How to make a Strat sound like a Les Paul (and vice versa)

Haven't you always wanted a beefier tone out of a Strat bridge pickup? How about a clearer, articulate tone out of your Les Paul's neck pickup? While we probably can't fool the most discerning ear in a double-blind test, we can get REALLY close. Here's how I do it.

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[fiddlefolk]

I bought a gold top Les Paul in 2014. I put Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups in it and brought it to a country gig. My fellow bandmates, who know me primarily as a tele player were basically disappointed in my choice until they heard it. For the last 10 years, I have had more compliments on my tone than ever before because the Les Paul sounds like a tele on steroids through a 68' deluxe reverb with a celestion 65 watt speaker. My church rig is an ES-339 through a quilter tone block into a Lopoline cab with an Eminence swamp thang 150 watt speaker. That thing sounds just as good the deluxe. Justin, you always have the best tone and I think most of it is in your fingers! If I could only get those fingers, I'd be set!

[seanzinger]

I can hear why you love that pedal so much. What a gem.

[seanoflynnmusic]

Love that LP. Hope summer is going well.

[MarkThole]

Thanks for this video! I’ve been struggling with this and my GE7. Will keep working in it!

[COLDMKULTRA]

Love that LP Custom ! ... but always dreamed of owning a 54 LP custom (2 pickup P90's) ... after playing one many years ago. Great video Man 👍👍👍

[edjones]

I like the different combinations you’re using. Definitely great experience, I think the reason sounds so good is because your meter super solid which lends itself to a great pocket and combination with that great sound pretty unbeatable, bro!
Ye ole drummer

[borboletta]

I use the Empress Para EQ/Boost for this... endless possibilities!

[billyslide]

Very good ‘close approximation’. A very good lesson and lovely tones. Something else, many of the setting create great tone on their own, that tones which are wonderful on their own with that guitar, not trying to sound like another.

[haymakersboston]

Cool video, Justin! I know it's not what you wanted to use, but I have a new-found appreciation for one of my overdrive pedals with very responsive bass & treble knobs...

[theleviathan]

Great sounding Custom. I think you came closer to a strat with your method than the coil splitting attempt by others. It also helps that you mimic Strat style playing. I thought it was especially close on the three high strings.

[ltgray]

Greatly appreciate all of your advice. My favorite guitar YT'er.

[picksalot]

I've got a single bridge Humbucker in Strat, and a method to deck the floating Tremolo Bridge from the top with a wedge inspired by EVH. This simple setup gives me a lot of tonal variety. I also use the Tone and Volume Knobs to help dial in. Using a Modeler for EQ, swapping Mics, Amps, etc. is also effective.

A Strat won't feel like a Les Paul or vice-versa, but it's the sound that counts, and the music dictates what sounds best, not the name on the Headstock.

[TonyThomas]

A Boss GE-7 EQ pedal is also great for that kind of stuff.

[aminahmed]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend Justin ❤😊

[pablo]

Very nice video as always, funny how you seem to get sweet spots everywhere out of that pedal and guitars. And I'll spend a couple of afternoons learning those riffs 😅

[Tyler_Wilson]

I pray my wife doesn’t see this video in my watch history 😅

[ajstudiobgd]

Great! I hope you will share different reverb settings with us !? 😇🤘

[guydouglas]

That Les Paul has a great mid sound - very bold. I like it very much.

[tristanavakian]

I have a Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster pedal that can kinda humbuckify a single coil guitar. It’ll do in a pinch. A Boss GE7 will get you there too.

[ainartoit]

Super useful tip! And great tone man! Can you please share how are your trip pots are set?