Gibson Les Paul Junior - Buyers Guide?

[djrussell]

I'm looking at buying a Gibson Junior soon (again lol) and was actually quite curious about the different models you can buy and wanted some advice from you guys. So the models I'm looking at are:

1. Gibson Junior 57 VOS (~$1800+)
2. Gibson Junior Billie Joe Armstrong Signature (~$900-1200)
3. Gibson Junior 2001 Reissue (~$600-800)
4. Gibson Junior 2006-2012 Reissue (~$500-700)



It seems to me in terms of quality, they seem to run in that order too. So my question is, which one would you go for in terms of sound, bang for buck and feel/look? I'm leaning towards the BJA model at the moment... the VOS might be a little too expensive for me. Then again, the 2001 reissue doesnt look too bad... in terms of quality I think its leaps ahead of the newer line.

Would love some opinions. Cheers

[Larry Mal]

I own the current model- the Pelham blue. It's a great guitar all around, I think I paid around $650 for it. Everything about it is a nice guitar, but I can't address the other models, though.

I'll put up some pictures tomorrow, if that helps you.

[The Refugee]

Originally Posted by djrussell

I'm looking at buying a Gibson Junior soon (again lol) and was actually quite curious about the different models you can buy and wanted some advice from you guys. So the models I'm looking at are:

1. Gibson Junior 57 VOS (~$1800+)
2. Gibson Junior Billie Joe Armstrong Signature (~$900-1200)
3. Gibson Junior 2001 Reissue (~$600-800)
4. Gibson Junior 2006-2012 Reissue (~$500-700)

1. The closest thing to a vintage junior that Gibson puts out. If you want great quality and a faith reproduction of a Les Paul Junior, look no further. Currently has rosewood. 50s style neck.

2. A very close to vintage spec guitar, including the "shelf" on the treble side of the neck pocket and the slanted tailpiece. The pickup is different (H90) and was made for Billie Joe when he was complaining about feedback. Made in the USA shop, not the Custom Shop. Currently has granadillo or baked maple I believe, you might want to check up on that, and you may want to consider buying used if that aren't your thing. It has a 60s style neck.

3. They should be gloss covered guitars, and should be similar to todays Juniors priced at around $830. I don't think they have the "shelf", nor do they have a slanted tailpiece (these things matter to some people). Rosewood fretboard.

4. A Les Paul Junior with a faded finish (usually, not always, I believe the earlier ones has gloss). They should be similar in quality to the 2001 Junior. I'm not entirely sure what fretboard they have, it used to be rosewood, but they changed things up a bit, it might be obeche or baked maple by now. It should have a 50s neck, depending on the model(?).

Personally I think that the Billie Joe used model is great bang for the buck, especially if you are heading towards vintage accuracy (angled tailpiece, "shelf" where the body meets the neck, accurate burst finish). However, you might want to look at the '57 VOS used a bit more, perhaps you can find a good deal on one of them. If not, the current Les Paul Juniors should be more than good enough. If you prefer a 50s neck, you'd probably want to be wary of the BJA Juniors.

[djrussell]

Thanks guys.

I would love a VOS... but it would mean waiting another year. The Billie Joe model does look good though. I do like slim necks, so a 60s profile would be better, and the hum cancelling H90 sounds good too. I remember when it was first released there were WAVES of people complaining about the finishes though being too 'thin' (like a Melody Maker - slight scratches rip the paint off), but i dont know how accurate this is or if those doing it were being too reckless and blaiming the finish.

Also I read somewhere the 2001 reissues are superior to the 2006+ models because of the gloss finishes and better hardware (as well as a slanted tailpiece). But someone else might be able to chime in here.

[djrussell]

Got some pics...

VOS '57:


Billie Joe Armstrong:


2001:


2006+:

[The Refugee]

Ah it appears I am wrong, the 2001 does appear to have the slanted tailpiece.

Either the pictures I was looking at weren't 2001 models, or I'm starting to go blind.

As for quality of them, I can't say much since I've never played them side by side.

[Mantis]

Originally Posted by Larry Mal

I own the current model- the Pelham blue. It's a great guitar all around, I think I paid around $650 for it. Everything about it is a nice guitar, but I can't address the other models, though.

i also have this model, gloss yellow, replaced the cap, and it made the tone knob more versatile, and seemed to let the pickup breathe a bit more.
slim neck, gloss finish, p90, black obeche fret board.

the Satin ones play well and have good tone, but if they could crank out the model i own for the price this could have been a gloss finish also. it has a fatter neck
neither come with a hardshell case.

the BJA though i never played it seems to be the best value/ playability ratio
i like the sound, though i would put a p90 in there, and it comes with that cool case. a few members here seem to say its close to VOS with out the VOS price.
dont have the skinny on the VOS model, they should be top shelf though.
There is Also the Rist workhorse if you think thats an option.
Roman Rist is a Luthier who posts here from time to time.
theres always vintage too
check some demo vids on you tube, and good luck!
do you have a Junior now? what model?
i also own a DC from 2001, it originally came with 2 p100's but i think the build, fit/finish is superior to the 2012 SC, i do like both though.

[The Refugee]

The Rist Workhorse that Mantis mentioned would be out of your range (over 2K), but it would probably be the damn best Junior style guitar you play.

[Mantis]

Originally Posted by The Refugee

The Rist Workhorse that Mantis mentioned would be out of your range (over 2K), but it would probably be the damn best Junior style guitar you play.

oooh yeah, forgot about that, but it is a sweet sounding Junior style, love the tail piece design on the work horse.

[djrussell]

I do love the look of the Rist Workhorse, but no offence to Rist at all (he's an terrific luthier) but I would rather get a Gibson VOS if I was going to pay $1900 odd.

The BJA does seem to be the good middle ground between a VOS and a modern Junior.... I only wish it came in TV Yellow lol I've always dreamed of owning this:



I'm also not a fan of signature models, but since BJ hasnt changed the design too much I think it'll be a good buy.

[HOT-BRIT]

save for a vintage one

[sliberty]

The BJA looks the part, and replacing the pickup is no big deal. But the 60's neck profile is a deal breaker. Only the VOS is worthwhile (assuming you can't afford a vintage Jr.). Perfect neck, perfect finish, perfect pickup. I love my VOS Jr., and it is my #1.

[djrussell]

I actually prefer the 60s profile... and the H90 is just a P90 thats hum cancelling, it sounds terrific.

[KRaZeE]

+1 on a used BJ.

[Chasmatic]

I just received my Pelham blue JR also! How do you set the intonation on these guitars?
Chas

[Larry Mal]

I bought a Tonepros bridge and locking studs. Otherwise, you are at the mercy of the lightning bar, and you will be able to get some adjustments with the screws in the rear of the bridge. That will allow you to move it closer and further on either extreme of the bridge.

I assume you got the lighting bar... I didn't. I only got the wraparound bridge, at first, and later they sent me the lightning bar. I didn't use it, though, because I had the Tonepros, which is fully adjustable.

[Mantis]

i been thinking about putting a non-compensated bridge on my yellow,i have a melody maker without compensation and it rings like a bell.

[Arthur]

Check out this tone with my BJA Junior, it's an awesome guitar Killer Tone by Cafraj on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free, but where are you gonna find one in Aus between $900 and $1200?

[djrussell]

I'll keep an eye out lol I have seen them go for that price... and since I'm in no hurry, I'll just bide my time Still havent decided on a BJA or VOS yet though. Depends what sorta bargain comes along.

[Mantis]

Originally Posted by Arthur

Check out this tone with my BJA Junior, it's an awesome guitar Killer Tone by Cafraj on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free, but where are you gonna find one in Aus between $900 and $1200?

have you played any other new model Juniors Besides the BJA?
how do they compare to it, like say
the Junior i have, the gloss one with the obeche fingerboard?

[circusboy28]

Lots of deals on Australian ebay nowadays - some Gibsons are going ridiculously cheap. I've seen plenty of Juniors going for $700 and under.

[nutsauce]

I had the normal white Jr. with ebony board that I purchased maybe 2-3 years ago for $849. I thought it was a fantastic guitar. Once I joined MLP I got the historic bug (thanks guys) and traded it for a historic '57. The feel between the two is day and night for me. The VOS just feels like a vintage guitar and has a very high quality feel about it. The VOS also has a tonal quality that the other lacked, it just "sings" better. I paid $2499 for mine so $1800 sounds pretty darn attractive right now. Personally I'd be happy with either but just caught that historic bug and traded.

[SFK]

Don't forget about the late 80s / early 90s Jrs with the ledge / gloss finish.

But those have a Tuneomatic and Stop tail.



1987 GIBSON LES PAUL JR. CHERRY FINISH P90 GUITAR MUST SEE! grlc635 | eBay

I used to have one just like the above.

A fine guitar but I grew to like big necks.

So I traded it in for my TV (see below)

I've had it for 10 years now. My favorite player.

Here's a clip of the TV:

MP3 Player SoundClick

[bullnose]

[QUOTE=SFK;3916451]Don't forget about the late 80s / early 90s Jrs with the ledge / gloss finish.

But those have a Tuneomatic and Stop tail.



I had a chance to buy a 91 SG Junior with the tuneomatic and stop tail, but passed it up. I wish I hadn't...

[djrussell]

Not a big cherry fan. My 89 ObG Junior i just sold was cherry and although it was a great player, I just couldnt get used to it. Might sound silly to some but I sold it to put towards a VOS... now things have changed and I'm actually putting it towards an engagement ring now... Which is nice... but i do miss my Junior now that shes gone

[HOT-BRIT]

Originally Posted by djrussell

not a big cherry fan. My 89 obg junior i just sold was cherry and although it was a great player, i just couldnt get used to it. Might sound silly to some but i sold it to put towards a vos... Now things have changed and i'm actually putting it towards an engagement ring now... Which is nice... But i do miss my junior now that shes gone

forget the ring get an other junior

[KRaZeE]

Originally Posted by bullnose

I had a chance to buy a 91 SG Junior with the tuneomatic and stop tail, but passed it up. I wish I hadn't...

I snagged one off of fleaBay a couple of weeks ago...I haven't put it down since. An awesome, awesome fiddle.

[djrussell]

Originally Posted by HOT-BRIT

forget the ring get an other junior

lol

Maybe when im an old (married) man I might be able to get all the things I want.

[icantbuyafender]

i have three 2004 LP MM's that look like the '91 juniors.

the ledge, the TOM and stoptail.

just a thinner body and headstock.

I friggin love em.

[djrussell]

I just bit the bullet and bought a BJA Junior... $1,020 posted. Hopefully here next week.

Phew. I feel dirty lol