Les Paul v’s PRS Santana - which is best?
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
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Equipment used:
Gibson Les Paul R9
PRS Santana Retro (American made)
Boss Katana 100 combo
No pedals, laptops, computers, or DAW
Recorded via iPhone to iMovie to RUclips
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The guitars are one thing but the playing was somthing else - great job
Thank you Alan! Appreciate your compliment, delighted you liked the clip :-)
The PRS all day for me . . . but either way, you can't go wrong.
Yes, I’m surprised by how much I like it actually. It’s different enough from the Les Paul to justify it’s place in any guitar collection. I’m a lucky boy. Cheers :-)
I am lucky enough to have both and I love the LP but the PRS is different, sounds completely unique and plays so well. If I had to choose however it would be the LP.
Yes, I agree...... There’s just that history and that association with rock and blues, right back to the 60’s. I love mine. I ended up swapping my Santana for a Gibson ES 335..... whilst I kinda miss the Santana, I’m sure whoever has it is loving it. And rightly so.
I 100% agree with your conclusions…..thanks for another great video
Thanks GoldtopDude 👍
Choice of notes and phrasing was lovely sir 👍
Thank you Ashish! Delighted you liked it. Cheers 😀
Hi Paul, the Les Paul is unbeatable, but the PRS is different enough to justify having both. Nice warm tones, and attack when needed. Both gorgeous!!!
Thanks Dad. Yes, the PRS is suspended on springs like a Strat.... so it simply can’t resonate quite like a fixed bridge guitar. But it really sings, I’m so happy with it. More than I thought I’d be:-)
The Santana has very hot and bright pickups (probably the brightest from PRS) which is great for clarity. But the Les Paul seems to have more sustain and bottom end. Can't go wrong with either one if you're a lead
Put the same style pickups that the LP has into the Santana and they'd probably be nearly indistinguishable from each other. PRS for me, due to the double cut silhouette, two full octaves, and the access to the high register which those features provide. Beautiful playing btw, thanks for sharing.
Thank you John, delighted you liked my playing 😀. Sadly, the PRS is no more. I swapped it for a 2005 Gibson ES-335. But I’m sure the new owner will adore it, because it really was a lovely instrument. It’s amazing what Paul Reed Smith has achieved, to take exploit a gap in the market and build a line of guitars that are winning fans the world over. Cheers John
That’s what you’d expect but the two extra frets and long scale length make the prs neck pick up sit lower down and closer to the bridge pick up, more like a middle pick up position. The thinner body changes the tone a bit too. They are very different guitars and both have their own voice . PRS make a McCarty 594 which will get you some beautiful vintage tones.
@@johngee4306 The scale on the PRS Santana model is actually _shorter_ than on the Gibson Les Paul. Santana's scale is 24 1/2, Les Paul's is 24 3/4, but you're quite correct about the PRS fingerboard being longer due to the two extra frets and the difference that makes in the neck pickup placement and the resulting tonal distinction in the neck pu's tone.
@@johngerson7335 I had a core custom 24 and the neck pick up didn’t have a lot of low end and general the guitar was quite bright sounding. Definitely had its own voice. Not bad or anything, just different. My les paul has a much fatter warmer sound with more power and sustain.
After playing my trusty Gibson J50 acoustic for many many years, I’ve dived into a whole new world with a Mexican tele with humbuckers (courtesy of Covid, tad cash-strapped but I’m loving it!), but the tones you’re pulling from every guitar you touch are a testament to your technical skills and your musicianship, with the guitar coming in a distant 3rd! Having said that, would love a Les Paul or PRS one day...😁 Great videos, great teacher, great fun, and I’m learning loads!
Ah, what a lovely comment, and a delightful compliment! Thank you Terry 🙏, I’m glad you’re enjoying your new Telecaster!
They say variety is the spice of life so I have brief flings with various guitars....but I always end up coming home to the Les Paul. So that gets my belated vote. Excellent video (and playing) btw!!
Thank you Ivan, it’s appreciated 👍
I was literally just thinking to myself I would like to see a comparison video of these two guitars and this popped up on my screen. Two very nice guitars with different sounds. I think the PRS generally has more round and mellow tone and the LP has some more fuzz and bite.
Thanks man, appreciate you commenting. Yeah, I agree with your summary. 👍
PRS ! For me
The PRS has a very pure modern sound -as you should expect. The Les Paul just that classic tone that’s so had to beat . It’s the Les Paul all day for me.
I played in a band where the lead guitar player had both of these guitars and on stage the the Les Paul blew the PRS out of the water. Still,what do I know ,I was only the bass player. Cheers. John F
This video was one of the few that pitted a les paul vs a reasonably obscure santana, ended up buying a 20th aniv. santana to complement my LP...hehe...thank you!
Well congrats on the new PRS. Whilst I’m a Les Paul guy, I gotta admit that the PRS was a joy to look at and play.
Les Paul has the best sound by far. To my ears there’s a certain magic to a Les Paul that other guitars just don’t quite have. And yes, they look beautiful, the single cutaway, the flamed top with the iconic burst pattern, the shape of the scratch plate, everything about it, it is just a work of art.
That’s exactly how I feel too. Cheers Johng Ee 👍
Not by far there is not really that much difference if the PRS body was a bit thicker there would be no difference
but comfort playability and QC PRS wins hands down.
I’m a huge prs guy. Love my prs guitars. Your playing is so melodic and smooth. Sounded incredibly good. I’ve been wanting to pick up a prs Santana and I’ve been watching a lot of your videos. I think you completely sold me on a prs Santana.
Well thank you Chris, I’m delighted you liked my playing. And whilst I ultimately swapped my PRS for a Gibson 335, I must say the PRS was an awesome thing to behold, with a very unique sound.
Les Paul for tone , PRS for weight and more modern stuff...Awesome demo !
Thanks man, it was a pleasure doing that demo, such wonderful instruments. I’ve since replaced the PRS..... it was such a beautiful thing to behold.... but sadly just not the vibe I’m looking for (since I am an old fashioned blues player). So I did a subsequent video called “I swapped my PRS for a Gibson 335”, and I’m over the moon. Delighted you liked the vid. 👍
Thanks for another interesting video ... in case of fire grab the les Paul...I have a custom 22 PRs and although the ergonomics and woods are stunning nothing compares to les Paul in my opinion PRS gets about 90% of a les Paul but only about80% of the strat or télé tone lacking slap bite and howl... nice playing 🙏
Thank you for posting that! I enjoyed both guitars, there are subtle differences, but overall they're in the same ball park.
Thank you Paulo! Yes, I’m a very lucky boy to have both. They’re an absolute joy to play, and sometimes it’s nice just to have a cuppa and stare at them! How sad am I !!
Great playing! I’ve had 3 PRS core models and really loved them. Recently bought a Les Paul Standard and it is amazing. Never shall we part. It just has mojo. Keep up the great vids.
Thanks crazyivan1966 👍. And congrats on the new Les Paul .
Great video! I have a 2008 Santana and a Les Paul. Santana sounds rounder compared to the les paul in my point of view. After raising the action a bit and lowering the pickups on my Santana it easily has the same sustain as my Les Paul. It still has a low action, but the big jumbo frets on the santana can easily cut down the note sustain if the action is too low. I still have a farely low action on it, 1.7mm on bass side and 1.3 on treble side. I've also straightened the neck so it has the tiniest amount of relief.
Thanks Georgian, your comment is very interesting.... I’ve never really thought about a low action harming sustain.... but I’m intrigued.... I’m going to google this, and maybe I will experiment a little with the action. Thanks man, I appreciate you listening to the clip :-)
that's good Georgian !
I'm more impressed with the playing then the guitars. Good job!
Thanks man 👍
Les Paul without a doubt. There is something a little more raw and toneful about it. Santana............he never sounded better than when he was playing his Gibson SG standard. IMO. PRS sounds a little clinical and I prefer a classic shape like a LP Strat or Tele.
Cheers for your comment Roger. Yes, I’m with you on the Gibson. You probably know that I’ve since swapped the PRS for a 335, and whilst the PRS was a lovely thing to behold, I’m happier with more retro sounding (and looking) guitars. 😀
Great play and vid! My vote is for the les paul!
Thanks Daniel, appreciate you watching my clip. And yes, happy to hear your vote is with the Les Paul :-)
Les Paul for sure. I have a '54 Goldtop, '55 Les Paul custom, a '56 LP Custom w/Bigsby and my fav a 1971 LP Deluxe cherry sunburst with the big humbuckers which are a Wolftone neck and SD Antiquity bridge and it has that vibe and tone! So, as I've had all these LP's for about 40 years I think I know Les Pauls! I had a PRS Mcarty years ago but didnt bond with it. It was pretty but lacked that something special.
Wow - that’s a lot of lovely authentic gear you have there! The one that made me stop and reply (I’m currently walking round the local supermarket) was seeing the words “54 Gold Top”!! Currently that is my “lust after” guitar. Presumably P90s and wraparound tailpiece...?
Great video as usual , Paul ! I would pay money to hear you soloing with a Band in Live situation ! Your note choice is sublime & the feel you put into it ... kinda unmatched ! I'm a fan of your individuality , mate !!! Keep on delivering ! ... Oh , & get a band together !!!
Ah, Wes, what a lovely comment! Yes, it would be a wonderful dream to be on stage in front of fans.... then I wake up and my wife asks me to tidy away my discarded socks.... oh well, we can but dream. Actually, I used to be in a band years ago, and I’m starting to get that feeling again.... just got to find the right people. In the meantime I’m loving doing it on RUclips, especially when I get nice comments like yours! Cheers Wes 👍
@@paulstaffordcook8799 - Get a band Paul ! It's a shame to see your natural talent of improvising being secluded to RUclips bracket only ! Live playing in front of an audience will bring even better " You " ... I'm in the process of assembling my own band at present & as you said - to find the right dudes ain't easy task ! We are short of funky bass players in South Africa ! ... I still have hopes to form formidable funk - fusion - prog rock outfit though ! ...
Getting /keeping a band together, working hard and making it pay is never easy.
great playing mate, I really enjoyed that. Re the guitars, I really can't decide they're both amazing... you're a lucky dude!
Hi SurfingAli3n :-). Glad you liked the clip! And yes, it’s a lovely position to be in, having both. I AM a lucky chap. Cheers for listening to the clip, appreciated.
So glad you said that. It got my vote. You should come round and try my jag. 😁
Yes, I definitely think the Jag would win the “cool” vote.
Very impressive playing there Mr Paul, you have a great feel for the music. I prefer the Les Paul overall, but I would not reject the PRS either.
Thank you Michael, always nice to read a compliment :-). Yes, I agree the Les Paul is a MUST have, whereas the PRS is a NICE to have :-)
That is a good way to put it, for sure!
Nice playing bro’
Les Paul without a doubt
Thick, creamy & organic!!
Thank you Vaibhav, glad you liked the clip! And yes, I agree, it’s amazing that something designed in the 50’s is still the Daddy :-)
The Strat! Exactly how I would've handled it as I own 4 Fenders lol. Both of these are tone monsters and the Les Paul you have is at the top of my Gibson mountain other than Becks Oxblood, hes my hero.
Yeah, the Oxblood! How cool is that guitar! Cheers for watching my wee video 👍
Nicely done my man, incredible chops-Both have there own advantages-well done...
Thanks for watching PaRaDoX. Yes, both are lovely things to hold and play, I’m a lucky man. Cheers for your comment, appreciated 😀
Some lovely playing. I would like want to say the PRS since it is Carlos’ guitar... but the Gibson had it for me. Lovely neck pickup. More articulate than the PRS. By I certainly heard some circa-spirits dancing in the flesh tones from the PRS so it was (naturally) authentic to Carlos’ tone.
Got to be the LP for me but that said I'm biased since I've been playing them for the last 20 odd years. I do like the design of the Prs santana though. I'll bet the santana is a fair bit lighter in weight too. Both sound really nice
Thanks Steve, I’m 100% with you on the Les Paul. In fact, I ended up swapping the Santana for a second hand Gibson ES-335 (ruclips.net/video/8kxkG9k9Mos/видео.html). That’s way more up my street 😊
They both sound amazing, but there’s just this soft-roundess to the Les Paul’s sound. It’s very unique.
Thanks D P
Stunning as always Paul. I'm a confirmed LP player but I bought my first PRS 18 months or so ago. It's a simple cheap Bernie Masters but as soon as I picked it up the neck and fretboard had me. I do enjoy playing it and PRS do make some ridiculously good guitars - but - they just 'aint Les Pauls. The Les Paul has a more solid base to its sound (not bass). It's got that slightly thicker tone when you want it but is more open in general. At 1:05 when you change over you can hear the sound sort of lift and spread. At 2:15 when you change back the sound thins out in the upper middle and a slight hardness creeps in. This has a lot to do with Carlos Santana's tone of course and it is perfect for that but the Les Paul is always the goto for me. Wish I could coax the tones out of it you do.
(And the notes.)
Cheers Albert. Yeah, the Les Paul is the guitar that was the star of my childhood dreams. So I’m so thankful to own one.
Nice playing and an interesting choice for a shootout. I like the PRS myself but I am biased because i own a number of PRS guitars and sold my Gibsons. Would love to hear your thoughts on the differences in playability. Also, the production version has a mahogany neck but Carlos actually plays a rosewood neck...I think. Anyhow nice job.
Thanks Greg, appreciate you watching my vid. To answer your question, both guitars are perfectly matched in terms of quality of playability. So things like smooth frets, intonation, tuning stability are top notch on both guitars. The Les Paul is less balanced because of the heavier body, so it tends to constantly slip off my knee. Whereas the PRS is better balanced. Ultimately however, my brain is so biased towards Gibson (because my heroes played them) that I swapped the PRS for a Gibson 335. I did a video explaining my reasons ruclips.net/video/8kxkG9k9Mos/видео.html. But don’t get me wrong - that PRS was lovely. Just a joy to behold. I can see why you would sell a Gibson in favour of a PRS.
I love your playing Paul! You've got it down. ✌♥️
Thank you John! Cheers mate
i have two, an original santana i with mini toggles and a 25th anniversary santana model. they sound radically different from one another. also, the santana i is a lot heaver.
Very cool video.....I personally would like both. Just grabbed a 2015 R9 VOS in bourbonburst and I'm thrilled with it...finest Les Paul I've ever owned or played for that matter but I'm GASing for a PRS as well and this looks like the one to get!
Ah man, I’ve just checked out your channel to see your R9. I’m not disappointed, it sounds and looks great! Yes, the Santana is lovely too, and I particularly like the way (on the Santana) the notes fade to a whistle as they decay. Ultimately however I swapped the Santana for a Gibson ES-335 ruclips.net/video/8kxkG9k9Mos/видео.html. It’s just more “me”. Hope you find your Santana! Cheers for watching 👍
@@paulstaffordcook8799 great choice! It was my VOS 335 that inspired me to get the custom shop les paul! I absolutely LOVE my 335! check it out: ruclips.net/video/aArNqn6iTcY/видео.html
Les paul sounds buttery smooth! Even on the bridge an i prefer neck mixed and out of phase, yes i love Peter Green! I love PRS guitars but they just lack something and i think it just comes down to mass! A les paul bout 2' and a 1/2'' and 2' an 3/4'' thick the prs mayb 2'' max at its thickest!
I agree Andy. It’s mad to think that something designed in the 50s is still the Daddy! Thanks for listening 😀
@@paulstaffordcook8799 inspiring playing Paul!
Hi Paul ! Greetings from Akron, Ohio USA ! Nice video , living proof that tone is in the fingers ! Everything sounds good if you know how to touch it ! I have to say that the Katana amp sounds great for a solid state ! I have always been a tube guy , I guess because the solid state amps were so bad in the late 60's , early 70's . As far as guitars go , both sound very nice . I am always a firm believer that you need the right tools for the job . I guess that is why I own 17 guitars . Thanks for another great video !
17 guitars?! Man, that’s quite the collection 👍. Might be nice to see you show them off on RUclips. Guitar collection videos always seem to be popular. In fact my most popular vid is “My Dad’s amazing guitar collection”, which has WAY more views than any of my other vids. Anyway, I’m delighted to see you’re still wading your way through my vids and haven’t got bored yet 🤣. Cheers Kenneth
@@paulstaffordcook8799 , your Dad has some fabulous guitars . His taste in instruments really shows thru in the video . That was one of the first videos of yours that I watched !
I'm in line with you Paul. Nothing beats a good Strat but between the two I also prefer the tones of the Les Paul. The PRS has a slightly more sharp and agressive sound to my ears which is not my flavour. I think it looks a little cooler than the Gibson though. Bird inlays are generally a nice substitute for trapezoids and dots.
Thanks Thor R. Yes, as looks go, I think the Santana model is the coolest looking of the PRS models. Maybe that has something to do with Santana himself..... who knows :-)
I have a Les Paul Standard and two Santana Retros. They are such different guitars. The pickups are voiced differently. 24 frets on the Santana with high access on the neck. No offense to Gibson but the build quality is superior on the PRS and you pay a premium for it. The Santana is a markedly better guitar. But if you are doing some Gary Moore you need the Les Paul. 😊
Les paul all the way ...beautiful , only thing better than a 59 resiisue is a 59 .... only thing better than a 59 is pearly .
great minds think alike
or as i like to put it
two idiots one thought
The PRS neck looks very smooth and slender I fancy that model strong. I was having a wee play and found myself playing Georgia Georgia a great tune for mucking about with , it was sweet. Thanks for doing Santana would like you son ay yo com a va
HA HA Paul!! Thanks for the comparison and the little jest at the end, surprisingly I heard the PRS seemed to have more clearity on the neck, assuming guitar volume s were the same, perhaps the pickup is slightly hotter wound than the Gibson? I must say, I'm surprised and slightly disappointed with your choice for favourite, I was kinda hoping to get my hands on that Custom L.P. at a knock down price !! Lol, not only did the L.P. top the PRS on sustain by a reasonable margin, the tone of the sustained note was richer in all 3 positions. Gibson for the win!! p.s. Busy working this weekend but with new stings and reset action I'm ready to Rock n Rumble,. Katana V's Orange coming to a screen near you soon!!
Cheers Michael. I’m actually quite intrigued with your idea of Katana v’s Orange.... been a long time since I’ve played through an Orange amp. Bring it on! Cheers man :-)
To me LP is tighter but for blues I think I would prefer the PRS, a little more rounded sound. For straight up rock probably the LP. It's great to have both!
Yes, I’m a lucky boy. Each morning I open the door to that room and I’m greeted by such lovely guitars.... and that reminds me why I’ve only got a Fiesta on the drive, not a BMW, ha ha!
Lovely playing but man I gotta say after playing for 30 years myself if you want warm mellow tone the telecaster neck pick up takes the cake. These instruments may have more versatility and better ergonomics but...
Fair point Napalm6b. Cheers for watching my vid 👍
Amazing playing! Love the feel
Thank you 😀.
I think the scale length makes the neck pickup on the lp a little muddy. It's just not as balanced.
The PRS Santana is great
I also like the SG Diablo premium
Nice playing. I have two Les Pauls, a Standard and a Custom and love them both; but I admit I have a craving for a Santana Retro. That said, I play a Tele 80% of the time...lol
Yeah, it’s funny, no matter what gear I end up acquiring, there’s always just one more just out of reach... As regards the Santana Retro, I actually swapped it for an ES-335 ruclips.net/video/8kxkG9k9Mos/видео.html. But that aside, I do admit it was a lovely thing to behold.
I'd go with the les paul in this case although both are great!
Thanks for listening Bill. Yes, it’s amazing something designed in the 50’s is still so good :-)
There's something to my ear about the PRS Santana's that sounds kinda big and bloomy in the low mids, which gives it a little bit less definition than the less paul. I'm sure the tremolo has something to do with that, but I also think the pickups are different. I can hear the same difference when I compare the Santana to a David Grissom which uses the McCarty pickups, both of which have the same tremolo. So in a perfect world (assuming I was gonna spend $4500 on a guitar) I'd probably pick the Santana but would order it with McCarty pickups or replace with Lollars.
LP all day for me, extra cream with the LP and it cant be beaten or will ever get beaten for looks, no guitar suits a flame better than a LP!
Yip, my feelings exactly. In fact I ended up swapping the PRS for a Gibson ES-335. Cheers for watching 👍
People need to also remember that the neck pickup on the PRS is situated closer towards the bridge in relation to the scale length.
Yip, good point. Cheers for watching my vid 👍
Both guitars are amazing!
Thank you Soki 👍
Both are great, I guess it depends on the application. The Santana model sounds nice for that Latin style. Why not enjoy the variety
My thoughts entirely Tom. I’m a very lucky boy to be able to do just that. Appreciate you watching 😀
@@paulstaffordcook8799 you did a great job. We can love all of those beautiful guitars, all of them will definitely shine in the right situation. Cheers
PRS sound more "watery" a bit deeper I guess. Just slightly differs, that is all.
Les Paul for me. Great tones from both and not too unalike. I am waiting for my PRS Silver Sky to arrive and that will be a first for me so that should be interesting. (Yes, it's the limited edition Lunar Ice. :-) )
Ah, so you are one of the few! I watched a review of it on the Peach guitar’s website. They’re selling fast! Well I hope you enjoy it Anthony 👍
Paul the LP sounds better. The PRS is close but I wonder if you have difficulty playing it, it seems like a smaller guitar. I own several Gibson LP Custom Shop Historics, R60, R9, R8 and I also own a PRS David Grissom model and I would say THAT Grissom is equal in playing and tone to my Historics.
I gotta say the Paul for sure but I know Santana played one at some point in his career. Still that PRS is really beautiful
Both sounds amazing. And i guess this is why we all own more than 1 guitar. The sound that different models produce and in what type of musical area you are going to use them in. So for me it's a equal. As they say...Dont bring a knife to a gunfight 🤣🎸🤘
Cheers Guitar Rehab :-)
I prefer Paul Reed Smith now. I bought a used PRS Santana SE, liked it better than any other guitar I've played in my 49 years of playing, and then bought a used PRS 10-Top a few months later. There are many wonderful guitars, but my subjective choice is Paul Reed Smith all the way. Amazing guitars, even the cheaper SE models from Korea are excellently manufactured and wonderfully playable. One might change the pickup to one's favorite, but otherwise the PRS are wonderfully playable, resonant, and attractive instruments. Especially the more expensive mid-range model PSRs, where you get that excellent American craftsmanship and engineering.
Hi Curtis, thanks for your comment :-). I think your feelings are shared among many people. I do have to admit that it’s a joyful thing to behold and I’m very happy with it. Thanks again man :-)
for me the Les Paul, the most emotional guitar on the planet!
Well thank you Sir Charles. I second that 🤘
Great playing! lots of beautiful feel....
Thank you CodedToast! Thanks for watching my vid, and for taking the time to comment. You also mention you have a Katana.... yes, I’m still delighted with mine. I’m still amazed by the fact that I tend to use it more than my Marshall, which is 4 times the price. Cheers 😀
Great video.....liked the ending!!!
Thank you Jose! Ha ha, yes, and there are many people who WOULD actually agree that the Strat is the best guitar in the world. Thanks for watching man 😀
Definately the Les Paul.Great playing Paul.
Thanks David! Yes, I agree, the Les Paul has that typical midrange..... just love it. 👍
Those Santana prs cost serious dough! I go with that one, lovely playing Paul, very Santana esque, I love CS
I played many guitars and overall my favorite is the les Paul mine is ‘92 studio very resonate same mahogany and maple top just not fancy the 490 neck and 498 bridge is all one needs for excellent tone. Santana his famous tone is from Gibson p90 pickups No need to spend loads of money
Thank you Daniel, delighted you liked my playing. Yes, I ended up swapping the PRS for a Gibson ES-335 👍.
i think that both guitars are amazing
Hi Alexis. Yes, you’re right. I ended up swapping the Santana for a Gibson ES 335, just because the Gibson is more “Me” (see my vid called: “I swapped my PRS for a 335”). But I’m sure the new owner of that Santana is loving it. It was such a beautiful thing to look at and to touch. Cheers for watching 👍
Love your humor ;)
Hi Paul, both are great. I've owned both but now just play custom shop strats as I get the same sustain but far more versatility...but they do sure sound great...love em both ..
Really nice playing & Sweet tones!
I often thought about buying a prs santana too.. My personal favorite at this time is my early 80s Yamaha SG2000.
Ps. Maybe the next comparison video?
Take care my friend.)
Thanks Stylianos, I’d love to get my hands on that Yamaha.... I’ve never played one before. Anyway, thank you for listening to my clip and taking the time to comment, appreciated :-)
Paul Stafford Cook
Ps. You may not believe it, but I have to say that everyday after work I sit with my 2 sons and we listen to you playing guitar on repeat so we can enjoy quality music & relax.
always a pleasure!
If you want some day I can send you my Yamaha SG and you can make a video/review with her.
It would be great to see that someone who plays and feels like this..
play with your guitar.) Cheers
Wow, what a lovely comment, I even showed it to my wife! Who now thinks I’ll get a big head, ha ha. Anyway, keep that Yamaha safe... I hate to think of it being damaged in the post. Thanks again man, and say a big “Hi” to your two sons from me :-)
They noth sound great
Esthetically the Santana just looks better
I've had A Santana II Brazilian since 2000 and I've never looked back
Absolutely love it
Thank you George. Yes, the Santana is a beautiful thing to behold.
Interesting demo. None is better than the other, it's more a matter of taste. Me being a stratman, I prefer the PRS over the Les Paul for its more chimy sound. But for more Rock and Roll music, the Les Paul wins. By the way, the real Carlos Santana's PRS has a tone closer to that of your Les Paul. I used to have that very gorgeous PRS Santana (the SE version, not like yours), but finally sold it because just between a Strat and a Les Paul tonewise, and I have both.
It’s interesting, I wonder how many players have sold their PRS guitars due to them occupying that unnecessary middle ground between Strat and Les Paul..... and conversely, I bet a similar number have bought PRS for that exact same reason, feeling that the middle ground is perfect 🤣
IMO, that PRS kick us every Les Paul Reissue
Cheers Manuel. Appreciate you watching my clip :-)
I always think of Gibson as the master and PRS as the apprentice. I have both brands, though much lower end than your beauties!----a Gibson LP Tribute and a PRS SE 245. Both decent instruments for a modest outlay.
I totally agreed with your Master / Apprentice comparison. In my head, I’ll always aspire more to Gibson than PRS. And yet, the more I play the PRS on the neck pick up, the more I see a clear identity - it’s different enough from the Les Paul to take it out of a direct comparison. Really fruity sounding, with the note fading to a whistle at the end. I played the Les Paul today and it’s a real bruiser. But I’m really enjoying the PRS more than I thought I would. I guess this world is big enough for both :-). Cheers for listening to the clip :-)
I just ordered the Santana 'se PRS I'm trying to get that smooth sound. What kind of pedals should I get ?
Great play!
Thanks Mayo! Appreciate you listening to my clip :-)
Remember this is a tremolo guitar versus a fixed bridge guitar. so the Les Paul theoretically should sustain a little bit longer especially when bending notes, because the movement of the tremolo Springs ever so slightly during the bend. I suspect with open chords the sustain would be nearly identical. With that said the Santana sustained amazing for being tremolo guitar, many artists love the tremolo system because it adds a slight sound to a guitar, a bit like a reverb tank to the string attack, even if they block the tremolo. like most everybody said 2 excellent guitars, with slightly different flavors.
Yes, I agree about a tremolo guitar having fundamentally different vibe... you can really feel the springs coming through in the general tone. Yes, two similar yet different beasts.... I’m a very lucky boy to have both.
Despite cosmic Carlos’ endorsement of PRS I submit that the Les Paul has more soul and iconic value. PRs are great for gigging because of their weight playability and versatility but Gibson is peerless in the humbucker category.
Have you ever tried the Gibson SG Diablo?
I feel that is a better comparison to the PRS Santana
@@abrahamyanes2405 nope never tried the SG diabolo ,,,,I played a couple of PRS custom 22 and 24's-----but it must be said that Paul could probably make some nasty and cheap guitar sound great...I'm serious.
Great comparison. What was the rest of your signal chain. Awesome tone. Cheers
Hi Tuk Wuk, sorry for late reply. Yes, it was just guitar into Katana 100 amp, that’s it. No pedals. The Katana would have been on the Crunch channel with maybe 60% Gain. And all recorded by pressing Record on my iphone. No microphones, no laptops, no Tone Studio. Extremely basic. Hope this helps.
Paul Stafford Cook thanks Kindly Sir Paul
U dont recall what pickup models are in the respective guitars do ya? That sustain test was wild, i wonder if the Paul had a higher wind, and the Santana had a lower one, explaining the "whistle" in one and not the other
Good question….. I know that the Les Paul is wearing the stock Burstbucker 1&2 in this video. (I subsequently swapped them out in favour of a pair RAF-2 from Righteous Sound pickups). But as regards the pups in the Santana….? All I know is that the whole guitar is stock.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Wow ok so i looked up th prs pickup specs and the Santana pups are supposedly 10k with ceramic magnet. The BB’s are around the 7.8 - 8.5 range with A2. That just throws my theory right out the window. Its either the body shape or weight or hardware or the sum of all that lets that overtone shine through, thats amazing.
The 59 LP has wider dynamics (treble-bass), greater sustain and sounds more raw (vintage). In comparison, the Santana has the superior mid-range, better legato and sounds more modern (contemporary). One problem with buying a PRS Santana, would be dealing with expectations of playing like Santana and his music. Because the 59 LP isn't associated with a guitarist, has a more wider and versatile tonal range, greater natural sustain and is a timeless classic - in this comparison, I agree with Paul that the winner is also the 59 LP.
glorious
Thank you so much man, what a lovely comment! 😀
Shoot-out between ‘59 Re-issue Les Paul and PRS Santana - both mahogany backs, maple tops, humbuckers..... seems a pretty fair fight. Which is best?
LP for the sustain but it depends on your amp too
Prs for me. It's got a nicer neck
you make both sound great, but personally i felt that the LP won only the sustain battle. otherwise, it sounded "flatter" than the PRS. video was fun, which is all that matters.
Cheers Shie. Yes, i can see what you mean.... a lively, almost fruity sound to the PRS..... I’m a lucky boy!
Not totally apples to apples. The Les Paul probably weighs another 1 pound more and isn't dissipating energy in springs. The Santana's 24 frets force the neck pickup inward and away from the 24 fret harmonic, so the neck tones are quite different. But PRS trem bridges are awesome and the woodwork is always top notch. The only answer is to have one of each!
Hi Joe. Yes, you make some interesting and intelligent points there. Especially the neck pickup on the PRS having to move further away from the 24th fret harmonic. I’d never actually thought about that before! Actually, I subsequently fell in love with a Gibson 335 and decided to swap it for the PRS.... I’ve a RUclips video called “I swapped my PRS for a 335”. I’m now 9 months in and know I made a good decision, for me at least. Thanks for watching Joe 👍
Good video man .
Thanks Achilles 👍
La PRS Santana ,💯💗🎶
your playing is most excellent, very tasty!!!
Thanks MarshallAmpMan, appreciated 👍
Obviously, opinions are subjective, but as a 40+ year pro, as good as PRS guitars are, I've never heard one that truly sounds like a Les Paul. The thickness and weight that some shy away from has a lot to do with the tone and b@lls of a Les Paul - played well through good equipment. That's one reason why PRS added more weight/thickness to the McCarty 594 - attempting to capture/copy a true Les Paul tone. I REALLY wanted to purchase a PRS years ago (money was not the determining factor). but the tone for my playing style (mostly classic rock and blues) just wasn't there without using my Les Paul and Strat. I think the growl and in your face tone of Joe Bonamassa would be lacking if he were not playing a Les Paul. My 2 pennies.
Well that’s pretty much exactly how I feel. In fact, I ended up swapping the PRS for a Gibson ES-335, which I adore. Thanks for you thoughts rs-guitar 👍
@@paulstaffordcook8799 You're welcome and thank you very much for posting the video and for the additional info! I was (still) "contemplating" a purchase, but your video really helped my decision and for now, at least, saved me close to $5000! Best to you, Paul
...great guitar face !
What effect pedals did you use? Beautiful sound by the way! PRS for me.
Thanks Joseph, and for taking the time to comment! Actually, no effect pedals at all..... no mixing either.... just guitars into amp and then my iPhone picking up the recording from within the room. The nearest I got to effects was to turn a little of the “Blues Drive” knob on the amp, which simulates their Boss Overdrive pedal. All very minimal. A little of the amp’s Reverb, delay, and the secret ingredient.... which is to turn the Gain on the amp to maximum, which on the Crunch channel seems to add “fatness”.
PRs is a singing les Paul is a hummer
Both are Similar in sound
PRS double cut away
PRS wide fat killer 👍
Big yin, you can play like Fk., enjoyed your review, just learning guitar so trying to absorb as much info as i can, thanks for the review.
Thank you guinnestic! Compliments like that keep me smiling 😁. Happy practicing my friend 👍
LP
I agree 😀
Hi Paul, I hope you visit your older videos from time to time. If the Gibson is from the Custom Shop, I think most watching may not be able to afford it. Is there a respectable, more affordable alternative Les Paul to the one you played?
That’s a great question Scott. Here’s 3 alternatives - the cheapest might be an Epiphone Les Paul… but I’d have to say it would benefit from an upgrade to un-potted pickups, from a good brand name. Or perhaps a Maybach Les Paul…. Or perhaps an Eastman Les Paul…. But who am I kidding … There’s nothing quite like the guitars from Gibson’s custom shop.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Thanks for the alternate guitars, Paul. I'm looking at a single cut LTD EC-1000FR too.
Awesome video, which one is lighter? I'm having a problem playing due to a guitar weight and my epi is too heavy
Thank you Hector, glad you liked the video. The PRS is lighter and generally slimmer too. 👍
PRS sounds compressed to me. maybe because of its tinnier body.....gibson always have nice broader sound.
Yes, I’m grabbing the Gibson first, if the house goes on fire! Thanks for listening to my clip :-)