Gibson Les Paul vs SG: Too Hard To Choose? | Part. 1

Gibson Les Paul vs SG: Too Hard To Choose? | Part. 1 | Lazy J

Рет қаралды 8,704

Күн бұрын

The Gibson Les Paul and the SG are 2 of my favourite styles of guitar. However, I have never really compared them closely, so over a 3 part series with different amps - Lazy J J10, 1967 Fender Vibrolux, Rift Aynsley Lister - I'll have a think about the differences and if I prefer one over the other.
This Lazy J J10 is brand new - received 5 minutes before filming this. The two volume controls are interactive and really give a great variety of tones. For this video I play in the Bright channel and have the standard volume cranked - this chokes the tone a bit and gives a really interesting character.
Thanks for watching!
Follow me on Insta @james_on_guitar
Email me for lessons: jamesonguitaryt@gmail.com
Time Stamps:
0:00 Gibson R9 Demo
1:19 Intro
1:35 Gibson SG Demo
2:52 How We'll Compare them
4:13 SG Neck Pup
4:27 R9 Neck Pup
4:41 SG Neck Pup
5:06 R9 Neck Pup
5:22 Differences
8:07 R9 Middle Pup
8:26 SG Middle Pup
9:00 R9 Middle Pup
9:47 SG Middle Pup
10:19 R9 Middle Pup
10:33 Bottom end vs Bite
12:48 SG Bridge Pup
13:08 R9 Bridge Pup
13:26 SG Bridge Pup
13:54 R9 Bridge Pup
14:29 SG Bridge Pup
14:50 R9 Bridge Pup
15:17 SG better in the mix?
18:18 R9 Amp Only Lazy J
18:38 SG Amp Only Lazy J
19:39 R9 Jan Ray
21:11 SG Jan Ray
22:42 Are the differences important?
24:35 Giveaway Announcement

Пікірлер: 157

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Which would you choose?? Sub and Comment to be in the 6,000 Kingtone Duellist giveaway!

@Jaques355 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah!

@davidhadden1669 2 жыл бұрын

Hi James. Enjoying the vids. SG for humbuckers and Les Paul for P90s for me. Cheers!

@bozi81g.64 2 жыл бұрын

Hi James, I would choose the SG, because it sounds more articulated...

@popeye089 2 жыл бұрын

I was a fender bf and tweed guy…..bought a real plexitry some g12h30s……my Vibroverb and super reverb are now gone. We each have our search, I think mine just ended. You try guitars and pedals but you are missing an important part. The speakers matter more than people realize

@michaelarmstrong1730 2 жыл бұрын

I can't believe you're almost at 6000 subs!!! Didn't you just pass 5900 subs last week??? Good for you James. At this rate you'll hit 6000 tomorrow afternoon.

@sroelit 2 жыл бұрын

I closed my eyes, and the differences were subtle enough that at times I had a hard time differentiating between the two. Both beautiful guitars, and both in my opinion really complement your playing.

@jarettmorgan1535 2 жыл бұрын

You have an OUTSTANDING gear collection, and that SG might be the cream of the crop. Nice taste my friend.

@sgmarshall3 2 ай бұрын

That amp and your great playing really make both guitars sound epic! Truly amazing tone!

@zereiland 2 жыл бұрын

Killer, absolutely love that SG. It's gonna sound great in a mix. Can't wait for a Lazy J video too. Thanks for all the hard work you're putting in!!!

@Yamazaki1923 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the channel progress. You are definitely putting the work in

@justinbird9415 2 жыл бұрын

Both really sweet guitars. I love your channel as I feel I'm on a similar journey after I stopped playing in the 90s as my band split after being signed, I lost my drive to play but now after picking it back up during Covid, I'm in love again. Thanks for sharing your journey and love your amazing guitar collection.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

That must have been a pretty hard thing to swallow, but great to find it again - for me, at least, it has given me a lot of meaning 🤟🏼

@91mattd 2 жыл бұрын

Love the vids james, I'm still on the beginner end of things but love to watch these kinds of comparisons !

@LeeHoMusic 2 жыл бұрын

Both guitars are awesome..... by looking at them they make me wanting to grab a guitar and play my favourite blues tunes..... sound and look is unbelievable. great channel! thanks for inspiring me falling in love in classic gear!

@acornhead285 2 жыл бұрын

SG's just cut through so nicely 👌

@mauricishlo5438 7 ай бұрын

Insane playing and tone. Good job!

@Alrock20s Жыл бұрын

The best Les Paul v SG video on KZfaq.

@nickjudd62 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks James - I liked your thoughts on the differences between the SG and Les Paul (not always easy to get the language to describe subtle musical differences but you just got it) - and the sound comparisons were really good too - the differences between the two seemed so clear to me, almost immediately. I was particularly drawn to the SG.

@graemero5532 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, pure earjoy. Looking forward to round two.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Graeme

@allanbrassington2160 2 жыл бұрын

That Lazy J sounds amazing, prefer the Les Paul tone myself but that is coolest SG I think I've ever seen!

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

I reckon that is about the same as I think 🤟🏼

@Kevin-the-Just 2 жыл бұрын

James, dude, I think you found your sound! That opening played on the Les Paul through the Lazy J J10 is, I think, some of your best sounding and most cohesive playing. Sweet. 👏🏻👏🏻

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, yeah that was a joy to play 🤟🏼

@Coolbeans1492 10 ай бұрын

I think the presenter is spot on when he says the sg would be the leader in a band context while the lp would be the guitar of choice in a single guitar group. What surprises me more is the difference i knew the sg would have less bass but i thought the tonal profile was basically the same. It turns out i like the sound more bc its upper midrange and less low end which is the sound i like.

@glesgateam 2 жыл бұрын

Loving it sir!

@mizraim5890 2 жыл бұрын

That Lazy J is pure Magic... Congrats for that amp! I think it is the best option we can get today for tweed amps hands down

@ilmisxx2 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on 6k!!! 🤘🤜🤛😎🥳

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man! Looking forward to announce a winner later next week 🤟🏼

@ilmisxx2 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesOnGuitar just keep releasing quality content and we're all winners. I'm just glad the chanell's getting traction 😎 As far as I'm concerned that junior is still your best purchase and I kind of secretly wish you would go on amp purchasing spree, doesn't have to be expensive esoteric amps but it would interestimg if you took us on "vintage amp saffari" a time or two 🤔😁

@cathaldalymusic 2 жыл бұрын

Ahh sweet playing as always!!! Love that Les Paul. Nothing wrong with the Lazy J either 😊😎 keep the videos coming

@thadlogan51 Жыл бұрын

Totally agree with your review... really great. I own both... same conclusion... love both... agree about more frequencies on the Les Paul

@The802Rider 2 жыл бұрын

Hi James. It's ironic that you recently created this video because I'm in the same boat as you are. I have a '21 Gibson Les Paul, 60's model and I love everything about it...except the weight...LOL. I recently purchased a '21 Gibson SG standard, '61. I find myself playing them back to back and have similar results that you shared. Great video.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome 👌🏽 glad i’m on the right track in my thinking, cheers

@DMTisHere 2 жыл бұрын

Something about your SG is wow!The LazyJ or the Carr Superbee on the mind. This sounded incredible. It seems tough to find this amp to try in store.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah there aren’t many about which is why i jumped at this one! Cheers

@maximetremblay4546 2 жыл бұрын

Don't know if you still have the Friedman Dirty Shirley in your stable but I would love to hear a "duel" of these two fine Gibsons paired up with classic JTM45 tones. Perhaps a part 4... Thanks again James fantastic sound as usual Cheers

@deanmclachlan7082 2 жыл бұрын

Both guitars are sounding awesome. Can’t wait for part 2. Of course, I now want a vintage SG too 🤣

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Haha 😂

@rezakhan8290 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful tones.

@richman6100 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, James. You have excellent examples of an LP and an SG there and it really is hard to pick a favourite with the impressive Lazy J. It'll be interesting to compare them through other amps. You summed up the differences between these siblings well, especially in relation to the dynamic range of the LP and the potential of the SG to cut through in a band mix. I think both sounded great. The LP is probably the more versatile of the pair, but that SG really does have some bite and character. So, the LP is the older, more mature sibling and the SG is the enthusiastic younger brother, brimming with youthful exuberance. Dreadful analogy, I concede. I'll get my coat...

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Haha not so bad. I can never think of good analogies on the spot 😂 cheers!

@ABCDEF-ks5op 2 жыл бұрын

Great tones, love the SG with the Lazy J, sounds ace! Is there a reason for the lightbulb on the amp? ^^

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Haha just visuals 😂🙌 cheers

@guitarthink 2 жыл бұрын

That SG is unreal........ Good stuff!

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man

@tedtang1429 2 жыл бұрын

SG is my fav,but both sound amazing in the video and beautiful playing:)

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@TommySG1 2 жыл бұрын

I love Gibson guitars, I currently own 1 Les Paul Standard and 1 Les Paul Special P90. I also own 3 SG's, all different obviously, Standard, Tribute and a limited edition Standard as well. For me, whatever shortcomings the SG has regarding tonally, the comfortable playing, it's much narrower, easier higher fret access outweighs any of the benefits from the Les Paul. For me, it's an SG all the way. Great video James, I love your guitars and amps as well!

@TommySG1 2 жыл бұрын

I love Gibsons, I currently own two Les Pauls and three SG’s. I favor the SG for playability. It’s lighter by far, the fret access is also much easier, it’s narrower too so for me it’s just more comfortable overall to play for extended periods of time. The playability for me outweighs any tonal shortcomings, but that’s just me. The neck pickup on a Les Paul is directly under the top fret of the neck and I honestly think that’s biggest difference between the two beautiful guitars tonally ( My 2 cents from the peanut gallery ). James, your guitars and amplifiers are so good and sound fantastic man, great video and I’m looking forward to parts 2 & 3 😊🤙

@DanFujiGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Love your playing James! The Les Paul sounds best to me, there’s something about it that seems to suit your playing style.

@Simon34562 2 жыл бұрын

They are both great - enjoy playing!

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man

@Shiznitt_ 2 жыл бұрын

That flame top can’t be beat 👌

@rg-uj7nn Жыл бұрын

I'm lucky enough to own both guitars and love each one

@tonykirk6362 2 жыл бұрын

Loving the Lazy J with the Les Paul. I’ve got a Fender Deluxe Reverb which I love, but that Lazy J just has a lovely growl. I think the Aynsley Lister Rift is a real winner. Just wish it wasn’t so damn loud! 👍

@psteed84 2 жыл бұрын

Love the rawness of that SG. Damn that's a killer guitar.

@IanNorsworthy 2 жыл бұрын

Even through KZfaq that SG speaks to me in such an inspiring way so the decision is clear to me. The LP is obviously fantastic though, just something about that SG (and listening to you play it!) that grabs me every time.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it is a really special guitar - i play it a lot!!

@IanNorsworthy 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesOnGuitar am so glad to hear it! That’s one of the things I love about your channel tbh - it really comes across how much you enjoy each guitar and I think that’s really important and can sometimes be lost in the excitement of ‘new’ so it’s good to see!

@kaphillum 2 жыл бұрын

Wow great video! I would choose the SG - it's a bit more lively, has those wooden mids :)

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, i see that 🤟🏼

@KyleKingGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

I've personally got both, they each do something unique enough (tone and feel wise) that I feel the need to have both. If I had a gun to my head though, it would have to be a les paul. My first guitar was an lp copy and I grew up adoring them/lusting after the real deal, a good les paul still lights me up more than any other guitar even though I love pretty much all brands, shapes and unique voices they have.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

The lp definitely has that nostalgia for me too, and wow factor as well 🤟🏼

@OniDasAlagoas 2 жыл бұрын

SG all the way for me.

@john_air 8 ай бұрын

plz do lespaul vs 335 this was really amazing! thanks for clear comaprison

@bozi81g.64 2 жыл бұрын

Hi James, The SG neck pickup is closer to the bidge, so it sounds brighter.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Good point!

@alexstrums 2 ай бұрын

Nothing beats a Gibson with the tone rolled off 😊

@dustinpeele2748 2 жыл бұрын

I’d go for the SG all day, love that guitar.

@gotzonmujika9900 2 жыл бұрын

Both great guitars but I think I prefer the sg! it’s so beautiful! I have a question for you? if you could choose, Lazy J 10 or 50’s tweed champ, what would you choose? and how loud is the Lazy j? comparable to deluxe reverb?

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Good choice! Also really good question… whilst a 50’s tweed champ would be a great thing to have, i think the lazy j would be more flexible, more headroom and modern features… and it sounds so good! It is a loud 10 watts but with the vac it can be pretty manageable. Will do a full video soon 👌🏽

@bloodreyna6700 2 жыл бұрын

For me Les Paul all the way. The Strat, Tele, SG, ES, ... in me is still undiscovered. Cheers

@splashman1664 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video James but to be fair you can make anything sound good. As for the Les Paul and SG they are both incredible guitars and I would be happy with owning either.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

🙌

@KrenarCilkuGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

That SG is hands down the most gorgeous guitar I have ever seen!

@nosjourneyman 2 жыл бұрын

Very good content. May I suggest if you could volume up a bit when you speak or volume down a bit when you play? I often find myself adjust volume back and forth between when you talk and play. Thanks

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Haha yeah, that is a constant battle for me - but i understand. Sometimes it sounds great on my speakers and then different on other devices 👍🏼

@fredriksandegren1948 3 ай бұрын

By they way, amazing sounds!

@SergioAureo 2 жыл бұрын

They both sound amazing … and I’m sure the Lazy J is an outstanding amp.

@GW1959 2 жыл бұрын

First, the amp is fantastic. I’d usually say LP but that particular SG sounds great. It helps that they killed it with that TV Gold finish! I pined over that on the peach website for a bit haha.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Haha 🙌 yeah, this sg is just a total inspiration

@josh_baymee 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man, that SG rips!

@ktfoinc106 2 жыл бұрын

The reverb and trem., are they sperate from the 5E3 circuit?

@jesperjrgensen4589 2 жыл бұрын

I'm here because I'm GAS'ing for either an LP or an SG. Still leaning towards LP. Fingers crossed for the pedal to come my way. 😁🤞

@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356 2 жыл бұрын

Nice

@chrisv2557 Ай бұрын

I dont understand how people miss to mention the different pickup location, which is the main reason why they shound different...

@belo1971 Жыл бұрын

I has so many Les Paul over the decades...Goldtop P90 is my number choice but I sold them all !!!!! The SG , I love the sold and look and every time I have one in my hand , that thin body disappoints me too much and never bought one. I dream of one with P90 🤘

@julez7878 2 жыл бұрын

The SG sounds great, definitely up there on my just one more guitar list

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

It is so versatile really 👌🏽

@darwinsaye 2 жыл бұрын

Ignoring the bridge pickup, because I find them quite similar, and I mainly use and judge guitars by neck pickup sounds, I find LPs too woofy and undefined (in general - I know there are differences individual guitar to individual guitar) and SGs not as thick as I like. I would choose the ES-335 over either guitar every time. On a good example, the neck tone is big and round but defined, and the bridge is snappy and biting, and the combination in varying degrees yields nothing but good tones. The semi hollow I have now is pretty much the only humbucker guitar I’ve owned whose tones are all 100% satisfying.

@MarkPritchardGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a Les Paul guy and I stick with my preference, that Les Paul sounds great!

@hotblackdesiato3451 2 жыл бұрын

On a slight tangent - got any love for Magnatone amps?

@georgehoggatt3759 2 жыл бұрын

Just have both.

@musicplaylists59 2 жыл бұрын

Wow those are some lovely sounds your getting out of them. Both sound great but I'd have to say the Les Paul has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes me like it a little more.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

It does have ‘more’ i reckon, but the sg something a little different too 🙌

@fredriksandegren1948 3 ай бұрын

Can you do a P90 / Humbacker comparison...?

@johnblack9037 2 жыл бұрын

Both are great therefore you need both simple really.

@fredriksandegren1948 3 ай бұрын

Sounds quite equal, but the thing which you bring up is the feeling with them, I expect how you are playing them differrent... That is the thing! One guitar finds a song another don't! But good guitars will always find something you want to play!

@hybro8 Жыл бұрын

It’s always funny to look at the comments in these comparison videos. Most people come into them pining over Les Pauls without even giving a thought to an SG, yet when they see the comparison they’re shocked that the SGs sound better haha. I did the same and now I’ve sold my Les Paul and have only my SG, it’s significantly lighter and more ergonomic than any guitar I’ve played.

@ABCDEF-ks5op 2 жыл бұрын

For me the SG all day long , that gold finish is so nice , and the tone juicy :DDDD

@gibsondcxpl85 Жыл бұрын

I usually prefer the SG in these types of shootouts, and that is one beautiful sounding and looking SG. But that LP is sublime, it squawks with authority, it’s round and fat. Exactly the way I’d like my Les Paul to sound

@mizraim5890 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet axes, sweet sounds, man... Les Paul all the way! Cheers from Mexico!

@robertramer6461 2 жыл бұрын

I am assuming it’s the snarl or bite but the SG is the pick for me….If it’s down to one, if if if.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Thank god it ain’t! 🤟🏼

@pauldavid2407 2 жыл бұрын

Cool amp!

@carpediem4413 2 жыл бұрын

Own an R8 & vintage SG Custom - not sure I would sell either but your SG sounds more articulate & bluesy than the LP. More character coming across with the SG IMO.

@petervandebelt6062 2 жыл бұрын

Just for the looks: 100% for the LP!! 😃

@ManuelGonzalez-tv2ob 2 жыл бұрын

I've been an SG (and strat) player for years until I got my Les Paul traditional. There's something about it which is addictive. So right now, I choose the les Paul, tomorrow...who knows.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Haha that is relatable

@willdenham 2 ай бұрын

The SG neck is wider than an R9?

@rockerz57 2 жыл бұрын

My Les Paul weighs 8.5lbs, SG at 6lbs. At a 4 hr gig, SG always wins out... Both sound great.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Fair enough!

@harleythespider852 2 жыл бұрын

I changed my mind and picked up a Gibson theodore in natural instead of the R9. It may be a bit of an ugly duckling but it plays amazing. And you can really feel the resonance in the slab body on there. It’s like the body of an SG with the fat neck of a Les Paul

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting choice! Although, that is p90s right? So i guess one day you might need the r9 too! 🙌

@harleythespider852 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesOnGuitar yep p90s! The r9 is on backorder here in the states (from Sweetwater anyway) so that gives me time to sell some other stuff before it comes in!

@lcvol73 2 жыл бұрын

I would have to choose the LP

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

And why not! 🤟🏼

@ericthomas708 2 жыл бұрын

I’m surprised. I liked the SG better. Both sound great with that amp.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

I’m yet to play the amp with anything else but i have a feeing it’ll all sound good 🤟🏼

@antonyeregui761 2 жыл бұрын

That SG is ridiculous, for me the coolest of all your guitars by far

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

I think i agree!

@ilmisxx2 2 жыл бұрын

I really like both designs albeit they feel very different. SG feels like the neck is further to the left and the weight balance feels way different so they make me play different. SG is a better design in theory, lighter, better high fret access, more sculpted on the forearm but there is something about a les paul both visually and tonally that just makes me giggle like a little girl. The pedal giveaway is bang on timing wise, two of my od pedals died in a span of a week so I have a nice spot for it on my board, let's just hope the tone gods bless me with it 🙂

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man - good luck!

@ilmisxx2 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesOnGuitar depending on how many people comment I would estimate my odds at less than 1%, maybe way less so I would need a small miracle, but they do happen 😄 somebody's gotta win and I don't see why it can't be me 🤔😁

@sirdan328 2 жыл бұрын

Pretty neck and neck, but that gold SG could start a fire in any mans heart 😂

@carpediem4413 2 жыл бұрын

Both great … but just love the mojo of that sg

@bengraham878 2 жыл бұрын

Amp sounds great, I probably slightly prefer the sound of the Les Paul, but there’s not much in it so I’d take the SG as I prefer playing them over LPs.

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Fair enough! Probably can’t go wrong!

@bengraham878 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesOnGuitar your collection is off the charts. I’m very interested to see a good review on the Lazy J, especially using the VAC and hearing the sounds are like at

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

@@bengraham878 that review will def happen in a coupla weeks. First impressions… up there with the very best!!

@achill3usoverclocking874 2 жыл бұрын

I prefer the sound of the SG here but not that fan of the shape, I had a slim taper neck Gibson SG before and it was just not my thing, so would never pick over any les paul, maybe it was not the right one :D

@johnround5894 2 жыл бұрын

That SG! Killer sound just wish they weren't so frikin pointy!

@DaniloVicari 2 жыл бұрын

The strings at 1:30 "E🫡 A🫡 D🫡 G🫡 B🫠 e🫡" EDIT: That SG tho is pure 🔥

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Haha oh shit you’re right… out of the saddle 😂

@bryantherocker 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesOnGuitar You can set your AMP to make them sound each other ....

@alraymond1618 2 жыл бұрын

SG all the way.

@AGOY1971 8 ай бұрын

Sg is my fav but their sound similar

@salx777 2 жыл бұрын

@joeblowporkhead864 Жыл бұрын

You mod out the guitars then compare them ?

@JamesOnGuitar Жыл бұрын

They don’t have any mods

@joeblowporkhead864 Жыл бұрын

@@JamesOnGuitar I thought you said the pickups were changed ?

@JamesOnGuitar Жыл бұрын

No, both stock custombuckers. I might have mentioned that I was considering changing the r9’s pickups but i haven’t yet 👍🏼

@eyalzerah 2 жыл бұрын

The real fun of all of us is having them both There is no real reason to be an “adult” about it sometimes it’s the LP and other times it’s the SG As long as we can afford it “ I want it all” G.A.S ….

@JamesOnGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Ha! 🤟🏼