Gibson Les Paul Junior

Gibson Les Paul Junior
Gibson Les Paul Junior in Vintage Tobacco Burst.

Launched in 1954, the Les Paul Junior was a more straightforward, bare-bones version featuring a slab body, wraparound bridge, and a single P-90 pickup, initially aimed at students. It wasn’t until later that well-known musicians recognized the wide range of sounds and gritty charm that the single pickup offers. This model has carved out its own distinct following, particularly among blues and punk enthusiasts, due to its straightforward design.

If you’re still wondering, “Which Gibson Les Paul should I get?” or you’re knee-deep in your own Gibson Les Paul comparison research, there’s really no right or wrong choice. Each one has its unique features, and they’re all top-notch musical instruments. Every Gibson Les Paul in our collections offers something special, from the vintage specs of the Original Collection to the artist-approved traits of the Artist Collection, the high-performance enhancements of the Modern Collection, and the exceptional craftsmanship of the Gibson Custom and Custom Select models. Looking for something truly unique?

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit TexasRockGuitarist.com for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.

Gibson Les Paul Special

Gibson Les Paul Special
Gibson Les Paul Special in TV Yellow.

Introduced in 1955, the Les Paul Special featured a second P-90 pickup along with added volume and tone controls, enhancing the simple Junior design and providing players with the same controls found on a Standard. You still have a slab mahogany body and a set neck, but now the fingerboard is bound, offering a range of raw, dynamic tones that are more versatile than the Junior due to the extra pickup. The Les Paul Special serves as a bridge between the Junior and the Standard, yet it stands out as a really cool instrument with its own unique character.

If you’re looking for the timeless vibe of a Standard, the smooth feel of a Modern, the raw edge of a Junior, or a Gibson Custom treasure that stands the test of time, there’s definitely a Les Paul that fits your sound, playing style, and character. This Gibson Les Paul comparison and buyer’s guide is designed to assist you in making a confident purchase. No matter which route you choose, remember that you’re not just picking a guitar; you’re making an investment in a musical instrument that will endure for generations.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit TexasRockGuitarist.com for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.

Gibson Les Paul Studio

Gibson Les Paul Studio
Gibson Les Paul Studio in Cherry Sunburst.

The Studio made its debut in 1983, aiming to provide the iconic Les Paul Standard sound and feel at a friendlier price, minus the extra embellishments. Usually, it comes with a carved maple top and a mahogany body, but it skips the body binding. This model quickly gained popularity among professional musicians and has kept evolving, adding features such as weight relief, phase switching, and push/pull coil splits. Lately, the Gibson Les Paul Studio range has grown to feature both the Studio and Studio Session.

You’re here because you know you want a Gibson Les Paul, but you’re unsure which one is the best fit for you. Should you go for a Standard, Custom, Deluxe, Modern, Studio, or even a Junior? In this article, I’ll break down all the different Gibson Les Paul models and their collections, helping you pick the perfect Les Paul for your needs.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit TexasRockGuitarist.com for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.