Gibson Les Paul Junior (BETTER Than Epiphone?)

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

CLICK TO BUY - Gibson Les Paul Junior: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--GIBLPJR00?siid=274528 Browse ALL GEAR: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398 CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP SIGN UP: kzbin.info/door/9IULQ7EHJoserChf09I_4wjoin

[@ChroniclesOfASadPunk]

I have a Tobacco Burst from 2019, and it is easily my favorite guitar that I've ever owned. I am a rhythm player, and when I perform live, I tend to do big sweeping chords. The LPJ is perfect for me. A big sound and such simplicity. As far as the intonation, I upgraded to a Glaser bridge, and it's definitely made a difference. Great review and demo!

[@sixbladeknife44]

I have a 2019 also, big chunky neck and big tones…stellar guitar!

[@pauljmcmillan]

I just bought a 2019 in the last month. I absolutely love it.

[@jimmy5634]

Shouldn’t have to upgrade anything at $1600 😢

[@Derflz58]

I love my LP JR. It is a beast. The tones are awesome. and used on many classic rock songs. Sounds great straight into a tube amp. It is a special sound that is hard to explain. It quacks, chirps, and has a thick, fat tone. Very versatile for only one PU.

[@paulcopsey6573]

I've got the Epiphone, great guitar. I would say that the neck is not quite as fat as a 59, slightly slimmer & just right. Great value, although I didn't actually pay anything as it was part of a trade. Chopped in a GS mini & got a Faith Nomad & the Junior in return. Monster rock machine , but so versatile. Clean, some tone & volume adjustment on the guitar & ditching a pick almost puts it into accoustic territory, even a nylon string Spanish style tone. It is mind boggling what the 1 P90 can do on this thing.

[@michaelr.4878]

I just bought one of these last week. It is in the mail right now. I have wanted one for decades, but already having 3 other LPs, I would say, 'nawwww..don't be greedy'. But 1 popped up for a killer price, so I pulled the trigger. Used lefties don't pop up very often for a good prices. So I grabbed it while it was available. I think the ppl who buy them, end up keeping them. Especially lefthanded ones. I really hope my experience with this guitar is as good as just about everyone else reports having with their Jrs. Great video, dude. Keep up the good work.

[@teleguy5699]

Exactly. I just bought a new one, lefty, and tend to think, if I don't act now, they'll be discontinued for us. I also bought a Harley Benton SC jr, as a fixer upper. They sold out after I bought it.

[@johntaylor8829]

Nice show. I've always wanted one of these ever since I saw Leslie West play one in Mountain and singing Mississippi Queen. Simple and gets the job done, if you know what I mean!

[@michaelaiello9525]

Would love a Junior. Thanks for this review and your great playing

[@DrJeebles]

I'm wanting a Junior more and more. That one looks fantastic.

[@sanguinor5609]

They are fantastic. Love mine.

[@jeremynebraska]

I have the Tobacco Burst Junior, Epiphone BJA Junior and the Gibson BJA Junior Vintage Ebony. Something so simple about a single P90. So good!!

[@charleszaman7666]

Hey man, is there much difference in the neck feel and the sound of the pickup between your tobacco burst and the Gibson junior?

[@sharkmanyt4431]

Obviously better than an epiphone… it’s a Gibson, say what you will about intonation and quality control consistency, Gibson blows epiphone out of the water every time.

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

Higher end Japanese Epiphones are superior to low end Gibsons, any day of the week. Korean made Epiphones are inferior to both.

[@keithskatesk8]

Not really, epiphone guitars to me feel sound and look like a toy doesn’t matter I’m not even a gibson fan but I don’t know any other brands like epiphone that feel that way I’d perfer to buy a gretsch or an Ltd ESP at that price point, I have multiple gibsons and I mean they are good but not spectacular but definitely better than epiphone for sure like a lot.

[@MsDamonlee]

@@keithskatesk8 there are exceptions

[@biohazard8295]

Japanese guitars are more precise. I had an Edwards LP (ESP) and it was awesome with more attention to detail than Gibsons or even other brands. However i prefer a Gibson. Japanese guitars feel too "scientific" and precise, at the expense of having a raw and wild vibe. I know that doesnt make sense and it's probably my subjectibe feeling, but Gibson have mastered the Les Paul, in it's feel and acoustic response. That also varies with each guitar, as an example my LP Studio sounds better than other LP i tried, even much more expensive ones. I can just feel the guitar vibrating in a way i really like, it feels alive. I think it all comes down to the wood used and philosophy and passion behind. Having said that Gibson is a big company and has surely overpriced items and sometimes sells less than perfect instruments, but that happens with any brand unfortunately. As prices are i still would prefer and entry level Gibson, even used, to other copies at a similar price point. ​@@mikethebloodthirsty

[@rickrevoir1683]

Yes .

[@52snuffy]

Came for the guitar review, stayed for the awesome playing. Wow!

[@robertleslie2467]

I have a 2006 Gibson USA Jr. that is my favorite guitar. Mahogany red with slim 60’s neck. Always tuned to open G. A panty dropping tone monster!

[@billydworrell8259]

Great reaction, love the 2 color choices. I appreciate the fact that watching you play always teaches me something new, the use of Tone knob , and volume knob give s you incredible tonal options, not that this is a new thing, but i still like how you incorporated it into the reaction.

[@rashadmoss3991]

I just purchased one a couple of months ago, It is my favorite guitar

[@markmcdonald5711]

I bought myself a lefty Epi LP Special for my birthday last October and have been playing it almost everyday, it reminds me of my tele with the two pickups. Was planning to get a Gibson LP Junior for my 70th birthday this year but coundn't wait so I got the Junior last week, I'm telling myself that it's worth the extra money over the Epi Special, it definitely looks better in Tobacco Sunburst.

[@dinotav7093]

I A/B'd the Gibson Jr. And the Epi tobacco burst at sweetwater for an hour and there was no comparison. The Epi was superior in playability, tuning stability, finish and Quality Control. Bought the epi for nearly a grand less and couldnt be happier.

[@deanmccaskill5495]

Ughhh mine is coming from across the country. I bought it out west and my friend is bringing it back east so I didn’t have to fly with it. I’m getting it tomorrow!!! Or Saturday I mean. I can’t wait. I loved that guitar the time I had it. Jrs are awesome

[@cageliner]

I have an ebony 2022 Junior I bought used in April 2023.I also have a 2007 Epi '57 Reissue Junior and it's a great guitar (in spite of the P-100.) I like the Gibson better 🙂 In 2021 I grabbed a 2019 Junior Tribute DC to make it a single P-90 trifecta. Also, just for hell of it, I removed the single humbucker out of a 2004 pawnshop Squire Bullet (Strat) and installed a Gibson P-90. It's my Fender scale plywood Junior 😄

[@jeffs6114]

I bought a used 2018 Billie Joe signature last year. Its stock with the slimmer neck a humbucker and a special pickguard. The previous owner replaced the pickguard and pickup to make it inline with usual junior specs. I got it for 1200$ shipped and including the original pickup and pickguard. I found that I like p90’s at bedroom volume, but at louder volumes I prefer the humbucker so I returned it back to the original setup. A great guitar and lots of fun to play happy to finally own a guitar I’ve always admired

[@dragan4658]

I have an Epiphone LP Jr with a humbucker which is one of my amazing sounding guitars in my collection. Ide love to get a black Gibson like this one!

[@Logan24855]

I had a Epiphone Classic Worn Cherry Burst from 2020 and I’m thinking of upgrading to a Gibson of either a Junior, Trubute, or a Studio. I love having 4 knobs but willing to look at all models within my budget.

[@sharkman4928]

Wow! You gave that a 8.7?!!!! That must be one hell of a rock machine!!!!!

[@toddflowers8052]

LOVE Juniors !!! Great job guys !!!

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

These things are growing on me and I’ve never owned a Gibson! I like the SG Junior two!🧐

[@michaeldumas9203]

Harbor Freight workbench in the background. Awesome! I love mine.

[@deanmccaskill5495]

I have a 2011 yellow one. Great big Eff off neck. What a fantastic guitar that is.

[@BrandonOutside]

Love the tone of overdrive with the volume down just a bit!

[@cigdamagelungs]

Sold, zzounds rules!

[@rickrevoir1683]

Zzounds does rule , i bought a gibson Ltd run studio an sg and other items & happy with every purchase.

[@cigdamagelungs]

@@rickrevoir1683 I get everything there

[@dalitjones9135]

Even the dirt cheap versions of these things are great. I've got three including a double P90. This playing is f'ing great!

[@shadowminister4090]

Love the simplicity. That said, I thought the tone roll off was too much?

[@picksalot1]

Single Pickup guitars tend to produce a more robust and awesome tone.

[@experimentalsoundrecordings]

I really enjoyed your playing.

[@johnnysix7162]

I was going to buy a modern lite, but the slim taper neck isn't for me. Went for the JR instead. First guitar I've ever purchased with a P90, can't wait to try it!

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

My next purchase.

[@Mytwocentsisallicanafford]

Just picked up a anniversary lpj here locally got a good deal I think a little confusing between the serial numbers but tuners and saddle neck definitely takes getting used to but loving it so far

[@RussC123]

Nice overview! So what are the main differences between this baseline junior from Gibson and the VOS custom shop ones?

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thanks for watching! The junior from Gibson USA is made in the regular production factory - great guitar. The Custom Shop is going to feature choice woods, crafted in the Custom Shop in much smaller numbers, and offer a 57 reissue (single cut) or 58 reissue (double cut). VOS or "Vintage Original Spec" will have all the attention to detail of a reissue and also have light aging visible in the components. You can also get the Murphy Lab version which has been intentionally aged. Check out the Gibson Custom 58 reissue: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--GIBLPJRDC58VO?siid=257470

[@RussC123]

@@PlayandTradeGuitars Thank you! Makes sense- just wonder in a blindfold test whether anyone could even tell a difference 😂

[@Trial212]

An excellent review. I can tell you love Gibson's. So do I. Personally I think this guitar is overpriced, especially if compared to the inspired by Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Junior. The Gibson is a higher quality guitar and does sound a bit better (totally subjective) then the Epiphone, But, it's simply not 3-4 times better. It's not the great value that the Epiphone gives you. BTW, I do own BOTH models, so I've done side by side comparisons. For bragging rights give me the Gibson. For a happier wallet and not much drop in performance give me the Epiphone.... Keep up the great reviews!!!

[@rareformtx]

Makin that Junior sound good, brother! Cheers.

[@andy_william17]

Had the chance to play this guitar in a local guitar shop. Love at first play. Too bad didn’t had the budget back then, and now it’s gone. 😂

[@felixfranzen7578]

Great review, as always! This is easily one of the best guitar related channel on YT, and I really mean that. Few other take the time to measure the neck, the pickups, strip the guitar down etc. Often it's just some dude playing some riffs and a mandatory really long solo (with lots of effects) and giving his subjective opinion, which in most cases rather is rather useless. Others are obviously afraid of losing their sponsors or the stream of free gear and consistantly give rave reviews (or avoid giving bad ones) to really expensive stuff. Now, about this guitar then. I've noticed that the bridge is much closer to the pickup compared to the Special from the Original series. It's really close on the treble side. Does that affect sound and playability in any way? It

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

I really appreciate that, thank you! As far as the pickup distance from the bridge, the closer to the bridge the brighter the sound so yes it probably does make a difference. Thanks for watching and for the kind words

[@bryancollins6796]

Hey Gibson! Make a LP Junior DC with a 60's neck in Cherry. That one would be even cooler than a Single Cut Junior. Do it!

[@TheJeffcurran]

If you want the slimmer neck get the SG Junior.

[@pastorofmuppets1968]

You would have to find a used one I'm afraid. Gibson discontinued the SG jr.

[@danielcarter3928]

best electric guitar imo. just so versatile which is crazy considering it’s only got one pickup lol

[@ernieb3626]

i just cant decide between Ebony or Tobacco burst. great guitar and video

[@Jethlin2020]

I'm in the same boat. I do like the pick guard on the ebony, especially if you change out the black knobs for some amber ones, but that burst is something else...lol.

[@kylebraaten6840]

What amp were u using Ty love your playing and my jr🤙

[@Jacob_GreenDayPMORE]

So a quick question, I'm thinking of getting a les paul Jr but is it significantly smaller than a standard? I don't want to purchase a guitar if it were to be primarily for kids and teens but if it's similar size to regular les Paul's then I'm sure it's fine

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

No it's full size - don't be fooled by Jr, these are awesome guitars! Thanks for watching. They're in stock with free shipping: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--GIBLPJR00

[@monmixer]

The Epiphone LPJ is the closet to Gibson as it gets.The same with the higher end SG's . No maple cap. Pretty much the same bodies. Probably cheaper hardware on the Epi.

[@vincent33195]

Differences between this and the $4K version?

[@Lasuertez]

This guitar or SG Special p90?

[@richarde3378]

Great videos. Subscribed! 😃🎸

[@hughjaynus4374]

Made it sound good dude.

[@michaelheller8841]

Just one P-90 and the sounds you get are amazing. My next guitar will be a JR or a Special.

[@nickdrey1200]

Bro the newest release of the Epiphone LP Special Tv yellow w P90s is fucking absolutely dank as fuck. It sounds and feels great.

[@michaelheller8841]

@@nickdrey1200 I will be looking at that as well. Even If the P-90's don't sound like the way I like? I have a guy who handwires his own p-90's that are the real deal. And a Special has to be TV Yellow, there is no other color for that guitar IMO lol. Have you compared it to it's big brother?

[@nickdrey1200]

@@michaelheller8841 word thats sweet as hell, having the hookup w a dude making pickups. I wanna throw a nice P90 in the neck of one of my Teles. And I have played a Gibby LP Special a few times, not sure the year but it's pretty old. It definitely has that extra bit of low end thickness that you get with older pieces of heavy tonewood, but I mean...it doesn't make too much of a difference. I really believe the Epi LP specials, right now, are one of the best value guitars on the market. I say that as an absolute Fender/Squier fan. I can't believe how good mine sounds every time I plug it in. It's fuckin ridiculous for 500$ lol

[@michaelheller8841]

@@nickdrey1200 Even though I'm more of a Gibby guy, My Custom Fender Strat is my #2 out of anything. I also have a soft spot for Telecasters, I own 3 of them and how can you not love a good Tele? At the end of the day, Each guitar has a sound and a mood. The more the better lol. I can't spring for a Gibby ES-335 right now, so I think its a Special I will go for. Thanks for you input, and keep Rockin'

[@willkupers]

Go for the Special. The Neck P90 is awesome. 😉

[@winstonsmith9619]

For the price, wouldn't be better a cheaper Epiphone 1959 with burstbuckers? More versatile and, like I said, cheaper... I guess it also depends on your taste and what you're gonna do with it, but I think the fact that the headstock says Gibson and not Epiphone makes it a worse deal.

[@Sportacus.]

Esos puentes son faciles de entonar?

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

How is the internation?

[@patrickdufresne8485]

Lots of people say the QC is rubbish, but they are indeed PLEKed?

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Lot's of people say lot's of things - if you play a Gibson you'll be impressed, and yes they are pleked. Thanks for watching! The Juniors are great

[@robjgolde3221]

I’ve yet to find a video of a LP Jr. plugged into a cranked tube amp that sounds like shit. Its such a rich sound that fits almost any style.

[@robbyray]

Fantastic video!

[@gergemall]

I’m seeking out one ❤.

[@123pap]

The tone knob is not an on/off switch?

[@maraviyoso8473]

No

[@adamfindlay7091]

Hmm maybe find a used one. Worth it imo up to @850.

[@raybassman7536]

The only thing Gibson has to do, is Make the Les Paul Jr. with the slim taper neck. Not the dreaded Baseball Bat thick neck! That's the one thing that they need to loose on that guitar. Their sales would triple. Forget about vintage when it comes to that thick ass neck.

[@joshuataft5541]

I crave a Jr or sg with one p90..😢

[@peterpellerin1374]

You rock!

[@sjr3124]

$1599…oh no way!

[@osibe]

5:33

[@JumpMasterplays]

It's very Mongolian in the ghenghis Khan kinda takes over your ears like whiskey. I said what I said.

[@teemoleague907]

I own epiphone and Gibson. Epiphone is scam. Might as well but a different lp style guitar like IYV.

[@bullit4x]

Got a "used" 2021 on reverb for 1,250 free shipping. The deals are out there. This is by far my favorite. It's a beast. Does everything I want and is my main gig guitar. I tried the inspired by Gibson epiphone and it's good. It's just not a Gibson. Save your Pennie's and get the Gibson. It's worth it. Now I've got a few years to go. Maybe less and a real 57 will be mine. (Que evil laugh and rubbing hands together).

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

No way would I pay 1,600 for this guitar.

[@ericjoseph4355]

@@johnsmith-ug5tp I totally agree! Why pay almost 2k for a slab of wood with one pickup? With the Epi you could upgrade on the pickup, wiring, and bridge and have a great guitar for a lot less money.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I bought a brand new Eastman SB55V Monday on sale for $1,200 and love it. I also, bought the epiphone 59 les paul a few months ago before the prices went up and its a fantastic guitar. @@ericjoseph4355

[@jfiery]

Damn, you let it scream, not sing.

[@Ayliar]

It’s very twangy

[@maraviyoso8473]

Like it should be

[@Weenis416]

Got a junior dc tribute. Got it used so was quite a deal. Only thing that bothers me is the tall frets. Is a learner guitar so suppose is why its designed like that. Killer guitars.

[@SFCDV]

Tall frets are the only way to go