Stratocaster vs Les Paul (Explanation + Sound Samples)

Fender Stratocaster vs Gibson Les Paul Shoot Out

CLEAN SOUND
Neck
Strat Les Paul
1:57 - 2:28
4:06 - 4:22

Middle
Strat Les Paul
X - 3:44

Bridge
Strat Les Paul
2:48 - 3:03
4:37 - 5:01

OVERDRIVE
Bridge
Strat Les Paul
5:28 - 5:46

Middle
Strat Les Paul
6:05 - 6:29

Bridge
Strat Les Paul
6:52 - 7:15

The complete signal chain is as follows:
-Fender Stratocaster (with Custom Shop 50's Fat Strat pick ups) Gibson Les Paul 58 Reissue
-Bogner Shiva head (w/ EL34s)
-Bogner 2x12 Speaker Cabinet
-Shure SM57/Royer 121/AKG 414 mics
-BAE 1073mp/ Universal Audio 2-610 mic pres
-RME ADI-8 DS AD/DA converter
-Reaper DAW

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[cl]

If the strat was a meal it would be organic grass fed beef with your significant other. Les would be a backyard bbq with your dad. Both are delicious.


Also I’m hungry

[jessechalif]

It’s honestly just a matter of which you’re gonna get first cause you need both of them lol

[Buzzode]

One of the Best Comparison Videos I've Seen on Les Pauls and Strats Nice editing in video with quick changes on guitars so you can really hear the Difference ... Nice Playing Also

[infowazz]

Both are essential. I prefer the strat sound myself: Chili Peppers, Hendrix, The Who, Rush.
But Les Paul is awesome: AC/DC, Slash, ZZ Top, warm blues

my friend got a cheap Les Paul, i had a Squire strat. we both never progressed and still suck because we are lazy.

[danielribastandeitnik]

I have both, a Gibson Les Paul and a Fender Stratocaster. The low weight and more comfortable shape of the Stratocaster makes it a real pleasure to play! It's by far my favorite when I just want to pick quickly a guitar and have some fun. The Les Paul have a great sound for heavy rock n' roll music because of the humbuckers, it's incomparable with the single coils. But at the same time the single coils sound better for other styles. But, the truth is, 90% of the time I'm playing with my Strato because it's so much comfortable! I just use the Les Paul when I really want to get a specific sound with it.

[MrChefjanvier]

There's no better or worse - they're two great guitars, and it all comes down to your personal preferences on music. This great video (congrats!) allows you to match the right guitar for your personal taste on music. I own a Les Paul and love its dirty sound.

[TserenTsedo]

strat is more crispy and punchy, while les paul is more based and thick-sounding

[isaacgallegos]

I'm getting a epiphone les Paul this Friday.

[Xfacta]

I really never liked Strats for whatever but that all changed when I sat down and actually played one. Glossy Maple neck, my god they play like butter.

[isaiahmarquez]

I have both. I love both. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d have to say the Les Paul but the Stratocaster is a very close 2nd.
The Strat wins damn near every category. It’s ergonomic, it’s lighter, I love the neck tone for blues, and it’s just easier to play.
The Les Paul is heavy, not ergonomic in any way, harder to play up the neck...why would anyone want to play a Les Paul? That killer distortion tone. That’s why. Playing a Les Paul is like trying to tame a wild beast. It’s not for everyone.

[Magamata-EE]

This must be "THE" best comparison ever.. between these two guitar types!
Awesome- thanks mate!

[marcjeffers]

The King & Queen of Rock. The Strat being the Queen on account of her shapely figure:) Apples and oranges, no winners or losers here, simply the best two guitars on the planet.

[Altoseb]

If you showed me both guitars and said pick one I’d say the LP every time. But when playing them I just enjoy playing the Strat more,

[rainbowbridge]

6:05 for this particulair comparison i’d definitely go with the Les Paul

[carlippo]

I like both, but the strat is better imo, it's way more versatile. I have two strats, one with a humbucker in the bridge and it sounds incredible.

[ace-xm]

Strats sound beautiful on the clean channel and Les Paul just sounds so bad ass in the heavy drive channel

[wazzucougfan]

Thanks for using a neutral amp! I've seen too many videos where a person will use a Vox or Marshall. Either too bright or too warm! This was perfect!

[titoonion]

As as newbie to electrics, this was invaluable!! Easy to digest explanation of the differences and brilliant playing to demonstrate the contrasts. Thanks so much. This is what YouTube is meant for!!

[thekenmatax]

In the clean tones the Strat sounded a bit better but once the distortion kicks in the Les Paul kicked the Strat ass!
Also, great playing man, I really enjoyed listening to everything that you wrote and I will love to hear one of your songs!

[estanochebien]

Only my personal opinion but nothing comes close to a Strat for clarity, versatility, etc.  The Les Paul sounds muddy, chorded notes clash and it actually sounds out of tune (not your fault). They may be good for hi gain soloing but I'll make do with a Strat. Thanks for a well done video.