Les Paul Junior, hands down. You can get any tone you want by using the tone control (you know, that second one you never touch). Seriously, Juniors are incredibly versatile and anything but a one-trick pony. Don't let the one pickup fool you, a slab of mahogany with a single P-90 can give you any tone you ask of it.
@@eocha24is not worse, it's just the fact of having only one pup. It push u to be more creative, also you can be very close to the neck pup sound using the tone knod.
I watched Rhett Schull talk about how single pickup guitars have more harmonic overtones with fewer magnets affecting the strings up and down the picking area...interesting concept...made sense...the simplicity of that Jr is appealing as well as the finish..that being said...I'd sign up for that Special if you need more space for the new Godin!
Absolutely right. I know this is a a year after your comment, but for anyone reading at this point, the harmonic sweet spot is nearer the center of the string where amplitude is greatest, and not having magnetic poles interfering with that is what opens up the whole tonal range. That's why you can get damn near acoustic tone with a Jr plugged in.
I discovered this channel about a month ago and it’s fast become one of my favorites. Buddy’s sense of humor hits the mark, and of course, really good content. I just bought a Epiphone LP Jr based mostly off of this video because I couldn’t decide between it and the LP Special and there was exactly ONE video on RUclips on the topic (this one) and it answered all the questions swirling in my head. Thanks man!
My first-ever electric guitar was an early 2000s Epiphone Les Paul Special II. I sold it before moving SK to ON and, after trying a bunch of guitars, I simply bought another Special II in 05. I still have it, still love it. I love the look of both of these 2020 editions, but choose one? I agree with you. "Less stuff and more playing," right on!
Both! But uhh I personally love my older Epiphone Les Paul Jr. because of the simplicity of it. It's a rock workhorse! I would take an L.P. Special in a heartbeat though HAHA!!! Especially for the price. 🐉💀👽🎸🎶🎵🧠
The Les Paul Junior all the way. You can do a lot with one P90 , you can get a lot of different tones from just using the volume and tones knobs and of course your picking dynamics .
I would get the Special in TV yellow. I've wanted one for a while and I happen to prefer having bridge/neck options. I'm all about the tone for one and I also really appreciate the history of the TV yellow color.
I own both and I love both. The only thing I had to do to the Junior was shim the pick up to give it more volume and Dynamics. Since I did that, it's a rock and roll machine!
Uhoh, the Fender 2021 guitars are out and there the new MIM Noventa series has P-90s. With 25.5" scales, Tele with 1, Strat with 2 and Jazzmaster with 3 P-90s! So will Epi P-90s measure up now, I wonder?
@@landonbailey Some reviews say they use the MP-90 Fender pickup but you're right, the Fender website only says they are "Fender Noventa Single-Coil" not specifically a P-90. But since Noventa means "Ninety" that's indicative for this being a true P-90 variant.
I’d definitely go with the special. First reason is I like the variety of tones you get from having both a bridge and neck pickup. They’re so different, but I wouldn’t want to give up one. Second reason is color. I play a butterscotch telecaster so I love the TV yellow
Yes, single pickup, I get that. Sometimes less choice is better. I break out in a cold sweat when I have to choose what cereal to get when at the grocery store so...
I use mine for playing slide on. I’d previously used a SG Special but got really fed up with the neck dive. I had a Les Paul junior 58 SC made for me, l wanted a simple back up option and the Tobacco burst lit my candle. It cost me a fifth of the price of my SC but I now prefer it as my main go to option.
Actually been on a similar debate. But they sounded the same so that I don't have to worry about. But having others with 2 pickups that is a good point
I prefer the Special, especially in TV yellow. But I bought the Junior because so much of the music I listen to involves someone playing a Junior. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
I almost bought the Jr (used at L&M for like $370 or something) but I held off and somebody else swiped it. Should’ve pulled the trigger! That said, I’m renting the special right now and it’s awesome!
@@landonbailey It is the Godin Summit Classic SG P90 it is really lightweight, nicely balanced, and sounds awesome with the "Kingpin" p90 godinguitars.com/product/summit-classic-sg-vintage-burst-p90-rn
I own the Junior and when set up drop the bridge and raise the pick up poles it honks and sounds amazing especially with a Germanium fuzz how ever I own a Humbucker SG. If you were to buy only one guitar between these two I would recommend the TV yellow Special its sweeter and butterier also covers more ground! Its tough cause they both rock and can be sweet of you have a Strat tele sg or Humbucker LP I would say grab the Junior
Some people forget that some guitar players cannot just mess around the tone or volume pickup mid-song. Cause they play the chords or riff or sing also while doing that. Its just impossible sometimes..
1 pickup was fine for EVH and Malcom Young. You also have more freedom to pick the string at different distances from 1 pickup for tone changes like on an acoustic. You can be more dynamic as a player with one. I go 2 pickups on my single coil Tele and built my own guitar with a single pickup on a humbucker. Never played a p90 ,can’t comment on that. I’d go jr on the Gibson.
I respect your decision, but disagree. For me it would be the special..."better to be looking at it, than looking for it" as we say here in ireland 🇮🇪 😉
I might go for the Junior. Not only does it catch my eye, I passed on on Esquire recently wanting to have the neck pickup on my Tele. But man, that Esquire was on fire! I don’t know if the Juniors also have a direct wiring that ups the clarity and ferocity of the bridge PU? But one day I’ll have one in my arsenal… single PU guitars are definitely their own unique beast with distinct winning attributes ,… not an instrument that’s lacking something.
►►Support the channel and get all the best guitar deals here: ► Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/X6OrM ► Thomann: bit.ly/3opdh5w -------------------------------------------------------- ►Support the channel by becoming a member: ruclips.net/channel/UC8xsdxRvwRvNyl74kLDaOnwjoin ------------------------------ ► Try GuitarTricks for really great online guitar lessons: www.guitartricks.com/?a_aid=5f7fe527e8aba An unknown number of people have asked me, if you could only buy one of these two guitars; Epiphone Les Paul Junior & Epiphone Les Paul Special, which one would you buy? Or maybe it’s called the Epiphone Les Paul Senior?!?! Anyways in this video I’ll talk about which one I would buy and why it’s the one I would buy, which I already said and you are still reading this?? Go watch it already. Les Paul Junior: Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/q1ZXN Amazon (US) amzn.to/3jADECL Amazon (CA) amzn.to/30xVvmo Amazon (UK) amzn.to/34wDBSp Thomann bit.ly/3jAnaL3 Les Paul Special: Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/jP7W6 Amazon (US) amzn.to/2GdFhI6 Amazon (CA) amzn.to/2THnPyY Amazon (UK) amzn.to/2Jl90jz Thomann bit.ly/2HQzb1e 0:10 - THey asked me 0:28 - Ignore the shirt 0:50 - What are these guitars? 1:19 - the question 1:28 - How can I help the channel? 1:59 - Let’s have a close look again 2:11 - the main differences 3:40 - the Answer of the question 6:08 - A SPECIAL message Some of the audio/video gear used in this video
Still, one of the unsolved hardest questions of humanity... 😂 I'd day junior, but honestly, I dont know why (I would preffer 2 pickups too, but that bite and color... ) 😝
So... I have both. Both in Epiphone. Neither in "Inspired by Gibson", but bolt on, twenty teens. Both used. Both inexpensive. The Special in alleged sunburst was a hundred bucks. The Junior was $128 and black. The Special is ugly. I love real tobacco sunburst. I have a '54 ES125 and '59 Melody Maker, and have a friend with a '54 Junior. Tobacco burst is brown around golden ochre yellow, brown fading to the lacquered mahogany on the sides. This Special is black around orange(ish). Nuttin' tobacco about it, if lungs are left out. It also has the Epi humbuckers. I got it to do a P90 conversion... but the pickups sound okay. I just put chrome covers over them and put a regular black Les Paul pick guard flat on it. I had to trim the bottom of the guard to fit the volume pot, but it's just stuck on with silicone if I or someone else chooses to not have it. No screw holes. Just a small bulge of silicone in the pre-drilled holes that looks like a screw from five feet away. Gotta protect the integrity of a hundred dollar guitar after all. I was going to take it apart to make it look like real tobacco burst, but started looking at Juniors. I ran across this one that someone already put a P90 on, AND an adjustable bridge as a bonus. It actually intonates without having a tailpiece and tune-o-matic. I looked them up... just $25, but already done. They even stuck the copper foil in the cavities as shielding. I got it to strip to do the tobacco burst, but will leave it as is for now. I did cut the ugly rounded pickguard close to the shape of a real Junior since the aftermarket one I got on ebay is so ugly and fake. I might eventually refinish it, but it works. Comparing the two, with different type pickups they also sound different than each other with the same amp settings. Neither are actually bad for around the house. I have no complaints. I do really like the looks of the "Inspired by" Juniors. The mahogany veneer (it's not solid wood, nor looks like it) on the face of the Junior is pretty, if a little dark. Thanks for the vid. I already kind of knew your answer on choice. I'd do the same if I had to choose and wanted a P90 guitar. I have real Fenders with paint jobs. Sometimes I just like wood grain. ....just finally subscribed. I like your presentation.
To be fair, it’s down to what YOU!!!! want as both are great value for your money, my choice 🤔 I went for the Les Paul Junior BUT, I replaced the P90 with a BARE KNUCKLE P90, changed out the vintage wiring, capacitors & pots etc. The guitar is deadly.
I was thinking maybe it'd be cool if you showed the serial numbers. Maybe it'd increase the value of the guitar in resale value. Maybe not for you unless you're really jerkin' your own chain, but for the next guy, who can say, 'yeah, you can check it out in this youtube video, "here's a link"' as for which one I'd choose? that's tough. I already have an SG with a p90 in the neck position. just like the Rhett Shull video that came out today was talking about regarding the single pickup. There's something of a science to a pickup having an impact on the resonation of the string, so in theory having two pickups should have a small impact on tone. i'd go for the Jr. because it's a legend.
I’m leaning towards the Jr. I agree the special is a great bargain for all it offers. That said, I prefer a stray or tele style for my go to electric and love the simplicity of the jr! And never owned land Paul style guitar. Looks like a lot of fun for the money. Both are cool colors, but the jr is so warm looking ✌️🎸
I just picked up a 2007 Pelham blue Special ii GT off a neighbor. It was just sitting in his garage. It's a cool guitar, and has a factory kill switch feature on one of the knobs and a trem system. If you see one at a decent price it's worth picking up. I like the TV yellow speciall out of these 2, and was planning on buying one before I got this GT today. It looks awesome and has decent pickups.
I'm looking at the Junior myself. I think the reason people do that is the why people like Esquires too. The only thing I'd change on the Jr is that when the volume is dialed in at 10 that is would bypass the tone circuit.
At this point and time I would love having one of the Specials but could not convince the wife that I should buy one so thanks for the upcoming giveaway, perhaps I will be “Special”...
The Danny Johnson LP S. Derringer. Always wanted a Les Paul Jr. Specials are sweet, but went thru the preorder bit during the dark times. Jr's amazing. Landon nailed it,,,more tones wanting out than any guitar i ever played (a few imports here). Plus its played great, right out of the box. I think i checked the truss rod once. Really didn't need anything.
Love the REM intro. Huge fan of them. And I agree. That Jr is perfect. The tone is great and also proven to be a better tone without having a pickup in the front. That is actually be scientifically proven in 2019 by a physicist that plays guitar. So absolutely
There is something about the single coil pickup, yeah they suck, noisy and tinny sound. One question on the Jr. is there a pickup route for another pickup under the guard or is it solid body underneath? I am looking to buy a Vintage brand Jr. What is the effect pedal rem used on the recording? Does it cost the price of my car, probably haha!
The Special has real neck P90 sound from it, the Junior is a faux approximation that's close, but like anything, if the neck P90 isn't there, it's just not there. And the bonus with the Special, the middle toggle selection gives you both neck & bridge that the Junior is always going to be the real bridge P90 or the faux neck P90. Either is a limitation, these are Epiphones around $ 800, the Gibsons are closer to +/- $ 1,700ish out of pocket. Spending that much, might as well have all the options & parts present & professionally installed. It's even that way with the sub $ 200 Guitar Center Special vs Junior and that's where the real value is, for sub $ 200 the only differences are the bound set neck vs unbound bolt on neck, pickguard vs no pickguard & number of knobs 4 vs 2 really. How tough is it to switch to Treble for the same bridge pickup features & sounds. The GC version has 1 volume & 1 Tone knob, just like the Junior, so in the bridge position it's a Junior, regardless of being an Epiphone bolt on vs set neck version or Gibson set neck. The Epiphone IBG (Inspired by Gibson) is the set neck Epiphone versions of each.
I bought the special. I like mustard on my Steamies. Lol. Takes some getting used to with that chunky neck. The jr does look nicer tho. Add a neck pick up and pretend it’s John Lennon’s guitar.
I was torn between the Gibson Les Paul Jr and the Special. (Gibson not Epiphone) I went with the Special in TV Yellow and have absolutely no regrets! The pickup selection is really pretty easy. Neck for rhythm, bridge for lead. I don’t really use the middle position because to me the bridge overpowers the neck. I think the soap bar pickups are more adjustable than the dogeard pickups. You can really dial in the pickup height.
Instead of clicking Like or Dislike I want to take your suggestion and click Something. ;-) BTW... nice comparison, and I like the look of the Junior better, but the flexibility of the Special wins and would be the one I would buy.
I like your pick, but the TV Yellow I like better. Do I really need a neck P90? Yeah, single as I would probably use the bridge a majority of the time with that guitar anyways I would think. Only one way to find out right? :)
I got the special, and I kind of regretted I did not get the Junior for a while. By the way the Gibson Junior and Special are the same price, which doesn't make much sense. Actually I checked the Epiphone are also the same price. But Epiphone does not do the Junior in Yellow, so that's a deal killer for me. I love the yellow Special I got. Don't ask me why... LOL.
The Gibson branded Jr has more than doubled in resale value in the last 6 years. Not sure about the Special. The Gibson Jr is iconic but for the house noodler, I can see why the Special has appeal.
I prefer the look of the Jr. But if I was buying one, I think I’d go Special.
@Parker Kenney Exactly my thoughts. I feel in my gut the Jr should be $299.
P-90s in the neck position are awesome
Les Paul Junior, hands down. You can get any tone you want by using the tone control (you know, that second one you never touch). Seriously, Juniors are incredibly versatile and anything but a one-trick pony. Don't let the one pickup fool you, a slab of mahogany with a single P-90 can give you any tone you ask of it.
✊🏻. ☯️
Right . Ask the late Great Leslie West....
Les Paul Special is literally Les Paul Junior with one more pickup.. so how can it be worse to have one more pickup??
@@eocha24is not worse, it's just the fact of having only one pup. It push u to be more creative, also you can be very close to the neck pup sound using the tone knod.
@@samuelnerick how about middle position? How u get That? Rethorical question. You cant…
Choosing the Jr. confirms that Landon prefers Less Paul.
😝
Personally, the Jr seems to be gaining recognition as a rock machine, and for great reason.
I’d go with the Jr.
👍
I watched Rhett Schull talk about how single pickup guitars have more harmonic overtones with fewer magnets affecting the strings up and down the picking area...interesting concept...made sense...the simplicity of that Jr is appealing as well as the finish..that being said...I'd sign up for that Special if you need more space for the new Godin!
I’ll have to check that out. haven’t seen that video
Absolutely right. I know this is a a year after your comment, but for anyone reading at this point, the harmonic sweet spot is nearer the center of the string where amplitude is greatest, and not having magnetic poles interfering with that is what opens up the whole tonal range. That's why you can get damn near acoustic tone with a Jr plugged in.
Well I actually ran through this exercise and bought the Special. I'd rather have 2 pickups and not need them than need them and not have them.....
Starting off strong with What’s the Frequency Kenneth
I discovered this channel about a month ago and it’s fast become one of my favorites. Buddy’s sense of humor hits the mark, and of course, really good content. I just bought a Epiphone LP Jr based mostly off of this video because I couldn’t decide between it and the LP Special and there was exactly ONE video on RUclips on the topic (this one) and it answered all the questions swirling in my head. Thanks man!
Welcome aboard!
lol I usually hate videos that are so heavily edited as yours are, but OMG yours are so perfectly timed and crack me up!
oh hey thanks! I try to have a blend of things to make it watchable :)
For a single pickup guitar, I picked the Epiphone Coronet. It has a really good look, IMO. The Special is hard to beat for a 2 P90 guitar.
My first-ever electric guitar was an early 2000s Epiphone Les Paul Special II. I sold it before moving SK to ON and, after trying a bunch of guitars, I simply bought another Special II in 05. I still have it, still love it. I love the look of both of these 2020 editions, but choose one? I agree with you. "Less stuff and more playing," right on!
Both!
But uhh I personally love my older Epiphone Les Paul Jr. because of the simplicity of it. It's a rock workhorse! I would take an L.P. Special in a heartbeat though HAHA!!!
Especially for the price.
🐉💀👽🎸🎶🎵🧠
There's just something special about the special! 😁
For the small price difference, I'd go with the special. I don't have multiple guitars so the two pickups are a better option for me.
The Les Paul Junior all the way. You can do a lot with one P90 , you can get a lot of different tones from just using the volume and tones knobs and of course your picking dynamics .
ya I’ll be experimenting more for sure
@ Joe blow Picking dynamics yes ! 🤘
I would get the Special in TV yellow. I've wanted one for a while and I happen to prefer having bridge/neck options. I'm all about the tone for one and I also really appreciate the history of the TV yellow color.
I love my new Epi Special.... I have a Gibson DC Jr as well... ( both with short Vibrolas)... tough call
I own both and I love both. The only thing I had to do to the Junior was shim the pick up to give it more volume and Dynamics. Since I did that, it's a rock and roll machine!
🎸👍
What did you use to rise up the pickup ?
I like the Jr but the Ephiphone with the two P-90s has more options.. My Propic should explain it..lol..
The Junior. Single pick-up action for me. 🤘🏻
The one where I can get great Paul Westerberg riffs and swagger ;)
Uhoh, the Fender 2021 guitars are out and there the new MIM Noventa series has P-90s. With 25.5" scales, Tele with 1, Strat with 2 and Jazzmaster with 3 P-90s! So will Epi P-90s measure up now, I wonder?
I saw that! Although they don’t call the p90s by name, but they at least look like it on the outside
@@landonbailey Some reviews say they use the MP-90 Fender pickup but you're right, the Fender website only says they are "Fender Noventa Single-Coil" not specifically a P-90. But since Noventa means "Ninety" that's indicative for this being a true P-90 variant.
I almost never use a neck pickup and having just the single bridge pickup looks cool imo
I've noticed the JR works perfect for lead singers who don't want to be lead guitarists. Joan Jett... Richard Marx... Roxette type of thing.
It’s epiphone.....I bought both! My junior p-90 was really noisy so I bought lindy fralin noiseless p-90....sounds amazing!
I liked the video, subscribed and hit the notification bell. Oh I also liked the video, thanks Landon.
Junior. It has that Charlie Starr, BlackBerry Smoke vibe to it.
I’d definitely go with the special. First reason is I like the variety of tones you get from having both a bridge and neck pickup. They’re so different, but I wouldn’t want to give up one. Second reason is color. I play a butterscotch telecaster so I love the TV yellow
I bought the Jr yesterday..well,well,worth the $.
nice!
Yes, single pickup, I get that. Sometimes less choice is better. I break out in a cold sweat when I have to choose what cereal to get when at the grocery store so...
I love cereal :)
Special for me!
Special, cuz i dont have money for multiple guitars, so i need versatility
Both nice, I’m a sucker for neck binding but my dislike for yellow would lean me towards the Jr. as well.✌🏼
I’m a sucker for TV yellow. Just love it! Oh and a neck P90. So yea, I’d go with the Special. Great video, Landon!
I use mine for playing slide on. I’d previously used a SG Special but got really fed up with the neck dive. I had a Les Paul junior 58 SC made for me, l wanted a simple back up option and the Tobacco burst lit my candle. It cost me a fifth of the price of my SC but I now prefer it as my main go to option.
The Junior. I've got an Esquire I love, so I'm a bit of a one pickup fan.
Agreed.
Actually been on a similar debate. But they sounded the same so that I don't have to worry about. But having others with 2 pickups that is a good point
yellow, 2 pick ups, plus cool colour, and sounds ace. mind they both sound ace.
Agree. As a reborn player, I’m thinking simple (one pickup) is better. For me at least.
I have 11 guitars , I have to leave home for one year for a job ,out of all 11 guitars I took the epiphone les paul jr , and the line 6 spider 3 , 🤘
That Jr. is an exceptional finish indeed. The tone was great from both, with the edge to the Jr.
great guitars and awesome value
I have a 2 humbuckers on my Les Paul, Telecaster and Stratocaster. I might one-day get a single pickup guitar but never had one before
I prefer the Special, especially in TV yellow. But I bought the Junior because so much of the music I listen to involves someone playing a Junior. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
p90s are fun!
I like chunkier necks, so if the Junior had the thicker neck of the Special, I’d be happy with the Junior. But it doesn’t, so the Special for me.
👍🎸
I almost bought the Jr (used at L&M for like $370 or something) but I held off and somebody else swiped it. Should’ve pulled the trigger! That said, I’m renting the special right now and it’s awesome!
I have the Godin version of the les Paul junior and love it. One pickup guitars are fun
cool, what’s the model called?
@@landonbailey It is the Godin Summit Classic SG P90 it is really lightweight, nicely balanced, and sounds awesome with the "Kingpin" p90 godinguitars.com/product/summit-classic-sg-vintage-burst-p90-rn
I like the Jr best but you couldn’t go wrong with either one.
I own the Junior and when set up drop the bridge and raise the pick up poles it honks and sounds amazing especially with a Germanium fuzz how ever I own a Humbucker SG. If you were to buy only one guitar between these two I would recommend the TV yellow Special its sweeter and butterier also covers more ground! Its tough cause they both rock and can be sweet of you have a Strat tele sg or Humbucker LP I would say grab the Junior
I definitely love that LP with the 2 P90s i would love to play social distortion songs on it because mike ness uses P90s
Yep, Johnny 2Bags also uses Les Paul Jr's with p90 dogear so both do the social distortion sound pretty cool!
Some people forget that some guitar players cannot just mess around the tone or volume pickup mid-song. Cause they play the chords or riff or sing also while doing that. Its just impossible sometimes..
1 pickup was fine for EVH and Malcom Young. You also have more freedom to pick the string at different distances from 1 pickup for tone changes like on an acoustic. You can be more dynamic as a player with one. I go 2 pickups on my single coil Tele and built my own guitar with a single pickup on a humbucker. Never played a p90 ,can’t comment on that. I’d go jr on the Gibson.
The simplicity of the Jr. is cool. Mr. Quircky
I'll go with the special, that neck pickup sounds awesome!
I respect your decision, but disagree. For me it would be the special..."better to be looking at it, than looking for it" as we say here in ireland 🇮🇪 😉
They’re both awesome looking, the tobacco burst gets a slight edge and looks, but I would ultimately buy the special, more bang for your buck!
I agree tobacco burst looks killer!
I might go for the Junior. Not only does it catch my eye, I passed on on Esquire recently wanting to have the neck pickup on my Tele. But man, that Esquire was on fire! I don’t know if the Juniors also have a direct wiring that ups the clarity and ferocity of the bridge PU? But one day I’ll have one in my arsenal… single PU guitars are definitely their own unique beast with distinct winning attributes ,… not an instrument that’s lacking something.
👍🎸
Two is more better than one😉. Thanks for the comparison video Landon. Peace!
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An unknown number of people have asked me, if you could only buy one of these two guitars; Epiphone Les Paul Junior & Epiphone Les Paul Special, which one would you buy?
Or maybe it’s called the Epiphone Les Paul Senior?!?!
Anyways in this video I’ll talk about which one I would buy and why it’s the one I would buy, which I already said and you are still reading this?? Go watch it already.
Les Paul Junior:
Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/q1ZXN
Amazon (US) amzn.to/3jADECL
Amazon (CA) amzn.to/30xVvmo
Amazon (UK) amzn.to/34wDBSp
Thomann bit.ly/3jAnaL3
Les Paul Special:
Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/jP7W6
Amazon (US) amzn.to/2GdFhI6
Amazon (CA) amzn.to/2THnPyY
Amazon (UK) amzn.to/2Jl90jz
Thomann bit.ly/2HQzb1e
0:10 - THey asked me
0:28 - Ignore the shirt
0:50 - What are these guitars?
1:19 - the question
1:28 - How can I help the channel?
1:59 - Let’s have a close look again
2:11 - the main differences
3:40 - the Answer of the question
6:08 - A SPECIAL message
Some of the audio/video gear used in this video
Still, one of the unsolved hardest questions of humanity... 😂
I'd day junior, but honestly, I dont know why (I would preffer 2 pickups too, but that bite and color... ) 😝
I have a modded LP jr, sadly doesn’t have a p90, someone replaced it with an unknown humbucker. I’m goin LP special in the TV yellow all the way.
Really got me thinking about the single pickup guitar...
So... I have both. Both in Epiphone. Neither in "Inspired by Gibson", but bolt on, twenty teens. Both used. Both inexpensive. The Special in alleged sunburst was a hundred bucks. The Junior was $128 and black. The Special is ugly. I love real tobacco sunburst. I have a '54 ES125 and '59 Melody Maker, and have a friend with a '54 Junior. Tobacco burst is brown around golden ochre yellow, brown fading to the lacquered mahogany on the sides. This Special is black around orange(ish). Nuttin' tobacco about it, if lungs are left out. It also has the Epi humbuckers. I got it to do a P90 conversion... but the pickups sound okay. I just put chrome covers over them and put a regular black Les Paul pick guard flat on it. I had to trim the bottom of the guard to fit the volume pot, but it's just stuck on with silicone if I or someone else chooses to not have it. No screw holes. Just a small bulge of silicone in the pre-drilled holes that looks like a screw from five feet away. Gotta protect the integrity of a hundred dollar guitar after all. I was going to take it apart to make it look like real tobacco burst, but started looking at Juniors. I ran across this one that someone already put a P90 on, AND an adjustable bridge as a bonus. It actually intonates without having a tailpiece and tune-o-matic. I looked them up... just $25, but already done. They even stuck the copper foil in the cavities as shielding. I got it to strip to do the tobacco burst, but will leave it as is for now. I did cut the ugly rounded pickguard close to the shape of a real Junior since the aftermarket one I got on ebay is so ugly and fake. I might eventually refinish it, but it works. Comparing the two, with different type pickups they also sound different than each other with the same amp settings. Neither are actually bad for around the house. I have no complaints. I do really like the looks of the "Inspired by" Juniors. The mahogany veneer (it's not solid wood, nor looks like it) on the face of the Junior is pretty, if a little dark. Thanks for the vid. I already kind of knew your answer on choice. I'd do the same if I had to choose and wanted a P90 guitar. I have real Fenders with paint jobs. Sometimes I just like wood grain. ....just finally subscribed. I like your presentation.
To be fair, it’s down to what YOU!!!! want as both are great value for your money, my choice 🤔 I went for the Les Paul Junior BUT, I replaced the P90 with a BARE KNUCKLE P90, changed out the vintage wiring, capacitors & pots etc. The guitar is deadly.
Whichever is lighter
I was thinking maybe it'd be cool if you showed the serial numbers. Maybe it'd increase the value of the guitar in resale value. Maybe not for you unless you're really jerkin' your own chain, but for the next guy, who can say, 'yeah, you can check it out in this youtube video, "here's a link"'
as for which one I'd choose? that's tough. I already have an SG with a p90 in the neck position. just like the Rhett Shull video that came out today was talking about regarding the single pickup. There's something of a science to a pickup having an impact on the resonation of the string, so in theory having two pickups should have a small impact on tone. i'd go for the Jr. because it's a legend.
I guessed you were going to pick the junior. Both are nice guitars and I can see your point on the simplicity of that guitar. Great video!
Cool, thanks!
Les paul special, I am sucker for TV Yellow guitars and neck P-90s
I wish they Did the les Paul junior in TV 📺 yellow, I’m gonna by the single pickup junior next week
Neither. But if you MUST, yellow. I guess.
I’m leaning towards the Jr. I agree the special is a great bargain for all it offers. That said, I prefer a stray or tele style for my go to electric and love the simplicity of the jr! And never owned land Paul style guitar. Looks like a lot of fun for the money. Both are cool colors, but the jr is so warm looking ✌️🎸
Right on!
I just picked up a 2007 Pelham blue Special ii GT off a neighbor. It was just sitting in his garage. It's a cool guitar, and has a factory kill switch feature on one of the knobs and a trem system. If you see one at a decent price it's worth picking up.
I like the TV yellow speciall out of these 2, and was planning on buying one before I got this GT today. It looks awesome and has decent pickups.
I prefer the 2 single coils!!🤣👍great vidéo! Thanks
I'm looking at the Junior myself. I think the reason people do that is the why people like Esquires too. The only thing I'd change on the Jr is that when the volume is dialed in at 10 that is would bypass the tone circuit.
At this point and time I would love having one of the Specials but could not convince the wife that I should buy one so thanks for the upcoming giveaway, perhaps I will be “Special”...
I would pick the Special for the tonal options.
Landon, Whats your thoughts on the pickup height on the LP JR? Thanks
I can't say I have any :)
Tv yellow special for sure 🤟
I’m a junior guy all the way. I’d take a junior over any guitar haha
The Danny Johnson LP S. Derringer. Always wanted a Les Paul Jr.
Specials are sweet, but went thru the preorder bit during the dark times. Jr's amazing.
Landon nailed it,,,more tones wanting out than any guitar i ever played (a few imports here).
Plus its played great, right out of the box. I think i checked the truss rod once. Really didn't need anything.
Both !
LP Special
just bought the epi lp jr ( 2e hand with an gibson gigbag ) for 250 euro , love it .
Les paul special, i like neck pickups
I want a double cut Jr. in TV yellow myself.
Love the REM intro. Huge fan of them. And I agree. That Jr is perfect. The tone is great and also proven to be a better tone without having a pickup in the front. That is actually be scientifically proven in 2019 by a physicist that plays guitar. So absolutely
Right on!
There is something about the single coil pickup, yeah they suck, noisy and tinny sound.
One question on the Jr. is there a pickup route for another pickup under the guard or is it solid body underneath?
I am looking to buy a Vintage brand Jr.
What is the effect pedal rem used on the recording? Does it cost the price of my car, probably haha!
The Special has real neck P90 sound from it, the Junior is a faux approximation that's close, but like anything, if the neck P90 isn't there, it's just not there. And the bonus with the Special, the middle toggle selection gives you both neck & bridge that the Junior is always going to be the real bridge P90 or the faux neck P90. Either is a limitation, these are Epiphones around $ 800, the Gibsons are closer to +/- $ 1,700ish out of pocket. Spending that much, might as well have all the options & parts present & professionally installed. It's even that way with the sub $ 200 Guitar Center Special vs Junior and that's where the real value is, for sub $ 200 the only differences are the bound set neck vs unbound bolt on neck, pickguard vs no pickguard & number of knobs 4 vs 2 really. How tough is it to switch to Treble for the same bridge pickup features & sounds. The GC version has 1 volume & 1 Tone knob, just like the Junior, so in the bridge position it's a Junior, regardless of being an Epiphone bolt on vs set neck version or Gibson set neck. The Epiphone IBG (Inspired by Gibson) is the set neck Epiphone versions of each.
i prefer on guitars only one bridge pickup. idem on basses but central pickup
I would go with Les Paul Junior why? Green Day🤟🏽🤟🏽
I bought the special. I like mustard on my Steamies. Lol. Takes some getting used to with that chunky neck. The jr does look nicer tho. Add a neck pick up and pretend it’s John Lennon’s guitar.
That Special has a Dean Deleo STP vibe, so I'd go for that.
I love STP!
I was torn between the Gibson Les Paul Jr and the Special. (Gibson not Epiphone) I went with the Special in TV Yellow and have absolutely no regrets! The pickup selection is really pretty easy. Neck for rhythm, bridge for lead. I don’t really use the middle position because to me the bridge overpowers the neck. I think the soap bar pickups are more adjustable than the dogeard pickups. You can really dial in the pickup height.
Instead of clicking Like or Dislike I want to take your suggestion and click Something. ;-) BTW... nice comparison, and I like the look of the Junior better, but the flexibility of the Special wins and would be the one I would buy.
🤪
And to me its worth saying again... I really like the new lighting.
oh hey thanks! ya I moved a bunch of stuff around and it looks pretty good to me too
I like your pick, but the TV Yellow I like better. Do I really need a neck P90? Yeah, single as I would probably use the bridge a majority of the time with that guitar anyways I would think. Only one way to find out right? :)
I got the special, and I kind of regretted I did not get the Junior for a while. By the way the Gibson Junior and Special are the same price, which doesn't make much sense. Actually I checked the Epiphone are also the same price. But Epiphone does not do the Junior in Yellow, so that's a deal killer for me. I love the yellow Special I got. Don't ask me why... LOL.
The Telecaster one.
I would go with the Junior in TV Yellow
The Gibson branded Jr has more than doubled in resale value in the last 6 years. Not sure about the Special. The Gibson Jr is iconic but for the house noodler, I can see why the Special has appeal.
I don’t own any Epi’s however I’d keep the one that’s also routed for normal sized Humbuckers....
If either do even.