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Average Price: $708

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Description

Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar with the Gibson Les Paul LPJ, an electric guitar that blends iconic sound with modern sensibilities. This solid body electric guitar captures the essence of the legendary Les Paul, offering a stripped-down yet powerful performance that resonates with both beginners and seasoned musicians alike. The LPJ's mahogany body, paired with a carved maple top, delivers a rich, resonant tone that is unmistakably classic. The '50s rounded profile maple neck, topped with a rosewood fingerboard and classic trapezoid inlays, ensures a comfortable and smooth playing experience.

Under the hood, the LPJ is equipped with high-output 490R and 490T humbucking pickups. These are designed to evoke the sound of traditional 1950s PAFs, enhanced to deliver a midrange snarl that cuts through any mix. Whether you're playing clean chords or overdriven solos, these pickups ensure your tone remains thick and articulate. The absence of a pickguard, combined with sleek black hardware, gives the LPJ a unique, no-nonsense aesthetic that stands out on stage.

With coil-tapping capabilities on both pickups, you have the flexibility to explore a wide range of sonic landscapes. From warm, full-bodied humbucker tones to crisp, single-coil-like sounds, the LPJ offers versatility for any musical style. A PLEK-cut nut and a tune-o-matic bridge provide excellent tuning stability and sustain, making this guitar a reliable companion for gigs and studio sessions alike.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with a carved maple top
  • '50s rounded profile maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • High-output 490R and 490T humbucking pickups with coil-tapping
  • Sleek black hardware for a distinctive look
  • Includes a premium gig bag for protection

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model LPJ
Finish Cherry, Chocolate, Goldtop, Rubbed Trans White, Rubbed Vintage Burst
Year 2013
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 Brown, Gold, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson LPJ
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Gibson Les Paul LPJ have?

The Gibson Les Paul LPJ features a maple neck with a rounded '50s profile, offering a comfortable grip that appeals to players who prefer a chunkier neck feel.

What pickups are installed in the Gibson Les Paul LPJ, and what tones can they produce?

The Gibson Les Paul LPJ is equipped with 490R and 490T humbucking pickups, known for delivering a warm, vintage tone with a slight edge, suitable for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

Is the Gibson Les Paul LPJ suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul LPJ is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design, ease of playability, and versatile tone, making it a solid choice for those starting their musical journey.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Les Paul LPJ?

The Gibson Les Paul LPJ features a mahogany body with a maple top, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, providing a classic combination that contributes to its rich sustain and tonal depth.

Does the Gibson Les Paul LPJ come with any accessories?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul LPJ includes a gig bag, offering basic protection for transport and storage.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Gibson 2014 guitars - Part 2 - the Les Paul LPJ

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2014 guitars - Part 2 - the Les Paul LPJ by Rob Chapman

Gibson 2014 guitars - Part 2 - the Les Paul LPJ

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul LPJ Goldtop Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Gibson Les Paul LPJ Goldtop Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Gibson LPJ pros and cons and why I sold my LPJ by Guitar Worm

Gibson LPJ pros and cons and why I sold my LPJ

Guitar Worm

Guitar Worm

Video thumbnail for Gibson LPJ Les Paul Juszkiewicz 2013 demo and review by Foxy's Guitar Show

Gibson LPJ Les Paul Juszkiewicz 2013 demo and review

Foxy's Guitar Show

Foxy's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson LPJ 2013 Les Paul Studio demo + review by Foxy's Guitar Show

Gibson LPJ 2013 Les Paul Studio demo + review

Foxy's Guitar Show

Foxy's Guitar Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional versatility across multiple genres, from beefy tones to smooth and acoustic-like sounds

  • Solid build provides a sense of power without being cumbersome

  • Beautiful rustic finish that enhances with age

  • Highly modifiable, ideal as a base for customization

  • Great value for a made-in-USA Gibson, often priced under $800

  • Comfortable neck design that balances fullness with speed

  • Lightweight design makes it travel-friendly yet durable

  • Natural aging effect on finish offers a unique, personalized look over time

  • Modern weight relief and versatile pickups offer excellent sound quality

  • High-quality craftsmanship comparable to more expensive models

CONS

  • Satin finish wears over time, may not appeal to all players

  • Some users find stock pickups too hot and opt for replacements

  • PCB electronics can be less desirable for traditionalists preferring soldered connections

  • 2013 pickups not favored by all, leading to frequent swaps

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently modify LPJs with new plastics, pickup covers, and tuning machines, viewing them as upgrade-friendly due to their lower entry price.

    Source
  • A recommended upgrade is replacing the stock plastic nut with a bone nut, which costs around $3 online and significantly improves performance.

    Source
  • Owners suggest adding tru oil over the existing finish for a more visually appealing and protective sheen without altering the original color.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The LPJ is likened to a Studio but with a unique Maple neck, offering a different playing experience compared to the typical Mahogany necks on other Les Pauls.

    Source
  • LPJs are often heavier than Tribute models and have a chunkier, rounded '50s neck profile compared to the slimmer neck on Tributes.

    Source
  • Compared to Epiphones, the LPJ sacrifices cosmetics for better USA-made construction and sound quality. It's likened to older Gibson Faded, Tribute, and Studio models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The coil splitter on the humbuckers is praised for offering versatile tones, enhancing its appeal for players seeking a range of sound options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Intonation issues are noted initially but can be resolved with truss rod and bridge adjustments.

    Source

Build quality

  • LPJ's matte finish can appear simple but is described as "wicked" by an owner who appreciates its understated aesthetic.

    Source
  • The 2014 LPJ models can be identified by an anniversary inlay at the 12th fret, a distinctive feature not universally favored.

    Source
  • The LPJ features a multi-piece back, often with cosmetic flaws like unattractive streaks and grain patterns in opposing directions.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner prefers the 2013 LPJ Pro for its thicker neck and split-coil options, finding it more versatile than some other Les Paul models.

    Source
  • One owner reports the neck being chunky, which felt comfortable, but noted the pickups might require pedal usage for optimal sound.

    Source
  • The neck on some LPJs can be wider than the fretboard, potentially requiring fret adjustments for optimal playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2013 LPJ is identified by its large Gibson logo on the headstock, a one-piece maple neck, and black plastic pickup covers integrated with pickup rings.

    Source
  • 2013 models have plastic covered "dual slug" Gibson 489/490 pickups, while 2014 models feature uncovered 61 Tribute pickups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The LPJ was initially priced at $499, later increased to $699, offering a USA-made guitar at a competitive import price point.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: 2014 Gibson Les Paul LPJ, Part 1. How Good is the Cheapest Les Paul? – GUITAR IN YOUR POCKET

wordpress.com

The 2014 Gibson Les Paul LPJ is an impressive budget-friendly option, praised for its solid tones, build quality, and aesthetic charm reminiscent of classic models. The new zebra '61 pickups enhance its appeal, making it more than just an entry-level guitar. The neck's satin finish and substantial feel provide comfort and playability. While the thin nitro coating isn't the most visually striking, it contributes to a warm, inviting feel. Despite some minor aesthetic critiques, the LPJ stands out with its honest craftsmanship and reliability, offering great value for its price.

positive

2014 Gibson LPJ Review | The Budget Guitarist

budgetguitarist.com

The Gibson LPJ shines as a budget Les Paul option at $500, offering the iconic Les Paul sound with its 498T and 490R pickups. While its maple neck adds a subtle brightness, playability is decent but not exceptional, with a neck that may feel bulky to some. Aesthetics let it down, particularly the polarizing red finish and lack of "Les Paul" branding, which some might find unappealing. Despite these quirks, at the sale price, it presents good value, outperforming similarly-priced Epiphone models. However, at its original $762 tag, better options exist.

positive

Gibson LPJ review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Les Paul LPJ provides classic Les Paul tones at a budget-friendly price, making it a compelling choice for those desiring a genuine US-made Gibson without breaking the bank. While it may lack the visual allure of pricier models — with its metallic looks potentially being a deterrent — the LPJ impresses with its sound quality. Equipped with pickups once used in Les Paul Standards, it delivers rich, authoritative rock tones. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish adds a touch of premium feel, though some may find the fretwork a bit rough. Overall, the LPJ offers excellent value for those prioritizing sound over aesthetics.

positive

Gibson Les Paul LPJ Review - HubPages

hubpages.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sidlovics Gábor uses Gibson Les Paul LPJ

Sidlovics Gábor

Guitarist

Tankcsapda

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video by Tamás Kóródi, at 26:10, Sidlovics Gábor shows his Gibson Les Paul LPJ guitar, which has a pattern carved into it.

See how thomas lopez uses Gibson Les Paul LPJ

thomas lopez

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post dated May 10, 2018, Thomas Lopez is seen using a Gibson Les Paul LPJ, demonstrating his preference for this solid body electric guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul LPJ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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