Les Paul Junior Shootout - Gibson vs Epiphone - Back to Back Comparision

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It takes a man of a certain age to have Leslie West instead of Billy Joe Armstrong as his default Junior player

[@theguitaristas]

🤣 imagine the fun I had trawling through the Green Day catalogue looking for inspiration... i must have spent a good 10 minutes on that bit of research! 🎸✌️

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

@@theguitaristas 🤣

[@andrewgarcia3136]

it can be both

[@theguitaristas]

You are absolutely right! This was just dad rock joke Andrew as sadly I’m far too old to fully appreciate Billy Jo’s contribution to punk rock. Cheers 🎸😎

[@jst601]

Leslie West is a guitar player. BJ Armstrong plays the guitar....big difference.

[@stepitup5409]

Man! In the mid 70s I stood about 4 feet away from Leslie West while he and Felix played their hearts out!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers stepitup… AWESOME!! 🙌🙌🎸😎✌️

[@BoomTexan]

How little could you hear afterwards?

[@Eawahwah]

Nice to hear some Leslie West and Mountain.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Eawahwah it had to be done! ✌️🎸

[@chrisghgh6478]

rip :(

[@brucereed4145]

Exactly. When I got my first Junior (a Gibson USA) it had to be the first thing I played on it!

[@philodonoghue3062]

Best, most knowledgeable and honest comparison review I’ve found online including website / blogs. Some of which diss the Epi Jr - which is completely at odds with my experience. Thanks for vindicating my recent purchase off Trademe (the Kiwi e-Bay). It’s the ultimate stripped down electric guitar - slab of wood with another long piece with frets and a bunch of strings stretched out with one pickup and just two knobs, one volume, one tone. The ultimate learner guitar and will do for the garage band of mates till you can con a pub or some such to pay you! If you only have one electric guitar - and a 10 Watt bedroom practice and busking amp - this is it.

[@nigelwallis9223]

Love your work, honest unbiased and not one self absorbed note in the whole video, unlike many other guitar reviews out there. Keep up the good work 👍

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Nigel that's really appreciated! 😊🙏

[@pinkiewerewolf]

That intro! The quintessential Gibson Les Paul Jr tune. I loved it.

[@kolchaknightstalker8290]

I just ordered my birthday present-a2024 Gibson LP Junior. Tobacco burst. I’m excited!

[@teleguy5699]

How you like it? Buying one today. Lefty. Not easy to find.

[@kolchaknightstalker8290]

@@teleguy5699 amazing! I enjoy it more than my expensive Standard! It’s mean, growls, is light, comfortable! And it smells like a Gibby!

[@teleguy5699]

@@kolchaknightstalker8290 You're right on all counts. 👍Love it.

[@Keith-rk4td]

I would rather have 3 Epiphones.

[@henryhunter5026]

I hope that people realise how much work you must have put into making this excellent comparison video, I think that you’ve done an amazing job. I think that I’ve mentioned before that I own a couple of the old Epiphone 57 Reissue guitars which are a previous Epiphone version of the Gibson LP Junior . These were, in my opinion , very well built guitars let down by terrible pickups but once these were replaced there’s not much to complain about. The only thing I think might put me off buying the current Epi LP Junior is the D shape neck profile but that’s just me, I do prefer the C shape but I’m sure that there are plenty who have the completely opposite opinion or don’t care. Now to the big question Gibson or Epiphone? My answer is that it’s down to individual taste and/or the size of your bank balance as both guitars sound great.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Henry 👍😎 I suppose we could say that the gap between Epiphone and Gibson has closed somewhat recently? We’re definitely spoilt for choice these days and seems every budget and taste has great options! 🎸🎸

[@bobbyhaynie4797]

Just sand the back of the neck down to fit your hand I always do t to al I'll of mine

[@jamesallen1164]

I found an epiphone les Paul jr.in a pawn shop a few years ago that needed some bridge work and a new nut . it was evident they had no clue what they had and let me have it for 75 bucks ! I put a bone nut and a bridge off an old les Paul that was totally trashed from a fire and man I love that guitar , so much I went out and bought another brand new one that has a flat finish on the body and neck . love both of them and they sound great especially for the price . amazing little guitars with a big boy sound !

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one! :)

[@doctorskull8197]

Thank you for this awesome video! Both instruments are great in their own way. The audience will never tell the difference!

[@johnmurray3346]

I have the Gibson, it has beautiful ‘real’ woodgrain, an amazing dark rosewood fretboard, plays amazing and rings out acoustically better than any of my other guitars.

[@leatherdardoretromovil6779]

I bought a Gibson sg junior (1 year ago) call the shop and said : guys looks like a 200 usd guitar not a 1250 guitar ,I am sending it back today! ,that was my last gibson ,today I ordered epiphone Les Paul Junior ,maybe ill change the pickup ,but maybe not..😎 thanks for the great reviews!!!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one.... I reckon you'll be fine with the stock P90 on that one it's a beast. Cheers for comment and support!

[@shaserv]

I like this guy. Your better then some of the others at explaining things. And your a great player. Old school. Thanks.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that’s appreciated!

[@IlNeige]

It kills me that Epi only offers one finish for their Juniors. The T Burst looks nice, but I feel like plain black or white is a better match for the stripped down vibe.

[@PantheonLincoln]

It's the weird veneer they put on them that bugs me. They do it on the SGs as well. I'd rather they did a solid finish if they wanted to hide how many pieces the body is made from.

[@hunkydorian]

NOT BLACK !! NOT BLACK !! HOLY JESUS CHRIST NOT BLACK !!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Personally, I'd like a satin finish. I know satin finish doesn't protect against dings as well as a poly finish but I still love the look and feel of the satin.

[@JesusLordOfLords455]

@@pinkiewerewolf agreed! A fully blacked out epi junior!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@GnosticBlast Yes! I have a blacked out PRS Vela and it looks and feels amazingly good. It plays well too.

[@Robert_Bubba_Baker]

Thank you for the honesty. I had me epiphone plus top pro model with lollar imperials with two pots changes and orange drop capacitors installed. Then we did a comparison with a 2015 les paul standard. The epiphone took the 🏆. I also own some high end gibsons too. There is a difference in feel which I agree with but I view them as an investment as well.

[@adamjolin]

Merry Christmas Colin! Thank you for a year of great guitars, humor, playing, and fun! Cheers to the new year!

[@marcarcoria7672]

Leslie West was always the quintessential junior player

[@Sc0teeBe318]

They sound way too close to justify the price difference. Even if I had the money to not care I still couldn't justify paying that much more to say I have a Gibson. Honestly in a live setting, no one would even notice what you're playing. As long as it sounds good to their ears that's all that matters. Most people at gigs are drunk and on their phones anyways. And people who are listening to music are usually listening on cellphones with crappy earphones and crappy mp3 recordings. They won't know if their favorite band is playing Epiphone or Gibson. You only have to worry about guitar nerds or purists who would make a fuss that you're using Epiphone instead of Gibson. If you're a intermediate to advanced player you would notice the feel is better with the Gibson but still, could you justify a $900 difference??? That is really a lot of money for something to feel a little better.

[@sixstringcity3931]

Well put. Jack Pearson was known to play Squier strats with the Allmans.

[@pgroove163]

u play & purchase what feels good for you that's what it's about.. the audience is irrelevant

[@DirtyDirkDiggler]

It’s about the FEEL of it, not the sound that makes for the real price difference. You can definitely tell a quality Gibson from an Epiphone when you pick one up.

[@kolchaknightstalker8290]

Colin, just to give you an idea as to how much fun your channel is, I’m in the market to buy an SG. I’ve never owned one. I LOVE my Epiphone Les Paul Pro plus top with Gibson burstbuckers. I’ve had it for several years now. It’s absolutely brilliant. But, I’m not going to lie….I grew up watching my hero, Steve Howe if Yes fame, Steve Hackett of Genesis, Alex Lifeson of Rush, and scores of other guitar heroes playing Gibson. The siren song is loud! But, back to my comment about your channel, here I’ve watched every single episode you’ve done on SG’s, loved them so much that now I’m watching your other episodes that don’t help me in my quest at all! Your show is addictive! 😂😂😂 I love your channel. You’re a solid guy. Thank you for your down to earth honesty and advice!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man thanks for watching and supporting! 😎👍

[@lamontprospect9974]

LOVE your Intro!!!

[@NoName-gz2kk]

Dang, Col, you tore up that intro!! Quite impressive, mate!!

[@theguitaristas]

😊🙏

[@barbdwyer7001]

There's an old saying... "You get what you pay for!" Sure, you can spend a lot of money to "mod out" an Epi with genuine Gibson parts, but on resale it's still an Epi to the prospective buyer. BTW... I'm quite happy with my 2022 Ebony Junior... it's flawless.😊

[@davidcudlip6587]

Bidding on a 2020 Epi Jr. right now. I usually yank out and replace the pickups and wiring guts on all my guitars, but your Epiphone sounds damn fine as is. Kudos for the Leslie West riffs. I miss that guy.

[@theguitaristas]

Hope you win it man! 👍😎🎸

[@chrismunsonmusic3432]

I can say I have seen the gibson qc lately as shotty at best. I ordered a 2020 es335 studio, a $2200 guitar. I received it with the roughest binding: to the point that it cut my hand the first run I made up the neck. I promptly returned it and bought a 2002 es 333. But my epiphone casino was like playing butter. I've never had any issues with epiphone.

[@danielhorsley2259]

Great channel man!! Popped up in my feed and I’ve gone down the rabbit hole lol. Excellent work!🤘

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Daniel glad you found us! 👍😎🎸

[@BadFox38]

I used to be such a snob about the name on the headstock. Luckily, I came to the realization that as long as the guitar plays and feels well, it doesn’t matter. I also like the idea of a cheaper or more affordable guitar because you’re not as paranoid about dinging it, and if it gets lost or stolen, you’re not out that much. So many professional musicians are using Epiphones without any endorsement. They’re great guitars. I think the most shocking to me was Janick Gers of Iron Maiden using an Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty. I’m also a bit sad that we’re still QC issues with Gibson. Meanwhile, companies like PRS, ESP and Fender are spot-on. Really makes you wonder what’s going on in Nashville.

[@petersaccoccio1664]

I had a fender thin line semi hollow. It was about $1,200. I took it to a gig in a really crowded bar , we were set up to play right at the entrance. I had it sitting on a guitar stand and quickly realized not a good idea. Crowds were coming in and out and all I thought about was someone knocking it over, or stealing it. That night I understood why you don’t necessary want your most expensive gear in certain places .

[@michaelanderson4747]

Man, why cant they make that Epiphone in the same color as the other Gibson LP Jr model? The Vintage Tobacco Burst? Id buy it in a second. Not a fan of the darker brown

[@paulgalilejevs4674]

I have a epiphone les paul junior, it's white in color, usually the first guitar I pick up

[@jvin248]

Certainly do a "part 2" video where you swap the pickups and the pots 'n caps. Measure pickup heights before starting. Play baseline, swap pickups, play, swap pots 'n caps, play, then swap everything back to original condition and play. It will be interesting to see how the brightness follows which set of parts. My expectation is the volume pots, Epiphone uses 500kohm and Gibson often uses 300kohm, plus the 20% pot factory build variation around the nominal target. We'll all get to learn a little bit about it regardless. If you're not fond of the component swaps, then get a buddy to do those parts and you do the playing.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks for comment!... it would certainly be an interesting experiment eh? 👍😎

[@danmeek928]

I have a Les Paul Junior bed had been bumped and considered B stock for half price. But they weren’t throwing in a case. So I turned around and started a walk away and they threw in the case. They just wanted to get rid of it fast.

[@scottclark7592]

I have the cheapest P90 les paul from epiphone-pulled front pickup out to junior it-and to be honest it is as good as anything-other than a vintage jr. It sits next to a 6k gibson and gets played as much. The heart of the Jr is a cheap lightweight guitar with a simple pickup-brand really isnt a issue with this combo.

[@thatpeterboy]

Really enjoyed this comparison, very informative and honest thanks very much indeed, i will check out an epiphone i think :)

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Pete... hard to go wrong with the Epiphone! :)

[@Edward1312]

If you are playing live 99% of the audience wont know or care about the difference so long as it sounds good and the guitarists can actual play well. For someone to pay that much extra its about the ego trip to that other 1% but then you have a much higher risk of the Gibson getting stolen in that environment because of its value! No reason why in the studio with a pickup change or and effects boxes you couldnt get them sounding exactly the same.

[@brucereed4145]

Well done. Hard to keep my eye off the gear in the background!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Bruce... ah yes we do love our gear eh?! 😎👍🎸

[@johndaugherty4127]

They are doing incredible things with machining these days. You are a treasure of useful git knowledge. Thank you for sharing it. Fantastic picker to boot!

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@che2335]

Thanks for the mountain of a jam from the mountain of a man RIP Leslie.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers that was a pleasure to learn and play... King Leslie! 🙌🙌

[@buzzburb1]

Glad to see the gibson has Orange drop capacitors unlike the Epiphone, most expensive Orange drops I can find online are £1.60p, only £898.40 to go then, great review by the way, as always!

[@SionynJones]

There's no difference they are both film capacitors.

[@SD_UK]

@@SionynJones Was this posted on National 'Miss the point of the joke day'?

[@buzzburb1]

never !! so how can all the reviewers and Gibson constantly claim that Orange drop capacitors are something special , I`m an electrical engineer and let me tell you there not most expensive is $5,00, where does the extortionate pricing come from , and I own a Gibson LP Standard and its great@@SionynJones

[@buzzburb1]

obviously you don`t do irony or satire , maybe you`re american with a small a @@SD_UK

[@perthmike7]

Great review and comparison, thanks for doing this 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Mike, thanks for support!

[@robertevans2143]

Thanks for doing the comparison. I would take the Epiphone. (actually I just ordered one). The Gibson is just not worth the extra $$. And also because of my bad experience with the Gibson Les Paul. Really like your playing and nice to see someone not shredding. Mississippi Queen, (don't know if I spelled that right..lol) excellent song choice!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Robert! 👍🎸✌️

[@paulgalilejevs4674]

Good Choice, I have a nice Epiphone Les Paul Junior, luv it

[@bomber5242]

Great video . I just purchased a used Epiphone Les Paul Jr. for $70 . It's in very good shape . Only a few scratches and dings . The only thing I don't like is that it has a single humbucking pickup . I prefer the cleaner sound of a p90 pickup . Have you ever done a comparison of humbucking vs. p90 on this model ? I am considering retrofitting a p90 onto this guitar , but there might not be much of a noticeable sound difference for the amount work involved . I've seen a few of your videos and thoroughly enjoyed them . Hope you continue making these informative videos . Your playing skill is awesome !!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man thanks for the kind words and support! 😁👍 Maybe get a humbucker sized P90 and give that a try so it's totally reversible? I think you'll like the difference so worth a shot!

[@carpagevid]

Great Video an comparison!!! thanks!

[@Boosty_Boost]

oh my god.. for a second i thought you where faking it and playing a backing track xD haha! Very well done on the intro!!

[@theguitaristas]

😂 No fakery here dude!... although it does mean I have to put in some hours practicing - but that’s no bad thing I definitely need it! 😎👍🎸

[@Boosty_Boost]

@@theguitaristas and its worth it! :p its fun and it sounds great :D 🤘🏼🎸

[@bristolfashion4421]

Love these videos you do, chap! Straightforward, loads of detail, loads of playing, loads of info. Thanks. I picked up a B stock Epiphone Les Paul junior ''57 reissue' from Peter Cooks Guitar World back in 2014 - lovely guitar 'cept for the rather disappointing 'P100' which I replaced with a proper single-coil P90 - see hh's comment also. My fave 'vintage' guitar !

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man good to hear from you, the support is appreciated!... Another awesome Epiphone Les Paul Junior review coming this Friday so stick around! :)

[@jimmyhartman573]

oddly i had ordered a ebony jr. from Gibson and the paint wasnt even applied on certain spots , the front was a mass of swirls . . it was promptly sent back . . . . i am now today ordering the Epiphone version based on your reviews. . . ABSOLUTELY MY FAVORITE REVIEW CHANNEL . . LOVE THE DETAIL AND SARCASM . . . I need to also mention the Gibson (not plekked) had uneven frets, and undressed fret ends and an arrid dry fingerboard . . they claim to plek all models , i find this to be untrue ! i am no longer impressed with Headstock envy (this was a 2021 model in ebony)

[@theguitaristas]

Interesting to hear that Jimmy... glad you were able to return yours! Epiphone will do the job nicely anyway. Thanks so much for the kind words and support its really appreciated! :)

[@dougbrown5530]

Great LPJ vid! I have the same Epiphone "inspired by Gibson" LPJ. However mine has the smooth wrap around bridge, not the intonated one on yours. This maybe because mine is left handed and they didn't have a LH intonated bridge in stock? The smooth bridge is identical LH and RH, just on at a different angle. All the LH Epi LPJs I've seen since I bought mine have the smooth bridge, which I prefer. Have you considered doing a pedal vid? I stopped and started this one to see what you were using! Doug

[@todds.6012]

I own 3 Gibson guitars and I love them all. SG Classic in cherry finish with P90's. SG Tribute in silverburst finish with mini humbuckers. Les Paul DC in blue with one P90. All 3 are very well made and I look forward to getting a SG junior soon. Great video and I enjoy watching you talk about your guitars.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Todd 😎👍

[@davidharding200]

I am happy for you.. I don’t doubt what you say. But I wonder if you are a person who doesn’t look for or particularly notice these things. From the relatively small of new Gibson’s I’ve looked at they’ve all been flawed in for and finish from a moderate to significant degree so the fact that you have 3 which you have no issues with surprises me. If you’re not one to pick up those things then that’s great; but means you can enjoy the Gibson without remorse.

[@biohazard8295]

@@davidharding200 i'd rather buy an imperfect guitar that plays and feels good than a perfect guitar with cheap wood and parts

[@theuserthatishere]

or what about a guitar that has it all?

[@4gotin1]

I’m sitting home today waiting for my epiphone LPJ to be delivered. I’ve had gibsons and epiphones. The thing about this GREAT review/comparison that really struck a chord w me was that in the back of my mind while playing the Gibson I’ll always be thinking about how much it cost. I could never get past that w my Les Pauls. The one Gibson I’ll always play and keep is my hummingbird pro, but I’m expecting this new epiphone to check all the boxes and fill the void completely. Thanks!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, I hope it does let us know how you get on with it!

[@Earthstein]

Head-stock and body finish. Means a lot to me in my advanced age. I take pleasure in listening and watching you on your channel. I wish you many fine years more.

[@LGuitarB]

Very sensible assessment!

[@jodylowe8476]

This was great and timely. I am looking at the epi and your review makes me feel good about my decision. I prefer cheaper guitars anyway as i suck.

[@theguitaristas]

Hey we all suck Jody! 😆👍 but don't worry this little beauty will make you want to play more so you will be a killer player in no time! 😎🎸

[@migueldemaria3830]

thanks, this is very well done and enjoyable to watch. You're getting a great tone out of both.

[@AICD1999]

I found similar issues with my Gibson Jr compared to my Epiphone Jr. Fret edges were horrible on my Gibson. swapped the Gibson bridge for a Badass too but thats preference. My Gibson had PCB mounted pots and such. I trashed that and vintage wired it. Anyway a $1300 new US instrument shouldnt need any fret work. I purchased mine used with the original HSC for less then half that so I was willing to make it right myself.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

$1,500 now.

[@danielrentel9747]

I'm really enjoying your videos!

[@edgesrockandroll]

Great video, I'm picking up a used Epi LPJ today and your video was the perfect review to help me with that decision since I already own a Gibson Special.... Thanks, mate!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one! 😁👍

[@ARFthegodking]

I watched this video and it gave me the itch. I went to my favorite guitar store and tried a couple Gibsons. I liked the burst finish the best, but the black one had a slightly chunkier neck and a lighter body. The guitar feels like it was made for me and sounds amazing. Unfortunately, they didn't have any Epi Jrs to try. The feel and smell of my new guitar make it very difficult put down. The finish has a few imperfections, but they are in inconspicuous places. I think perhaps one of the things about Gibsons is something a lot of people say about Martins: each one is differend, some are ok and some are phenomenal.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Adam, sorry sounds like watching this video was expensive! 😂... so did you buy the black one?

[@ARFthegodking]

@@theguitaristas I did get the black one. It was expensive, but it is also the most awesome guitar I've ever played.

[@theguitaristas]

@@ARFthegodking Nice one Adam!.... yes it's a brilliant guitar and in the scheme of things these days it's not a particularly expensive guitar so you did the right thing if it makes you feel good... and that smell!!

[@corneliuscrewe677]

I’ve got a player’s grade original ‘55 Junior that was stripped and spray painted industrial blue that I bought from a coworker who kept it in his locker at work to play on his breaks. I’ve since refinished it, and while it’s old and could use a fret job, it’s the stuff. Most of the modern Gibson versions I’ve tried don’t come close. Interestingly, the one Epi I tried actually caught my fancy far more than the Gibsons, despite it’s obviously smaller neck. I just gelled with it better.

[@theguitaristas]

I’d love to see that... and hear it I bet it sounds awesome!! If you can check out the new Billie Joe Armstrong signature one I reviewed a few weeks back... it’s white and has got the fat neck we love and all for £439. I think perhaps these Epiphone’s are manufactured more in the spirit of the originals... cheap student guitars... and capture the vibe better? They are certainly more enjoyable to play knowing that they haven’t cost the earth! Cheers man, thanks for comment 😎👍

[@corneliuscrewe677]

@@theguitaristas Sorry, I never got notification of your comment. Yeah, I’ve been intrigued by the Billie Joe model, I’d love to see how it compares with the ‘55, which is the fat end of a baseball bat😆😆 Mine has an amazingly comfortable soft V. Don’t know if it came hat way, or if that’s the shape the neck ended up with after getting sanded down, but I love it. I think Epi’s in general have really raised the bar and are delivering guitars with the spirit and the playability of the favorite old Gibsons. I picked up a Koa topped Les Paul Custom a few months ago and one of the Guitar Center Inverness Green 335’s, they are an amazing bang for the buck. They aren’t perfect, both needed a little bit of fret work. Nothing major, just a little buzziness on the 335 and a loose fret on the Custom, but they play and sound fantastic. A few tweaks here and there, they are getting just as much play time as my favorite old Gibsons. Really impressed.

[@theguitaristas]

@@corneliuscrewe677 😎👍👍

[@randallyoung9411]

Excellent review, entertaining and very fair. Well done.

[@duaneanderson6393]

I enjoy your posts. your perspectives are very interesting. Thank you.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks for supporting! 😎👍

[@jasoncolley4102]

Cool 😎 video mate, I’ve always wanted a Gibson Les Paul Junior since I started listening 👂 to the New York Dolls and Johnny Thunders etc, could never afford a Gibson so when Epiphone brought this new 2020 inspired by Gibson I got the Les Paul Junior straight away, I wish they did mine in TV 📺 Yellow but never mind I love ❤️ it, the only other epiphone I was waiting to buy was one of those 57 reissues but those beauties are going up in price year by year, any how I love 💗 your channel bro 😎 keep on Rockin in the free world 🌎🎸🎸🤟🤟🤟

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jason 👍 we need more Johnny Thunders on this channel!! 😎🎸✌️

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

I’d be happy to have the Epiphone and your chops…

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Joseph that very kind and much appreciated! 😎🎸👍

[@randyhayes1001]

My son bought the Gibson and I bought the Epiphone jr and the quality of the Epiphone was much better and the Epiphone has a better sound due to pickup is hotter. The only difference is the neck felt more rounded and finished. But in the Vox the Jr was a beast. Definitely not worth 1100 bucks more.

[@johnrathbun2943]

I can hear the difference between Epiphone and Gibson. The Gibson has a more fuller sound. You can most definitely hear the bass in the Gibson. And I contribute that to the pickups. But you can change the pickup in the Epiphone and still have money to put down on a nice Amp. So the price difference is not justified.

[@123pap]

To be fair you should play some southern rock tunes as that is where the jr's shines

[@jamesschrader8193]

Hello Colin, I think your video is entertaining I never miss a show. Thank you for sharing.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks James that’s appreciated! 😎👍

[@tommurphy3188]

Agreed totally, I’ve owned both of these and the epiphone is awesome on its own. Until you play the Gibson…the American version feels a certain way, the finish breathes better, the weight feels better, and the Gibson is so acoustically loud! Gibson says they put cts pots on the epi, I call bs. My epiphone didn’t start making noise until the volume pot hit 2.5 But if I’d never played the Gibson I would t of known or cared.

[@chadjohnson-authormusician8072]

Easy enough to open it up and take a look inside, right?

[@klvs2ply]

I believe you’re hearing the fret board material. Laurel is brighter and has quicker attack as it’s denser than rosewood

[@brian.f09]

Love the channel - thanks for sharing! The Gibson definitely sounded better to me but it’s a bit out of my price range. I’d love to see you swap the Epi pickups and tail piece with the Gibson’s. I’m curious how much of difference it’d make and how close you could get it to the Gibson. Cheers!

[@tomthumb4325]

Great demo

[@fossilmatic]

Good comparison. Although it’s interesting how every demo on KZbin, every reference to players using Jnrs, every stereotype is that these guitars are best “for high gain” playing and tones. But they were not designed for that at all. They date from 1954-55 in design and there was no such thing as “high gain”, even “overdriven” style or genre playing until the mid sixties. These were student guitars, but essentially designed to play the genres of the time; country, pop, rhythm and blues, western swing, et al. No one talks about this. How do they work for cleaner or articulated styles of playing? Probably your best bet is to listen to the London Calling album by the Clash to hear a range of styles (probably) played on a Jnr by Mick Jones. No one talks about the brightness and top end of a Gibson bridge pickup played with less gain; how clanky and brattish they are for clean rhythms;how harmonically rich and punchy in the mids they are compared to the more fundamental and scooped tone of a Fender when picking open chords. Yes, they make a great overdriven power chord. But what else can they do?

[@ronboff3461]

i play an Epi Casino i bought in 1994.....natural with a slightly figured top.....it works! what more can you ask? excellent job and fair assessment. imo

[@michaelchiasson9088]

Loved your review, found you by accident but will subscribe now. Anyway, that Epi is one fine looking guitar! I’d take that in a heartbeat. Got myself an Epi inspired by Gibson ES339 and it is flawless! Also I am renting a new Epi Explorer, less than 1/2 the price of it Gibson cousin and it is great, probably going to keep it.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Michael glad you found us! 😎👍🎸

[@WorldsOkayestGuitarPlayer]

I've been back and forth on getting a "real" junior or an Epiphone. Epiphone seems like a very good choice and a third the cost!

[@theguitaristas]

Hey thanks for comment, It’s a difficult one eh?... the Epiphone will definitely scratch the itch... 🤔🎸 Happy hunting!

[@paulgalilejevs4674]

I bought a Epiphone Les Paul Junior, a while back & it plays beautiful, no regrets

[@theguitaristas]

@@paulgalilejevs4674 Cheers Paul, they sure are great guitars for the money eh?!

[@stricknine8623]

The Epiphone is even less than 1/3 of the cost of the Gibson. Its very close to being 1/4 the cost of the Gibson. Seems to me the decision would be an easy one.

[@jetjaguar72]

Kinda old comment but did you get one? It feels like the only reason to get the Gibson is the headstock 🤣 I can't lie, if I had money to burn, Gibson it is! Lolol

[@leatherdardoretromovil6779]

Thanks again men for the amazing review! I got today my epiphone , sounds really good unplugged, I didn’t plugged , being playing it unplugged for 2 hs , to explore the acoustic possibility’s , the poly finish is the weakest point for me , but if you have some wood skills would take an afternoon to remove the poly and refinish it in Nitro , and 20 usd aprox of materials

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one glad you like it! but be careful if you decide to try and remove the poly finish it will be very thick and messy... probably take a week and lots of paint remover!

[@hunkydorian]

@@theguitaristas I think that this guy knows what he's doing.

[@tonyferrante1426]

My 90s America Stratocaster has pretty much the same type of finish

[@rikiandov17]

I dreamed to own a Gibson when i was playing my first big gig when I was 20 I was lent 1970 fretless wonder Black Gibson Custom and I can never forget the feel and the sound of that guitar but it seems they don't make em like that anymore , not sure. Very Informative Video Im always on the lookout for gibson but very cautios as i was put off few years back when they were really below standard quality and i kind of hesitant now .Would you tell us which model is your favorite model?

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Riki, so many good guitars to own these days! My favourite is always the SG Junior with the single P90!

[@aperezdeal]

I like to revisit this video now and again. I’ve gone Gibson, Eastman in both single and double cut (the double cut to me was something special) and the Epiphone. The epiphone is what remains. As to the chunk of the neck I find it depends on how aggressive they were with the sand paper. I had a Billie Joe Epi that was really rather chunky but it varies. Cheers.

[@larrybuss677]

Great intro. Leslie made Jrs. Famous.

[@goss1961]

My Epiphone Inspired By Junior is one of my favorite guitars ever and probably would be the one I grabbed in a house fire. Thanks for making me feel even more content...and smug...about having the Epiphone instead of the Gibson. My Epi's neck is huge. Perhaps they vary somewhat...

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Goss! I do wonder if they vary from batch to batch... maybe someone on here knows?

[@benallmark9671]

Mines huge too. I was taken back when he stated the opposite.

[@benmiddleton9984]

I think we should learn to separate the two in my opinion. A Gibson is a Gibson and an epiphone is an epiphone. Both great guitars made by two really good companies. A good guitar is a good sounding guitar and if the Epiphone sounds good then you have a good guitar.

[@richardmcpike]

Another excellent review 👍

[@InkedGamerWolf420]

In Canada, a bolt on Junior costs $250CAD, Set neck goes for $500CAD from Epiphone. My bolt on 2011 Junior got a maple Kalamazoo style headstock as a replacement because the original ones said no more 12-56g detunes and bowed right out

[@glenkepic3208]

Nice shoot out vid !!! I ordered an Epi Jr in '20 and had to wait months for it. At one point, i got cold feet and called SW to cancel "Its on it's way." "GREAT!!!" No regrets. It's on a stand now and Rox ! Epi Firebird,,,,didn't want to wait until Jan (one estimate), so ordered one from another seller. Maybe i should have just refused it since it was banging around in the outer box. Actually was awesome for about 2 months. Last weekend, it up and died (faint Br pup, Neck pup ok then nothing). Brought it to a shop this morning. Hoping it's just the output jack,,,,prob more serious. This was basically a 65th BD present to me from family. Maybe i'll chime in next week for an update. Play on !!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Glen... still got to get myself a firebird! 🔥

[@anotherstart1]

Love your Videos Brother! The woods/finish and electronics all play a role in it sounding brighter. What Epiphone says is Mahogany would never make it into the USA factory. I’ve built these guitars and yes the QC on lower end models is sketchy. There source of woods in Asia is horrendous. If you stripped it it would be knotted as why there’s veneers on both sides. That’s why the Gibson’s $900 more.

[@650thunderbird]

Good review/comparison, again! Anderton's will need to smear Vick's under their nostrils, now.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man! Yeah I can’t believe they’ve been cheating all this time! 😂👍

[@gustafrenstrom8549]

there is a video where they put earplugs in their nostrils because they coud smell the gibson.

[@theguitaristas]

@Gustaf Renström that's brilliant! 😂

[@pasteye1671]

Never understood why manufacturers put Bacofoil on the cavity covers/pickguards, and never connect them to ground!

[@michaelbovio3796]

I bought a Gibson vintage sunburst Jr a month ago. It is flawless and fabulous. No paint issues, the body is perfect, no scratches, and it stays in tune for a week before I put the tuner on it. Sound and tone are great. I can’t find one thing to complain about. I’ve been playing since 1966, and have owned 100 plus guitars in the course of my life but certainly I don’t have that many now, but I know what to look for, and I’m giving this guitar the highest accolades possible. I bought it on line from ZZounds, so it went straight from Gibson here in Nashville to the distributor, which means it wasn’t played or handled by anyone else.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Michael, I do love this junior now but it was definitely manhandled on the journey between factory and me! 😆👍

[@michaelbovio3796]

I’ve had better luck buying on line. I just came from a prominent store here in the Nashville area. There’s a beautiful EVH White and Black striped from VH1 hanging there. As I got up to it, the pick guard was demolished. Scratched terribly. Something needs to change in the stores. By the way, I just discovered your page and am loving it!

[@ChanoQlo]

really good content, loving these Junior videos. Saludos

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍👍

[@ark8876]

Exactly what @matty two hats said. Great intro and outro!

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍👍

[@robpodd8665]

I can tell you are still disappointed with the Gibson Les Paul Junior.I would be too.They could of taken it back and made an effort to clean it up or give you a couple hundred pounds back to you ! Love all your videos !!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Rob, It certainly got off to a bad start but I have properly bonded with it now! 😆👍

[@robpodd8665]

@@theguitaristas Good to hear.Both Juniors are great guitars! You deserve every one you own ! Look forward to your next film !

[@alfreGr]

Thank you for such an in-depth analysis!

[@theguitaristas]

You're welcome thanks for the comment and support it's appreciated! 😎👍

[@rexhorning7228]

I love the Epi. I have both the standard and special. Had to do some setup work on them but who wouldn’t do that for any guitar you just bought. Note I have never been able to afford an actual Gibbons and if I did I would be afraid of something happening to it.

[@tuna22lm]

Cool video ,thanks for that comparison.

[@danceswithbadgers]

They do sound remarkably similar, making the premium for the Gibson hard to justify IMO. I've had a Junior reissue since 1988, one of the 1986 - 1992 run with Tunomatic bridges. If memory serves - it was a long time ago, and I'm old now - I replaced the Grover- style tuning pegs with actual Grover (i.e. good) ones. It's my favourite guitar, even though I have a Standard from 1996. I'd certainly contemplate a Junior from a manufacturer other than Gibson as there are several good quality options. There is, however, still a cachet with the Gibson name. I'd probably go with a luthier - made Junior if not a Gibson and then you're back up to Gibson prices again, but with better quality than Gibson currently seem capable of. At Gibson's prices, hit and miss quality simply isn't good enough.

[@kenq7948]

To me the Gibson sounds slightly better. A little more depth. I think the roughly 600 you save on the epi could be added to whatever you were going to spend on an amp and that combination would sound better.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Ken, the Epi is £900 cheaper so you could get a great tube amp for that... good shout! 😎👍🎸

[@ModelCitizenstudio]

I recently sold my Gibson and I’m now looking to get the billie joe Armstrong version very soon….

[@arnolddealiii4259]

It sounded to me that blindfolded you can’t tell a difference. But it looked like the Gibson has a slight advantage on playability, as your playing bit looked effortless on the Gibson. Excellent demo as always!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Arnold, I prefer the neck on Gibson which is probably why 🤔

[@jordanpratt3821]

Yeah the sound is the main thing, but not everything. Doesn't matter how good it sounds if it's hard to play,and you don't want to play it.

[@arnolddealiii4259]

@@jordanpratt3821 very true. I found that usually Epiphones need a nice level crown and polish. I’m not saying that’s a fix all but my $600 Epiphone Sheraton with some used Seymour Duncan pickups and a set of decent pots goes a long way compared to buying a Gibson ES-330 which runs around $3000 to $5000. I have less than $800 tied up into my Epiphone and I don’t have to keep an eye on it all night at gigs! 😎

[@OkieOrganix]

I have a Marstro by Gibson Les Paul Jr that I’ve completely reworked. New medium jumbo stainless frets with level and dressing, rolled over fretboard edges, Tusq Nut, Grover 102c tuners, Emerson pots and a 0.022uf cap, a 57 classic plus pickup that I reversed the polarity of tue alnico 2 magnet and installed it upside down, graph tech wrap around bridge, a pure tone output jack, 50s wiring.. this guitar is now something totally wicked and unexpected. People play it and go wow wtf is this!?!

[@kostasmarinakis1459]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much

[@justanothernobodysopiniono7811]

Great review, I always wanted buy the Epiphone, but now I'm gunna buy the Epiphone. Thanks for the no nonsense, no hype, laid back review.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man... your opinion is very much appreciated! 😀👍

[@petset77]

I have an Epiphone Junior. I have very few complaints with it. It's a cheaper one with a bolt on neck (not an "Inspired by Gibson" model) that I got used on ebay for a hundred dollars. Someone did some of the work I wanted to do on one of these... it had the Epi humbucker, and they swapped it out for a humbucker fit P90, plus they put a fully adjustable bridge on it. It's black on black, and I didn't like the rounded pick guard, so I shaped it to pretty closely match a Gibson version. I got an aftermarket pickguard and disliked that it was so "pinkish" instead of golden tones in the pattern. Whatever. The guitar works, and sounds pretty good. It's for around the house anyway, although I was going to take it across the country to play it at a large festival for the one song I'm playing guitar on next month. (I'm retired, but was a bass player by trade and will be playing one of my old Precisions for the set). I've decided on using my Ovation Breadwinnner Limited, only because it'll likely be the only one at the fest (or maybe in town), so the Epi won't be exhibited in front of a large crowd after all. A friend has an original '54 Junior, and it's a different thing entirely. I'm not buying a fifties Junior, so I'm happy with my purchase. Thanks for your video.

[@he11bent6]

Aaaaaannndd now I’m going to order that Epiphone. Thank you, sir!!

[@lawrencestark8983]

I would rather have a Epiphone. To me I like the sound its more crisp, great video throughly enjoyed it, thank you