Which One Is Better? 2019 Gibson The Paul Reissue Versus 1980 Original | In-depth Comparison

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0:26 - Clean Comparison
3:37 - Clean Conclusions
4:51 - Dirty Comparison
7:34 - Dirty Conclusions
8:39 - Constructional Differences
8:46 - Headstock
10:18 - Neck
11:43 - Body
13:20 - Cavities
14:35 - Weight + Finish
15:30 - Which One To Buy?
16:51 - Final Thoughts

This is the video we've all been waiting for. Why pay $1399 for one of these when you can buy a used one for less? Most of us were doing it because we were curious about how they would compare to an original one. Now that I've made the financial sacrifice, you don't have to. Here is an in-depth comparison of the Tone and Construction of the new 2019 Gibson The Paul 40th Anniversary Les Paul to an original 1980 Gibson The Paul Walnut.

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[Trog]

A few other differences are that the reissue has nickel hardware instead of chrome and if you look at the cutaway area on the original, it is much more 'pointy.' These instruments might look similar, but they are very different! Which one did you prefer?

0:26 - Clean Comparison
3:37 - Clean Conclusions
4:51 - Dirty Comparison
7:34 - Dirty Conclusions
8:39 - Constructional Differences
8:46 - Headstock
10:18 - Neck
11:43 - Body
13:20 - Cavities
14:35 - Weight + Finish
15:30 - Which One To Buy?
16:51 - Final Thoughts

[riccardoterink]

I bought a 1979 the Paul yesterday for real cheap its heavy used over the years but it plays and feels great . One of the best Guitars I have ever played I love it !!!

[jperryfan]

My 1st guitar is a 79 The Paul. Still own and play it all the time. Bought it new for $350 with a Hardshell case in Brooklyn NY. Wouldn't trade it or sell it. Great Guitar!

[teletube]

Nice video! I've got a 79. The T-Tops are awesome. They are crisp, clear and stay detailed on the low strings when pushed. Mine has the classic 70s low Gibson frets and this adds a little a little mellow "woodiness" to my ears. I have a Junior a Standard and this The Paul. It's voiced right between the Standard and Jr. I LOVE flat top LPs.

[PlainlyDifficult]

Really tempted by one of these reissues, tho i shouldn't buy another les paul!!

[BigBrownSwag]

You can hear how the vintage pick ups in the 80 have lost that sharp sound from age you hear in the 2019 (clean). I'd say the 2019 has more bite to my ears talking about distortion because they're newer pick ups. Don't know if I explained that right... my 82 is arriving in 3 days!

[davidj]

For me the 1980 - it has a warmth that is great for blues and a lovely vintage vibe. A guitar is also about how it feels in your hand and the lower vintage fat frets, and ebony board, on my 1979 feel like butter to play. The reissue sounds brighter harsher to me - i would rather spend the money on a good original.

[christmeister]

I own the 1980 one and it feels and sounds great!

[nathancloud]

I chose the original. I care for the chime as to the cleans, and the overdriven sounds were warm and not as nasal.

[bennyjetsaroundtheworld]

Holy shit your playing increases watching from the beginning of your channel until recent videos

[DELTADSV]

Great Guitar, as an, ex-Pro, 73, I personally I prefer The original, I have one, and boy does she sing,
in any tone, the C neck is to die for, thanks for your excellent video, and great guitar playing too, ” Ride On “

[Kestrel-zcdu]

I have a 1982 one, bought then, and still playing her, and I think I continue to prefer my old version

[paulbrown]

I bought my "The Paul" '79 in 79 or 80, I forget which from either Wedgle's or Bobby's Music in Denver, I forget which. I still have it, but since then I've owned a few dozen electric guitars and now have six of those. None of them ever played the blues any sweeter than The Paul still does today.

[richardbinder]

First, thank you for demonstrating the guitar clean with chords and scales. Really shows the organic nature of the guitar. Haven't seen what kind of deal can be had yet, but think the price should be retail @ $1000. Great playing by the way. Like how your songs. Covers the fretboard and different styles and tones. COOL !!!

[rowbags]

I wouldn't mind trying the reissue, but I've still got the '78 original that I bought new as a teenager. It was my first "name" guitar - "Hey... I've got a Gibson!" - and it's done me proud over the years and I wouldn't want to part with it. It's definitely changed (I'd say improved) with age in terms of play-ability - there's a smooth easy action now, where I remember a slightly formal and precise feel originally - and it has umpteen times more character than any of my more recent axes, with a sound all of its own. Basically, I love it!

By contrast, a Strat which I bought in the early '80s (ironically to replace The Paul for some recording situations...) has never really improved, despite years of playing. It's still just "a thing" that I wheel out once in a blue moon to make sure it still plays OK.

[TheKwaze]

Forgot to say - The video is fantastic the way you have compared the differences and neatly transitioned the two guitars. Great playing as well of course!

[williamthompson]

Love the warmth of the original but really dig the heat from the reissue. I had a The Paul and gave it to my nephew 15 years ago. He ended up selling it. Wish I had it now. May pick up a reissue because I like the simplicity in the design and how nice it sounds.

[mikemadden]

Best & most practical Gibson! As I've said before,
I had one & actually made money & had fun playing it.
Fender needs to make "The Tele"!

[chrisjeneson]

I am torn here, I like the taller frets of the new one and the Allen screws on the bridge but the more mellow tones of the T tops and the Ebony board win the day for me so I will be keeping my 79.  Nice to see The Paul getting so much love!

[jacobsnightmare]

1980 every step of the way for me. Seems much more controllable and musical. My opinion only, obviously.