through it’s paces. Thanks very much. All I need to do now is find a H7 in stock somewhere. Thanks again 👍
Hi Karl, thanks very much. Good luck finding an H7! 👍🎶
I pre-ordered one since it said they were shipping in July some time.
Very Good review and playing!
Other people said the same thing about black marks. Clean the neck and oil it first. I also saw a review where the guy shoed tooling marks on the rosewood fretboard. Likely the same with the ebony because it has to be glued on the neck. He said most makers drill the lining holes in between the frets before pressing and glueing but apparently Sire does it thru the fret board. For some reason their manufacturing procedure doesn't allow doing it between the frets. So small refinished repairs actually on the fret board. Not to cause an issue with playing and you have to look hard to see them. small holes drilled and then repaired in the fret board for alignment purposes. Other than that a good review.
Very nice review. It would have been good to have a Dot for comparison but we have what we have. I really like that you spent time with several different levels of overdrive and clean tones. Distortion tends to make all guitars sound alike so light overdrive, clean and tone-rolled jazz tones really help understand the true voice of the guitar. Well done, and I have subbed - so keep up the content.
Thank you very much! 👍🎶
This guitar sounds unreal !
Epiphone E519 Hardshell Case for 335 Guitar. $129.00 anywhere on internet. H7 fits nice.
Hi...could you tell me the height of the pickup?
I really like the Sire but from the video, the pickups are missing some of the bloomy frequencies and sound borderline harsh around 1-2k. I get there is alot of room in the vid sound but that how I hear it. The Epiphone isn't worth a look ymmv ✌️stay safe and well
What a kind and nice review. I ordered Red color H7 and am very happy becasue you showed me that my choice is brilliant. 👍
Nice video. Thanks, dude.
Thank you.
As long as it can sound like Chuck Berry or Leo Nocentelli I'm good. Sounds great!
Great Sire review!
Great demo!
Ebony is not always pure black so is dyed to give that central heart wood colour, I prefer the natural figuring on a fretboard, the Sire is nice but I prefer the darker tone of that Epiphone although you could get close to it with the humbuckers with tone control
Beautiful tones!
Great review! Loved the clean jazz tones at about the 8 minute mark. Do you recall if you were using any effects pedals or what sort of amp sim you had dialed in on your Helix?
Looks & sound in good! But this also should be come from the player!. Very good review & playing. Thanks.
Thank you very much!
I read or saw a review of Sire H7 has the nut truss rods quite high meaning that the tension is at least at lower cords on the board. Which can be fixed but I’m a bit a afraid to mess with that. Anyone can reply on this. I have great guitars like strat and Gibson but my Sire has become my favorite 🤩
Not sure why you would compare a 2 hum bucker guitar with a 3 P90?
Only bummer for me would be the seemingly odd narrow nut width.
I’m trying to see if this guitar is better than the new Epiphone inspired by Gibson 335. Those seems nice
You just made me buy one of these........👍
A very good looking and sounding guitar
Great playing and the guitar sounds gorgeous. For the money for nothing riff, did you have the tone control down or was it an effect? Do you know if it has 50s wiring? Did it clean up and keep the highs when you turned the volume knob down?
Hi Phil. Thank you! The Money for Nothing patch is actually a factory preset in the Helix LT. The tone control was up when I played it. I'm assuming that the wiring is not 50s as it's based on Larry Carlton's 335's which are late 60's models, but I don't know for sure. I feel like the pickups clean up well as I turn the volume controls down, but I'm still experimenting with that, which is why I didn't include anything in the video. 👍🎶
@@johnnycoxguitarbassschool3957 Thanks for the reply Johnny, much appreciated. That makes sense about the MFN patch. It's a lovely sounding guitar, but it would have been extremely impressive if it did such a good approximation of a burst with the tone rolled down! Hoping to try one out tomorrow. They seem ridiculously good for the cost
@@MrPhillydunne Let me know what you think when you've tried it.
Nice video. How big was the neck? I think its meant to be C shape, but you reckon medium/slim or chuncky? Thanks
@@johnkas23 Thanks. Yes, it has a C-shaped neck. It felt quite chunky to me when I first started playing it, but it's not very chunky.
Oh my, what are those gorgeous chords at about 2:06 and following?
Thanks for the video! Cool guitar! Do you think pickup and hardware upgrade makes this guitar better? I'm thinking buying this instead of ES 335 if this one will be close to Gİbson then...
Great job on the review. Could you let us know what the neck profile is like? Do you happen to know the depth at the first and 12th fret?
Hi Zachary. Thanks. It's a C-shaped neck. It's about 2.3cm at the first fret and 2.5cm at the 12th. 👍🎶
Gibson? Never heard of them 😁☮️
Rock ON DUDE 🤘🇺🇸
Great review and play-through. I only wish Sire made a BLACK H7...lovely beasts though.
www.andertons.co.uk/brands/sire/sire-larry-carlton-series-guitars/sire-h-series-electric-guitars/sire-larry-carlton-h7-hollowbody-guitar-in-black
2022 they do make black version,looks pretty cool.
the black dye will be around for a year or so, my Eastman mandola has a dyed fingerboard. No biggie.
You might find the black on your fingers comes from the new strings and dirt on the fret board.. this happened to me on a new Harley Benton guitar.. I cleaned the strings and all was well... nice review thanks ..
Hi. Thank you. It is definitely from the finish on the fretboard rather than the strings. I cleaned up the board with lemon oil after shooting the video and a lot of that black stuff came off on the cloth. It's not uncommon apparently, other brands do it as well. When I put the H7 next to some of my other instruments with ebony boards, it's noticeably darker wood... Now we know how why! I haven't noticed any marks on my fingers since cleaning the board so it seems to have done the trick. 👍🎶
just got a red dot hope it sounds this good..
You probably didn't have one but the riviera to me is not a good comparison the actual epiphone 335 would have been better
Very nice !
👍🎶
There is nothing like a real Gibson 335. The tone, the neck and the latest improved quality control with the new management. If you can't swing it this might be a good option
Gibson have been producing the ES 335 since 1958, so they've had more than half a century to perfect it. A new 335 with a flamed top will set you back over $3,600 - almost 6 times the cost of a Sire. I'm sure a Gibson would be better, but would it be 6 times as good, or even twice as good?
@@britvox95z For me, it's worth having the real thing which was made with American workers. Helping to keep American jobs rather than just a knock off made overseas. But that's just one person's opinion
@@revelationsoundstudio Classic trump-ist
@@Maysha6bona Just to be clear I can't stand Trump's arrogant attitude. I am for American jobs and being quality instruments in our country. There are too many lower end copies of quality items being made and sold that were made in China. They look pretty but underneath they lack the heart and soul of high craftsmanship
I have seen Japanese made Stratocasters being better than American Strats. So your correct about Japanese quality many times.
How much moisture is in wood. What is the drying process, what is the material of the frets, what kind of glue is used? Is there shielding in the pickup cavity and behind the pickups? Is it a poly or nitrocellulose spray? How many pieces of wood on the body, what kind of wood, how is the laminate and glue applied?
I am sure thr Sire plays and sounds good. For the price it's a great guitar. The Gibson is not 4x better but it is better. The problem is you pay so much more money for a guitar thst is better. Is it woth it, that is the answer only you can make.
This process at Gibson making a 335..the other companies take short cuts to save money. ruclips.net/video/Qi3-D7N31eo/видео.htmlsi=qqpWcqHfz1SA0yFQ
Sounds good! What’s the the beginning rhythm riff? Sounds like something Johnny Marr ?
Thanks Seth. It's just something that I came up with on the spot. But I probably unconciously nicked it from somewhere. 👍🎶
Great video! Do you think this is a good pick as a first guitar?
Hi Sanjit. It could be. There might be some other slightly easier guitars to play, but honestly you should start with whatever guitar is going to inspire you to practice. 👍🎶
@@johnnycoxguitarbassschool3957 Thank you! I have been playing the acoustic for as long as 3 years now, and need to step to electric. And I have personally been a fan of the semi hollow body style.
Do you stand by this review a year or so on? Have you first impressions changed at all during that time. I tried one and thought the neck a little ‘sticky’ and wondered if that would reduce with usage.
Just bought one. I don't know if its mine, but I thing the neck pickup is higher than the bridge. Just me?
So "all" the electronic components of these Sire's are "proprietary" as noted?! Wow that's hard to believe!
Is the nut width really only 40mm?
Yes. It is 40mm.
Yeah I find it awkwardly narrow at the nut and would have preferred much wider. Not sure if I’m going to keep or sell the guitar. It makes me play the guitar totally different than a strat or Les Paul or other semi hollow body guitars I have. Not sure that’s that bad but I think the nut width is too narrow.
Trouble is that there aren't any Sire guitars on the market. 5 months wOting list.
what kind of effects are you using for the tapping and the licks at the start of your video?
How are the electronics - pots, switches & jack? Cheap mini pots or full size ?
Gosh ...should i buy the Sire or a cherry red Epi dot? I dont know!
haha. I am not sure "partially" is a thing...in science. Just being cheeky. Thanks for the video. I have a Gibson 335, 1961 dot neck, and I have a Grote 335 copy. I got the Grote for 129 bucks delivered from Amazon. I spent another 300 on pickups, locking tuners, bridge, tail, etc. AND it plays, sounds, feels as good as a 20 grand Gibson. AND, I can drive it like I stole it. That Sire is a perfect 335, the Epiphone is a perfect 335, these guitars are all better machines than we made 50 years ago. Coz it is old does not make it better and if you are a gigging musician, are you really going to take a 20k guitar to a gig in Bolton? The only downside is the name; Grote sounds like something you might do on a farm, "ee av gorra grote some sheep today." I will be sanding the decal off.
@zackpack8 haha. I have played bars where a Squire would get nicked in two seconds flat. I am getting really interested in this Larry Carlton Sire, though. Happy playing, brother.
Interesting. Thank you. Subscribed!
The Sire sounds great, ever more so when compared to the Epiphone Riviera P93 which is arguably the worst sounding semi-hollow Epiphone ever made. I had a P93 I bought online and couldn't return it back to the retailer fast enough. Relatively speaking, Epiphone pickups must be designed in a void of some sort. They just don't get how bad they actually sound. That Sire has the sparkle and bite for sure.
What is the neck profile like? Fat '59 or 60s slim-taper? TIA.
New sub 👍
Any idea what the difference is between the Vi and Vii
what’s the intro song you played?
Sire or Tokai 335 Japan , which one you prefer ?
Have u played the ibanez as/am 93? If so, how would they compare to the sire?
Hi, I haven't played one, but I'd really like to. I know that Ibanez make some really nice semi hollow guitars. I think that Ibanez have their own thing, with a history of making guitars for jazz legends like John Scofield, Pat Metheny and George Benson. Whereas Sire don't have that history yet, they're trying to give you the "Gibson ES-335" experience on a budget. But they've done it really well.👍🎶
@@johnnycoxguitarbassschool3957 that's what I was thinking, I recently watched the andertons video on the whole larry carlton sire line up and they seem to be bung for the buck. The thing is that I recently saw second hand for 400 euros an ibanez am93 in the ays finish which looks amazing and I'm doubting between the two...
I think that's now the mid-range semi-hollow guitar question, Sire G7 vs Epiphone Dot vs As93, isn't it?
@@alvaroruizruiz7538 You probably can't go wrong with whichever one you choose. I guess you can ask yourself if you want to sound more like John Scofield or Larry Carlton? 😉
@@johnnycoxguitarbassschool3957 what do I do if I want to sound like dave grohl? Lol
Workmanship on mine is outstanding. However it plays way tooo loud! All the volume is between zero ( nothing) and 2 way tooo much! Also had to go with lighter gauge strings. So what’s a poor man to do? I want to love it but mine is unplayable as it is.And damn I was so excited to hold a real semi hollow ikon.Any ideas on how to fix this ?
Hi Tom.
i removed the treble-bleed transistor and capacitor from the volumeknobs.Now the volume control is as it should be.
I love this guitar for playability, sound and craftsmanship and of cours the price.
Anyone ever see LC play or even talk about this guitar?
Yes. There’s a YT video called Sleepwalk from a few months ago where Larry us seen playing his Sire H7.
That guitar is pretty.
Nice video but not an "apples to apples" comparison, the Epiphone has P90's and it's not the same level of guitar.
Nice tone , no doubt but a very thin neck compared to a 335 or even an Ibanez hollow body...a deal breaker for me.
I have one, and yes, a very thin neck. It takes some getting used to it, but if you have large hands, forget it!
If it had a wider nut, I would pull the trigger. Who is shopping for a 335 that wants a 40mm nut?
How's the tuning?
The tuning stability is pretty good for a guitar of this type. It holds tuning better than my Gibson Les Paul Studio. Although the LP is set up with 9's and the H7 10's. I don't know how well the H7 would cope with lighter strings but I'll probably try that experiment at some point.
Is the stop tailpiece location on the H7 similar in distance from the bridge as it is on the Gibson ES LC signature? Thanks
I couldn't tell if it's a good sounding guitar or not with all the effects. I'm sorry but I'm hearing the effects not the wood and the pickups
you won't be hearing much wood anyway over the sound of the pickups of an electric guitar.
Very nice demo.
According to Sandra Sherman (ruclips.net/video/CYQUtJk-NYk/видео.html) the H7 has to little low end. The 3 lower strings sound to "thin". What's your opinion?
Do you really compare a 2 Humbucker guitar againstba 3 P90-Singlecoil guitar🤔
Between Muscians Friends & Sire guitar, The customer service totally sucks. I would love to be enjoying my new guitar but, i have no idea where it is!! And yet they hold my money for it in the form a debit card hold and the bonus is every 10 days they hold twice the amount because a new hold goes on before the old one expires. Horrible!! Neither Sire or Musicians Friends keeps me informed as to what is happening. Both are Terrible, Terrible customer service companies.
👍🏻🇳🇱
larry carlton plays a gibson not a sire what does that tell you and marcus miller plays a fender you can buy an epiphone you cant buy a sire
Larry Carlton bought the Gibson 335 that is still his number one guitar back in 1969;
today Gibson are selling 335s for a completely exhorbitant 3 grand. Larry obviously knows that most players can't afford that but considers Sire guitars good enough to put his name on them - what does that tell you?
that he's a snob?
Larry does play the Sire. There are RUclips videos of him playing live gigs.
Not always anymore. There’s a YT video of Larry playing his Sire H7 . It’s a live performance of “Sleepwalk” .