Sire Larry Carlton H7 Review, Demo & Comparison with Epiphone

These are my initial impressions of the Sire Larry Carlton H7 semi hollowbody electric guitar.

Sire are most well known for the Marcus Miller line of basses, which are designed to have a premium feel and sound, but for an affordable price. And those basses have been phenomenally successful. With the new Larry Carlton series of guitars, they are attempting to emulate that success in the world of electric guitars.

This is not Sire's first foray into the world of guitars. They have already manufactured some very good acoustic guitars, which sound great when you play them amplified thanks to Sire's brilliant electronics. But, these Larry Carlton guitars represent something new. A move into the world of passive electric guitar pickups, like the humbuckers on this H7 model.

Sire manufacture everything themselves, including all of the pickups and electronics, which has helped them to maintain quality control whilst keeping their prices low. And I have to say that I'm very impressed with this new guitar. I haven't yet played the S7 or L7 models, but if this Larry Carlton H7 model is anything to go by, then I think Sire could have another breakaway success on their hands.

[misticformula]

Finally a demo that shows all the variety of tones this H7 can do. Sounds awesome!

[gkott]

I played one of these at the end of 2021 and was very impressed with it. Unfortunately, I didn't buy it and went months without seeing one locally in stock. Today I stopped in to one of my local shops and they had both the red and burst finishes. The burst came home with me. I played it back to back with MANY Epiphones and Gretsch guitars in it's price range. The Sire just felt like a much better crafted instrument overall. I also fell in love with the neck profile, where as I dislike the Epiphone D shape. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Setup from the store was okay, but we have had some serious weather swings where I'm from, so I fully expect to have to make some tweaks. For the price, this one is extremely hard to beat. The import guitars are just getting better and better everyday.

[morganalvarez]

Wow the tone is amazing on the Sire H7 I will definitely get one
my guitar heroes is Larry carlton

[edwardlewis]

I bought the L7 and got black fingers too, but after cleaning with lemon oil it’s gone. Love these sire sticks. I’m going back for the H7. Comparing the epiphone vs Sire, the epi sounded like a stick with strings. Next demo try letting guitar sustain longer. That’s where the sire and better guitars show their true nature. But really good video mate!

[scottmillman]

Great demo. I just played this in a local store, and you filled in some gaps for me in terms of comparison (I actually played the Epiphone Rivera as well) and specs. You demonstrated the switch positions and pick-ups the way a demo should be. We heard clean, with gain, some modulation and some jazz tones as a semi-hollow should demonstrate. I am now subscribed to your channel. Thanks!

[steveg.]

First saw & heard the Sire Larry Carlton semi-hollow guitar on Kirk Fletcher’s channel. I liked it then and like it even more now after hearing your review and sound samples. Thanks.

[JJamesmale]

To answer your question, I think the other guitars in the Sire lineup look so good for the money that it's not just about having a Larry Carlton-inspired intrument. They're high end instruments at a mid-range price.
Speaking of which, you just sold me this H7, I'm gonna get the white one for full cheesy effect... cheers, awesome demo!

[ChrisDeJuanMusic]

Nice one, great video! Just ordered the Larry Carlton S7, can't wait! I think i'll end up buying this one too... what the heck, for the price maybe even the Less Paul and Tele style as well! Had the Marcus Miller V7 bass for a few months now... and the build and finish on these instruments is very high end!!

[petestaint]

A proper demo! Thanks for posting. 👍

[ozgurhazarmusic]

Sire or Tokai 335 Japan, which one you prefer ?

[FriendM]

Well done on the review. Nice playing skills. 🤘

[cinquettitt]

Great classic tone at the neck pickup! 6:36

[grahamlyell]

Great review. I was after a 335, almost bought a Gibson but over £2500 used felt a bit much!!! Seriously considered the Sire but it seems although good the Eastman is a step above, for a lot more money but way way less than a Gibson and many say they are better quality. I have my Eastman 486 now it's beautiful and very high quality. Looking at maybe getting the anothe 335- a-like as a backup now, could upgrade some stuff in it too . Your video is Swaying me towards the Sire: it will be that or possibly a much less expensive Harley Benton. We will see.... Thanks

[johnbrasher]

Oh my, what are those gorgeous chords at about 2:06 and following?

[petestaint]

Fantastic review! Finally, someone did a proper review without completely shredding. 👍

[JoeCarnaggio]

Is the stop tailpiece location on the H7 similar in distance from the bridge as it is on the Gibson ES LC signature? Thanks

[dandavidson]

Great video. I had a 1986 Gibson 335 and I like the newer guitars like this much better.

[eeeejcicjn]

Thanks for the video! Cool guitar! Do you think pickup and hardware upgrade makes this guitar better? I'm thinking buying this instead of ES 335 if this one will be close to Gİbson then...

[BB-fcox]

Thanks mate for the great video
Now i orded one with slikbag EG335
👍🙏🏻

[krenkieboy]

Just bought one after trying some Les Pauls, too. Perfect!