epiphone les paul junior...what you need to know

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
  • This is a rundown of what you need to know about epiphone les paul juniors. The pros the cons, what to watch out for etc. In the second half of the video i'm running both guitars through a silverstripe Peavey Bandit transtube clean channel with the t dynamic control set to 25% .

ความคิดเห็น • 881

  • @artamussumatra6286
    @artamussumatra6286 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I agree, this is truly a golden era for low buck/high performance guitars. I bought a Squier Bullet Tele on impulse, couldn’t resist. I just loved the way it plays and sounds. I didn’t really need it, because I already have an American Professional Tele, but honestly I like them both equally now.

  • @Guitargasm1000
    @Guitargasm1000 7 ปีที่แล้ว +100

    he's right....don't pay for a name. Epiphone has stepped up and put out much better guitars. Epiphone is Gibsons child

    • @RonaldLeggettJr
      @RonaldLeggettJr 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Stratoblues yes they have I’ll take epiphone over Gibson any day

    • @artamussumatra6286
      @artamussumatra6286 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I’m usually a Fender and Squier player, but I’m really starting to G.A.S. For some of the Epi Les Pauls. I’m having a tough time deciding between the Florentine, and the Special II tho.😉

    • @rmaxwell45
      @rmaxwell45 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      true dat

    • @drdelewded
      @drdelewded 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Epiphone is older than Gibson. They were a big competitor until Gibson bought them out in the 1950s.
      The mini humbucker was an epiphone original.. After the buy out they were at first made in a factory next to gibson but then out sourced to Japan which later went to Korea and now its almost exclusively China.. (Samick and Aria were at times contracted to build Epis) Chinese quality has improved so, so has the Epis.
      The newest juniors aren't bolt ons so Id assume even higher quality than the ones in this video..
      I had a double cut epi 20 years ago.. it was crap.. but hey $150 CDN brand new wasn't too bad. I have had a few DOTs since and currently have a Wilshire, (had a j200 which was nice but was no sj 200)
      Been lately on a 1970s/80s Burny kick, but plan to try out these new Classic gibson epis. some look pretty cool

    • @Panic42000
      @Panic42000 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RonaldLeggettJr Then you are an idiot!

  • @doctorskull8197
    @doctorskull8197 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’m 64 years old, playing guitar for 50 years. I LOVE cheap and this guy is right on!

  • @straight2helll
    @straight2helll 6 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    Sweet Home Indonesia.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Indonesia is like the new Japan , for guitar making LOL

    • @straight2helll
      @straight2helll 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I have a Squier Strat made in Indonesia that probably gets more playing time than my more exspensive guitars.

    • @robdotzler2333
      @robdotzler2333 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Why it's neck stays so true

    • @artamussumatra6286
      @artamussumatra6286 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ha ha, yea that’s where my Bullet Tele was made - Amazing build quality on that Axe!

    • @GucciStarfish
      @GucciStarfish 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ... where the guitars are so cooool ... c'mon y'all sing along...

  • @EdwardT9
    @EdwardT9 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Got one a month ago... watch for the bridge posts pulling forward or right out. I had to pull mine, glue in some wood shavings and reset them. Also, the tuners are ok, especially after getting some grease or lube into the gears. Completely transforms them. Then... take the nut out and clean up all the factory glue gunk in there, and get the nut set in really low, and get the slots ramped down properly. Once that’s done, and you adjust the bridge, it will intonate perfectly all the way up the neck.

  • @riverkelly7747
    @riverkelly7747 7 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    I subbed because you sound so happy about everything

    • @riverkelly7747
      @riverkelly7747 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Also could you review the epiphone les paul sl when it comes out.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks . I appreciate that!

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would LOVE to review that guitar! Consider it done...it just may take a month before i can get it out.

    • @riverkelly7747
      @riverkelly7747 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      whip's cheap guitars cool

    • @artamussumatra6286
      @artamussumatra6286 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Getting great guitars at a super cheap price makes me happy too! 😁👍

  • @shutterdug9935
    @shutterdug9935 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Just got a P90 version for $59. Played it for an hour in the guitar store before pulling the trigger on the deal. My buddy was with me, he couldn't believe how well it stayed in tune. Even more unplugged it killed the Mexican strat he was playing with. Great lil guitar and looks killer. Thanks for the video bro....keep the passion.

  • @tonyhudson8235
    @tonyhudson8235 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Found an old abused Maestro by Gibson LPj ..... Swapped out the bridge for an adjustable wraparound around, put locking tuners on it, popped a bone nut on there ..... after some polishing of the fretwires ...plays like a high end Gibson.
    Total cost, 150 quid.

  • @tanhelmet
    @tanhelmet 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    my faith is restored by finding your channel. I hear a Southern Rock influence. Sir you Rock.

  • @PinetopJackson
    @PinetopJackson 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Epiphone Juniors (and Special II's) along with Squier Affinity strats, are like the backbone of the affordable used guitar market!

  • @Finkardop
    @Finkardop 7 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    These guitars will sell at Norman's rare for triple the price in 40 years.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I bet you're right !

    • @plfdjack
      @plfdjack 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      by then it will be Norman the 4th greeting you at the door.

    • @somebodyelseuk
      @somebodyelseuk 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I doubt it. 30 yo Gibsons are only fetching double what they cost new. The days of wildly appreciating guitar values is over thanks to mass production.

    • @Panic42000
      @Panic42000 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Finkardop Nope!!

    • @pauljohnson9260
      @pauljohnson9260 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      plfdjack you never know. Norman might wheel himself out to you

  • @AndrewAHayes
    @AndrewAHayes 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It is refreshing to see someone on here who is not a guitar snob, a lot of youtubers have all the gear and no idea

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Andrew! I really love budget ( quality ) gear....so I hope these vids help people see through some of that snobbery.

  • @binikydragon
    @binikydragon 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    thanks for the information on ski jumping. I bought one without really looking at the neck. After watching your video I discovered that my Junior China had this problem. In the future, I will really analyze the neck more before buying on emotion

  • @gavinlay8862
    @gavinlay8862 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Learning that bushradical is a guitar enthusiast as well made my day

  • @lynnyates5973
    @lynnyates5973 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have two of these from 2014 & 2015 both made in Indonesia..modified both with Grover tuners and Seymour Dunkin "Pearly Gates" pickups...I have much more expensive Les Paul's in my inventory however ..The juniors are my stage guitars #1 & 2 ..great guitars ,great value ..always still on the look out for them at pawn shops ..great video sir

  • @johninama585
    @johninama585 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've got an Indonesian-made SG Junior and it's an amazing guitar. I bought it for $93 brand new at Guitar Center (it was on sale). You really can't go wrong with any Indonesian guitar. I've played Squiers, Epiphones and Ibanezes from Indonesia and they've all been great, much better than Chinese equivalents.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Totally agree. I look for the made in Indonesia label on all cheap guitars now. OH, Iplayed a g&l the other day that was an INDO and it was great, BTW.

  • @ejbgunny1
    @ejbgunny1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I found one of these yesterday on CL and picked it up today. It's one that has the trans blue finish made in Indonesia, and it is gorgeous. They were asking $60 and I couldn't shove that money in their hands fast enough. Thanks for the video and the recommendation. Because of you I now have a kick ass LP Jr.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Awesome! Some of my favorite Epi's are indonisian. Good score!

    • @jvin248
      @jvin248 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Indonesian-built models seem to be much more consistent, whether Epiphone or Squier.

    • @edwhite7475
      @edwhite7475 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      ok i had two identical Epiphone Hummingbird acoustics, 2011 models, and on was made in Malaysia and the other Indonesia....i sold one because i was only playing one of them, and im hoping the quality is about the same....anybody know?

  • @Dirtyboats
    @Dirtyboats 7 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    just bought an epiphone les paul jr. for 60 bones of craigslist and its the shit... but wait theres more. it has a p freakin90

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Thats awesome! $60 is a good price for a LP jr. The p90 version can get $130 on eBay pretty easy..and that is like a new price !

    • @Dirtyboats
      @Dirtyboats 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      whip's cheap guitars nice i should sell it. great channnel btw.

    • @paulcannon2070
      @paulcannon2070 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I bought one for 20$ out of a homeless guys shopping cart. The next day I bought a fender frontman 20 for 20$. The next time I saw him he had been beat up. So I went home and picked up my Dean baby Z and took it to him as a gift, the guy started crying because he always wanted an explorer type guitar. He gave me in trade a nearly new affinity strat with a gig bag. I am supporting the quality work of Indonesians. All of it is great gear.

    • @shellydrew100
      @shellydrew100 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Its so good to know there's still good folks like you paul...total respect to you :)

    • @robdotzler2333
      @robdotzler2333 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      My first guitar as an adult, 40 years after my first "guitar" if that was what it really was. Formed firewood, but that Epi LPJ, what a find! Indonesian built too. Now, I'm a straight up guitar junkie thanks to that $100 beauty, ebony but that 3 ply pick guard and trc had to go, as well as those cream plastics. They looked like crap together but it's all black now and the fret board even got blacked by Fiebing's Leather stain, now the chrome really pops. I'll be looking for more, the Indonesian built guitars are becoming hard to find, I should have bought one in each color back in 2015, but I didn't know what I was discovering at the time. Btw, new subscriber. Digging your channel.

  • @metalwrath4
    @metalwrath4 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks so much for this video. I just got a 2011 Indonesian Les Paul for $40. To my surprise, the stock pickup is fine.
    Only issue I have is that the sound cuts out a little bit while adjusting the tone knob.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It shouldn't cut out. Get it sprayed with cleaner

    • @avega2792
      @avega2792 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s just dirty. Some electronics cleaner will fix that.

  • @MrBritjoe
    @MrBritjoe 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey there Whip, I enjoyed your first Video, I bought a Indo Epi Junior $40 Canadian, and I have guitars that cost me 100 times literaly and my Junior is something I cant put down. best of luck with your channel Man.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks MrBritjoe! Glad you enjoyed the vid and congrats on a $40 Guitar!!!

  • @scienceisgod1
    @scienceisgod1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought a Jr at my local pawn shop and modded/replaced nearly everything on it. That was fun and now it sounds and looks great!

  • @chriswilliamoneil
    @chriswilliamoneil 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just got one too, playing with Headphones until I get an amp, really great sound, got a Mahogany body and neck, 700T Humbucker, modern tuners, steel strings, 22 frets, JUST GREAT!!

  • @quinnmyster6916
    @quinnmyster6916 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Your honest review and approach made this the best review-I watched others review this and you covered things none of them caught or spoke of, like pricing, build locations, how to spot neck issues and so on. Great Review! Subscribed :)

  • @shellydrew100
    @shellydrew100 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've been playing guitar for 30 years plus...and i love these cheap guitars...a mate of mine spent almost a 1000 quid on a guitar , thinking it would make him play better...that was a total waste of money...nah , i love my cheap pawn shop guitars :)...great vid :)

  • @guitarandbeyondplus
    @guitarandbeyondplus ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought two of these for about $60 each. I had a 54-ish Gibson LP Jr back in the '70s so I know a lot about Juniors. One of mine was already painted white. The other was that horrific sunburst. I'm in the process of re-finishing it in pseudo-TV yellow. I put cheapie P90s on both. When I started out playing cheap guitars were garbage. I have Franken-Strat that I put together for $20. It plays very well.

  • @jltrem
    @jltrem 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    A man who loves cheap guitars is a man after my own heart. Last Spring I went to a guitar show. They were having a raffle. At the last moment I entered my name and won an Epiphone Les Paul Special II. I have a 2004 Epi Les Paul Standard Plus Top. I swear I have more fun with the Special II. Switched out the crappy tuners for some better Gotoh knock offs. Made some cosmetic changes. Love playing this thing. Last month I walked into Guitar Center and walked out with a 2003 Squier Affinity Strat for $49. I have three other strats. This one's become my favorite. Put a GFS full sized steel bloc in it. Now you've got me hankering for a Junior...with a P90.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love the special II guitars, they are so much fun and some of them sound fantastic.

  • @bronzesnake7004
    @bronzesnake7004 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Update! It's three stinking years since my last mad rambling comment!!!
    In those years my Epiphone LP JR has become tied for my favorite guitar!! I have NINE guitars right now, not counting the ones I gave my sosn because I thought I was about to get in my grave!!!
    My Epiphone Casino and this Junior are tops!!!
    Mine has the humbucker as opposed to the P90 which of course, my Casino has a pair!
    Final update - Although Reaper has done an excellent job for all my home recording needs and they are HANDS DOWN one of the very best companies for customer service with awesome product, I have made a switch!!
    I bought a PreSonus Audiobox 96 which was bundled with thousands of dollars of free effects and plugins!!
    I bought it this past December and have just basically busted it out after some illness, but so far I am entirely impressed!!!
    Start a Recording Software topic Whip and I'll update smore!
    As for these Epiphone Juniors - You right Whip!!!
    Take care my brother and say howdy to the little lady!
    Jack ~'()'~
    Canada Manly!

  • @mistermojo1969
    @mistermojo1969 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Second comment...I also have one of the Indonesian P90 Juniors. Got it new for $125 in 1999 or so. They had two black ones and a sunburst at the store for that price. I played all three and the sunburst just had that little bit of extra magic to it, so it went home with me. Eighteen years later and it still has a home.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thats awesome! A good junior is a great guitar isn't it! Ive got used to rolling down the tone and picking up on the neck and I can get a pretty usable neck pickup sound. Love my juniors! Thanks for the comment.

  • @johnpick8336
    @johnpick8336 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Idea and Site..you are so right ...I have been playing..buying and selling guitars for over 50 years and we are in the Golden Age of Cheap Guitars ..thanks for posting.

  • @substrate001
    @substrate001 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dave: followed your advice and got an amazing one just like yours in the video, except it was the Indonesian version: great playability, intonation, pickups, mahogany. Thanks a bunch, man!!! You NAILED it with this video.

  • @RPSchonherr
    @RPSchonherr 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I think I've come to the conclusion that most guitars will sound good going through a descent amp, 30 watts or more. Where the difference from the cheap and expensive really shows is over the years how well the electronics hold up. My $125 Washburn is snap crackle and pop all over the place until you run the knobs and switch up and down a few times. It's about 25 years old now but the pickups still sound the same. Someday I'll change out the pots and switch and the jack.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Your totally right. I think even dirt cheap guitars nowadays have decent fretwork and usable tuners...but the electronics are better in more expensive gear. That said, there are some great sounding stock pickups in some really cheap guitars. Thanks for the comment.

  • @motorrebell
    @motorrebell 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Im very Happy to have a Epiphone junior "Limited edition 57 reissue " has a fat neck ( set - not Bolted ) and I replaced the P100 ( Stacked magnet pickup that i hated ) with a Original Gibson P90 dogear pickup . The Ultimate Rock machine - Sounds Amazing ! I Highly recommend It !

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've never got to play one of those but I would love to. I love juniors and the gibson versions have problems, so I would love a set neck Epi!

  • @Colhogan06
    @Colhogan06 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just bought an Epiphone Les Paul Studio and it sounds excellent! I am very impressed with the workmanship of this guitar and the beauty of this guitar. Mine is a glossy jet black. Really shines when cleaned up. Plus it was very affordable. In fact brand new it was just $249.00. It is well worth the money! So I agree with this guy. The amount you pay isn't always an indication of how good the guitar plays. Granted maybe my ear isnt good enough to distinguish a difference between my Les Paul and a $3k+ Les Paul. But if I cant hear the difference why pay for the difference???

  • @Deeznutseighthundredthirty
    @Deeznutseighthundredthirty 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Had a epiphone les paul sl and sold it for this guitar. Don't regret it even slightly. Great instrument.

  • @randylin6038
    @randylin6038 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Whip,
    You're doing a great service to people, helping us sift they all the cheap gear out there for the really worthwhile stuff. I have an expensive guitar that got outplayed by a 60$ Chinese guitar. I have never been able to adjust the expensive one to play as well as the cheap one did off the rack. Thanks for all you're doing.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Randy. I appreciate that. There sure is a lot of great gear out there right now.

  • @erictoniaschwab1009
    @erictoniaschwab1009 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks so much for these videos Whip. I play an Indonesian Junior. Cherry red and completely stock. It’s an amazing axe. The tuners actually stay in tune, the neck is just right, there are no sharp fret ends and it sounds killer.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Man, I love the Indonesian Epis. They are great guitars

    • @bandzgang9780
      @bandzgang9780 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Haven't changed my strings in years

  • @DougHinVA
    @DougHinVA 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Korean-made Austin brand were from the company that makes Alvarez. I snagged a barely used LP Junior for $125 to my door and it easily beats any Epiphone I ever saw. Look for the Korean built guitars of the recent past...

  • @Sc0teeBe318
    @Sc0teeBe318 ปีที่แล้ว

    I recently picked up an Epiphone Les Paul Special from 1997 and it's the best Special I've ever played! It was made at the Chinese factory but man is it nice! The wood grain and figuring on the top is what caught my eye first. I'm sure it's probably a veneer but still. No one else has to know that ;) I was trying out the new "Inspired by Gibson" SG Standard model but then I picked up the Les Paul Special. I was more impressed by the Special honestly. I just kept ripping on it. It felt and played so nice. The tuners were actually smooth and it stayed in tune. Maybe they made the older ones better or I just got lucky. Don't knock the cheap stuff! It's actually pretty decent these days.

  • @dewindoethdwl2798
    @dewindoethdwl2798 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just spent an afternoon playing a “chance it” junior bought from a car boot sale. New strings & an hour setting up (no wonder it was being sold) and then plugged in for a great discovery. Wow, I totally get your enthusiasm for this guitar. Fits like a familiar old glove, fun to play, no nonsense guitar. Love it. Getting another ASAP.

  • @aperezdeal
    @aperezdeal ปีที่แล้ว

    If you keep your eyes open you can find that junior with a p-90 and some with a set neck under the moniker “57” on the truss cover.

  • @williamhale7477
    @williamhale7477 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have one made in China. Had to move the bridge way back to get intonation correct. Once there it was good across all six strings. This guys good.

  • @martinbeaudry9475
    @martinbeaudry9475 7 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Cool chanel...I'm also a huge "cheap gear" fan

  • @mattsarnecky2552
    @mattsarnecky2552 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought one of the when I was a kid with a P90 in it for $125 new. Still got it.

  • @DazedxHipster
    @DazedxHipster 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I agree with you. I have a Korean double cut junior. Plywood body, but it has tons of mojo. Excellent platform for cheap mods

  • @BulletSpoung
    @BulletSpoung 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought one in a orange burst from a pawn shop that looked almost new for $36.00 +tax. I took it home and did a complete cleanup, setup plus new strings, also from a pawn shop, then sold it for $75.00 after playing if for six months. They are very under rated if you find a good one.

  • @ernestbledsoe2293
    @ernestbledsoe2293 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought an Epiphone LP Jr. The serial number is: 97010577. I had a problem with the intonation. I swapped out the (non tunable) bridge for a tunable one. ($20.00). I put 12s on it, have it drop tuned DGCFAD and the guitar intonates perfectly. I like the way it sounds. It resonates and I can get some awesome sound out of it.

  • @LeviBulger
    @LeviBulger 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Squires are probably slightly more pawn shop prevalent, but that's mostly because most people buy up the lp jrs

  • @MrZeddy100
    @MrZeddy100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have two Emperador plywood Tele Deluxe clones from the late 70's. They play and sound awesome! Plywood rocks.

  • @adisillusionedidiotandpast7865
    @adisillusionedidiotandpast7865 7 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    You should look into Ibanez Gio, its a little on the more expensive end of "cheap" but has an amazing package for the price , 100-200

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I see them, I'll try to do a review.

    • @davidmurray591
      @davidmurray591 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Maybe some are okay but I had the 7 string gio and it really was terrible and I have some cheap guitars I love

    • @nahuelastor9320
      @nahuelastor9320 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ibanez are good guitars. But they all have an thin neck, so they lost lows. So you need a expensive amp for a cheap guitar....

    • @joepasco1420
      @joepasco1420 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Some of those gio' s have really good necks, i use the necks for my own builds. My number 7 i finished 5 years ago its about the only one i play. The rest ive sold for 4- 600 im working on # 18 now.

  • @tpitman
    @tpitman 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I picked up a sunburst one about 4 years ago for $50 off eBay. Some paint scuffs on it, loose tuners and input jack, and the neck was so bowed I understand why the girl who owned it never learned. I swear the string height must've been almost 1/4". I took it home, cleaned and tightend everything up, adjusted the neck and put on new strings. Looks like new. Scuff marks all came off with polish. When i was 17 back in '68 I'd have thought I'd gone to heaven if I could've gotten a guitar like this for $50, which was worth a lot more than it is now. I always wanted a Gibson Melodymaker, but back then they were around $300 or so as I recall. This is a great looking, fun guitar to play for next to nothing.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      My thought exactly brother. When I started playing guitar 28 years ago, $50 wouldn't buy you anything but one of those sears catalog Harmony electrics......and not the cool old ones....the junk 1980's models!

  • @martinjohnson5370
    @martinjohnson5370 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just bought an Epiphone Jr for $30, I'm a Gibson guy and I must say I am shockingly impressed by it.

  • @ansmfella
    @ansmfella 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Truth spoken with fervour! Have to add, one of my all time favourite guitars was a Kramer plywood body!!

  • @winstonthomas1785
    @winstonthomas1785 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yep, picked up a Maestro LP JR. Plywood body, frets could saw down a tree. Ratio of tuners terrible. Someone swapped out the pickup and pots for Fender pots and a burstbucker. ??? No idea why. Did the setup and swapped the pickup for a 700T. Nice little guitar now but man, is it heavy. Pretty birdseye neck on it. Sounds like my Special II so I don't play it that much.

  • @junebromley5621
    @junebromley5621 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    hi there i just stumbled in your page by accident and i am liking it i love cheep guitars i usually buy cheep ones and do some fixer up and i donate them to kids with disability or to kids who are in a low income bracket .i do this out from the heart because it gives kids some to do and keep out of trouble and to my kids with a disability it makes there faces light up with a smile and it makes a good challenge so they see can do something and it takes there attention away from there physical handicap. i look forward to watching more .

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks June. And good on ya' for your passing on guitars to kids who need them.

  • @rockandrolllifestyle8679
    @rockandrolllifestyle8679 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm with you on the inexpensive guitars . Especially the Epi's . Electric , Acoustic. , doesn't matter . Quality improving year by year . Squier stepping up their game as well .

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Totally. Some of the new Squires are great. Wish their neck were wider though.

    • @sissyfist
      @sissyfist 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      rock and roll life style maybe the electrics, but man some of the cheap Epi acoustics are just horrible. Not that you can't get a decent acoustic Epi for cheap, but you have to look around a bit and avoid a lot of junk.

  • @alinakorovina681
    @alinakorovina681 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    these things are so ace for the price! I got a pro setup done on mine, frets filed, new nut and a Kent Armstrong P90 to replace the humbucker. It was pretty good anyhow, but now it feels great and sounds SO mean. Would recommend, fun thing to have around and you don't have to stress about anything happening to it at a gig.

  • @spottedsaint5776
    @spottedsaint5776 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like cheap guitars myself. I got a vintage 1980s Cort Les Paul copy (silverburst) at a local pawnshop for about $130; (which plays awesome!); and shortly thereafter I bought a Chinese Bullet Strat (sunburst) for about $70. I still have my Strat (which plays awesome btw) but I lost my Cort ,unfortunately. But I DO have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Pro on layaway that I'm paying for! I believe that the retail for one of these brand new is around $600 but I'm getting it for $299! Not as cheap as the Junior but not a bad deal either. I like the LP Juniors as well. I've seen one on another channel that was transformed into an awesome surf guitar! Modding cheap guitars has become quite a phenomenon and I would like to see more done with the Epiphone Les Paul Jr's. Great video!

  • @ramblingnonsense8030
    @ramblingnonsense8030 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    think part of the reason it's such a common pawnshop guitar is that they did a bundle deal for the black juniors with the Rocksmith game; just bought mine for £50 with the game, which I'll just resell, and some cords, off a mum who was cleaning out her son's bedroom. A price i couldn't pass up, especially after buying a relatively expensive acoustic as my "main guitar".

  • @joshleclair234
    @joshleclair234 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Les paul jrs are my favorite guitar ❤😻

  • @justin_smith556
    @justin_smith556 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been following Dave on Bush Radical for a few years now and somehow never stumbled across this channel until now.

  • @fishing4truth91
    @fishing4truth91 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I picked up an all black Epiphone LP Jr. exactly like the one you're reviewing. I got it used from Guitar Center for $89. It's got a few nicks, but so do I and I'm pretty happy with it. Like you said, we don't have to spend a fortune to get a guitar that looks and sounds great.

  • @marsellusbrel
    @marsellusbrel 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video. This is not only a good advise for people looking for a guitar, it's teaching pretentious guitar players to not be so judgemental

  • @sjb454
    @sjb454 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great video. I have a $60 plywood jr that I redid and tibia my favorite guitar.

  • @LBRSpeed
    @LBRSpeed 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a white Indonesian Epiphone Les Paul Jr. Plays great, has some heft to it, sustains forever. I put a Mean 90 humbucker-sized P90 and vintage-style knobs for semi-authenticity. Rocks. $99.99. Did I say "rocks"? It ROCKS.

  • @ikeushighwater5727
    @ikeushighwater5727 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Bought one as a project..Its all torn down now. Owner before me was really bad with a solder gun and (joy) he glued on the tone and volume knobs. I've started to strip off the finish and now you have me scared that this might bea plywood guitar.. Anyway I'll deal with it.Did play with the stock bridge. G string unable to intonate. Adjustable bridge on the way. Along with DiMarzio PAF Master..Didn't like the tuners. Some Hipshot locking tuners in mystockpile will be just right.Love my LP Special.. Hope this turn out good..Does have a thick neck. Fattest of all my present collection.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome. Let me know what you think of the Dimarzios. I'm looking for a good PAF.

    • @ikeushighwater5727
      @ikeushighwater5727 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don't have the Junior assembled as yet.. I ordered the wrong bridge when what I really wanted was the Tone Pro's adjustable wrap around.I should have that in the next day or so.. Have the DiMarzio PAF 36 Anniversary set in my LP Special and it sounds as great as any high $$$ top shelf Junior could!!MY former black Junior is not ply wood!! 3 piece body a real nice "large" knot right behind the bridge. I like charcter woods!! Another nice knot where a belly cut would go.Took everything down to natural wood., Just a touch of yellow dyeand Minwax honey stain rubbed and buffed it all ..Then 2 coat of amber shellac.. The neck has a light coat of the diluted Minwax #272and a couple coatings of Butcher Block Conditioner (Mineral oil and waxes). Georgous!!!!Will be making up the new wiring harness tonite.

    • @ikeushighwater5727
      @ikeushighwater5727 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ment LP Special that the PAF set is installed in

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'll try the dimario on your recommendation.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      My favorite guitar!

  • @chrishandsome4267
    @chrishandsome4267 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I subbed in the first 30 seconds. You’re my kind of channel my brother

  • @cooldad8269
    @cooldad8269 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just picked up on of these myself. A black 2011 Indonesian made. My son got a TV Yellow 2011 Indonesian version and I stole it from him so much I decided to get my own haha.

  • @JohnAdams-xc5yk
    @JohnAdams-xc5yk 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The fad here in the Philippines is buy a JCraft telecaster or strat they are mahogany body maple neck, string thru bridge replace the tuners, electronics, nut and pickups and you have a great guitar starting price about $100

  • @sam_uelson
    @sam_uelson 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sir you have yourself another subscriber. My two main axe's are an epi lp standard which i picked up from a pawnshop and a japanese early 90s squire strat which is absolutely perfect.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Japanese suites are serious guitars> I had a MIJ tele custom Squire and it was as good of a guitar as you could buy!

  • @russianbot2397
    @russianbot2397 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had an Indonesian one. Black, one pickup, shitty tuners, but it was an amazing player, and sounded decent. I had my friend's dad play it. The man has every high end guitar you can think of. He even has a real 52 telecaster, but he just fell in love with the jr. I gave it to him. It became his go to axe. He eventually got better tuners, but kept the rest of it stock.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I can totally see that happening. When you get a good one of these Jrs. they are a great guitar!

  • @AndrewAHayes
    @AndrewAHayes 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Whip! I just came across Harley Benton guitars from a German company called Thomman they are made in China and QC'd set up and sold by Thomman, they cut out the distribution costs and pass this on to the consumer, I'm really impressed with these guitars going by the reviews I have seen, you can get these from other shops but I don't think they are QC'd by these retailers, check them out unless you are already aware of them.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Andrew. Yes , Im aware of them, but have yet to play one. They have a very highly-thought-of Telecaster knockoff that looks good......and if I remember right..they even have a Prince Tele. Cool stuff.

  • @lightworker1969
    @lightworker1969 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Indo Epiphone J-45 is killer and dirt cheap. You rock dude!!!

  • @wiseguy9202
    @wiseguy9202 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a GTX23 lightning bolt model with a plywood body that sounds fantastic. The only downfall is the heavy weight(if that's even an issue). Fantastic 80's guitar!

  • @pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358
    @pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well...that was awesome rabbit...I see why so popular now. You are passionate about what your speaking about, and it
    reflects directly in this video. winner, winner...fried pike dinner! Sweet riffs too D...u gotz the skills!

  • @Dan-lx1wz
    @Dan-lx1wz 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Big name guitars with big prices are one of the biggest marketing farces out there. If you know what you're looking for you can easily find a great sounding machine for 100-200 dollars max, sometimes even less. My go-to guitar for Eb is a First Act 222 model, $49.95 in the local pawn shop. Perfect condition, not a blemish anywhere. New strings and a quick setup, I was ready to go.

  • @gabrielbelmonte8521
    @gabrielbelmonte8521 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    About time someone agrees with me

  • @jvin248
    @jvin248 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like those Epi Special Juniors, and the Special IIs too. Great guitars. Fret level on them will fix any issues there. As long as you 'tune up' like you should then those tuners are more than fine. Find a set of the ebay import red/black zebra humbuckers that sell around $15 a pair that are 14-16kohm bridge and put that in your Special (there are similar black/cream and silver covered too, compare construction/backs to match them up). I've pulled Duncans to put these in. I also dismantle them for splits, my most played Epi Jr has a red/black split with push/pull tone pot for single coil; fun fun guitar.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you have a brand I can reference or are they just generic chinese hum buckers? Im all about checking out those pickups if you endorse them.

  • @michaelmarcus9005
    @michaelmarcus9005 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Own a couple of these. Prefer the Korean made. Great neck and electronics. Been playing for 52 years and owned vintage Gibson LP JRs. These are as good. Thanks for sharing. You got great tone.

  • @wjewell63
    @wjewell63 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have the lp vintage I didn't like it for over a year...now it's my favorite

  • @mikeellis9720
    @mikeellis9720 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man I love Junior's. I have an original Gibson single cutaway from 1958- with the original price tag!
    I have an Epiphone 3/4 body with a humbucker that I got brand new for 77 bucks with a strap & gigbag in 97 at Guitar Center. The tag said 200 bucks! I'm headed to Music Go Round to see another one. Bad Habit. Anyway, Love your video, love inexpensive gear.
    When you get ready to play 'em you gotta say "Time to Whip it - Whip it Good!" Take Care.

  • @ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463
    @ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have to tell you a story that might make you cry cause i did when this happen'd----
    i am 56 years old and i have been a guitar collector my whole life i'm a bass player that also plays blues and country and classic Rock on guitar and on bass i am a funky white boy that lives in Nashville Touring Musician. well when i was 16 i bought a Les-Paul Jr it was tobacco sunburst and my dad's guitar player only played Grethse like country gentleman or Nashville and Chet Atkins...so he needed a few bucks and i played drums originally and he sold me a tobacco sunburst les paul jr...so i was playing with my Rock band back than at high school dances or basketball arena's and when we would travel we would do a free show for like 45mins in the auditorium than play the 2 hour plus show at night for big money well i found out from a friend who new about old guitars and i showed him my les paul jr and i told him i bought it for 100 bucks and this is back in 1977 there were more older gibsons out there being played instead of locked up in a showcase like now and my friend looked up the serial number and it was a 55 les paul jr in the original case and i was playing my 72 black beauty les paul all black with gold hardware with all the bells and whistles so i had my 59 JR leaning up against my marshall stack for just a couple of seconds removing my strap to play the Jr and it fell over and the headstock broke in half off the neck and i wanted to cry so i got it fixed by the guy that told me what year it was so i had it painted white pearl at a body shop in Chicago and he covered up the front of the head stock and the front of the rosewood neck and you could not even see the blemish where it was broke and i figured it wasn't worth much money anymore and i guy traded me an all original 1952 telecaster butterscotch blonde even trade and so i got a 1952 telecaster for $100 bucks and 100 repair job and a 25 dollar paint job on the Jr and i still have that tele in my collection crazy story i had to share with you........

  • @carloszamora9551
    @carloszamora9551 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Have you heard this. Epiphone has the Junior back. I can't wait to be available.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Really! Thats awesome

    • @carloszamora9551
      @carloszamora9551 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@whipscheapguitars2856 Yeah. Now it's available.

    • @wiseguy9202
      @wiseguy9202 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      2020 Epiphone is amazing. They finally listened to customer regarding the headstock and their inspired by Gibson series. Set neck and all.

    • @carloszamora9551
      @carloszamora9551 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@wiseguy9202 Yeah. It's really cool

    • @carloszamora9551
      @carloszamora9551 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@wiseguy9202 I am going to order one soon.

  • @DFDuck55
    @DFDuck55 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Besides plywood there are also some press board guitars worth having. I have a '68 Silvertone (made by Danelectro and sold by Sears & Roebuck, with built in 2 tube amp in the case). The rosewood neck is beautiful, the original Dano Liptick Tube single coil pickup is awesome. The rest is garbage; press board body, pressed tin hardware. But it just screams, and resonates forever. -- I see an electric bass in the arsenal. The very first video I saw of Brooke's I saw a bass on the wall and asked her about it.

  • @lonerider92
    @lonerider92 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just recently scored an 05 Korean Junior for 50 bucks and it came with a stand! It needs some work, but I got it playable chord wise, man does it sustain. Once I can get the action/neck pocket situation resolved I'll be modding the hell out of it.

  • @garyavans70
    @garyavans70 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man, totally dig this cat's energy and enthusiasm. Nice playing dude. Passed one up today, going back after it tomorrow!

    • @garyavans70
      @garyavans70 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh, and gained a sub for sure

  • @edwardlbc562
    @edwardlbc562 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Had the white one a few years back,sold it back to guitar center for $50. Wish I would have kept it. Looking for another one! Hard to find for under $200-$150.

  • @hadleymanmusic
    @hadleymanmusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'll take another one as long as it's qc on the money! I've one and I love this jr. No my first was a Kent Sg Back in 77. Then my second was a epi f250. Both were motsu. But this epi lpjr is a real good guitar. I took out an Armstrong and put in a humbucker.

  • @06jrz
    @06jrz 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I agree with this man I bought a cheap plywood tele on Craigslist for 40 and love it. The frets were cheap so I bought some stainless steel ones. It's great because you can most the shit out of them and not feel any remorse if you mess up

  • @kevinpaul1719
    @kevinpaul1719 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    They laughed at me but I went on with it! I bought one cheap on line and replaced everything. Lesley West of Mountain was my inspiration. Ken Armstrong P90 is the pup of the day. Every thing was tossed for an upgrade. Happy ending of course.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome. How did you like the kent Armstrong p90?

    • @kevinpaul1719
      @kevinpaul1719 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      whip's cheap guitars the Armstrong pickups then went into my Les Paul Standard. I put the Ken Armstrong P90s in my pickup drawer. The LP Standard now has Seth Lovers in it and the LP Junior has a mini humbler from a Gibson LP Deluxe. Some of local kids might want the Armstrong pup. The P90s I really like are Bare Knuckle, because they have almost the range of the humbuckers.

  • @CharlesLRT
    @CharlesLRT 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whip- Thank you for posting this video. After watching your video, I found a LPJ on eBay for $50. Installed a phat cat P90 (my first try at installing a new pickup). I totally love playing this guitar!

  • @9999plato
    @9999plato 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I hasd an Ampeg Big Stud bass back in the 70's and it's body was plywood. It fine.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      ABSOLUTLEY! Plywood is fine for guitar tone. Believe it or not!

  • @Mission2Transition641
    @Mission2Transition641 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    My Man!!! just what I need to bring me down to earth. I love Cheap Guitars. Two of my favorite guitars are a 2000 Squier Tele Affintity I bought new for $179 and a Goldtop w/ P90's for $199 from Austin. Every time I buy an "Expensive" axe I compare it to those two, believe or not. I'm tired of paying big bucks past year for some top dollar axes (Gretsch, Deans)....like you said..dont need expensive gear to sound great and rock out.

  • @AHEADFULLOFDREAMSS
    @AHEADFULLOFDREAMSS 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    you are the most coolest guy i have ever seen.keep on going man! thank you for telling the truths of cheap guitars.

  • @gunnerjenson
    @gunnerjenson 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    You hit the nail on the head - there's a million cheap ace sounding guitars out there! Move away from the 'vintage' snobbery and get on with it! Great video man!

  • @Tone.Corner
    @Tone.Corner 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the video. I have buy a junior in black from China. And with my 9kohm alnico 5 pickup and I am happy... Rock’n’Roll ✌️💥🎸🎼😎

  • @jamesbryant6484
    @jamesbryant6484 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I sold my two Gibson's and bought Epiphones. No Jr. yet. The fit and finish is second to none.

  • @cgavin1
    @cgavin1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have some Gibsons and I still hanker after the Epiphone I had when I was 15 that got nicked. That thing sounded great through my mate's dad's plexi. I think its was Japanese made, may be wrong. Was good though. Have no problem buying Eipiphones and gigging them. I honestly do not understand why more pro musicians don't use them.

    • @whipscheapguitars2856
      @whipscheapguitars2856  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah I know! Its just a name thing. Too bad though. By the way, which model was it?

    • @cgavin1
      @cgavin1 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sadly no idea. Was too young. :( Was an early 90's Les Paul model made in Japan. Was single cut had double uncovered humbuckers and the full compliment of tone and volume controls (x4). My best memory as a kid is my then guitar teacher (which were all hard up working musicians back then as you know) blasting out Sultans of Swing through his deluxe reverb (an original) and saying, rather begrudgingly, 'yeah that sounds pretty damn good, son!' :)

  • @marcelomeligeni5041
    @marcelomeligeni5041 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great sound,great guitar,an great fraseos y ruffs Les Paul Junior of Ehiphone

  • @anthonyring123
    @anthonyring123 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an all white one, and paid a good friend who's an artist, i.e painting and drawing, take a sharpy to the body and draw me a real cool yet simple design. Then took some sand paper and fucked up the areas that get the most wear and tear. And I use it as my stage guitar. It fits with the punky vibe I go for.
    Although I did upgrade the tuners, bridge, and slapped a nice p90 on it. Soooo.... like 200-275ish in upgrades.

  • @mattd1142
    @mattd1142 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man you're so right on everything you're saying! I have both of those different kinds of juniors. both awesome but very different. the ones a lot heavier in weight than the other. I took the Humbuckers out of it and put in Gibson P -94s to get that single coil sound and love it