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2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker

2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker

$900.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 28, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 28, 2026.

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5.0 (3)

$900.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $900

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker is a harmonious blend of classic design and modern functionality, crafted for musicians who crave authenticity and performance. Revered for its simplicity and powerful sound, this guitar delivers the quintessential Les Paul experience, wrapped in a sleek, streamlined package. With its lightweight "slab style" mahogany body, this instrument promises comfort during extended jam sessions, making it a favorite for both stage and studio.

Equipped with a pair of legendary 490R and 498T humbuckers, the Les Paul Junior Special ensures a rich, dynamic sound that spans from smooth cleans to aggressive crunch. The open-coil Alnico pickups are designed to handle varying levels of gain, offering versatility for any musical genre. Whether you're strumming through rock anthems or carving out bluesy solos, this guitar responds with the iconic Les Paul voice that's been celebrated for decades.

The SlimTaper mahogany neck is crafted for speed and precision, allowing effortless playability for intricate riffs and solos. This attention to detail ensures a natural feel and swift action, supporting musicians in every creative endeavor. Proudly made in the USA, the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special doesn't just carry a legacy; it invites you to be a part of it.

Key Features:

Streamlined "slab style" mahogany body for lightweight comfort
SlimTaper mahogany neck for fast and smooth playability
490R/498T open-coil Alnico humbuckers for versatile tonal range
Offers the classic Les Paul sound in a more accessible format
Includes fitted gig bag for convenient transport and protection

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Junior Special with Humbuckers
Finish	Gloss Ebony, Gloss Heritage Cherry, Gloss Tobacco Sunburst, Gloss Yellow, Satin Ebony, Satin Heritage Cherry, Satin Tobacco Sunburst, Satin Yellow
Year	2012
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family	Gibson Les Paul Junior Special
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker have?: The 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for various music genres, especially rock and blues.
How does the neck profile of the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker affect playability?: The neck of the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker features a set-neck construction with a comfortable profile, making it easy to play for both rhythm and lead guitarists, enhancing overall playability.
Is the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker suitable for beginners?: Yes, the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and comfortable playability, though it's also favored by experienced players for its classic tone and build quality.
What is the body material of the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker?: The body of the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm, resonant sound and sustain.
What are the finish options available for the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker?: The 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker is available in a variety of finishes, including Gloss Ebony, Gloss Heritage Cherry, Gloss Tobacco Sunburst, Gloss Yellow, Satin Ebony, Satin Heritage Cherry, Satin Tobacco Sunburst, and Satin Yellow.

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Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker - Обзор

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Reviews

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PROS

High-output 490-series pickups deliver powerful rock/blues tones
Lightweight, balanced mahogany construction enhances playability
Fast semi-gloss neck finish feels premium, not budget
Neck width offers comfort between '50s and '60s Gibson styles
Dual humbuckers provide wide tonal range
Professional-grade internal craftsmanship, even for a demo model
Unique neck and body resonance inspires creativity
Solid hardware ensures reliable tuning stability
Bound neck and precise fretwork elevate playability
Transparent finish showcases quality wood

CONS

Limited bridge adjustment options might require setup
Sustain not on par with Maple-capped Les Paul models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Humbucker.

Features and functionality

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The guitar features baked maple fretboards, which offer a unique feel compared to traditional rosewood.
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The guitar includes a Tune-O-Matic (TOM) bridge, which is often absent in other Les Paul Specials, enhancing its appeal and functionality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Import toggle switch issues are common; upgrading to a higher quality switch can improve reliability.
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Users have changed the stock black bell knobs to golden speed knobs, providing a more visually striking, rock n roll aesthetic.
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Grover tuners are a popular upgrade choice, improving tuning stability on the 2012 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's suggested to replace the stock pots with 500k CtS pots for improved performance, as the stock ones can be scratchy.
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Comparisons

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Compared to an Epiphone LP Special P90, this model has a notably thinner neck profile.
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Lighter than standard Les Pauls due to the absence of a carved top, which some owners feel does not significantly impact sound quality.
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Compared to a Telecaster, the Les Paul design is more vulnerable to neck damage; Telecasters are known for their robustness.
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Use cases and applications

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Known for its versatile P90 pickups, it can deliver a sophisticated tone in the middle position and a powerful, wooly sound at the neck.
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Value and pricing

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Owners in different regions report varied pricing, with one paying approximately $500 in Brazil, highlighting potential market value discrepancies.
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Without neck damage, $850 is a reasonable price for the 2012 model; however, neck issues significantly reduce its value.
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Build quality

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Gibson's traditional one-piece mahogany neck can be prone to breaks due to the headstock angle and lack of a volute, making it less durable than maple alternatives.
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User experience

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Some owners have successfully used these guitars as their main gig instrument after extensive modifications, including electronics replacement.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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192

about 6 years ago

My First "Real Guitar"

After coming from a J Reynolds strat copy I got in 2007, this was the first guitar I really got to feel connected to. Noteworthy of this year and possibly a few similar years was the bound fretboard on a junior line AND special line in this model. The humbucker models also seemed to have much nicer woods used and had a transparent semi-gloss finish on the front with a dark black on the back.

It plays like home. Its the first real guitar I had, so every guitar I have since then has to be compared to it.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country