Agile Guitar AL-3100 HSBF Wide vs Gibson Les Paul 2008 vs Epiphone MIJ 97 - part 1

[crudock1]

this comparison is fair, the guitars are constructed in very similar manors( Gibsons are over 50% automated build now for those of you who want to use the "hand built" line. they are not "hand built" anymore) I have owned almost exact copies of these guitars and they each have their own perks and quirks. hands down though, i would go with the Agile. acousticly, that thin sound is because the guitar is solid, not chambered, not weight relieved, but solid. quality wise Gib/phone just falls short.

[EPI6fingers]

Epiphone and Gibson are the only two guitar company in the world that make the real les Paul's and Sg's every one else are just cheap knock offs period. Agile are most certainly not better than Epiphone or Gibson not even close

[Danyerd]

Very nice review. Very good information. Do you set your action low?

[EPI6fingers]

Epiphone makes the best LP and sg's also Epiphone and Gibson make the real Sg and LP.

[indgiu]

so this agile you are playing in the video has custom pick ups?

[CREATINELUSTER]

HSBF is honey sunburst finish

[jpnoll]

13:10 -ff. Yngwie Malmsteen called, he wants his chops back :\

[greg1775]

I bought SUPER DISTORTION for the bridge and even hotter Super 3 for the neck position.

Compared to sound of my students Gibson Standard 1987 - I must say that my Agile sounded fatter and bigger(even before the change of pickups) I am changing my mind about Agile. I think it will be fair to compare it with new Gibson only. P.S. These pickups are a bit too hot you can't really clean up the sound.... Anyway stay tuned for a new video

[AirGuitarMan0]

He mentioned a few times about the "Thin acoustic tone" of the Agile compared to the Gibson. Earlier in the video however, he said his Gibson was chambered. Wouldn't that be the difference right there? I don't think Agile vs. Gibson would ever be a fair battle. However, I own an Agile and love it. Rondo is an amazing company. Great guitars for their price range.

[rancidhotmail]

hi how much did you have to pay for shipping to UK when you ordered this guitar? thank you for the reply!

[AlochEX]

there are more expensive lp agiles, this one was around 400 dollars, but there are some arround 500 that make a real diference, and id like to add that the pickups do make a difference in the sound even if theyre stock, im just saying it would be fairer to the agile usung the same mix on both guitatrs :) .... great review man

[joshie4330]

The only difference to me sounded like hotter and darker pickups. Could be wrong, looking forward to a vid with the new ones.

[greg1775]

GUYS TOMORROW I AM BUYING DIMARZIO PICKUPS TO INSTALL ON MY AGILE IF IT DOESN"T HELP I WILL BUY A NEW GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD -PROBABLY GOLD TOP :-) I IWLL POST A NEW VIDEO SOON

[waitwaitwaitt]

What does HSBF stand for? just a wider neck or something? ( Drummer Question )

[greg1775]

@waitwaitwaitt yeah that stands for wider neck but also very thick neck -huge baseball bat type neck

thicker than 50's gibson imo

it has actually benefits while playing some fast things -you will never have problems with any guitar if you learn to play on this super thick neck!

[hounddog1413]

@waitwaitwaitt Honey Sunburst Flame

[francis85]

@waitwaitwaitt

Actually it stands for honey sunburst flame...

[arturock1986]

i don't like Agile... when you play links and scales.... it sound kind of "fine" but... when you play open chords is sounds out of tune.... specially G major... that doesn't happens with epiphone or gibson... even cheapest brands from epiphone...

[bobarker4]

@arturock1986 that means that your intonation is off. its just adjustments on the bridge.

[bobarker4]

gibsons are a complete rip offs. They break more than any guitar ive ever seen. look it up. i repair guitars, i know. get a cheap one, it may not sound as good but its probably a better investment. :)

[greg1775]

@bobarker4 What is the sound is an important element of someones style? Sound is everything....

p.s. I am upgrading my agile Pickups to high output dimarzios

[avatarcollides2day]

it sounds the same way as the gibson to me

[konauno]

30 % less , how do feel that? what does 28% less sound like? The Agile with different pickups can sound super for thousands less. Why would someone go through this much trouble to bash Agile, hmmm?

[konauno]

Chamber the Agile and stick the same pickups in both guitars and then compare.

[TheOzzk]

The Epiphone was the only one in tune

[Jimbpard]

Greg, what kind of amp are you using?

[titosugr]

um..fuck up if i can use that word : )

[peskypesky]

forget this clown. watch a real guitarist showing how badass Agiles are. Do a search for "Carmelo Medina demo de la Agile AL-3100".

[PENTADACTYLON]

Good guitar+good sound+ $450 = Agile.

Good guitar+good sound+$450+ (brand $1200)= Gibby

Your choice.

[PENTADACTYLON]

AGILE guitars for everybody... Good.

[Parkyy16]

The frets are jumbo frets. I believe you fucked up, If I can use this term. While I was re-fretting, I measured them. They fit the description of jumbo frets according to stew mac.

[ericzhang789]

How long did it take to ship?

[TheLincoln40]

you foreigner

[taikoking1]

Good review. I did want to say that the dry sound of agile is a solid body, and the gibson is a hollwed body, so the sound is going to sound more full,rich. Also the Agile 3100 does not have the maple cap, They do make models with the maple cap, and also with SD pickups.Maybe the more fair comparison would be with the more high end Agiles, which would be around $600. They also make LP copies with thru neck costruction. I got one, and I really like it. By the way, nice playing.

[rod3067]

gibson maybe better if you want, but no way i'm paying 2k for a guitar!

[greg1775]

@rod3067 I don't blame you. try the Agile with a thicker maple cap if you can stretch your budget

[rod3067]

@greg1775 yeah, besides i just play for fun, and the difference of sound and play between and agile (in my opinion) is not worth the 1000 extra bucks for a gibson, so do you recommend the agile? i played an agile 7 string a friend bought, but i'm more keen on this one, the problem is i want to play from buckethead,to les paul jazz,howlin wolf kinda blues, etc.

[greg1775]

@rod3067 Gibson just feels right. Not worth your extra 1000 bucks though. You could also try MIJ 80's LesPauls like a Burny, Greco,Epi,Orville they are well aged. I am not a huge fan of new stuff. Agile is a great instrument after all. You won't be disappointed about the quality

[rod3067]

@greg1775 great! i will get one and an 8 string for my birthday!

[DemcieH]

I'm old greg

[greg1775]

GUYS IMPORTANT UPDATE AGILE vs VINTAGE . Agile is the winner big time tested today both. I am changing my mind about Agile and even the pickups aren't that bad to be honest. They are good enough to keep them I think. I don't need anything hot for this guitar since its not my main instrument.

[FKNhostile187]

@greg1775 What made you change your mind? i'd love to see an updated video, i'm considering this guitar next month(agile 3100 HSBF). Have you tried different pickups in the Agile since getting the guitar for this video?

[greg1775]

@FKNhostile187 I need to admit that it wasn't fair to compare an aged Japanese Epi and Chambered Gibby with a solid body Agile. I am going to shoot another video comparison of a full solid body Gibson and my Agile. Maybe even this Friday ;-) I am gonna use my valve Marshall this time. This is also where the difference is. Agile sounds good through a real amp. Agile has a great sustain as well. Its a mid range guitar + I am not a gear snob

[FKNhostile187]

@greg1775 It's cool you gave it another chance. Honestly it takes some time to really see how good the guitar is for the money you're paying on it. Plus, with just a few add ons, and a simple pickup change, the guitar properties just get better. I saw a review using a Bill Lawrence L500xl, and DRASTICALLY changed the tone into a real nice clean/bright. I look forward to seeing your next video. Cheers.

[FKNhostile187]

I'd VERY much love to see that agile with a set of new pickups. The stock pups aren't that great... but even then i didn't hear a 2k value difference. Please review again and try different pickup setups, you might be very surprised.

[greg1775]

I didn't play V100 long enough but it feels and sounds great for its price. I was shocked.I would go for top of the range probably. If you live in USA you better buy an Agile as it will cost you less I think. I like old guitars and a Vintage has this old feel to it.

Perhaps I should shoot another video comparison. This time using a real amp instead of a processor???



[greg1775]

I have tried vintage v100 I think they are awesome guitars- one of my students has one like Peter Green. Sounds great. Agile is more superior I would say in terms of materials and quality.Hard to compare two sounds because of Peter Green Mod on V100. Agile Its much heavier as well. If you wanna choose between an Epi and a Vintage take the second one imo. Be prepared to pay custom tax that will rise the final price

[KingofPho75]

so have you tried a vintage v100 cause if you have how does this compare to a v100

[londonguitartutor]

Guys Agile is not as bad as I originally thought. I would buy another one if they put bigger frets(very unlikely). Its a bargain in USA for sure.Pain in the ass to pay custom tax in the UK. The tuners could be better though plus they could make a goldtop version with humbuckers. Very soon I will test it live!!!

Stay tuned for videos

[SUPitsDave]

you're getting a slightly less "true" sound out of the agile because of the alcino covered pu'ps imo.

600bux including shipping anywhere in the world, and a hardcase?

gimme Agile any day of the week.

buying one in a week.

[optician53]

Greg, thanks for the 3 way LP comparo! As others have already mentioned, throwing the chamber Gibson in vs. 2 non-chambered LP`s is really not objective. The difference in acoustic sound is exactly what you would expect.

I know you mentioned the strings were changed on the Agile, but what gauge vs the Gibson and Epi? I have a 3100CSBF wide and use heavy bottom light top Ernie Ball`s. Makes a huge difference in the bass response.

Also I would add you have some really nice chops!!!

[notstevelam]

i am actually getting an al-3100 but wow, the amount of crying from agile fans is just silly. its like this video makes them feel very insecure about their guitars.

[peteyguitarguy]

This guy is kind of a Noob, and it's clear he doesn't have the qualifications to be reviewing guitars...he's angry because he had some problems with his guitar. Take it to a pro and have them set it up properly. If you don't like the pickups, replace them. I have 2 Agiles(3100 & 2500) and both play great...had the frets leveled on the 3100, the other was perfect out of the box. Both guitars sustain excellently and are similar to a Gibson in feel and tone. Agiles are a bit heavier though.

[TheBubbles9]

I fucking hate guitar reviews when people put a shit ton of effects on the guitar!!

but yer a great guitarist, just not my style of music you played in this video.

[IPushHard]

You can't compare Agile AL to Gibson Les Paul? Then what's this video about?

The point about the Agile finish is well taken, and probably responsible for the thinner sound acoustically.

However, these are electric guitars. We plug them in.

They use pickups. Not mics. "Thinner"? Who care's?

...and when you plugged the Agile in, the point that Agile lovers are making becomes very obvious. I didn't hear $2000+ dollars difference between those guitars, and anyone who says otherwise is FOS.

[greg1775]

@IPushHard I respect your point of view. I take it you have one of those??? Hope its working well for you ???

[IPushHard]

@greg1775

No sir I dont. Well not a Les Paul style anyway.

Mine is Valkerie III (SG style). Completely different beast.

My Les Paul "style" is a Heritage H157. Built at the old Gibson factory Kalamazoo Michigan by ex Gibson employees who didnt move to Nashville.

Its a great guitar, but owning it wont stop my grabbing an Agile AL 3000+, especially since they come stock with Graphtec NVS 2 bridge, string saver saddles, and are available in neck thru.

Major improvements that Gibby doesnt offer.

[gofot9]

lol Epiphone much better than Agile..?

personally I cant tell much difference from 6:50 and 12:43..

[guitarran]

The Les Paul you are using to compare it with has many design upgrades, so it's a silly comparison really. Compare a studio les paul with the one you have there and of course the studio will fall short. Not to mention those 2008 pauls go for 3400.

[greg1775]

@guitarran I am sorry mate but this Gibson is a bottom range -my student got it for about £900 here in UK I saw it on ebay for about £1000 the other day. My other Student has bought A studio Silverburst for £900 as well - it's kicking Agiles ass. I like my agile - but gibsons are better. I am not a gear snob - I play Heartfield Talon as my main guitar - I have 5 of these. Feel free to make your own review and let me write a comment on it. It's all about the wood and finish. Peace

[guitarran]

@greg1775 2008 chambered? I seen them listed for 3400, sounds like your student got a great deal. Hey if could afford a Gibson I would buy one, but it's about affordability. Personally, within the market the Agile is among the top when it comes to bang for your buck quality. And if I could afford a Gibby (again) I would change the pickups out anyway. I believe for a paul a set of WCR fillmores, Goodwoods or Bet Set is the way to go. If you like go my channel I demo the fillmores in my Schecter.

[greg1775]

@guitarran One thing is true about Agile it has the best value in that price range- it kicks ass of the new Epi. The main point of this video is that Agile DOES NOT SOUND LIKE GIBSON AT ALL> I have read so many misleading opinions saying it is so close. Its not I that hate my Agile -I like it but I prefer Gibson sound and feel especially these faded ones. THIS VIDEO IS TO HELP PEOPLE WHO LIKE GIBSON SOUND TO WAIT A BIT LONGER AND BUY A REAL THING rather than go for something cheaper

[guitarran]

The main difference is in the electronics and the overall midrange of the tone wood. Changing the hardware, electronics/( WCR) pups, throw in Earvana nut and you will have a great guitar. The only reason for buying a Gibson in my opinion would be for resale value.

[acousticlv]

Just wondering, were all those three guitars played on the same setting? If they were played in their "ideal eq's" how would they compare?

[Xonoxsuka]

Hi, and thank you, for your video. I enjoyed your review and have some questions,

Did you restring all the guitars? did you examine the action on the guitars for comparison? the Agile has definite fret rattle is its action is very low?

[greg1775]

@Xonoxsuka Obviously I didn't restring all guitars -only Agile has brand new strings. I like high action but at that time it was very low-no rattling as far as I remember

[greg1775]

TO ALL AGILE FANS - mine is for sale- if I manage to do that it will be the happiest day of my life. 

[peskypesky]

the acoustic sound of an electric guitar is irrelevant, IMO.

[guitartutorlondon]

@peskypesky Hey I respect your point of view! I reckon acoustic sound is very important. What if you play unplugged? Great guitars sound amazing unplugged that is another indication of how great the instrument is. I don't wanna sound like I want to impress you but I have played thousands of guitars and I believe that acoustic sound of an electric guitar is crucial factor to determine the quality! P.S. My Agile has some serious tuning problems -so another money to spend . Buy Gibson Studio!

[peskypesky]

@guitartutorlondon

if you play unplugged, it would behoove you to buy an acoustic guitar. that's what they're designed for.

[acousticlv]

@peskypesky The pickup not only picks up the sound of the string, but the resonance from the body, so it should make a difference. If it really didn't they could make gibson LP's as thin as fenders and wouldn't have the tone problem.

[MrArtist1971]

@peskypesky Yeah, I agree.

[MyEverConstantSmile]

@peskypesky I think the way the sound resonates throughout the body unplugged says wonders about the quality of the build.

[wahoo82]

that isn't necessarily true. The acoustic resonance of any instrument can be very telling about the quality of the construction, as well as the quality of the construction materials. The pickups are really capturing the sound of the entire instrument otherwise one may as well make a guitar out of a two-by-four. However, I don't think the microphone he is using provides enough detail to truly compare the instruments "acoustic" properties.

[HeemNHuggie]

I like the review, but there are some things I disagree with. The Agile is a solid body Mahogany and the Gibson LP you were playing has a chambered Mahogany body which means it's going to sound better with no amplification because it's almost a semi-hollow sound guitar. Another thing, you didn't seem to know much about the pickups which can really make a difference when it comes to sound. The pickups on the Agile, one, those aren't faceplates. They're vintage antiquity style humbuckers that are

[guitartutorlondon]

@HeemNHuggie True but don't forget I played unplugged solid body Epiphone that sounded much better. Pleaase everyone read this. I used Epi in this review too -it sounded better both unplugged and plugged in. P.S. Epi's pickups weren't even that great!!!!

[thecrowing24]

Agile 6:36, Gibson 9:03, Epi 12:43

[kizmetx]

So your main gripes against Agile are the frets weren't wide enough and the Gibson/Epi sounds better acoustically? Well the first is obviously your opinion, and the second is because Gibson and Epiphone makes chambered body guitars. Agile does too, but of course the chambered body will sound better acoustically than the solid. The solid will still get better sustain and will be more durable for the rigors of the road.

Though honestly, this 'review' reeks of bias.

[greg1775]

@kizmetx Hey Bro of course this is only my opinion as in any review you gonna find on line. I hoped to get bigger frets not wider frets???? Epi I played is solid body mate;-) Agile has a great sustain and it's a good guitar. All the best

[godzhor]

were you just running scales? sounds great you should put the tab up.

[greg1775]

@godzhor I was probably playing some octave runs or some linear lines check my website to find out how to do it I have a free resurces section there

[shredchris]

Also, stating that today's Gibsons are crap is définitely a judgement call. I'd say some Gibsons are sub-par especially for the price, but most of them are really good, unlike a few years ago. I can compare both brands easily since I actually own both brand's guitars. Do I believe Agile are as good as Gibsons ? Depends on the models. Not as good as CS models, but as good as standard production models, 99% of the time.

[greg1775]

@shredchris Chris good to hear from you bro! Thanks for adding a value to this discussion. I am spoiled with playing great guitars- I would say Agile is a good guitar. But I would rather buy a Gibson Studio if I knew what I know now about Agile. Can you by any chance make a review of your Agiles and Gibson you own? The Epi I used in the video is solid body btw and sounds better than Agile obviously due to its age. Again my videos are to help people make their own mind

[shredchris]

@greg1775 The Gibson I currently own is a Gothic Studio. In the past I used to have a couple of Les Pauls ( standards ), one ES335, and 1 Les Paul Custom ( before the price went sky high ). I can do the review, no problem. Only issue is "when", and how to do the audio capture so that the tone come out clearly... Buying a studio before an AL3100 ? I wouldn't, that's for sure. Not that the studio is bad by any means, but to me, the AL is just heaps more refined.

[shredchris]

Pickups are also vastly different. Gibsons have ceramic pickups, Agile have alnico V, that alone makes a ton of difference. When you add in the different finish on the Gibson, the fact it's chambered, and all little things, obviously the guitars are going to be vastly different. But I wouldn't say the Gibson you have in the video is typical by any mean. Comare the Agile to a Custom, and you'll find less difference, oddly enough. The Agile build is closer to a full bodied Custom.

[shredchris]

Hey Greg ! Howdie ? It's surprising to me that you think so little of the Agile. As an owner of two of these, and as someone who's played and owned quite his share of Gibsons, I have to say I disagree with your review, not necessarily on the frets and the such, but on the sound quality. First I wouldn't compare a brand new guitar to an already "burned in" guitar that is a couple of years old. I'm sure the 3 guitars sound vastly different IRL, but on the video it's absolutely indiscernable.

[dancingxechoes]

hey man i don't often leave comments but that was a GREAT review. i love that everything you said was useful, so many guitar reviews i watch are just terrible. anyways thank you so much you really assisted me in my decision of not buying an Agile!

[Maxpound]

I have an agile AL-3100 and I noticed a sound deficit too so I changed the pickups to Gibson Les Paul custom pickups and man it sounds killer. Its only gonna get better as I change out the hardware and electronics. It may not be as goo as a Gibson but damn its much better than my playing ability.

[refusedchad]

this is a great video, thank you very much, i just skipped between 6:40, 9:40, and 12:40 and I can definitely say, for my personal preference, I would go for the agile. I don't really like the dark muddy character the epiphone has, and can't afford a gibson. Plus the lower price options for gibson I have played have been kinda poor.

[tillyhund]

Just wanted to say thanks for a very useful review - I also think it's the best, most impartial comparison I've seen. (I would really like to see *new* epiphones and Vintage V100 compared with these 3.)

Sorry you didn't get what you were expecting :-/

[greg1775]

@tillyhund Thanks for your comment. I based my choice on research from Youtube and forums where people said how hard is to tell the difference between Agile and Gibson. Because of what I do I've played 100's of guitars and I can really say that Agile is far away from Gibson sound. The truth is though that new Gibsons suck. Agile is actually ok but not what I was looking for

[leductdh]

I still think you are complaining with a hand full. You deserve a good guitar and you know what ? you got one. Since your name is not Slash *I* am much less incline to believe you. That is all.

You just didn't get the gem you wanted. Cry me a river...... boooooooo freakin ooooooo.

And you order the wide neck....*Major mod* and you are surprised that it's not jumbo fret.

Gibson is Gibson. nothing compares to it. But.... if you dont have the dough buy agile....

Leave it at that ;)

[LittleEmoBoy001]

The gibson and agile sound exactly the same to my ears. I have spoken with people who have played many years who say that after playing an agile, they will never again waste 2000$ on a gibson.

[ZenDriveSeven]

Excellent demo. For some reason the open A chord sounds really out of tune on the Agile. Has that guitar been set up prior to your demo? Thanks!

[greg1775]

@ZenDriveSeven there are some tuning problems with my agile when I bend strings- I do that a lot

the guitar came already set up with a very low action. The quality of this guitar is the same as new Gibsons. Which makes you think why do I have to pay £1700 for a Gibson if I can have same thing for £500. They sound different though That doesn't change the fact that some old Gibsons are awesome. I think the key is to check guitar by yourself and never buy online

[REDie2009]

@greg1775 Are you running the stock strings in this video? I think you'd eliminate the tuning issue with a good set of strings.

[greg1775]

@REDie2009 the stock strings were dadario -now I am using ernie ball still not good;-( But if someone wants to buy a new Epiphone/Gibson and they live in USA this one will be a better option. I would look at some older Gibsons personally

[ksatia]

to be fair, this video needs more views. probably the best video comparing the 3100 to an LP

[wretcheddog]

hi greg this helped a lot! i wanted to ask something: i'm deciding between this and a vintage v100, which is made in indonesia i guess... don't care about the origin anyway, i've heard both on youtube and to me they sound awesome, also the agile seems more "solid" than the v100 and also has the ebony fretboard which i've never try, always have play strats so this should be my first les paul so i really don't know

[greg1775]

@wretcheddog Go for Agile but remember about the tax about 120Euro and 120USD shipping

Agile is pretty well made. You can also get hold of some old second hand Epiphone MIJ but make sure you check

a serial number on the gibson site -there are some dodgy sites that mislead about serials. Check some old Japanese Les Pauls like Burny, Greco, Tokai as well

[wretcheddog]

@greg1775 thanks for answer well i've just seen the tax prices and it's "only" $90 to italy, about old japanese i think i'm not that good yet to give them a try , but anyway i'll be looking at them too, cheers,

ivan

[greg1775]

I thought I will post it to be fair with people

I checked some new Gibson Les Pauls today and I was a bit dissapointed with the quality ;-( They were crap basically maybe one was just okay but not great. It's all about the luck with these guitars. On the other hand i helped my student to buy a Les Paul studio and this guitar was awesome

[JWyaMovieTime]

The difference is in fullness sounds like it's in the pickups to me. I would guess those are some good Duncans in the Les Paul, probably a JB/Jazz combo. The Agile pickups are going to be cheaper. That's the difference but you just blow it off like it doesn't matter and you seem to think that because the Agile has chrome pickups that's the difference.

[greg1775]

@JWyaMovieTime

I was referring to acoustic sound of Agile and Gibson and Epiphone -the last two are much fuller

Agile is missing the thickness of sound Gibson is all about. It looks nice but it's not as great as Gibson and old Epiphone. I am actually getting a Les Paul so if you live in UK or Europe you can have my Agile for £450

[SuperGuitarMark]

Can you reach the very last frets on the agile easier than the gibsonor the epiphone?

[greg1775]

@SuperGuitarMark

Gibson and Epi are much easier to play - the Agile 3100 I have has extra wider neck which I requested- didn't realise it will be fatter. After playing Agile any guitar is easy. It's a pity Gibsons are so overpriced -they are nice guitars. Agile is worth the money providing you live in the States

[19army56]

A bit biased aren't we! I like oranges instead of apples! Sounds like this guy is just caught up in a dispute over jumbo frets. I have 3 Gibson Les Pauls and an Agile 3001 and many others. They are what they are. Agile is a good and worthy guitar. So are my Gibsons, Carparelli and all my others. They all have there purpose.

[greg1775]

I made this demo to help people make their own mind. Too many guys out there claim how superior Agile is over a Gibson. It's true that Gibsons are overpriced and sometimes the quality is not there. But if you wanna get a Gibson sound buy a Gibson. Agile is far away from there-sounds too bright. The Epiphone I compared has much better wood than Agile as well. Agile has actually the best sustain out of these three. It also sounds much better than my friends Tokai MIJ

[kromekrush]

Dont get me wrong I love my gibson. but i wont spend 2200 bucks on one anymore. The agiles furthermore are actually made closer to the original solid body les pauls than the newer Gibsons are. Also the body of his guitar is chambered and as has already been pointed out, it makes a BIG difference! If he wanted to compare guitars he should have used a solid body les paul, with stock pickups.

[kromekrush]

put out at least 12K to 14K each. The metal pickup will effect tone as well. admittedly i would change the pickups. (i do it on my gibsons as well)  I agree that you cant compare them mainly because of the many les pauls out there the one he chose to compare it to has not a damn thing in common with the agile. I can spend a total of 600-700 dollars including upgrades and a setup and get a guitar that will blow a stock les paul away.

[kromekrush]

I own both gibson and agiles. Everybody uses the word "professional" on the internet, and i hate it so ill just say I have made my living as a session guitarist for the last fifteen years. I agree that the agiles frets do feel smaller than the gibson jumbo however, jumbo is a relative term and there are several definitions. Also, the pickups in that gibson are more than like only putting out somewhere between 7 and 8k resistance. Not all that hot. The agiles are Alnico V's meaning they probably

[thirstynacho]

I am a beginner guitar player, although I do have a acoustic, I am curious about these "agiles" however the only thing that scares me is the setup, I personally have ZERO experience with guitar setup. What is your opinion as Agile being a beginner guitar, keeping the guitar setup in mind ? or is this issue common with any other branded beginner guitar. ALSO good video, nice to see an honest opinion about "Agiles", the internet is full "it is so much like Gibson yada yada"

[greg1775]

@thirstynacho

Any new or 2nd hand guitar requires to be set up to your preferences. Be prepared to pay for that on the top of what you paid for your guitar.Agile comes set up with a really low action. It's a good instrument for the price especially in the US. Far from the Gibson sound. Future upgrades: Pickups,a bridge, toggle switch. It has a great sustain.Gibson is overpriced but it has a great sound.Agile is well made as for the money but it doesn't sound as great so it's a compromise

[Youreallysuckguy]

You can't compare your Gibson and your Agile acoustically, because your gibson is chambered, so of course it will sound bigger.

I clearly prefer your Gibson. Agile don't use the same type of mahogany, that's why it sounds different. The body may be in nato.

[greg1775]

Agile has an awesome sustain and its really heavy the maple top is thick especially by the bridge. Well made -the only issue for me is medium size frets - not jumbo as Kurt from Rondo Music claims- I am having an email rant with him about it. Buy it if you consider getting new Epi or some cheap Gibson. If I keep it I will have to change pickups to sth hotter and change the bridge. I personally prefer darker Gibson sound.

[outofslumber]

<< And the haagstrom has 10mm maple top. I dont know about the Gibson, but if they are different wouldnt this be contributing to the thin sound your hearing. Perhaps its not thinner, just brighter if it is using more maple. Difficult to tell through a youtube video but all 3 guitars sounded excellent.

[outofslumber]

Im putting off buying a Gibson LP style guitar. Unfortunately i dont have the kind of cash for the real thing, and was considering agile. I still am. Looking at haagstrom as well and having real problems making my mind up. Have to agree with the other post, they do make other guitars beyond the 399 price range. It would be interesting to see that comparison rather than comparing it to agiles mid-range offering. I noticed Agile claim these guitars have 3/4 " maple top, which is about 18mm >>