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Average Price: $1,587
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Description
The Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive is an homage to rock history with a contemporary twist, perfect for the modern guitarist seeking timeless sound and performance. Rooted in a legacy dating back to 1954, this guitar has charmed generations with its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to rock 'n' roll. Crafted from solid mahogany, the Les Paul Junior Special delivers a rich, resonant tone that is both warm and powerful, thanks to its classic design and high-quality materials.
The heart of this guitar lies in its dual P-90 pickups, which are renowned for their raw, expressive sound. These single-coil pickups provide a versatile sonic palette, from smooth and mellow tones to a fierce, biting edge that cuts through any mix. Whether you're channeling the raw energy of rock legends or crafting your own unique sound, the P-90s give you the dynamic range you need.
Equipped with a SlimTaper neck profile, the Les Paul Junior Special offers a comfortable playing experience, making it easy to transition from rhythm to lead. The neck's ergonomic design ensures that your hand glides effortlessly along the fretboard, encouraging hours of creative exploration.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body for rich, resonant tone
- Dual P-90 "soapbar" pickups for versatile sound
- Comfortable SlimTaper neck profile
- Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for stability
- Made in Nashville, USA
- Includes gig bag for easy transport
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Junior Special Japan Exclusive |
| Finish | Alpine White, Cherry, Gloss Yellow |
| Year | 2010 - 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 | Red, White, Yellow |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| 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 | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What kind of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive have?
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The Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive features a dual P-90 pickup configuration, known for delivering a raw, punchy sound with a distinctive midrange growl, ideal for rock and blues genres.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design, comfortable playability, and versatile sound, making it easy to handle while still offering professional quality.
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How would you describe the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive?
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The Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive has a set-neck construction with a rounded profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits both chord playing and lead work.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive?
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With its mahogany body and P-90 pickups, the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive offers a warm, resonant tone with pronounced midrange and clear articulation, perfect for gritty rock and blues sounds.
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What finish options are available for the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive?
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The Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive is available in Alpine White, Cherry, and Gloss Yellow finishes, offering a range of classic and vibrant color choices.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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The neck is notably thinner than other models, such as the 22 Studio, which appeals to those who prefer slimmer profiles.
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The fretboard is made of baked maple, providing a different feel and appearance compared to rosewood.
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The Les Paul Special incorporates binding and a wrap bridge, which some users feel adds a unique aesthetic and tonal "mojo."
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The mislabeled headstock as "Special" instead of "Junior" is confirmed as a factory error, making it a unique collector's piece.
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Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Players with larger hands may find the neck too thin, preferring a 50’s style neck profile.
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Owners appreciate the versatility of the Les Paul Junior, noting it can achieve a wide range of tones when using the volume and tone knobs effectively.
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Some users find this model exceptionally lightweight, contributing to a unique playing experience compared to other Gibsons.
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Comparisons
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The Les Paul Junior provides an aggressive bite and clarity that some find lacking in the Special, suggesting a distinct tonal character despite having fewer pickups.
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The P90 pickups are praised for their clarity and punchiness when cranked, offering a distinct tonal character that is appreciated in rock and blues contexts.
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Use cases and applications
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Single pickup guitars like the Junior can encourage a more dynamic playing style, described as "freeing" and "ballsier," which might appeal to rock and blues musicians.
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The guitar's factory mistake gives it a unique status, potentially increasing its future collectability despite not affecting current playability or sound.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Sonic Youth's website reads:
"Used by Thurston/Kim/Lee: 1999-2004 1999 -- CGGDDD (THURSTON) & FGCFAF# (Nevermind, Small Flowers Crack Concrete, Side2Side, StreamXSonik Subway, NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Lightnin' - THURSTON) 2000 -- FGCFAF# (Nevermind, Side2Side, NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Lightnin' - THURSTON) 2001 -- FGCFAF# (Nevermind, Side2Side, NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Lightnin' - THURSTON) 2002 -- FGCFAF# (Nevermind - THURSTON) 2004 -- EBEEAB (Eric's Trip - LEE) NOTES:
Purchased immediately after the gear theft in July 1999, this was originally played by Kim during the remainder of the July gigs, then used by Thurston during songwriting for "nyc ghosts & flowers". In July of 2000, he replaced it with a "real" Les Paul, but seems to have continued using the Maroon one instead. Apparently Lee began using this guitar in 2004. This was still in Lee's box of reserve guitars at the 07/28/09 show, with GGCGCD on the back of the headstock, so it was possibly used for 'Bull' as well. Maroon body 2 pickups Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 4 knobs Black pickguard Rectangular sticker Gauges for FGCFAF# = .064 .062 .036 .028 .020 .017 Listed as "MAROON" on 2000 set lists."
Taylor York is seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive live in 2013.
“It’s a rhythm machine that has a clean sound with depth to it. I stick to the rhythm pickup.” - Jimmy to Guitar & Bass magazine
Album Usage
The Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Exclusive has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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