Which Is More Comfortable: Stratocaster or Les Paul?

Today Chris and Cooper are debating over a classic rivalry-- the Strat and Les Paul; specifically, the comfortability of both of these timeless designs. Body shape, weight, control layout, neck carve, and scale length all play a role in determining one's preference of these two. Hear the debate, look at these two excellent examples of these designs, and jam the demos-- then you let us know which one you prefer!

0:00 Intro
0:41 Making the Case
20:55 Les Paul 1960 Demo
22:26 American Pro II Strat Demo
24:14 That's What She Said

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[BadgerVito]

I was raised on Fenders but bought my first LP about 9 years ago. I can't honestly imagine anyone thinking a LP is remotely near being as comfortable as a Strat.

[ericoswood]

No contest, the Strat is more comfortable, I have both.

[larryalexander]

My bank account is less comfortable with a Les Paul, it finds the contour shape of a Glarry much better.

[Crescent_Audio]

I love both, played a Les Paul for years but recently built a custom warmoth Strat with a single humbucker. I prefer simple, modern electronics but the Strat body shape is more comfy. Les Paul is more angular but I like the radius of a Les Paul more for riffing and soloing. Both are classic, timeless designs that have endured for decades.

[timcastle]

I have never owned a “Gibson” Les Paul, but I did own an “Epiphone Les Paul Special 2” when I started playing. I bought a Fender MIM Stratocaster Standard and gave the Epi to my son (which just hangs on his wall. I’ve found that the Stratocaster to be more comfortable. Now don’t get me wrong, I do love the sound of a humbucker, so with that said I’ve purchase a PRS SE Custom 24 because of the similar features between it and a Stratocaster and a Gibson, kind of middle of the road type of thing for less money!! Another Great Video!! What about a comparison video of a Fender Stratocaster vs a PRS SE of equal body style like a custom or standard 22 or 24?

[A.J.]

I've only been playing for a little over a year and a half now. The first guitar I bought is a Les Paul Special and I love it. I just got a Stratocaster and I'm blown away at how much easier it is to play. I've memorized a lot of different songs, but just struggled to play them. Within the first few hours of playing the Stratocaster, I can play those songs I had learned but failed to execute. I have relatively fat fingers and a wide palm so I think the longer scale length just gives me that little extra room to maneuver around the fretboard.

[guitareveryone]

I’m the same when it comes down to the two. I prefer the Strat and most of my collection are Strats. The tone, tonal versatility, the weight balance, the scale length, the ruggedness and it keeps tuning better. I have many Gibson’s too which includes Les Pauls, 335, SG etc and love them so this ain’t knocking Gibson guitars. But I always go to the Strat first, Tele next and then the Les Paul. It’s great tonality wise to own both.

But it’s different for everyone. Some are totally the opposite. I get that.

[mikepfeifer]

I’ve had both and I love them both, however, over the past 40 years I have bought and sold many guitars. I have noticed I tend to hang on to the Les Pauls much longer than the Fender guitars. I can’t tell you why.
Great video guys!!!

[mogasm]

27+ minutes of fun and information, thanks fellas

[stevesatter]

Have strats, LP’s, a tele and a Gretsch. Love them all. I think strats are more comfortable to play but I always always reach for the LP first. Prefer the sound.

[johncrane]

I recently purchased an American Ultra HSS Strat from you guys: superb comfort and playability. Then, much to my wife’s dismay, I found a 2016 Les Paul Studio Faded in near flawless condition (modern weight relief: 8 lbs.). The LP is still a ‘bit’ heavier, but they both play beautifully. Verdict: the LP is getting more use because “to me” it sounds better. Fantastic, entertaining reviews!

[joebob]

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard and I barely play it because it's so uncomfortable. I bought it because I had to have one but I just play at home so I sit down and it rubs against my rib cage and it gets annoying. My Strat is always my go to.

[davidkastin]

Lol. A Les Paul comfortable? No. That's why I only have 1. But I do have 20 Strats! 😁

[barbmelle]

From Leo: Physiology. 6' 2". 48 chest, 34 waist, A Les Paul feels awkward, not to mention way too heavy. Stratocasters and Jazz Masters, lay against me way better and the neck is where it feels right. I do have a Strat with two humbuckers if I am looking fir that tone. The SG's are comfortable other the neck heavy issue.

[DeejayJimmy]

You guys must be stalking my youtube search... seriously every. time. i’m searching for an answer on youtube, you release a video about it the next day! Talk about beating the algorithm! Thank you for all the videos.

[deepdoodoo]

Some of these new modern Chambered Les Paul are getting much more comfortable guitars and still has the sustain and sound of a heavier guitar. The strats still weighs less but not by much. I just bought a new modern Les Paul because I have a bad back. I love my new Les Paul and can play it all day and I much prefer it over my Strat.

[schesbh]

Absolutely beautiful playing to finish an interesting discussion. Thank you.

[Loveboost]

Strat is definitely more comfortable. But if I had to choose one it would be the Les Paul but I’d definitely miss the Strat sound. I can just do more with a Les Paul. I do hit the blade switch most on a Strat but occasionally depending on what I’m playing I will turn the volume up and down

[blakjack]

The Strat body excels in ergonomic excellence. The Les Paul excels in the full richness of humbucker tone!

[LexingtonDaniel]

In terms of comfort, I'd say Strat vs SG is a more sensible comparison.

I have multiple Strats because they feel like home. Same with Jags and solid-body Rickenbackers. I have a Les Paul because I needed that sound in my palette... but I would never say it's comfortable. There is an SG in my future though, largely because of this consideration.