1957 Gibson Les Paul vs Custom Shop R7 - Are The Old Ones Better?

In this video, Paul Drew and James Ivey compare an original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top with Paul's Gibson Custom Shop R7. We want to find out if the old guitars are that much better than the new versions.
In this video, we are using a RedPlate Overdrive amplifier.
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[chaipup]

Oops. Around the 5:49 mark the Les Paul was in the rhythm position so you can't compare that to the '57 in the middle position. No wonder it was darker!

[eldricarpilleda]

At 5:13 I think you've made a mistake. It's in the neck position instead of the middle.

[MrVanalen]

Can’t believe the difference man that vintage gold top sounds amazing😳

[Funkybassuk]

Amazing how even on my phone at a low volume, I could still really hear a big difference. Glorious tone!

[texrex]

5:14 middle position....I don't think so. The pick up selector is clearly showing it's in the NECK position. Sounds nice but not a direct comparison.

[cliverkay]

That was fun ! They have now gone back into store … keeps the insurers happy …….it is a shame that YouTube compression etc ruins the sound as in the room there was a distinct difference ..

[daviddequasie]

I've got a 1995 R7 that I really love. I found a very old ABR-1 bridge (big tone improvement), a new Kluson tailpiece (light weight aluminum), a Mojo Tone low output neck pickup, and a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates bridge pickup. I haven't changed the pots or caps because it sounds so good now that I'm afraid to change anything else!

[mrod]

You weren't in the middle position on your R7 in the first comparison, hence the possible difference.

[svtman]

I have a 1953 gold top and it definitely sounds completely different to any of the custom shop's that I've played. Even compared to the PAF replica equipped R7's. It has such a unique voice.

[garyslash]

Congratulations to the owner - what a great guitar this is. And congratulations to James and Paul for getting the chance to play it.

[faridh]

Great video, what an opportunity to play a piece of guitar history 👍

[hollywoodactress]

Great video comparison.
What weights are the original and the custom shop guitar? Which was heavier?
Also what pickups do you have in the custom shop?

[jeffroq]

Did you have your Les Paul in the neck position when you did the middle comparison Paul?

[divebomb]

To quote Bob Taylor of Taylor guitars - "The worst your [new] guitar will ever sound is the day you take it home." Let's hear that R7 in a few decades...

[aisle_of_view]

Does the tonal difference come down to pickup output and the pots/capacitors?

[ernieb]

Very cool guys I missed this one some how. Tell Clive Thanks from all of us. I dont know how I will ever get to hold or play one of these rare beasts but these video's are awsome.

[srh]

I've got a custom shop R7 '57 reissue and it's the best guitar I've ever played in my life.

[Joseph-Corcoran]

I know the video is a couple of years old but I’m curious what year the custom shop guitar is.

[g.j.haycock]

That bit you played at 3:14 gave me the chills. Hair stood up on my arm. Thank you!!

[Nordic_Sky]

I've got a '57 goldtop. Bought it in 1983. Great guitar with terrific harmonics.