OCTOBER #2 (2019 Gibson Les Paul Junior)

My other birthday guitar. It's lovely :-)
As you get older time becomes even more of an illusion. When I talk about my old '57 Junior being 50 years old I mean of course 62 years old. Nearly as old as me...Hahahahaa

[@tofudogg]

Best vid on Tube for LP Jr.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Wow! You really are very kind. Thanks so much 😊

[@dannydoyle8340]

Wow, your playing, tone, and style are all amazing.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks for dropping and for the very kind words. really appreciate it :-)

[@jltrem]

Happy birthday, Paul! Got a replacement for the '57! Wonderful. Happy returns of the day.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks ever so. It's not as good but I love it anyway :-)

[@noahjuan2234]

Your demos always tell me what I need to know of how the guitar sounds. You just sold me on this one! Thanks, Paul.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I'm glad I'm getting through loud and clear and that you're getting something from it. I've missed my '57 Junior since I had to sell it when I was out of work and I was very happy to see Gibson make this guitar available as part of their 'regular' range. There are some finishing issues (with the nut mainly) but nothing serious and I have decided that I really love this guitar.... Try before you buy is always sensible but if Juniors are your thing I'd say these are good ones and you shouldn't be disappointed. Thanks for dropping by :-)

[@Noitpure]

Sounds lovely, Paul! Enjoy your new Jr. and Happy Birthday!!! Best wishes, Trina

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks Trina. I'm loving it. Not as much grunt as the old one but pretty nice all the same

[@Gerry2210]

Happy Birthday Paul. 😃🎂👍

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks very much indeed. I appreciate it:-)

[@KoolKatDave]

Awesome playing and video, Paul. Love the Junior and that CONN tuner in the back! Cheers from America.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much for those very kind words. Much appreciated I assure you. Having seen so many bands (since probably '67) with a Conn Strobotuner somewhere on or near the stage I decided in the '90s that it was time to get one and then when I searched "Conn" all that came up was Peterson so I ended up buying a Peterson V-Sam which I have to this day and which meant I could never go back from the luxury and accuracy of strobe tuning. The tuner you can see is actually a Peterson Stomp Classic which I bought specifically because it looks like the Conn though only half the size :-) I hope your bit of America is cool, calm and safe and cheers to you too.

[@papac8509]

I feel sorry for the people that quit this video before the 7:00 minute mark. Nice playing Paul! I’m agonizing right now between this one, and the LP special which has two P-90’s. Your not making my decision any easier. 😎 From one old timer to another, keep on playin!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks for sticking with it PapaC.... Much appreciated. Personally I find no switch and just two controls a bit of a luxury. Because I started on a Stratocaster, that is the system that makes most sense to me and balancing two different volumes (like a Gretsch or two pup Gibson) is something I have to approach intellectually rather than intuitively. All of that is, of course, completely irrelevant to your choice. I'm sure you'll love whatever you decide to go for. They are sweet guitars :-)

[@daviemcf]

A nice surprise Paul,still watching......great performance Paul...you know how to get a great tone out of any guitar...well done!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks Davie. Always good to see you here

[@JockeLundgrenTV]

Great video and playing. Thanks. Cheers from Sweden! ☀️

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You're very kind. Thank you so much

[@ToothpickTony2]

Happy Birthday Paul .... has an authentic 50's sound to it. The vintage Analog Guitars are the best ... The guitarists of the future will see these in a museum & never get to hold one . My Uncle has a 1959 Gibson V and he guards it with his life.. lol .. You scored a guitar from 1957 ... Your a lucky man paul. :-) Happy Birthday again .... All the best sir ... Be safe ... God Bless

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks TpT. Good to see you. I actually had a 1957 Junior AND a '62 Junior and had to sell 'em both when I was out of work. This is brand new but it's a goodun. I like it very much. I don't think my nerves would stand owning a real '50s Flying V. Those things are like gold dust now. Thanks again my friend. Take care :-)

[@GoldtopDude]

Watched this again, good review and great playing, .....need me a Junior! Thanks much

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank YOU. I believe some folk don't like Juniors. Me? I love 'em :-)

[@LenaRiess]

Happy Birthday Paul! Nice guitar, very nice!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank you Lena. I missed the old one when I had to sell it so I am quite happy to have this new one to take its place :-)

[@RoseAkerman]

You can really get some great sounds out of that thing! Keep on playing man, I love hearing this stuff!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much. It might give me up at some point but it's too late for me to give it up now :-)

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Just found a 2005 model and fell in love with it! Great classic rocker. Sounds very nice. P90s have great range for a single pup. Cheers!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Excellent! You'll love it. From my experience I have absolutely no doubt that after enough playing the good new ones can be as good as the old ones.

[@douglashazen973]

great playing - just got that guitar and you have inspired me. Thanks for the video and music

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank YOU for dropping by and for taking the time to leave the very kind comment. I really appreciate it. Enjoy the guitar - I'm sure you will.

[@raymondsound]

Hi Paul ,Happy Birthday 2022 !!! I was able to get a LP Junior last summer.( I got gold knobs for it too!) You make it sound wonderful ! Thanks for sharing .

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks and thanks again. Yeah, Gibson did a really nice job with these though why they put the all black knobs on I will never understand. They just look wrong :)

[@zydecobill]

Only catching up on your October videos. Super. Been lying low but these videos are a call to arms. Tks for your continuing inspiration. Do Chara Seamus.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Good to see you z'bill though the way the world is nobody could blame you for lying low. Thanks, as ever for the very kind words

[@Bjornlundstrom]

Congrats in arrears Paul, beautiful guitar, beautiful playing, awesome🎶🔥

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate it

[@FabianL.]

Very nice performance and Happy Birthday. Thumbs up :) Keep in touch. All the best, Fabian

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank you..... and thank you :-)

[@cawfeedawg]

Sounds fantastic. Oh and happy birthday!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank you very much ....and thank you very much :-)

[@anytimejj]

I'm watching it with LIKE #38. It's so beautiful. Your guitar playing is fantastic and I love it. Thanks for sharing such nice performance. Cheers! JJ from Korea

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You are very kind JJ. Thanks so much :-)

[@mmmfs]

Congrats! I also purchased one of these recently, and replaced the knobs on mine as well. I also changed the wiring harness out for better pots. Amazing guitars these are.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Congratulations on yours. They are nice aren't they? :-)

[@terephthalate]

생일 축하합니다 happy birthday Paul!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You are very kind. Thank you :-)

[@rexnavarro2918]

Junior! gotta Love it!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Yeah man!...and these new ones are pretty nice :-) Thanks for dropping by

[@neilbrewer]

Happy Birthday Paul! Neil (Australia)

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate it

[@bluesblue6453]

Got mine today, can't wait to get home and play!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You'll love it I'm sure :-)

[@stringler-6733]

Nice one Paul, happy birthday

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks very much. I really appreciate it

[@simonplimbley5778]

Came across the video looking for the 2019 review on my quest to go old or new LP Junior. Really enjoyed you playing and straight video. Subscribed 👍

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much for that. I apologise for not responding earlier but I got no notification from youtube that your comment was here. I'm glad I finally found it even if only by chance.

[@TimGuitarcouk]

Happy birthday and thanks for the videos. Lovin' the LP Jr....enjoy your beautiful guitar.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks very much Tim. I appreciate it. I saw a notification for your comment before you edited, which I imagine you did to be polite and not tell me I'm wrong about PRS...Hahahahahahaha. I was very much into PRS and had a beautiful Custom 22 in 1996. What I should have done is what PRS themselves ended up doing and changed the rotary switch for a 'sensible' 3 way toggle. I am not at all anti PRS but was using the example purely to justify buying myself two guitars for my birthday. Thanks again for dropping by and for the kind words :-)

[@TimGuitarcouk]

Paul McCaffrey I totally get it. I am a bit evangelical about PRS since I got mine, but I 100% agree re that stupid 5 way rotary switch they used to have, which incidentally inhibited the pickups output by around 20%, which is why the old PRS pickups often sounded so shrill; Paul always overwound his P/U’s to compensate. Apparently Barry, the former tech at Machinehead in Hitchin discovered the problem with the five way and Paul reed Smith was horrified when he found out. The electronics were changed almost immediately. He has got them nailed, now though. Your LP Jr is lovely, by the way.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I know Brinsley and Charlie in Chandlers workshop were putting toggle switches in PRSs from very early on. They are great guitars for sure but the only one that might tempt me now would be a Hollowbody because I'm all for 5lb guitars with my back...Hahahaha For all Gibsons' problems - and many of them are ongoing - it is great that they have a nice LP Jnr and SG Jnr in the regular range without having to pay Historic or Custom Shop prices and it remains undeniably true that both come in together at less than a McCarty. I've just confirmed online that you did indeed work at Guitarist so you may have played my Custom 22. It was reviewed in Guitarist in (I think) Oct 1996 and I bought it from Chandlers. I even remember the serial number was 6 26246. It went for funds to pay bills and live......ah me :-)

[@TimGuitarcouk]

Paul McCaffrey Yes, I really did work at Guitarist magazine, and afterwards I worked for Fender and Peavey. I am genuine. Lol. I still have a great fondness for Gibson guitars but since I became I PRS owner I have found a guitar that fits me and suits me. Saying that, I love the LP Jr, the natural resonance that yours has is tangible, even on tiny speakers. I am very tempted to get one after hearing yours.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

The perils of the written word...Hahahahaha! I said "confirmed" not because I ever doubted your realness but because I couldn't remember which mag it was - whether you were one of the Croydon lot or one of the Bath lot :-) You should definitely try one of these Juniors whether you buy or not. I am quite looking forward to it being an even better guitar in a year. It has that lively feel that implies that it will only get livelier and better

[@bennettskb555]

Hi Paul, it’s been a long time my friend....great to see you have treated yourself to the juniors.....they sound great. Apologies for the long absence, I’m gigging quite a lot these days so KZbin has taken a back seat. Seeing you play the SG took me way back to first seeing you on the tube....still playing great 👍 Best wishes Steve

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks Steve.... Absolutely no need to apologise. It's good to see you again and I'm glad you're well. The Juniors are both great and to be honest, easier on the nerves to own compared to old ones, in terms of worrying about originality and damage and all that mallarkey (though I am trying not to bash 'em up anyway...Hahahahaha). I hope you're around again more regularly though to be fair if you have real world playing to do then why wouldn't you :-), Have a great Christmas if I don't see you before then. Very best wishes to you too.

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Hi Paul Happy Birthday fella you are in good company my daughter and wife are both Librans like yourself, their date 11 and 12 th respectively Anyway excellent choice of guitar sounds just fantastic along with the SG your a lucky boy 😜 Can’t fault you Paul , great playing as ever . Cheers John

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks John. You're very kind. Do wish her and her a belated happy birthday from me and thanks again to you for dropping by and for the kind words.

[@12Radius]

Cool guitar I’ve always like those. You never know I might wind up with one Someday .Nice playing ✌️

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks very much indeed. Try one if you get the chance. They are pretty nice guitars

[@12Radius]

Paul McCaffrey Yes will do. Thanks 😊

[@doctorcatsburger]

Happy Birthday!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks very much doc :-)

[@jasminmaria2]

Ola from Brazil. Nice guitar. Congratulated You are excellent.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Ola and obrigado. You are very kind :-)

[@garyp5522]

I have found your videos and really like your playing.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It's very kind of you to say so. Thanks so much 🙂

[@TimGuitarcouk]

Rings like a sunburst bell...

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You calling my playing dung? Hahahahahahahahaha It does indeed Tim. Thank you yet again

[@grahamaldridge]

I was wondering if / hoping this might be the mystery guitar. 😀 Sounds ace, as always. Many Happy Returns Paul.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Hahaa! Yes indeed...and whatever problems Gibson continue to have I am very grateful that someone there took the decision to offer a 'normal range' SGJ and LPJ because vintage and Custom Shop are beyond me now and probably always will be. Thanks very much indeed for dropping by and for the kind words. Always good to see you :-)

[@thomascoulter6121]

Jr and Lazy J! Deadly combo

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Hahaa! Yeah man!

[@DanFrechette]

Listen an learn… feel and tone .. subtlety .. love and joy for music and good hearted lack of ego make for a great and enjoyable musician

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much for those very kind words. Much appreciated I assure you :-)

[@MrWilly2204]

I dig your improve. Very smooth.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You're very kind. Thank you so much

[@bluesbaby8]

Sounds cool, diggin' the vibe overall, and especially enjoying the licks from 3:15 - 5:00! 🔥💯

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It's amazing how many key centres you can hit when you wander about without paying attention.....with a bit of Jimi to round it of. Hahahaha Thanks so much, as ever, for dropping by and for the kind words Alicia

[@bluesbaby8]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac Haha, I know what you mean! To me, the licks sounded a little country (almost like a pedal steel in the bends or b bender) mixed with some major smooth jazz vibes. Always a pleasure to listen and stop by! And happy birthday!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Little bit of this, litle bit of that...why not? Hahahaha Thanks for the "happy birthday" :-)

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Cool guitar! It on my “next guitar list” and I’m hunting for one now.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Every home should have one 😊. Thanks for the visit and good luck on your hunt.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac every home should have one! Spot on!

[@wez740]

I have a 1957 reissue its sounds amazing looks the exact same as yours in this video

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

The Custom Shop '57 Junior reissues are few and far between over here so I am very pleased tha Gibson have given us this cool guitar in their normal range.

[@sixbladeknife44]

Sounds excellent, I picked up one of these awhile ago and it’s a real treat...nothing else sounds like a Junior, enjoy! :)

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much ... and you :-)

[@nathanielvargas3863]

I really like your phrasing. I just bought a Gibson SG Junior and I’m very pleased with it. If I saw this video before I may have made a different choice

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks for your kind words. They are appreciated. The SG Junior is a great guitar. I'm sure you'll love it

[@projectmoon13]

I know this is four years old… but you have really great taste in guitars

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Hello again 😊 I try to buy stuff I like and if I get it wrong then not get too stressed out about losing money if I sell it. I always knew I'd love this and the SG Jnr. If you are at all interested to see the old guitars that these two replaced then you can search 1962 Les Paul Junior and/or 1957 Les Paul Junior to see the one I had to sell. To be honest the new ones are as good, and in 10 years will be even better than they are now.

[@pierregaron1553]

Beautiful tasty playing and guitar tone I love it ! Thanks for sharing .. and friendly greetings ! ( new sub )

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much Pierre. A compliment like that from a great player like you means a lot to me :-)

[@pierregaron1553]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac Thanks as well for the great compliment Paul . Salutations !

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

My pleasure. I have subbed you so look forward to your next :-)

[@julysanchez8580]

Hello! I ordered one from Sweetwater here in the USA. It comes today and I'm super excited to finally own and play a actual Gibson! The closest I ever came to play a Gibson is my Epiphone Joe pass haha can't wait to play some stones tunes with it! Cheers from Bakersfield California!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

How exciting! A new guitar arriving is always a great thing. I wish you long life and good health to enjoy it.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Has it arrived yet? How are you getting on?

[@robertofenini4255]

Very Very Very fine sound but the player hands are very good !! BRAVO from a 68age Italian Good Gibson fan

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Mille grazie. You are very kind :-)

[@RevolutionRock101]

Thats a nasty sounding guitar Paul, in the best way. Happy birthday mate, hope you're doing well!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much. Good to see you..... Have I completely got it wrong and/or imagined it but did you make your own TV Yellow Junior? Whether or not it's a beauty and if Gibson ever offer one in their 'normal' range I'll be on it :-)

[@zepp2498]

Hello Paul. Just one thing first: you must know that I had here a great time with you ( espacialy from 6:47 to 14:18).....Enough is enough? Oh, Paul, it was so good. I admire you fine playing and the wonderful connection you have with the instrument. Merci mon ami. As for the 6 first minutes you surely know that it is a little difficult to understand everything.....and I am not buying an electric guitar, héhé....not yet. Big Like 10. Joseph

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I'm sorry for the talking Joseph - too fast and not loud enough. It is mostly me making excuses for buying myself 2 guitars for my birthday...Hahahahaha I'm glad you liked the playing and thank you so much for the very kind words :-)

[@zepp2498]

Oh, 2.....for just one birthday???? héhé. We have only one life ' vivre sans regret'. Happy birthday , Paul. Yes, I like you playing....I feel more than just guitar notes.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Hahahahahaha! YES! That is really what all the talking is about :-), how I could have spent more money on one guitar that I like less than these two. Thank you for your kind words once again :-)

[@jeromemurphy2572]

Very nice. is the dark end of the sunburst almost purple colored?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It's a very dark chocolate brown. My old '57 was almost black and the centre was lighter but I don't mind the look of this one at all

[@marcreno893]

Bought one of these awhile ago as a backup to an 05 lpj I have in a darker burst and a much thinner and easier to play neck. Got this one in and love the color but don’t like the chunky neck and weight of it. Anyone know if they make this color lpj with the thin neck?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I'm not sure that anyone who can answer your question will see it here. You probably need to e-mail Gibson I would think, or talk to a big dealer who has lots of these guitars pass through their hands. I rather like the neck on this and though I would like everything lighter at my age, this is actually less of a handfull than my old, original '57 Junior. You might try a Fender Noventa Tele. Not the same sound but in the same ballpark, lighter and very 'vibey'. Slightly shallower neck profile too.

[@furbymetal83]

look up the Firebird studio 2018. P90s, dark burst, slim taper neck , medium jumbo frets, great balance, light and resonant and plays super nice

[@MrMikepresley]

Hi Paul, I have to admit, eyeing the Junior for a while, and seeing you play that Jr., helped me make up my mind to buy one, and I am so glad I did (also got the Gibson Special (soapbar P90) TV Yellow, I am totally hooked on P90's. Do you have a particular pedal that you like to use with the Junior, and what settings for both amp and pedal do you use (might be worth doing a video on the topic) I know I would appreciate one.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much Mike, for the very kind words. I'm sure you'll love the guitars. P90s could have been designed to please after all. My amp is based on a tweed Deluxe and has a volume control and a tone control that goes to 12. I play it much quieter than it would like and set the tone anywhere between 4 and 8 depending on what I'm hearing on any given day. I like pedals that are touch and volume sensitive like the Box of Rock, Way Huge Drive, Blackstone Appliances MOSFET Drive, Gain Changer, OCD and wotnot. On the other hand I also enjoy a blast with a Big Muff from time to time. I would tend not to make distinctions between pedals as being suitable for one type of guitar rather than another. I guess the point is, if I did try to make a video it would be different every day I did it :-) You'll gather from all this waffle that I am trying to avoid any firm recommendations about pedals or settings. Trust yourself. It makes by far the most sense to trust yourself 👍

[@MrMikepresley]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac thanks Paul, I got a good idea and platform to go on, I am going to research the pedals you suggested, and work on the amp tone you suggested; I like your playing styles, thank you again Paul so very much.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

@@MrMikepresley My pleasure....and thank YOU

[@GQJ]

Great jam with this pretty guitar ! 👋😊Gqj

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Merci mon ami 😊 I appreciate your kind words

[@scotttascarella2951]

I wonder if a Seymour Duncan antiquity P90 would bring it closer to the 57 you had. I know the antiquity uses alnico 2 magnets like the original 50s P90s. I know Gibson uses alnico 5 in most of their modern P90s. Ps thank you for the videos they have truly been medicine to me today. As my heart has been broken over selling my original 57 lp jr

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

To be honest I doubt I will be changing the pickup on this guitar. The output is about right (a bit louder than a PAF) and to be honest I think it would just lead to disappointment trying to make one guitar sound like another. This new one is lighter and brighter than my '57 but I am not playing through the same amp as I was then so who knows why that might be. I haven't played lots of old Juniors but they are all different anyway, so loving the look of this I am happy to stick with the electrics and play it in for a few years :-) I'm glad you are finding something here to enjoy and I very much appreciate you taking the time and trouble to say so. Thank you

[@guitarstrange2478]

What's the amp? Guessing it's based on a particular model fender tweed?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It's a Lazy J J20, a sort of refined and improved tweed Deluxe

[@memygtar]

What pedal are you using? Sounds nice 👍

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank so much. The overdrive is one of my two favourites (the other being the Barber Gain Changer) and is the Way Huge Drive sometimes known as The Geisha because of the graphic. Very dynamic and touch sensitive, natural and open sounding.

[@murff625]

Very nice

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

As the years roll past we must get our pleasures where we can...Hahahahahaha. Thanks for dropping by and for the kind words

[@bluehappyscrap]

Does this have orange drop capacitor?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It does, though I'm not entirely convinced that it makes as much difference as a new set of strings 🙂

[@renodavid]

Love your touch and feel. Something of a rarity these days, it seems. This guitar sounds a bit harsh with most players, but you tamed it nicely. And yeah, black knobs are an abomination. I bought a black Les Paul Custom many years ago, and it came with some of those ugly witches hat knobs. Yuck! I had them swapped out for some gold speed knobs before I would even leave the store. 😉👍

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much for the very kind words. I know the knobs you mean. I might have stuck with those on a Custom. I changed the black knobs on the SG Jnr for reflectors which are a bit like the witches hats but squatter or shorter. Hahahahahahaha.....it's a trial being a fusspot 😉 but certain things bug me and that's me twitchy until they are sorted out

[@chrisseger6420]

Hi Paul. Lovely playing! What string gauge do you use?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks for the kind words. I use 10-46 on Gibson and Fender scale length guitars.

[@auntjenifer7774]

I've been wanting a SG Jr. And Les Paul Jr. But can't justify the price considering I just got a Gibson Les Paul studio 50's with 2 p90's and fully finished with hard case for $699 ! It's hard to justify a one pickup Jr. When you get maple cap, nice Mahogany body Gibson parts and pickups with a hard case for $699 even when the Jr. Cost $1299 new and does it come with a case !?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I used to own real 1957 and 1962 Les Paul Juniors but had to sell both when I lost my job so I was taking a part emotional decision to at least go part way to replacing both with the new ones. I'm not sure what you mean by "fully finished". The finish on the Junors is in my opinion at least as good as the Studios and some might say better because they are polished and not satin.They both come with proper brown hard cases. I like single pickup guitars and for me personall I couldn't justify the saving I'd get with a Studio for a guitar I don't want.

[@auntjenifer7774]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac that's right,I remember you saying that.

[@jeromemurphy2572]

Hi Paul, Jerome from Michigan here. I just wanted to ask the approximate price of the Gibson Les Paul Jr. you are demonstrating here. Would that be about 1,500 bucks here in America? Just seemed that Gibson jacked up the price at least by two times in the past two or three years. Could I be wrong?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You'd need to talk to a US dealer on that one I'm afraid. I have never really understood the whole map thing and how discounting works. They would also be the folk to talk to about Gibson prices which I don't make a point of following. If I could have paid less I would have been happy but I wanted it enough to pay the asking price. If I ever need to sell it and lose money, that's bearable.

[@oily4545]

Yeah I believe that should be about $1500, and I too remember when juniors and specials were much cheaper. I remember maybe 5 years back when a new junior would cost you about £650, now you’re looking at double that. I can only assume it’s to help offset the new lower prices of models like the LP Standard.

[@minorsnow5306]

Your right! Gibson in my opinion screwed up by jacking up the prices in the midst of a recession!!!.Who in there 20s can afford that..a darn jr.paul shouldn't never go beyond $1000.

[@shawneec1111]

Question, not sure anyone asked you this before but what’s the difference between a new Gibson Les Paul Jr 2019/ 2020 model and a 1958 version? The one Leslie West used during the early 70s. I’m planing on getting them and I hope I won’t be disappointed, cause the Jr has this really unique gritty warm tone and boy it turned me on.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Sorry to be late responding but I got no notification from youtube that your comment was here and only found it right now by chance. By '58 the Junior was double cutaway so Leslie West would have played an earlier one. If you look back on my channel you can see and hear a '57 Junior I used to own so I can compare this one with that. The new one is a bit lighter which is nice. The old one was more resonant and the colour had faded a little so the middle was very yellow which I personally like. They are different but it is perfectly possible that someone could prefer the new one to the old one. I think the old one sounded better but I don't have it anymore so there's no point in worrying about it. The new ones are nice to play with nice necks and a good punchy pickup and I'm sure will get better the more they're played. I saw Mountain in (I think) 1970 at The Lyceum Ballroom here in London and Leslie West was playing through an incredibly loud SUNN set-up with 5 big cabs and two what I believe were SUNN P.A. amps so I think chasing his sound could be a lifetime's work but the guitar is a good start and a nice thing in its own right.

[@shawneec1111]

Paul McCaffrey thank you for replying and the information is great and detailed I appreciate it. And I hope you can compared the new Les Paul junior and the 57/58 Les Paul junior . I’m pretty sure no one upload the comparison video on those two Les Paul jr yet.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I bought the new one because I had to sell the old one a few years ago when I lost my job. Sorry

[@shawneec1111]

Paul McCaffrey that suck man I’m sorry to hear that. Hey, since the new one are constructed very similar to the old one why not just put in a Seymour Duncan antiquity p90? It’s a faithful remake of the 50s p90 and is unpotted. I had it on my Les Paul deluxe in the past and boy it sounded airy and has a nice dirty vintage twang to it.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

@@shawneec1111 I don't feel the need to change the pickup. If I did I would talk to Monty's Guitars in London who make amazing pickups

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I agree about the knobs.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Hahahaha..... I suspect that someone at Gibson bought a job lot of 100,000 black top hats and they've been turning up on everything from '90s 335 Dot reissues to these new Juniors and lots of other things in between ever since.

[@2009framat]

Happy birthday, Paul! 1957 was a great year in rock history!!! 4:21 to 4:30 sounds beatlesque (almost like cry baby cry) I have to admid I like the classic Les Paul much better when it comes to looks. But jnr sounds beautyfull to me,too. I like the jamming with backing track,too. Is the scale/fretboard of the jnr. smaller/shorter? Best regards Frank

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks Frank. Just after 4.30 is a bit of Beatles...Hahahaha The guitar is the same size as a standard but without the maple top and the P90 pickup is single coil so has some of the bite of a Fender pup while being much louder Unfortunately not that much was happening in 1953, the year of my birth. Les Paul and Mary Ford might have been the most interesting popular music in '53

[@2009framat]

In 1953 Bill Haley's Comets turned into a rock & roll band and their lead guitarists usually played Les Paul. And let's not forget all the Chicago and New Orleans blues musicians (from Muddy Waters to Fats Domino). The jam with the backing track reminded me in sound a little bit on Albert Collins. But I did not mentioned because he played Fender Telecaster but the single coil is the explanation for that.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It's true - plenty of good blues and good country too in 1953

[@solgae]

Hello my friend very nice video

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much. Sorry for the delay. KZbin did not tel me your comment was here

[@jakes5530]

Nice playing and awesome tone. What amp are you using, and is it attenuated?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks for the kind words. They are very much appreciated. The amp is a Lazy J J20 and the attentuation is fully engaged (fully up? Fully on?....you know what I mean) with the channel volume at 3 and a bit. I'm in a flat and it's fairly quiet in the room. Any obviously distorted sound is a Way Huge Drive (the so-called 'Geisha' pedal) which I particularly like

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac Hi Paul I have both of these and was surprised the Les Paul Jr. was brighter than my SG jr. as well. I noticed the SG had more midrange too. If you look at where they placed the pickup closer to the bridge on the Les Paul Jr. that could be part of it why it is brighter and of course the body shape. The pickup on the SG jr has more space between the pickup and bridge. I have heard people say before that SG's seem to have a more pronounced midrange wich I find to be true....maybe. lol Depends but it's true with the 2 I have. I do prefer the Les Paul jr. a lil more because the bigger slab body I think gives it more of something. Now we just need a TV yellow special....haha! I like your playing. Take care and thanks for sharing.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

@@HiHello-ku1fl So sorry I missed responding when you posted. I hope you're still enjoying both. I certainly am

[@DSilvergun]

This or the 2019 SG Jr? Which do you prefer?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

My bad back loves the SG but if I'm honest my heart belongs to the LPJ

[@auntjenifer7774]

I love the way the sg twangs.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It's a sweet guitar for sure :-)

[@alexwalker5645]

Love it!! Between this one or the SG, which would you recommend?

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I love the SG because it is so light and sounds great and holds its' tuning well and looks wonderful.....BUT, I have always had a soft spot for single cut sunburst Juniors....Hahahahahaha. Unhelpful I know. To be honest if I weren't lucky enough to have both I would be perfectly satisfied with either. If you are thinking of buying for yourself it seems likley that any shop selling one would probably stock both so try before you buy. I guess you might choose based on the players of both guitars and who you prefer....like Neil Hubbard vs Mick Ralphs or Pete Townshend (though that was a Special) vs Leslie West. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment but I'm afraid with this one, you're on your own :-)

[@alexwalker5645]

Paul McCaffrey hahaha I totally here you there!!! I’ve had a nice single cut Japanese Singlecut Epi Junior and a luthier built Double Cut...I loved them. Buuuut trade here, sell there, gone. So now I’m between the two you have, or the new Custom Shop ‘63 Lightning tailpiece SG. Gonna come down to one.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I don't know how much the Custom Shop '63 SG is but I imagine you could get the SG Junior AND the new tv yellow Les Paul Special and probably still have some change for a couple of nice straps. I'm being REALLY unhelpful now aren't I? Hahahahaha

[@alexwalker5645]

Paul McCaffrey ohhhhh yes not cheap!!! It’s $2999 here, about $1000 less then the older Henry pricing believe it or not!! Hahaha well I was actually thinking about one of the Juniors AND a Yamaha Red Label acoustic...we’re on the same page at least haha!!!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

If you care to look back through some of my old videos you'll see a 1962 SG shaped Les Paul Junior and a 1957 Les Paul Junior bought at different times some years ago (and sold through lack of funds and work) and neither of them cost £2,000. The real reason I bought both the new ones was to deal with the regret in not having the old ones anymore....and let's face it - buying guitars is fun. Hahahaha......Whatever you do enjoy it :-)

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

If you play above the 15th fret a lot and weight is an issue then the SG is the one. For me personally I prefer the Les Paul Junior, maybe because I loved my old '57 so much. They are both cool guitars. I think you need to try them both if you can and make sure you try the SG on a strap to make sure the balance is good for you

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It looks like the original commenter deleted their comment after my answer was posted...Hahahahaha. Obviously didn't like what I had to say

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank YOU. I believe some folk don't like Juniors. Me? I love 'em :-)

[@Agenthoover1]

Hi.. does your guitar have bridge tilt where its lifting up at the back.... i picked one of these up in a store and the bridge was quite heavily tilted... i have a PRS SE one which does not do it..... thanks .. :)

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

It does but no more than the '57 I used to own did. To be honest I think that is just a function of all PRS guitars (even SEs) being basically more carefully made than Gibsons but that has always been the case. It seems unlikely that it would wear so that the problem got worse and as long as the tuning and intonation are stable showing no movement under tension then I wouldn't worry. I guess you could make packing washers out of business cards or something but they would compress over time and make things less stable. You might be able to do something with razor blades but I for one don't have a way of safely cutting razor blades at home. I know it can be difficult once you've noticed something like this but I genuinely wouldn't worry. If you are worried then I would e-mail Gibson. They aren't particularly quick to reply but they shoud do so eventually and can give you the official company line. If they say it shouldn't tip then please let me know :-)

[@billpolitis8855]

Hi Paul, what a video brother! So, my question is really silly but I'll do it ;P! Does this 2019 Junior sounds any close to your old one? I mean by a standard junior perspective sound! Thanks, It's 2022!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks for dropping by and for taking the time to type... It is a perfectly reasonable question and though it feels better to be able to say "I have a 1957 Junior" rather than a new one, it is actually very close. The old neck was a bit fatter which I prefer but the new one is marginally lighter which my back prefers. Gibson's final finishing is never the best and I would say with five years playing and one pro set-up from a decent tech you'd have a really good guitar almost indistiguishably close to the old one playing-wise. I think it would be reasonable to say that my new one and my old one are as similar as two old Juniors might be after fifty years playing by different people.

[@billpolitis8855]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac I am totally covered! So, you say that's a good instrument overall! I have the greatest luthier in the world, I'm not afraid! He made my 2016 SG standard sounds like a Custom Shop!!! Thanks Paul, I would love to see more for the Junior! Peace

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You probably shouldn't buy mail order (unless you are sure you can send it back) but if you find one in a shop and play it I think you will probably like it :)

[@billpolitis8855]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac Agree! I was lucky with my SG, bought it from London to Athens, GR brand new from ebay, and the guitar was a gem!!!

[@MOLODEZ1987]

+20! классный звук !

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks so much

[@wrigleyx]

13:50 yeah so sweet :)

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

My little mistake...Hahahahahaha. Merci mon ami

[@wrigleyx]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac mistake ? oh, i've learned a mistake !! anyway, i'll keep it !

[@wrigleyx]

13:47 also learning to be patient !

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Hahahahaha... My playing is lots of mistakes put together :-)

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Aah! The vibrato is real :-) Lots of work when I was 15

[@JessMancuso]

Nice video Paul...! Very interesting and insightful... thx for sharing! I’m a musician too and would love to connect and know what you think of my music. 😊💕

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank you so much. You're a great player and I very much appreciate the compliment. I have subbed your channel and look forward to hearing more from you in the future

[@jukeboxheros7021]

I've been lusting for one of these since they came out this year. 1500$ is a bit much for me, don't wanna sell my 07 lp std to get it. It's been awhile seen I've gotten something new. 😥

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Exchange rate wise I would have thought they were a bit less than that but then I suppose they are twice the price of some Mexican Fenders so I guess that makes sense. I think you'll love it when you get one and if they stay in the range they will be turning up pre-owned pretty soon. Good luck to you. I hope you do get one

[@jukeboxheros7021]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac thanks Paul, I've been enjoying your stories and playing ever since yelled POW!!! In the little fender champ 600 video with the jr in hand, the look on your face was priceless😅

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You're so kind. Thank you. I am a pretty analogue kinda guy so editing and fiddling about is not so much my thing which leaves me with playing and talking and that's about it really...Hahahahahaha I've just been back to have a look at the video you mentioned. I must admit the old Junior sounded a bit better and I prefer the look but the new one is lighter and to be fair they are equally good fun to play. I just spoke to my old friend Peter yesterday. We don't see one another every day like when we were at school but we have been in touch continuously since then and that's a great thing for me. Your kind words are a great thing for me too and I thank you more than I can say. I've got my fingers crossed for you getting your Junior soon. I really hope you do :-)

[@jukeboxheros7021]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac that video was the one that did it for me on the jr. I clicked to see the champ and stayed for the jr. Cheers

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

You're always welcome here :-)