PRS DGT vs Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop - Which Is Better?

I've recently bought a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul and already own a PRS DGT. In this video, I look at the differences between a PRS DGT and a Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop 57 NOS. These two high-end guitars are similar in a lot of ways but also very different, from the finishing to the pickups to the hardware, but which one is better? The PRS DGT is based on a McCarty model which is PRS's "Les Paul" style guitar. The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[SamHooperGroup]

For me the DGT takes that Les Paul sound that we’ve heard many times before and adds an extra little sparkle to the soulfulness. So the DDT would be my choice out of the two.

[vanceg]

The top end harmonic information of the PRS goes up a fair amount higher than the Les Paul. This allows it to cut through better. And experienced engineers usually roll off some of that extra low end on the Les Paul when you are recording to keep the low end from getting muddy.

[gurtana]

To my ear, both are similar and the differences are subtle but the Les Paul has a harmonic aggression behind the notes and the PRS has a harmonic clarity. Thanks for the comparison

[jaricklosey]

Just have to say your videos are incredibly high quality, excellent tones, great playing.

[SDisonYT]

I love my Les Paul Custom, but the guitar I play more than my LP, Strat, Tele, and EVH Wolfgang combined, is my PRS Custom semi-hollow. I just love playing that thing so much. Sounds great, feels great, looks great.

[davemarriott]

Great Great honest comparison. You really covered it all. I just ordered a PRS DGE SE so I can't wait to get it. Cheers

[rolandguilford]

Great review! Couldn’t agree more. Both guitars sound awesome. PRS more versatile but something magic about the Gibson not quite present in the PRS. I could listen to that Les Paul all day. It really is a fabulous sound!

[sorenahlback]

PRS is my favorite brand and I would pick that over Gibson all days a week. However I liked the bridge pickup sound in the Gibson in the beginning of the video. Good comparison and video as always.

[jimmyjams]

Such a great video. I have a les Paul and two dgt’s. Love them all. This video really shows the guitars well. Great job!

[TVoltG]

Even with different pickups (I use a Slash A2 Bridge Pickup, a custom wound A5 neck pickup with a great split), a PRS DGT always has a more HD sound quality to me compared to all my guitars I own. Which is why it's so addicting to play. I adore my 2008 DGT.

[jspic]

Being bassier, the Gibson will impress more playing alone and with distorsion. In a mix, the PRS will stand out much more.

[paulkelly]

You swung me a few months back on a DGT when I was hovering - I'm glad I listened (or read)..it jumped the queue to first place, over my prized James Tyler, that couldn't be topped by my Strat that I've owned since the mid 90's, My Tele Ultra and as much as I craved the Les Paul I also own, my Lester is outside my top six players - No regrets on the DGT

[jammergreg]

The PRS is like I was Paul should’ve been and probably was back in the day. The PRS is way more consistent & articulate. For the last two years I have CRS semi hollow SingleCut 594. I have a bad back in at 7 pounds & a cross between a Les Paul in at 3:35, I’m happy! Over the last 53 years I’ve had about 20 les puals love them too. Paul has done his homework.

[stricknine]

Very well put together video. Excellent, top quality playing.

Love both guitars, ..Super great instruments.

[adamgray]

Great video! I own an '11 DGT 10 top and a '60 Reissue LP ( '20 R0 V2) and they are my two favorite guitars by far. They are similar but different as discussed. I will reiterate that the DGT is in fact the most versatile guitar ever along with my Tele and ES-335. The DGT can do it all but the LP just has that *thing* that makes you want to just play and play. It puts you in touch with your inner rock start, for sure, haha. But the DGT is my desert island, can only have one, guitar. Love love both!

[jerrymckenzie]

I'm a PRS guy, but that Gibson sounds great!

[somebodyelseuk]

Different tools for different jobs.
I have two CS LPs, both perfect build quality. I know PRS are faultless.
They make you play differently. If you're an old school bluesman, the LP will suit you better, whereas if you lean more towards modern styles, the PRS is probably more your thing.
My experience of PRS is that the necks are too thin for me. Based on general reviews of CS LPs, I know the necks on mine would be too big for most people, but are perfect for me.
When you're spending this amount of money, it's only really about which one fits you best - they'll sound great, they're built to last, they'll play great... It's like buying expensive shoes at this point... Which one doesn't give you cramp in your hand after two hours?
As for "tone"... don't people ever adjust the knobs on the amp anymore?

[Aja-nt]

Both are stunning guitars and impossible to decide that one is better than the other, but without doubt the DGT is a modern day classic.

[jeremyjohnston]

Though both are well out of my price range, I'd be torn between these. I prefer the quality and precision of the PRS from an ownership point of view, but you cant beat a Les Paul for tone. The DGT is superb, but the power of the LP is hard to go past. I'd still get the DGT. Definitely spend more time playing it than tuning

[gregorygetable]

Excellent vid, great playing. I liked the PRS just amazing clarity and nuance. I had custom les paul nephew adopted lol, and PRS 594. PRS stays in tune better and clear with gain. Love both