software

What are the sounds of these guitars like? Maybe the best way to say is compared to an LP Std, what would these other guitars sound like in comparison? I need a good 2 HB guitar.

LP DC
Hamer (Studio or FM Special)
PRS CE 22

Thanks.

I'd buy a Hamer before I'd even think about a doublecut Les Paul. None of them will sound quite like a Les Paul standard, but I think the Hamer or PRS would be your best bet. Used Hamers are some of the best deals going on the used market.

Ryan


Originally Posted by rspst14I'd buy a Hamer before I'd even think about a doublecut Les Paul. None of them will sound quite like a Les Paul standard, but I think the Hamer or PRS would be your best bet. Used Hamers are some of the best deals going on the used market.

RyanWhy? Sound difference or quality difference or both?

The quality difference between a Hamer or PRS and a Gibson is quite significant. The Gibson would be my last choice of the three. The PRS and the Hamer will be very similar in terms tone, feel, and quality. There are differences, but you really can't go wrong with either one. If you're buying used, I'd go with the Hamer. I got my Studio for $630 shipped. A used PRS will set you back a lot more than that. If you're buying new, I'd advise just playing both and picking the one you like better. Hamers are a bit harder to find, as Hamer only builds three guitars per day, and all of them are built 100% by hand.

Ryan

All of the guitars you mention can be great. If you want real les paul tone, you need a real les paul. Double cut guitars will not sound quite as thick, or resonate the same as single cuts.

The DC Les Pauls are nice-their bodies are chambered so they have a little less mids but they have nice tone. My favorite are the Hamer Special FMs-stock they are great. I have one with Rios in it (BBQ and Texas) but I think I like it better with the stock Duncans. Either way, Hamers just play the best for me.

I never played a PRS 22 that I would consider buying, i just never got their vibe.

In comparing the Hamer Studio with a Les Paul double cut, I agree with the comments above regarding the Hamer's superior quality and playability, not to mention their standard pickups. However one small but very important difference hasn't been mentioned, namely Hamer's dual volume controls vs. the LP double cut's single volume. Let's face it, part of the mojo of a good LP, SG or 335 is the ability to play in the middle position and adjust the pickups' volumes for tweaking lots of unique tones. The Hamer gives you this while the double cut throws away an important part of its heritage.

One is great. One is very good. The other is pretty good.

Only you can decide which is which.