On the subject of 'legato' style for shredding, from 1990: ruclips.net/video/76svWOj8B04/видео.html (Be sure to really watch both hands at 2:15) Oh, BTW - he's left handed. 🙃
The hindrance I find from a Les Paul's lower bout is from the back of the horn. To see if it helped, I carved my old Epi LP's horn so there's what we think of as an 'upper fret access carve' on the back, and I just smoothed off the contour to a rounded horn on the back, but looking perfectly normal from the front. Now, there's zero obstruction for the back of my hand, I'm going to implement this element on my new build. Which will hopefully have Bluetooth enabled pickups...
Record your demos directly into the board professor. We don't have a clue what the guitar really sounds like when you mic an amp or the room. Sounds like that could have been the camera mic tbh. Gibson sucks, but you can do better as well.
"But guitars above $1,000 should be great, not good." AMEN! Man, I love your videos. Not only are you entertaining and fun, but you clearly really know what you're talking about, and your opinions come from informed, educated, and experienced perspective. Plus, I love the brutal honesty. Fully subb'd up, and I plan on keeping it that way.
These reviews are totally unlike any other gear discussion I’ve seen online. Such a fresh, careful, thoughtful discussion. Wow. I didn’t even know this was possible. I don’t think we have much in common in terms of skill or the type of music we are trying to play, but all of that gap is bridged by the fact that you are just so damn thoughtful and communicate so well. Damn.
The comment about made in America vs not America is eye opening.Two great guitars with with top specs and arguably better quality for half the price than the American made one. Made in USA no longer carries the prestige it once had. *Cough* American Series Jackson Soloist *Cough.
I’m not sure it holds true with other brands, but def true for Gibson. Never tried the American Jacksons. But I gotta say, Kiesel are amazing for the price and also made in the US.
You do an amazing job of contextualizing everything. I love that you constantly compare everything to your Parker because it communicates what you look for in a guitar subjectively, but you also know what to look for objectively. I wish all reviews were this thorough, honest, and clear.
i think the difference is most other reviews on youtube about anything are actually advertising. Sure, they all say "the company has no control over what I say". But they got sent a free product, which sways one's perspective. And are also trying to maintain relationships with these companies. From what I can tell, Andre is spending his own money and isn't maintaining relationships with the companies he's talking about. And that's definitely a great thing for us!
I’m Rick’s age and have been playing for 45 years. I love Gibsons, but I a recent convert to modern guitars. A lot of players my age grew up loving Gibson guitars. To me, the double cutaway Gibsons have great upper fret access because I’m used to playing a Les Paul and other models with terrible upper fret access. I’m sure that Rick probably thinks the same way. These days I prefer my 24 fret PRSs.
You just described why I play a Les Paul, my strat just couldn't give me what my heavy hand needed. The Gibson has the weight, the feel and the bendy string scale I need to express myself properly great review!
@@andrefludd How boring it would be if we all did it the same way I think that's the beauty of guitar, it is so personal and unique to each player, you can be Abasi or Angus or both. I really enjoyed hearing how your style changed on the Gibson, thanks for your reasonable approach, subbed.
The feel of a guitar is a personal thing...... I've got several favorites... and Gibsons are in there for that reason. If it makes you want to play, then it's a good guitar.
I like looks of strats and comfort etc, but I don't like the feel of having to fight with the fretboard to be more playable. I'm a les paul guy because of this. Just more stable and better sustain and energy easy to play. Plus gibson pickups always sound good!
I’m not by any means including you in this, however, word is a a handful of people purchased a large number of Beato Gibsons and then put them up on Reverb for a ridiculous amount of money. Same thing happened with the PRS Silver Sky back in the day.
Honest and very detailed review. Not looking to buy another guitar atm, but you managed to keep me watching. I've just subscribed. Keep up the good work!
I've been playing since 1977, and have handled and played a lot of other people's guitars, and I have to admit, this was a really objective break-out of even more details than I would have thought of. Fantastic review, and great integrity on this!!!
It's so cool to watch you explain really high end concepts, it's easy to see how you became a professor and I'm willing to bet you're an extraordinary one at that. Even though I would consider myself an expert on gear, every minute of every video you've put out teaches me something new while still keeping me engaged
That last portion when you started going over the pickups and how the guitar rewards extra dynamicism is, having watched and learned from Rick Beato for years, probably where the bulk of that price tag went.
Thank you for your outstanding, comprehensive review! You hit on all the pluses and minuses, and compared a variety of guitars. I really appreciated that.
Great review. Very informative, particularly on the subtleties of feel that might subconsciously or consciously influence why one person would choose to play a particular guitar over another. It’s amazing how you changed your playing approach on the same lick with the three guitars. The Parker seem to flow very naturally for you and you seem to make a very subtle adjustment with the D’Angelico to make it sound nearly as identical to the Parker. But, with the Gibson, you went the total opposite direction with a more aggressive attack, which to me, brings out the natural tonal characteristics of that style guitar. I think that is a great example of how different guitars can affect the creative direction of a musical idea. As far as the cost, I really appreciate how you pointed out the practical comparisons of the different price points. Most musicians I know are working musicians and don’t have lucrative deals to afford expensive gear. Their guitars serve as tools for expressing their creative voices in a recording studio or in front of a live audience. The playability and tonal capabilities of the guitars they play looks to be the most important consideration and some of those can be easily met without having to spend several thousand dollars on a “special” guitar. I own pretty much every style of solid body, semi-hollow and hollow body guitars from high-end to low-end price points. I’m not a collector or a working musician, but I like being musically creative with a guitar as a form of self-expression. So, I really only buy guitars if I feel like the instrument is telling me that there is something I can do creatively unique with it. My recent acquisition is a $300 Squier baritone with P90 style pickups. The reason I picked it up is it actually sounded good and it made me change my playing approach, much like you showed us in this video. My #1 is a single pick-up Allan Holdsworth Carvin headless signature model, followed by an Ibanez Artstar AS-80 a luthier friend found at a pawn shop and fixed for me. My least favorite guitar to play is a real vintage ‘61 Fender strat (neck radius is not for me), but it has a voice that works in very specific contexts and it does look good to wear, so I kept it. Anyway, thank you for keeping it real and thank you for creating content that are very informative and useful to people who may simply like guitars and to people who are deeply entrenched playing music in performing arts alike. Cheers.
Thank you for this comment and the support! The Parker is the guitar I feel most comfortable on for sure. I also love the Holdsworth Carvins and Kiesels. Great instruments! Bridge pickup, a little distortion and the highs cut. Very smooth sound. Love it.
One of the most affordable guitars I bought turned out to be the best for me. I've owned 16 different guitars Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, Squier, Sterling Music Man, Yamaha and others. They all have their own individual feel. Most of it is due the string scale length, neck profile, fret board radius, fret height and width, body shape and weight. It all adds up to the comfort and playability. Just because one is expensive doesn't mean it's the right fit for you either. You have to find one that fits your hands and your body. The tuners, hardware and electronics are secondary. They can all be changed to suit your needs.
I love the sound of your riff on the Gibson. I have a Les Paul (Gibson), and it has machining marks, some quirky things about it, and a big price tag. With all of that, there really is something special about how it sounds compared to the other brands I own (fender, prs, reverend), and it's always the first one I pick up when I practice!
Congrats for being one of the guys who plays guitars cleaning up to hear what they sound like your reviews of been awesome from what I've seen dude keep them coming
Thank you for your brutally honest review of this signature model. As someone over 60, I have watched quality disappear from many products. I don't think many guitars live up to the hype. I played accoustic for many years before switching to electric, thus I have a heavy hand and it's very hard to lighten up. Don't loose your light touch and your very fluid playing style! I'll check out the cool leg rest. Thank you.
I think there’s a memory factor in play. I am over sixty and have played a multitude of guitars and basses from the mid sixties to today. It is not labor as much as quality control. I remember sitting (on an amp cabinet) in Manny’s as Henry brought up one Fender Precision after another until I found one that felt right and was made well. This was pre CBS. There were no computers or laser guided routers etc back then. Much more hand work. Human imperfections. Why do Stradivarius violins stand out from other instruments of the same period?
Try a Tokai if you can find one. They are making Gibsons with the quality that they should have for a fraction of the price. You have to make sure you get a MIJ model though. The lower end stuff is made in China. I just got a Tokai 335 59' model and it plays better than any Gibson 335 I've played.
I’ve loved Gibson guitars since I was a kid. Honestly, I thought everyone did back then! 😆 It’s really nice to hear from someone who likes different styles of guitars because it puts into perspective what a Gibson is….It’s special. The quality has diminished over time. They’ve admitted it with the adjustments they’ve made over the last few years in their QC department and naming Cesar the brand President. I believe they still have some magic left! Great review & Solid playing!
I have an SG and an Ibanez. The SG fights you a little and it makes you think. With the Ibanez it feels like you can do anything so you do even if you don't know what it is theoretically. The SG got me into Cream and Santana and how they approach blues.
Subbed, been really digging your channel. As a Gibson and Vigier player, I appreciate both types of guitars. Gibsons bring different types of motivation while Vigiers (or other modern guitars) give me all I need for mechanical access/ease of play. Also, I like how Gibsons are still constructed with old school methods.
I'm going to make one point, that PRS SE would fetch ya around $700 on the used market. That's if it's mint, but I've always made $ or broke even selling my bad Gibson's. A great Gibson guitar is like driving a Ferrari
I do enjoy my Gibsons but I have found even "perfect" for for them I'm probably a little less picky than for other brands, both cheaper and more expensive. Fantastic review, very honest and great playing!
Andre, as a Gibson Fender Gibson guy who is 67 I am always happy to see your reviews of gibson vs other guitars. I like the short scale as I get older. I may check out the D'Angelico after your review. Thanks for you informed honest opinions. You also have impeccable credentials compared to most of the you tube guitar demo guys, many of whom are not good players honestly, thanks again.
Dude I definitely know what you're talking about with guitars changing your playing. I also really like modern guitars. I did not buy my first Les Paul until I was almost 40. I sometimes go months without playing it but every time I feel like I'm in a rut or going stale I can break out a different instrument and instantly get a new perspective. I really like the old Jackson guitars(I think modern guitars pretty much start with Chavels and Jacksons). My favorite guitar has become a vintage Jackson that I bought in the early 90s for $200. I barely played the guitar for 15 years. After being set in my ways for many years(Ibanez all the way) I found a new layer to my playing trying not only older style guitars but guitars with different pickup configurations. I've found I really like playing guitars with the old style noisy P90s, though I would not recommend a guitar like this for beginners. I remember being endlessly frustrated by one of these instruments in my younger days and getting a lot of unpleasant noises from them. I tell all the younger players to try as many guitars as they can now. You never know when you'll surprise yourself and find something in you that you didn't know was there.
Very much this. It feels like a safe bet to stick to Fender or Gibson when you first start out, whose designs haven't really changed since the 1950s.. But as I have gained experience, I have found modern guitars have solved a lot of problems/issues that the "safe" brands refuse to address in any meaningful way.
Great video. I'm looking forward to more. Can I ask: What kind of guitar knee supporter are you using? I've never seen that before and it looks perfect. Thanks.
It was an honest review indeed and very detailed on what might matter for different preferences. Following you because of this. I didn't notice any bias, you always keep in mind the way you play and the way that others do and other similar variables which I don't find a lot here in YT. 10 out of 10.
Really refreshing review from a different perspective. I shy away from modern guitars because it feels like I'm cheating (seems absurd right?). There's a certain battle that comes with a Gibson. I've owned quite a few Gibson's over the years and that battle has mostly been lost several times but when you find the "one" it becomes a part of you. I agree about the quality. I stacked my recently acquired Les Paul studio vs a PRS se and mim strat that were far superior in build quality but lack the "mojo" of both of my Gibson's
I understand the “it feels like cheating” thing! I used to think I should be able to pick up any guitar and play anything, but over time I’ve found for me personally and my own personal goals, the most efficient way will be a modern guitar with an easy setup. I totally understand why other people like the classic feel though.
I have a Gibson SG Jr, that I bought back in 2003. When I got it, it also had a sticky neck. I found I was always wiping it and applying polish to it, now it is fine, one of my favourite guitars to play. I believe the Nitro finish, just takes a long time to dry properly. I can’t even remember when I stopped feeling that sticky sensation. But it eventually goes away. Great review, I love the old style P90’s nothing sounds quite like them.
@@andrefludd Wilkinson makes some noiseless p90'S on Amazon, I have them in my 335 clone and they sound awesome definitely louder than the standards but noisefree!
A friend taught me a quick solution to get a new nitro finished neck smooth. It may sound weird and is kind of the opposite of cleaning it, but it actually works: new nitro finish doesn't need to be cleaned, it needs to be greased. Touch your forehead or your nose with your fingers before you play and slighty rub the tiny bit of skin oil you got from this on the back of the neck. You usually won't have to do this more than two or three times till the neck loses the stickyness and gets comfortable.
@@Rainyman63 This is legit. All of my guitars have super smooth and shiny necks after years of playing from the oils in my skin absorbing into the wood, especially from the 1st fret to about the 10th where I typically play most. (I play mostly rhythm/open tuned blues) You can really feel where my hands have been.
Great analysis, it boils down to what works best for your style of playing. I love all my Gibsons and my playing and sound is vintage based. Really liked the video. Thank you
Thanks for the thorough review! I'm hearing a lot of moderate-to-low level clicks and pops in the audio, though. _Wild Guess:_ It sounds like one of two possibilities a) your A/D converter is out of sync; as though it needs wordclock but it isn't connected. or b) your DAW software's audio buffer is set too low. Funny how most Gibsons are just OK, and woefully primitive in a price-per feature vs other guitars. Some YEARS are downright terrible, even....but when they _do_ build it right, ohhhhh boy :D If I may relate my experience: I have 2 Les Pauls. The 1st is an all-around rock and smokey jazz axe; played it live for dozens of gigs up and down the Sunset Strip and around Hollywood, and it was mostly good. However, the 2nd feels like being transported to the 1950s in a _d r e a m_ Built correctly; just change the strings for the last 5 years. For acquisition I played about 20 in all and considered many more. I had to persevere to find that 1 in 100 ( ?...or was it closer to 500, or 1000 lol) "magical specimen" Standard without having to pay out the @zz for a Custom Shop.
It seems the Gibson has more "headroom" re: picking dynamics. This is something I very much look for in a guitar, I really don't like when a guitar "collapses" the sound too quickly (compresses) or folds under heavy picking. Open, dynamic range is where it's at for me. That guitar sounds great and nice review.
I was been looking for a modern 'metal' guitar. I tried some I ordered online and returned them because I didn't like them - for several reasons. So I went to a guitar store looking for that modern guitar, because 'rationally' they are better at pretty much everything. Quality of the build, access, playability and better components (like frets etc.). I walked our with an Epiphone LP. Never having owned (or seriously tried) one before, I picked one up and there was just something special in the way it made me feel and play. I forgave it all the bad access, finishing flaws and marks on the fret board and binding. It made me feel happy and inspired. So that's when I learned my lesson.
Can't really go wrong with a LP for metal. I prefer a wider and thicker necks so I tend to gravitate around LP or SG style guitars. If you want to try a more modern looking metal guitar that will feel closer to a vintage LP spec give a Wylde Audio a play if you can. Definitely a modern metal guitar but lacking the stereotypical modern metal specs, they have some heft to them and have bigger necks and the upper fret access on them is really nice. I have a SG inspired Barbarian and I absolutely love it, I also have a diamond series Schecter Solo ii (basically a LP custom with some tweaks to spec) that I would also recommend giving a play if you can.
I have Seymour Duncan P90s, Fralin P90s and Gibson P90s installed on different guitars, and of the three, I much prefer Gibson's P90s. Fralin's are quiet, but they don't have the character of Gibson's. Noisy or not, P90s are my absolute favorite pickup. Great review of the Rick Beato Les Paul Special, by the way. I really appreciated it.
I hate noise of noisy pickups so I tend to get silent versions, but I have to agree, something about a REAL p90 or single coil always has more character than their silent versions. Thanks for the support, Riley.
Too bad Gibson cannot build a quality guitar for less than $5,000 dollars these days. They have been crap for years. Thanks for your honest review. The actual price that guitar should be priced at is $550 and that is because the case is worth $150
Absolutely killlllllls me as someone who has recently gotten into collecting any and all guitars that catch my eyes. I can literally go buy 2-3 new American made strats for the price of a good Gibson LP. Say all you want about sound. Epiphones are ugly, they look and feel cheap.
Thank you very much for this thorough review. My primary guitar is a 1969 ES-330TD I inherited which is lightweight and has P-90 pickups. I like that this RIck Beato model shares these features in a solid body format. While it sounds like it isn't quite as good as it could be for the price, as you pointed out the minor deficiencies do not interfere with the playability, the only thing that matters at the end of the day. I hope to get one someday, even if I have to find one used.
Andre I totally relate to the "digging in" effect on A Gibson. I have been a super Strat guy for decades. I recently bought a Gibson V and later a Les Paul. For some reason they inspire me to play different. Sort of like going to the gym. I want to give it my all and let lose when I have them in my hands more so than my other guitars. Thanks for the video and the other great content you provide.
Thanks for sharing! I still haven’t tried a Flying V. Something about the body intimidates me, but I keep hearing they are surprisingly comfortable. What do you think?
@@andrefludd I've played a Dean MLX for almost two decades now and they're pretty easy to get used to. It's a lot similar to playing classical guitar when sitting down and when standing up the shape is pretty balanced. It's the Randy Rhoads models that take a bit of getting used to.
Owning about 25 guitars I’m not in the market for a new one - but stopped by the channel and have to say you really show how to do a great review - very thorough. I bought the entry level Gibson Les Paul tribute a couple of years and it was - meh. I have Greco and Tokai Les Paul’s that are great, and a Heritage custom that is amazing. You raise good points about comparative guitars and costs - maybe Rick’s guitar might end up as a collector’s item.
First time seeing you channel, Andre. Thank you for your honesty and a very good review. Thoroughly enjoyed this segment! Personally, for me there has always been something about Gibson, I’m just drawn to them. My ear so enjoys their tone, sound, feel and aesthetics. Never been crazy about the pricing, but it is what it is with them. I do have and play Ibanez, PRS, D’Angelico, and a host of others. It’s Gibson that I always “go to”. Favorite being the Les Paul. Totally agree with you on digging in! When the Gibson is in your hands, just makes you want to smother that neck and bend feeling it in your fingers and caressing the tone it produces. Could all be in my head, but I just bond with their brand. Love the history behind it. I started this journey at 8yrs old in 1969. My Father had me take lessons. My teacher at the time suggested to him the acoustic I was playing was a struggle for me. It was big. He helped my Father pick a guitar for me; a 1969 Kalamazoo Epiphone Crestwood Custom in Polaris white, batwing headstock and two mini humbuckers and a vibrola. The frets were low, the neck was thin, body small, and the action could be set as low as you want without buzzing, and still maintaining sustain. With the Gibson mini humbuckers, ABR 1 bridge, and other Gibson accouterments it was all you could want. This matched with a small Gretsch 6510 amp with Jensen speaker was perfect for me. Still have both and play to this day! Brings memories of my Father and my youth back to mind. All great memories 🙏. My teacher played a Gibson acoustic during my lessons, and the sound filled the studio. Could be all this still draws me back. Just know I’m a Gibson loyalist. Thank you, again for the Great informative and honest review. Looking forward to more from YOU!⭐️⭐️🎸⭐️⭐️
Thank you! I think acoustic guitars are a totally different animal, which is why I’m careful to discuss electric guitar build quality differently. I’d love to old an old gibson acoustic for sure .
The only Gibson I have ever owned was the Explorer, I think my dad paid 1100.00 back in 1979, even back in the 1970's I ended taking that Explorer to a guitar pro shop to have some of the same issues you had mentioned fixed. What I like is the pure fact that your giving a 100% honest review of this guitar. Thanks for your hard work on this video, Nice Parker Fly's in the background.
Nice review! I just have to point out that we as guitarists live in a paradigm, where we think some production process is more expensive just because the guitars made that way are more expensive (for us as consumers -- which does not say anything about production cost). Case in point: set-in neck vs bolt-on. However, you can find classical guitars with set-ins or cheap violins with set-ins for 100 dollars or less, that are of decent quality. At least, the less-than-pro sound quality of these does not come from the neck, but rather from a laminate top or something like that. We should really stop believing these myths from guitar companies! Like, "Ooh, a Gibson Les Paul standard has a set-in, so of course it deserves a price tag of 3 000 USD!". As an economist and materials engineer, I have become very aware of these myths in recent years and simply laugh when I see something like: "buy these super-duper brass saddles for your Tele and the sound will be amazing, compared to stock steel string saddles!" In reality, even if brass has a different harmonic spectrum, such small parts impart such a small effect on the overall vibrations (or are even cancelled by some counter-vibrations of other parts) that only a lab-grade oscilloscope will pick up any difference.
Wow, the lick on all three guitars was eye opening! It sounds 10x better on the Gibson to me. That's the thing about Gibsons and Fenders. All the niceties aren't as nice as other brands, but maybe they just sound better and push you to play in a way that sounds better.
A really informative analysis! Since you mentioned the pickups, here's my story. My main guitar for the past 23 years has been an Ibanez RG7620. I like it and it's comfortable for me, but the pickups have always been an issue and I've changed them a number of times. As my tastes and skills have evolved, I finally went and changed the pickups to a pair of humbucker sized P90s nut unlike the ones on the Beato model (but of course 7-string versions from a third party manufacturer). This was a massive shift along the lines you described here. My playing has taken a whole new direction with the new electronics, as there's just more to the sound.
Well, a lot of people keep buying Fenders and Gibsons. And I don't blame them, I'm one of them :-) That said, I recently discovered that my old trusted Japanese knock off, now dressed with Bare Knuckle pu's, is as good (or better) and the frets and binding are very good. I changed to this guitar for my latest performance (rock and blues band).
Same here. I own several Gibson guitars and in all honesty, the ESP Edwards I purchased in Japan 16 years ago is multi levels up in fit and finish. If my EB Luke was not so comfy, the Edwards would be my go to guitar.
Cool video, can definitely relate to digging into the guitar. I bought a LP Special and it's got it;'s own vibe, it's my first P90 guitar and I've been playing differently ever since. Love the versatility. That said, there are some blemishes on the neck, the binding was a little chewed up with tooling marks, which was a bummer when I found them, considering the cost.
First time viewer, Andre. I follow Rick's channel and enjoyed your perspective. I have to agree with you that many relatively inexpensive Asian made guitars offer great value and have recently overcome some legacy brands in quality. Your evaluation of the nuances of the guitar is really cool.
Shawn lane played ibanez S series. He was probably the most terrifying electric player of all time. Just absolute complete grasp of the instrument. He could do things Guthrie Govan still can't do. He had zero problems "digging in" on the ibanez s series.
The original Sabres were amazing. Scottish guitarist Keith Moore helped with the development. I met him once in a guitar store in Edinburgh when I was playing it. Loved that guitar.
I'm not sure if you know it or not? but Shawn Lane was a guitarist that is Left handed and plays the guitar right handed. I have a list of guitarists that are left handed and play right handed. several other notables are Gary Moore, Duane Allman, and Mark Knopfler. I know this because I'm also left handed and play the guitar right handed. note; Gary Moore and Duane Allman are no longer with us and they are missed.
@@musicauthority8704 i also am a lefty but learned guitar right handed. Comes in handy when I write music. I can keep the pencil in my fretting hand while I write and play.
Several guitars with P90s that are better values. The new Yamaha Revstar Standard or a Godin LGSP 90. Love Beato, but wouldn’t pay 2 grand for that guitar.
Yamaha def on the list. I hear a lot of positive about the Revstar. I actually saw one in guitar center today, the neck was a lot thicker than I thought it would be, but in a good way.
I bought a D'Angelico Bedford SH this year because I was looking for a semi-hollow and the price was right. I also picked up a D'Angelico TD with the plastic and tags still on it as "used" for $400, gig bag included. (Technically less but to keep it simple.) It always makes me happy when I see other people show off their D'Angelico guitars.
You’ve discovered what makes a Gibson’s cost of entry worth it. Digging in = inspiration. Also, Gibson’s are not finished by high tech robots, they are finished by human hands which I greatly appreciate
Im glad you brought attention to the satin finish sticky neck problem. I thought i was the only person that had a problem with that. I run away from guitars that are , as i put it....icky.
The faded series Gibsons are a great value. Years ago, after I had gotten used to my Ibanez 7 string I bought 3 Gibson faded series Vs. I brought a bunch of guitars to band practice and played them for my band mates. We all agreed that the Gibson flying V sound the best. They are very comfortable to play. I love them.
That's it! I'm going to call Parker Guitars and demand them to release an Andre Fludd Signature Nitefly right this second. Just let me look up the contact information on goog- hmmm, I think there might be a problem
I bought a cheap DC Junior copy from Harley Benton after raeding and watching a number of reviews. I love this little guitar, it's got a personality due to the way the neck feels. I am looking forward to finishing modding it like crazy.
What I like about Les Pauls, whether they have P90s or Humbuckers, is when I use the neck pickup, volume 10 and tone 0, is the creamy woman overdriven tone. It is sublime for playing Blues-Rock. The Les Paul hits the front end of a tube amp like a sledgehammer. No overdrive pedal needed.
as a kid growing up in the 70's, the Gibson was THE guitar for the guys in my band. I played bass and while my main bass was a 66 P-bass, I also owned a variety of Gibson basses. fast forward to now: I also play 6 string guitar: I have Gibson SG tribute I inherited from my brother...while this is a nice guitar, it...and my 50th anniversary Fender Stratocaster have taken a back seat to my headless electric 6 string guitars. Strandberg Prog NX, Bootlegger Absinthe and Corona Aphrodite. I love these guitars. all but the Strandberg have had pickup mods done. I love my Strat, but the modern look, sound and feel of my headless guitars are hard to beat.
Excellent review!! I especially appreciate the price point comparisons. I have a similar guitar but it’s a Heritage and although I like it I could have spent less and found something comparable.
I think your review is awesome. One of the most honest I've seen so far. However, I own 2 Gibson Les Paul and these guitars are all about feelings and tonality. I don't have a Rick Beato model and nor do I want one but let's keep in mind that Rick is a hell of a guitar player. I like the fact that you don't hold the guitar responsible for your struggles. Keep up your good work!!! I just subcribed to your channel BTW. Hello from Ottawa, Canada.
I appreciate your openness about your personal biases, being a modern guitar guy. I could definitely hear the tonal difference and see how it made you play differently. i play mostly Telecasters and Strats and I notice that I play my brothers Les Paul differently from those instruments.
I love your detailed dive into the instrument, but I incredibly appreciate the direct comparisons to competing products, including pricing,. It's something few reviewers dare to do but also the single most important thing for a purchaser. While I would not budget for an instrument in this price range, nearly always finding the value proposition nonexistent versus low-cost instruments, there is definite value in hearing an accomplished and informed player methodically present and argue their thoughts on an instrument. That sound demo in small volume increments! The reflectivity on how this guitar added to your understanding of guitar playing! THANK YOU Phil McKnight of Know Your Gear has an ingenious way to test and show fret edge finishing imperfections, he wears a stocking on his hand like a glove as he runs it up and down the neck. Any sharp edges will snag and leave clear longitudinal tears in the thin nylon. I've never seen a more efficient or illustrative way to present fret sharpness and I hope it's something you can consider trying when if/when you encounter sharp edges again. Thanks for your work! It helps me do my work better both as a player and an educator, and [unlike 95% of Rick's vids 😬] the careful and I imagine tedious editing keeps it entertaining and moving along at a good brisk pace.
I looked at one of these but ended up buying a 2006, faded red finish. Great review and demo, love to Rick, and if you don't have a Gibson guitar with P90s this will be a lot of fun. I briefly had a 1960 LP Special back in the day... it had a cracked neck joint and so I returned it. It broke up nice, just like the Beato model and my 2006. The neck joint strength has been improved by moving the neck pickup about an inch towards the bridge. I'm not sure when that happened but I've read that a lot of the 59s and 60s Specials had broken necks because of the wood removed for the pickup well. Thanks for the demo.
This is brillient.. I'm halfway through your video and I already made my mind.. at this point the second half of the review should be so amazing to cancle the first part I doubt it can be done. I'll keep watch through and find out if I was wrong or right :)
I am on the complete opposite end of the gibson spectrum. I absolutely love Gibson guitars. I don't own one, I own two Epiphones, but I have friends who own Gibson LPs, and the owner at the local guitar shop always invites me to play a new gibson whenever Im at the shop. I love the feeling, I love the sound, I love playing them. Whether its standards, modern juniors, ones with 50s style necks, etc, i love gibsons, specifically les pauls. However I felt like this was an incredibly honest and informative review and I absolutely love the way you describe what you’re feeling, why you have a certain opinion, and how it may differ from other people. this was great
You might love this one too then. Or perhaps a diff les Paul special. I recommend it if it inspires you that’s what matters most at the end of the day.
I absolutely loved your video! I specially like your style of playing, I’ve never thought of playing walking bass on a guitar, and I absolutely loved your demonstration. I think this bracket of Gibson is very misunderstood by everyone. The les Paul jr was introduced as a budget guitar, in an era when the only alternative for a solid body electric guitar was a more expensive les Paul gold top, or a fender. Nonetheless it was mass produced in America with care, using good quality wood and quality electronics. Price was 110 dollars (1,200 in todays dollars) in 55, in comparison harmony solid bodies sold at big chains where 69 dollars (760). You where sacrificing on a slimmer body and no maple cap, and a single pickup (a plus for some). If you upgraded it to a special; you got the same body with another pickup and binding on the neck, but it came in at 169 dollars (1800 in todays money). Notice how close those prices are to their equivalent modern pricing? That’s the catch, these guitars are to have that same experience you had back then. Gibson offers the tribute, which is this exact guitar with a mate sunburst finish with humbuckers or p90s, carved maple top and block inlays for 1200 dollars. Add another 300~ dollars and you can upgrade to a studio, with a nitrocellulose finish of much higher quality. You could go for an epiphone lp standard for 600 and have quality rivaling any Gibson (sans the nitrocellulose) or any of the cheaper guitars you talked about. why get this instead of those? Well because single cut les Paul’s are seen as an old man’s guitar while the jr/specials where used by rock/punk/grunge icons of the 90s, who bought them cheap because that’s all they are, usable cheap guitars. Those heroes did not use parker or Ibanez, they did Gibson. If you have money, you won’t mind paying for that feel, you already have a good quality Murphy lab r9 so who cares if they are not the best built, they are 5k cheaper than your custom shop.
Thanks for the support :). I have a course on walking bass coming out next week, there will be a few promo videos and intro lessons on the channel next week as well.
I ended up doing an entire series on gibson: ruclips.net/p/PLABgkKiy07bMHmGBrHBAISKNSV2mRV_v9
On the subject of 'legato' style for shredding, from 1990: ruclips.net/video/76svWOj8B04/видео.html (Be sure to really watch both hands at 2:15)
Oh, BTW - he's left handed. 🙃
Top wrap that bad boy
The hindrance I find from a Les Paul's lower bout is from the back of the horn.
To see if it helped, I carved my old Epi LP's horn so there's what we think of as an 'upper fret access carve' on the back, and I just smoothed off the contour to a rounded horn on the back, but looking perfectly normal from the front.
Now, there's zero obstruction for the back of my hand, I'm going to implement this element on my new build.
Which will hopefully have Bluetooth enabled pickups...
Record your demos directly into the board professor. We don't have a clue what the guitar really sounds like when you mic an amp or the room. Sounds like that could have been the camera mic tbh. Gibson sucks, but you can do better as well.
"But guitars above $1,000 should be great, not good."
AMEN! Man, I love your videos. Not only are you entertaining and fun, but you clearly really know what you're talking about, and your opinions come from informed, educated, and experienced perspective. Plus, I love the brutal honesty. Fully subb'd up, and I plan on keeping it that way.
Thank you!
How much should a luthier make per hour? Aren't we just taking advantage of low labor rates in countries with a terrible standard of living?
These reviews are totally unlike any other gear discussion I’ve seen online. Such a fresh, careful, thoughtful discussion. Wow. I didn’t even know this was possible. I don’t think we have much in common in terms of skill or the type of music we are trying to play, but all of that gap is bridged by the fact that you are just so damn thoughtful and communicate so well. Damn.
Thank you! I appreciate that :)
I’m aware of the audio issues. I was using new gear in this video. They are fixed in other videos. Thanks for your patience.
did you contact Gibson to exchange it?
The music you play is trash so your opinion really doesn’t count
Happens to the best of us! It's valuable community service. Thank YOU
The comment about made in America vs not America is eye opening.Two great guitars with with top specs and arguably better quality for half the price than the American made one. Made in USA no longer carries the prestige it once had. *Cough* American Series Jackson Soloist *Cough.
I’m not sure it holds true with other brands, but def true for Gibson. Never tried the American Jacksons. But I gotta say, Kiesel are amazing for the price and also made in the US.
My Music Man Silhouette is the best Guitar I have ever touched, couple years old, but still, Ernie Ball makes fantastic American instruments
@@Pyriander agree 100%. I hadn’t thought of them thanks for the reminder! Their QC is excellent in my experience.
those fucking Jacksons SUCK lmao
I'm still in awe over how utterly mid they are in comparison to literally any import Jackson or Charvel.
You do an amazing job of contextualizing everything. I love that you constantly compare everything to your Parker because it communicates what you look for in a guitar subjectively, but you also know what to look for objectively. I wish all reviews were this thorough, honest, and clear.
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
i think the difference is most other reviews on youtube about anything are actually advertising. Sure, they all say "the company has no control over what I say". But they got sent a free product, which sways one's perspective. And are also trying to maintain relationships with these companies. From what I can tell, Andre is spending his own money and isn't maintaining relationships with the companies he's talking about. And that's definitely a great thing for us!
How does he not have more subs ? I’m not a guitar player just a music fan and I watch his videos, love the way he relays information
I Appreciate the support :). It doesn’t go unnoticed!
I agree, I just subscribed 🙂
+1 here. Keep them coming, sir.
guitar youtube just doesn't get many subscribers.
I’m Rick’s age and have been playing for 45 years. I love Gibsons, but I a recent convert to modern guitars. A lot of players my age grew up loving Gibson guitars. To me, the double cutaway Gibsons have great upper fret access because I’m used to playing a Les Paul and other models with terrible upper fret access. I’m sure that Rick probably thinks the same way. These days I prefer my 24 fret PRSs.
I def. Red to try a custom 24!
What modern guitars do you like?
This is one of the best guitar reviews that I have ever seen👍.
Wow, thanks!
You just described why I play a Les Paul, my strat just couldn't give me what my heavy hand needed. The Gibson has the weight, the feel and the bendy string scale I need to express myself properly great review!
Well said sir! I totally understand why someone would play this guitar even if I'm not that person haha.
@@andrefludd How boring it would be if we all did it the same way I think that's the beauty of guitar, it is so personal and unique to each player, you can be Abasi or Angus or both. I really enjoyed hearing how your style changed on the Gibson, thanks for your reasonable approach, subbed.
The feel of a guitar is a personal thing...... I've got several favorites... and Gibsons are in there for that reason. If it makes you want to play, then it's a good guitar.
I like looks of strats and comfort etc, but I don't like the feel of having to fight with the fretboard to be more playable. I'm a les paul guy because of this. Just more stable and better sustain and energy easy to play. Plus gibson pickups always sound good!
Really enjoy how in depth you go with this review, very well done!
Thank you!
And fair
Agreed! Very captivating! Subscribed! Looking forward to some of your lessons @andre fludd
Was not expecting to sit through this whole video, but I stayed to the very end. You're excellent at what you do, sir.
Tell that to my university students haha, but seriously, thank you. I appreciate that.
I am not a professor but I completely agree that this guitar is inspiring in a way that is hard to pinpoint. I have no regret buying 2!
Wow 2?! That’s why they went so fast haha
I’m not by any means including you in this, however, word is a a handful of people purchased a large number of Beato Gibsons and then put them up on Reverb for a ridiculous amount of money. Same thing happened with the PRS Silver Sky back in the day.
@@tonymarinelli7304 Opportunity = Speculator
Honest and very detailed review. Not looking to buy another guitar atm, but you managed to keep me watching. I've just subscribed. Keep up the good work!
Awesome, thank you!
Never talk to atms.
I've been playing since 1977, and have handled and played a lot of other people's guitars, and I have to admit, this was a really objective break-out of even more details than I would have thought of. Fantastic review, and great integrity on this!!!
It's so cool to watch you explain really high end concepts, it's easy to see how you became a professor and I'm willing to bet you're an extraordinary one at that. Even though I would consider myself an expert on gear, every minute of every video you've put out teaches me something new while still keeping me engaged
Thank you :). I appreciate that
That last portion when you started going over the pickups and how the guitar rewards extra dynamicism is, having watched and learned from Rick Beato for years, probably where the bulk of that price tag went.
That could be it!
That’s typical of a lot of p90’s.
Thank you for your outstanding, comprehensive review! You hit on all the pluses and minuses, and compared a variety of guitars. I really appreciated that.
Thanks for supporting :)
Great review. Very informative, particularly on the subtleties of feel that might subconsciously or consciously influence why one person would choose to play a particular guitar over another. It’s amazing how you changed your playing approach on the same lick with the three guitars. The Parker seem to flow very naturally for you and you seem to make a very subtle adjustment with the D’Angelico to make it sound nearly as identical to the Parker. But, with the Gibson, you went the total opposite direction with a more aggressive attack, which to me, brings out the natural tonal characteristics of that style guitar. I think that is a great example of how different guitars can affect the creative direction of a musical idea. As far as the cost, I really appreciate how you pointed out the practical comparisons of the different price points. Most musicians I know are working musicians and don’t have lucrative deals to afford expensive gear. Their guitars serve as tools for expressing their creative voices in a recording studio or in front of a live audience. The playability and tonal capabilities of the guitars they play looks to be the most important consideration and some of those can be easily met without having to spend several thousand dollars on a “special” guitar. I own pretty much every style of solid body, semi-hollow and hollow body guitars from high-end to low-end price points. I’m not a collector or a working musician, but I like being musically creative with a guitar as a form of self-expression. So, I really only buy guitars if I feel like the instrument is telling me that there is something I can do creatively unique with it. My recent acquisition is a $300 Squier baritone with P90 style pickups. The reason I picked it up is it actually sounded good and it made me change my playing approach, much like you showed us in this video. My #1 is a single pick-up Allan Holdsworth Carvin headless signature model, followed by an Ibanez Artstar AS-80 a luthier friend found at a pawn shop and fixed for me. My least favorite guitar to play is a real vintage ‘61 Fender strat (neck radius is not for me), but it has a voice that works in very specific contexts and it does look good to wear, so I kept it. Anyway, thank you for keeping it real and thank you for creating content that are very informative and useful to people who may simply like guitars and to people who are deeply entrenched playing music in performing arts alike. Cheers.
Thank you for this comment and the support! The Parker is the guitar I feel most comfortable on for sure. I also love the Holdsworth Carvins and Kiesels. Great instruments! Bridge pickup, a little distortion and the highs cut. Very smooth sound. Love it.
One of the most affordable guitars I bought turned out to be the best for me. I've owned 16 different guitars Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, Squier, Sterling Music Man, Yamaha and others. They all have their own individual feel. Most of it is due the string scale length, neck profile, fret board radius, fret height and width, body shape and weight. It all adds up to the comfort and playability. Just because one is expensive doesn't mean it's the right fit for you either. You have to find one that fits your hands and your body. The tuners, hardware and electronics are secondary. They can all be changed to suit your needs.
Agree 100%. Thanks for sharing
I'm curious as to which is the guitar you found that was the one for you ?
Many guitars later and I play a beat up ltd ec 300
well said
I love the sound of your riff on the Gibson. I have a Les Paul (Gibson), and it has machining marks, some quirky things about it, and a big price tag. With all of that, there really is something special about how it sounds compared to the other brands I own (fender, prs, reverend), and it's always the first one I pick up when I practice!
True!
I am in the same boat. Once you find a Gibson unicorn, keep it
Congrats for being one of the guys who plays guitars cleaning up to hear what they sound like your reviews of been awesome from what I've seen dude keep them coming
Thanks so much for this thorough, in depth and honest review! With each of your reviews I learn something new about guitars in general.
Thank you for your brutally honest review of this signature model. As someone over 60, I have watched quality disappear from many products. I don't think many guitars live up to the hype. I played accoustic for many years before switching to electric, thus I have a heavy hand and it's very hard to lighten up. Don't loose your light touch and your very fluid playing style! I'll check out the cool leg rest. Thank you.
Thanks for your support :)
I think there’s a memory factor in play. I am over sixty and have played a multitude of guitars and basses from the mid sixties to today.
It is not labor as much as quality control.
I remember sitting (on an amp cabinet) in Manny’s as Henry brought up one Fender Precision after another until I found one that felt right and was made well. This was pre CBS.
There were no computers or laser guided routers etc back then. Much more hand work. Human imperfections. Why do Stradivarius violins stand out from other instruments of the same period?
Try a Tokai if you can find one. They are making Gibsons with the quality that they should have for a fraction of the price. You have to make sure you get a MIJ model though. The lower end stuff is made in China. I just got a Tokai 335 59' model and it plays better than any Gibson 335 I've played.
First time I came across your channel, I really like the way you explain. Great playing too
Thank you :)!
I’ve loved Gibson guitars since I was a kid. Honestly, I thought everyone did back then! 😆 It’s really nice to hear from someone who likes different styles of guitars because it puts into perspective what a Gibson is….It’s special. The quality has diminished over time. They’ve admitted it with the adjustments they’ve made over the last few years in their QC department and naming Cesar the brand President. I believe they still have some magic left! Great review & Solid playing!
Thank you, sir! I’d love to see Gibson turn things around. I always root for American companies with long rich histories.
A review like no other! ....love your vibe man! ....cheers from the Caribbean ❤
I have an SG and an Ibanez. The SG fights you a little and it makes you think. With the Ibanez it feels like you can do anything so you do even if you don't know what it is theoretically. The SG got me into Cream and Santana and how they approach blues.
Sounds about right! Thanks for sharing.
This guy likes Ibanez.
ruclips.net/video/7w0l18M3d0Q/видео.html
Subbed. As an aspiring guitar builder I appreciate that you notice the small things. Great work.
Hopefully I get to try your stuff one day :)
This is the first video of yours I’ve seen. Loved the review and definitely earned a sub! Keep up the great work man
THank you!
Subbed, been really digging your channel. As a Gibson and Vigier player, I appreciate both types of guitars. Gibsons bring different types of motivation while Vigiers (or other modern guitars) give me all I need for mechanical access/ease of play. Also, I like how Gibsons are still constructed with old school methods.
top notch gear review! much appreciated!
I'm going to make one point, that PRS SE would fetch ya around $700 on the used market. That's if it's mint, but I've always made $ or broke even selling my bad Gibson's. A great Gibson guitar is like driving a Ferrari
I do enjoy my Gibsons but I have found even "perfect" for for them I'm probably a little less picky than for other brands, both cheaper and more expensive. Fantastic review, very honest and great playing!
Thanks, Marb! I really appreciate it :).
Andre, as a Gibson Fender Gibson guy who is 67 I am always happy to see your reviews of gibson vs other guitars. I like the short scale as I get older. I may check out the D'Angelico after your review. Thanks for you informed honest opinions. You also have impeccable credentials compared to most of the you tube guitar demo guys, many of whom are not good players honestly, thanks again.
Dude I definitely know what you're talking about with guitars changing your playing. I also really like modern guitars. I did not buy my first Les Paul until I was almost 40. I sometimes go months without playing it but every time I feel like I'm in a rut or going stale I can break out a different instrument and instantly get a new perspective. I really like the old Jackson guitars(I think modern guitars pretty much start with Chavels and Jacksons). My favorite guitar has become a vintage Jackson that I bought in the early 90s for $200. I barely played the guitar for 15 years. After being set in my ways for many years(Ibanez all the way) I found a new layer to my playing trying not only older style guitars but guitars with different pickup configurations. I've found I really like playing guitars with the old style noisy P90s, though I would not recommend a guitar like this for beginners. I remember being endlessly frustrated by one of these instruments in my younger days and getting a lot of unpleasant noises from them. I tell all the younger players to try as many guitars as they can now. You never know when you'll surprise yourself and find something in you that you didn't know was there.
I agree 100%. Hopefully so new players read your comment. Thanks for the support :).
Very much this. It feels like a safe bet to stick to Fender or Gibson when you first start out, whose designs haven't really changed since the 1950s.. But as I have gained experience, I have found modern guitars have solved a lot of problems/issues that the "safe" brands refuse to address in any meaningful way.
Best review I've seen on this guitar so far ! Thank you for this quality dedicated work !
Glad you liked it! Thank you, Youri.
Great video. I'm looking forward to more.
Can I ask: What kind of guitar knee supporter are you using? I've never seen that before and it looks perfect. Thanks.
It was an honest review indeed and very detailed on what might matter for different preferences. Following you because of this. I didn't notice any bias, you always keep in mind the way you play and the way that others do and other similar variables which I don't find a lot here in YT. 10 out of 10.
Really refreshing review from a different perspective. I shy away from modern guitars because it feels like I'm cheating (seems absurd right?). There's a certain battle that comes with a Gibson. I've owned quite a few Gibson's over the years and that battle has mostly been lost several times but when you find the "one" it becomes a part of you. I agree about the quality. I stacked my recently acquired Les Paul studio vs a PRS se and mim strat that were far superior in build quality but lack the "mojo" of both of my Gibson's
I understand the “it feels like cheating” thing! I used to think I should be able to pick up any guitar and play anything, but over time I’ve found for me personally and my own personal goals, the most efficient way will be a modern guitar with an easy setup. I totally understand why other people like the classic feel though.
@@andrefludd agreed
I have a Gibson SG Jr, that I bought back in 2003. When I got it, it also had a sticky neck. I found I was always wiping it and applying polish to it, now it is fine, one of my favourite guitars to play. I believe the Nitro finish, just takes a long time to dry properly. I can’t even remember when I stopped feeling that sticky sensation. But it eventually goes away. Great review, I love the old style P90’s nothing sounds quite like them.
Thanks for sharing! I do really like the P90s too apart from the noise.
@@andrefludd Wilkinson makes some noiseless p90'S on Amazon, I have them in my 335 clone and they sound awesome definitely louder than the standards but noisefree!
There are reasons not to like nitro but Gibson USA's finishing crew is Bad. Like, bad bad. No masks or goggles or nets in the paint booth bad.
A friend taught me a quick solution to get a new nitro finished neck smooth. It may sound weird and is kind of the opposite of cleaning it, but it actually works: new nitro finish doesn't need to be cleaned, it needs to be greased.
Touch your forehead or your nose with your fingers before you play and slighty rub the tiny bit of skin oil you got from this on the back of the neck. You usually won't have to do this more than two or three times till the neck loses the stickyness and gets comfortable.
@@Rainyman63 This is legit. All of my guitars have super smooth and shiny necks after years of playing from the oils in my skin absorbing into the wood, especially from the 1st fret to about the 10th where I typically play most. (I play mostly rhythm/open tuned blues) You can really feel where my hands have been.
Great detail and depth as usual. Best review of this guitar so far 👏🏼
Thank you kindly!
Great analysis, it boils down to what works best for your style of playing. I love all my Gibsons and my playing and sound is vintage based. Really liked the video. Thank you
Thank you :)! I totally agree.
Thanks for the thorough review!
I'm hearing a lot of moderate-to-low level clicks and pops in the audio, though.
_Wild Guess:_ It sounds like one of two possibilities a) your A/D converter is out of sync; as though it needs wordclock but it isn't connected. or b) your DAW software's audio buffer is set too low.
Funny how most Gibsons are just OK, and woefully primitive in a price-per feature vs other guitars.
Some YEARS are downright terrible, even....but when they _do_ build it right, ohhhhh boy :D
If I may relate my experience:
I have 2 Les Pauls. The 1st is an all-around rock and smokey jazz axe; played it live for dozens of gigs up and down the Sunset Strip and around Hollywood, and it was mostly good. However, the 2nd feels like being transported to the 1950s in a _d r e a m_ Built correctly; just change the strings for the last 5 years. For acquisition I played about 20 in all and considered many more. I had to persevere to find that 1 in 100 ( ?...or was it closer to 500, or 1000 lol) "magical specimen" Standard without having to pay out the @zz for a Custom Shop.
It seems the Gibson has more "headroom" re: picking dynamics. This is something I very much look for in a guitar, I really don't like when a guitar "collapses" the sound too quickly (compresses) or folds under heavy picking. Open, dynamic range is where it's at for me. That guitar sounds great and nice review.
Couldn't agree more!
Thank you! I'm glad you brought up this upper fret access issue.
This is why I'm grateful to have a V. ❤️
I was been looking for a modern 'metal' guitar. I tried some I ordered online and returned them because I didn't like them - for several reasons. So I went to a guitar store looking for that modern guitar, because 'rationally' they are better at pretty much everything. Quality of the build, access, playability and better components (like frets etc.). I walked our with an Epiphone LP. Never having owned (or seriously tried) one before, I picked one up and there was just something special in the way it made me feel and play. I forgave it all the bad access, finishing flaws and marks on the fret board and binding. It made me feel happy and inspired. So that's when I learned my lesson.
A guitar inspiring you is most important thanks for your comment!
Can't really go wrong with a LP for metal. I prefer a wider and thicker necks so I tend to gravitate around LP or SG style guitars. If you want to try a more modern looking metal guitar that will feel closer to a vintage LP spec give a Wylde Audio a play if you can. Definitely a modern metal guitar but lacking the stereotypical modern metal specs, they have some heft to them and have bigger necks and the upper fret access on them is really nice. I have a SG inspired Barbarian and I absolutely love it, I also have a diamond series Schecter Solo ii (basically a LP custom with some tweaks to spec) that I would also recommend giving a play if you can.
I have Seymour Duncan P90s, Fralin P90s and Gibson P90s installed on different guitars, and of the three, I much prefer Gibson's P90s. Fralin's are quiet, but they don't have the character of Gibson's. Noisy or not, P90s are my absolute favorite pickup. Great review of the Rick Beato Les Paul Special, by the way. I really appreciated it.
I hate noise of noisy pickups so I tend to get silent versions, but I have to agree, something about a REAL p90 or single coil always has more character than their silent versions. Thanks for the support, Riley.
@@andrefludd I bought a gate. xD
Too bad Gibson cannot build a quality guitar for less than $5,000 dollars these days. They have been crap for years. Thanks for your honest review. The actual price that guitar should be priced at is $550 and that is because the case is worth $150
It is crazy. I actually talk about that $5,000 number in my recent podcast, check the description if you are interested.
Absolutely killlllllls me as someone who has recently gotten into collecting any and all guitars that catch my eyes. I can literally go buy 2-3 new American made strats for the price of a good Gibson LP. Say all you want about sound. Epiphones are ugly, they look and feel cheap.
Thank you very much for this thorough review. My primary guitar is a 1969 ES-330TD I inherited which is lightweight and has P-90 pickups. I like that this RIck Beato model shares these features in a solid body format. While it sounds like it isn't quite as good as it could be for the price, as you pointed out the minor deficiencies do not interfere with the playability, the only thing that matters at the end of the day. I hope to get one someday, even if I have to find one used.
Glad it was helpful!
Love your reviews. Just subbed.
Andre I totally relate to the "digging in" effect on A Gibson. I have been a super Strat guy for decades. I recently bought a Gibson V and later a Les Paul. For some reason they inspire me to play different. Sort of like going to the gym. I want to give it my all and let lose when I have them in my hands more so than my other guitars. Thanks for the video and the other great content you provide.
Thanks for sharing! I still haven’t tried a Flying V. Something about the body intimidates me, but I keep hearing they are surprisingly comfortable. What do you think?
@@andrefludd to me they make you play differently, more so than a Les Paul or a Junior would. Not better or worse just a different experience.
@@RayRay-pg3fx thanks for sharing!
@@andrefludd I've played a Dean MLX for almost two decades now and they're pretty easy to get used to. It's a lot similar to playing classical guitar when sitting down and when standing up the shape is pretty balanced. It's the Randy Rhoads models that take a bit of getting used to.
Owning about 25 guitars I’m not in the market for a new one - but stopped by the channel and have to say you really show how to do a great review - very thorough. I bought the entry level Gibson Les Paul tribute a couple of years and it was - meh. I have Greco and Tokai Les Paul’s that are great, and a Heritage custom that is amazing. You raise good points about comparative guitars and costs - maybe Rick’s guitar might end up as a collector’s item.
Thanks for the support, Wayne :).
First time seeing you channel, Andre. Thank you for your honesty and a very good review. Thoroughly enjoyed this segment! Personally, for me there has always been something about Gibson, I’m just drawn to them. My ear so enjoys their tone, sound, feel and aesthetics. Never been crazy about the pricing, but it is what it is with them. I do have and play Ibanez, PRS, D’Angelico, and a host of others. It’s Gibson that I always “go to”. Favorite being the Les Paul. Totally agree with you on digging in! When the Gibson is in your hands, just makes you want to smother that neck and bend feeling it in your fingers and caressing the tone it produces. Could all be in my head, but I just bond with their brand. Love the history behind it. I started this journey at 8yrs old in 1969. My Father had me take lessons. My teacher at the time suggested to him the acoustic I was playing was a struggle for me. It was big. He helped my Father pick a guitar for me; a 1969 Kalamazoo Epiphone Crestwood Custom in Polaris white, batwing headstock and two mini humbuckers and a vibrola. The frets were low, the neck was thin, body small, and the action could be set as low as you want without buzzing, and still maintaining sustain. With the Gibson mini humbuckers, ABR 1 bridge, and other Gibson accouterments it was all you could want. This matched with a small Gretsch 6510 amp with Jensen speaker was perfect for me. Still have both and play to this day! Brings memories of my Father and my youth back to mind. All great memories 🙏. My teacher played a Gibson acoustic during my lessons, and the sound filled the studio. Could be all this still draws me back. Just know I’m a Gibson loyalist. Thank you, again for the Great informative and honest review. Looking forward to more from YOU!⭐️⭐️🎸⭐️⭐️
Thank you! I think acoustic guitars are a totally different animal, which is why I’m careful to discuss electric guitar build quality differently. I’d love to old an old gibson acoustic for sure .
I really liked this. Great content. Thx man.
The only Gibson I have ever owned was the Explorer, I think my dad paid 1100.00 back in 1979, even back in the 1970's I ended taking that Explorer to a guitar pro shop to have some of the same issues you had mentioned fixed. What I like is the pure fact that your giving a 100% honest review of this guitar. Thanks for your hard work on this video, Nice Parker Fly's in the background.
Thank you :)
Very interesting take, there is many things I dont like about Gibsons, but they always sounds great.
Can’t argue with that, the sound does speak for itself!
Nice review! I just have to point out that we as guitarists live in a paradigm, where we think some production process is more expensive just because the guitars made that way are more expensive (for us as consumers -- which does not say anything about production cost). Case in point: set-in neck vs bolt-on. However, you can find classical guitars with set-ins or cheap violins with set-ins for 100 dollars or less, that are of decent quality. At least, the less-than-pro sound quality of these does not come from the neck, but rather from a laminate top or something like that. We should really stop believing these myths from guitar companies! Like, "Ooh, a Gibson Les Paul standard has a set-in, so of course it deserves a price tag of 3 000 USD!". As an economist and materials engineer, I have become very aware of these myths in recent years and simply laugh when I see something like: "buy these super-duper brass saddles for your Tele and the sound will be amazing, compared to stock steel string saddles!" In reality, even if brass has a different harmonic spectrum, such small parts impart such a small effect on the overall vibrations (or are even cancelled by some counter-vibrations of other parts) that only a lab-grade oscilloscope will pick up any difference.
hello, what is that thing (name) that added to the rick's guitar that can adjust the height from your lap. i hope some one can tell me. thanks a lot.
Performaxe, it's linked in the video description. Awesome tool!
I gotta say, I just think it's a gorgeous-looking guitar.
I agree. Beautiful guitar
Wow, the lick on all three guitars was eye opening! It sounds 10x better on the Gibson to me. That's the thing about Gibsons and Fenders. All the niceties aren't as nice as other brands, but maybe they just sound better and push you to play in a way that sounds better.
That's possible for sure!
A really informative analysis! Since you mentioned the pickups, here's my story. My main guitar for the past 23 years has been an Ibanez RG7620. I like it and it's comfortable for me, but the pickups have always been an issue and I've changed them a number of times. As my tastes and skills have evolved, I finally went and changed the pickups to a pair of humbucker sized P90s nut unlike the ones on the Beato model (but of course 7-string versions from a third party manufacturer). This was a massive shift along the lines you described here. My playing has taken a whole new direction with the new electronics, as there's just more to the sound.
Just found your channel and it’s so nice to see honest feedback about a major brand! Subbing!
Well, a lot of people keep buying Fenders and Gibsons. And I don't blame them, I'm one of them :-) That said, I recently discovered that my old trusted Japanese knock off, now dressed with Bare Knuckle pu's, is as good (or better) and the frets and binding are very good. I changed to this guitar for my latest performance (rock and blues band).
We all like what we like! I just would like to see better QC.
Same here. I own several Gibson guitars and in all honesty, the ESP Edwards I purchased in Japan 16 years ago is multi levels up in fit and finish. If my EB Luke was not so comfy, the Edwards would be my go to guitar.
You do sound alot better on this guitar being honest
Thank you :).
Cool video, can definitely relate to digging into the guitar. I bought a LP Special and it's got it;'s own vibe, it's my first P90 guitar and I've been playing differently ever since. Love the versatility.
That said, there are some blemishes on the neck, the binding was a little chewed up with tooling marks, which was a bummer when I found them, considering the cost.
Thanks! Yea, I’ll have to try another similar guitar with better QC at some point.
First time viewer, Andre. I follow Rick's channel and enjoyed your perspective. I have to agree with you that many relatively inexpensive Asian made guitars offer great value and have recently overcome some legacy brands in quality. Your evaluation of the nuances of the guitar is really cool.
Shawn lane played ibanez S series. He was probably the most terrifying electric player of all time. Just absolute complete grasp of the instrument. He could do things Guthrie Govan still can't do. He had zero problems "digging in" on the ibanez s series.
Agreed 100%. Shawn Lane was a true innovator. Never tried his signature Vigier guitar, but I’ve reviewer Vigier on the channel. Great band.
The original Sabres were amazing. Scottish guitarist Keith Moore helped with the development. I met him once in a guitar store in Edinburgh when I was playing it. Loved that guitar.
I'm not sure if you know it or not? but Shawn Lane was a guitarist that is Left handed and plays the guitar right handed. I have a list of guitarists that are left handed and play right handed. several other notables are Gary Moore, Duane Allman, and Mark Knopfler. I know this because I'm also left handed and play the guitar right handed.
note; Gary Moore and Duane Allman are no longer with us and they are missed.
I am also left handed :). Small world!
@@musicauthority8704 i also am a lefty but learned guitar right handed. Comes in handy when I write music. I can keep the pencil in my fretting hand while I write and play.
Several guitars with P90s that are better values. The new Yamaha Revstar Standard or a Godin LGSP 90. Love Beato, but wouldn’t pay 2 grand for that guitar.
Yamaha def on the list. I hear a lot of positive about the Revstar. I actually saw one in guitar center today, the neck was a lot thicker than I thought it would be, but in a good way.
And nice and eating smooth. Plays like butter , amazing guitars.
I bought a D'Angelico Bedford SH this year because I was looking for a semi-hollow and the price was right. I also picked up a D'Angelico TD with the plastic and tags still on it as "used" for $400, gig bag included. (Technically less but to keep it simple.) It always makes me happy when I see other people show off their D'Angelico guitars.
D’Angelico is quickly becoming my fav brand that still exists today!
I could never own a D'Angelico because they have the ugliest headstock that was ever made.
Your video showed-up in my feed, and I feel I incredibly lucky. Great format, great video, great vibe.
Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate your kind words :).
You’ve discovered what makes a Gibson’s cost of entry worth it. Digging in = inspiration.
Also, Gibson’s are not finished by high tech robots, they are finished by human hands which I greatly appreciate
I think digging in = inspiration for some people for sure and then maybe a Gibson is worth it. But not for me personally.
If you think they finished every guitars by hands you living in a dreams.
@@albutcher9152 every Gibson USA guitar is hand finished. Every one of them.. I work there lol
@@albutcher9152 I’ve done the factory tour, they are finished by hand. You can even watch Gibson factory tours on RUclips and see for yourself.
@@albutcher9152 Funny hater-know-nothing
Dude, do you use SPDIF to to connect your AXEFX to the interface ? Those clicking noises indicate that you need to set up your stuff properly
First time on this channel. This was a very different kind of review, that I liked very much. Great job!
Awesome, thank you!
You have fantastic enunciation! Thanks for the informative review.
I can't stop watching your videos! They are great. keep doing what you do man
Im glad you brought attention to the satin finish sticky neck problem. I thought i was the only person that had a problem with that. I run away from guitars that are , as i put it....icky.
Wow, this is an excellent review… pointing out value, versus finish which does or does not affect playability… I am subbing now!
Stumbled onto the channel and love the host! Keep the content coming
Thank you :).
The faded series Gibsons are a great value.
Years ago, after I had gotten used to my Ibanez 7 string I bought 3 Gibson faded series Vs.
I brought a bunch of guitars to band practice and played them for my band mates. We all agreed that the Gibson flying V sound the best.
They are very comfortable to play. I love them.
That's it! I'm going to call Parker Guitars and demand them to release an Andre Fludd Signature Nitefly right this second. Just let me look up the contact information on goog- hmmm, I think there might be a problem
I was really enjoying this until I remembered…well…
I bought a cheap DC Junior copy from Harley Benton after raeding and watching a number of reviews. I love this little guitar, it's got a personality due to the way the neck feels. I am looking forward to finishing modding it like crazy.
What I like about Les Pauls, whether they have P90s or Humbuckers, is when I use the neck pickup, volume 10 and tone 0, is the creamy woman overdriven tone. It is sublime for playing Blues-Rock. The Les Paul hits the front end of a tube amp like a sledgehammer. No overdrive pedal needed.
i had a univox "replica" of one of those double cuts from the 70's, it was one of my favorite gibson style guitars
Really great video. I like the riff at the end and I'll be stealing it in some form. Thanks!
as a kid growing up in the 70's, the Gibson was THE guitar for the guys in my band. I played bass and while my main bass was a 66 P-bass, I also owned a variety of Gibson basses. fast forward to now: I also play 6 string guitar: I have Gibson SG tribute I inherited from my brother...while this is a nice guitar, it...and my 50th anniversary Fender Stratocaster have taken a back seat to my headless electric 6 string guitars. Strandberg Prog NX, Bootlegger Absinthe and Corona Aphrodite. I love these guitars. all but the Strandberg have had pickup mods done. I love my Strat, but the modern look, sound and feel of my headless guitars are hard to beat.
Enjoyed your review of the Rick Beato signature guitar. I liked your demonstration into how the guitar allows you to dig in more.
Thanks, Chris! I appreciate the support :)
Excellent review!! I especially appreciate the price point comparisons. I have a similar guitar but it’s a Heritage and although I like it I could have spent less and found something comparable.
Hey, what do you call that attachment on the guitar to raise it on lap? Seems like the thing I've been looking for!
Performaxe! Check my channel for a review/demo.
I think your review is awesome. One of the most honest I've seen so far. However, I own 2 Gibson Les Paul and these guitars are all about feelings and tonality. I don't have a Rick Beato model and nor do I want one but let's keep in mind that Rick is a hell of a guitar player. I like the fact that you don't hold the guitar responsible for your struggles. Keep up your good work!!! I just subcribed to your channel BTW. Hello from Ottawa, Canada.
I appreciate that! Thank you!
Cheers from Ottawa as well.
I appreciate your openness about your personal biases, being a modern guitar guy. I could definitely hear the tonal difference and see how it made you play differently. i play mostly Telecasters and Strats and I notice that I play my brothers Les Paul differently from those instruments.
Nice review! Question, whats that sitting stand your using? Keep it up!
Check the video description it’s called a performaxe! Thank you.
I love your detailed dive into the instrument, but I incredibly appreciate the direct comparisons to competing products, including pricing,. It's something few reviewers dare to do but also the single most important thing for a purchaser. While I would not budget for an instrument in this price range, nearly always finding the value proposition nonexistent versus low-cost instruments, there is definite value in hearing an accomplished and informed player methodically present and argue their thoughts on an instrument. That sound demo in small volume increments! The reflectivity on how this guitar added to your understanding of guitar playing! THANK YOU
Phil McKnight of Know Your Gear has an ingenious way to test and show fret edge finishing imperfections, he wears a stocking on his hand like a glove as he runs it up and down the neck. Any sharp edges will snag and leave clear longitudinal tears in the thin nylon. I've never seen a more efficient or illustrative way to present fret sharpness and I hope it's something you can consider trying when if/when you encounter sharp edges again.
Thanks for your work! It helps me do my work better both as a player and an educator, and [unlike 95% of Rick's vids 😬] the careful and I imagine tedious editing keeps it entertaining and moving along at a good brisk pace.
I looked at one of these but ended up buying a 2006, faded red finish. Great review and demo, love to Rick, and if you don't have a Gibson guitar with P90s this will be a lot of fun. I briefly had a 1960 LP Special back in the day... it had a cracked neck joint and so I returned it. It broke up nice, just like the Beato model and my 2006. The neck joint strength has been improved by moving the neck pickup about an inch towards the bridge. I'm not sure when that happened but I've read that a lot of the 59s and 60s Specials had broken necks because of the wood removed for the pickup well. Thanks for the demo.
Thanks for the support!
This is brillient.. I'm halfway through your video and I already made my mind.. at this point the second half of the review should be so amazing to cancle the first part I doubt it can be done.
I'll keep watch through and find out if I was wrong or right :)
Hi, what’s the name of that guitar-leg-stand thingy you’re using on the Gibson?
Performaxe, I have a full review linked in the video description.
I am on the complete opposite end of the gibson spectrum. I absolutely love Gibson guitars. I don't own one, I own two Epiphones, but I have friends who own Gibson LPs, and the owner at the local guitar shop always invites me to play a new gibson whenever Im at the shop. I love the feeling, I love the sound, I love playing them. Whether its standards, modern juniors, ones with 50s style necks, etc, i love gibsons, specifically les pauls. However I felt like this was an incredibly honest and informative review and I absolutely love the way you describe what you’re feeling, why you have a certain opinion, and how it may differ from other people. this was great
Great revue. Subscribed. This guitar seems to sound and feel like my 2016 Gibson P90 SG.
I love that guitar!
You might love this one too then. Or perhaps a diff les Paul special. I recommend it if it inspires you that’s what matters most at the end of the day.
@andrefludd where can i find that rest you have attached to that rick beato guitar? i really need one for when i play my les paul
look up performaxe
I absolutely loved your video! I specially like your style of playing, I’ve never thought of playing walking bass on a guitar, and I absolutely loved your demonstration.
I think this bracket of Gibson is very misunderstood by everyone.
The les Paul jr was introduced as a
budget guitar, in an era when the only alternative for a solid body electric guitar was a more expensive les Paul gold top, or a fender. Nonetheless it was mass produced in America with care, using good quality wood and quality electronics. Price was 110 dollars (1,200 in todays dollars) in 55, in comparison harmony solid bodies sold at big chains where 69 dollars (760). You where sacrificing on a slimmer body and no maple cap, and a single pickup (a plus for some). If you upgraded it to a special; you got the same body with another pickup and binding on the neck, but it came in at 169 dollars (1800 in todays money).
Notice how close those prices are to their equivalent modern pricing?
That’s the catch, these guitars are to have that same experience you had back then. Gibson offers the tribute, which is this exact guitar with a mate sunburst finish with humbuckers or p90s, carved maple top and block inlays for 1200 dollars. Add another 300~ dollars and you can upgrade to a studio, with a nitrocellulose finish of much higher quality. You could go for an epiphone lp standard for 600 and have quality rivaling any Gibson (sans the nitrocellulose) or any of the cheaper guitars you talked about. why get this instead of those? Well because single cut les Paul’s are seen as an old man’s guitar while the jr/specials where used by rock/punk/grunge icons of the 90s, who bought them cheap because that’s all they are, usable cheap guitars. Those heroes did not use parker or Ibanez, they did Gibson.
If you have money, you won’t mind paying for that feel, you already have a good quality Murphy lab r9 so who cares if they are not the best built, they are 5k cheaper than your custom shop.
Thanks for the support :). I have a course on walking bass coming out next week, there will be a few promo videos and intro lessons on the channel next week as well.