Gibson Review: Les Paul Junior

History:

Purchase: Purchased this guitar online for $499 (shipping was free) from Musicians Friend. I already have several guitars, including a Les Paul Custom, but I've always liked the look and simplicity of the Junior, with it's single pickup and wrap around tailpiece. This is a single cutaway, vintage sunburst model.

What I Like About This Gibson Les Paul Junior: I like almost *everything* about this guitar, it's very cool looks, it tone, which can go from very clean to crunchy distortion, and even its price. It has quality written all over it.

What I Do NOT Like About The Gibson Les Paul Junior: The only downside is the 60MHz hum of the single P-90 pickup, though that is only noticable when I'm not rockin' out and can be compensated for pretty well by using the volume control between tunes. I'm considering replacing the P-90 with a Duncan "Dog Ear" Stack to remedy the hum issue, but, then again, the tone of the stock dog ear P-90 IS killer.

Gibson Les Paul Junior Quality Rating: Solid construction, exactly as you would expect from a Gibson. This is a beautiful, balanced instrument that can be played long and hard without going out of tune.

Review Summary: If this were stolen, I would replace it, if I could, as Gibson stopped making these in 2001, and sites like Musicians Friend are selling what's left. Currently, they no longer have the vintage sunburst that I bought, only solid black models. And I am considering buying one of those as a backup, I like the guitar THAT much. I play the Junior more than any other guitar I own, and I have a Mockingbird Supreme, two USA Jackson Soloists and a Les Paul Custom.

Rating of this Gibson product: 5

This Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitars Review Submitted By: Edward Kelly

Review Date: 2003-04-23