Epi LP Jr?

[mKwatra427]

Hey guys, I'm getting my first guitar soon and am looking at the new blue Les Paul Junior from Epiphone. I play mostly classic/oldies rock; Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits, Bryan Adams, and Bruce Springsteen among others. My dad wants an inexpensive guitar (around $300) and my mom wants it to last me. Any of you out there know this guitar well and could share your feedback on this guitar? Do I need to make modifications for it to suit me better? I think this guitar might work better than other budget guitars made from cheaper materials. Please help me out!

 

This guitar found here

 

Martin

[Sjael]

Hey guys, I'm getting my first guitar soon and am looking at the new blue Les Paul Junior from Epiphone. I play mostly classic/oldies rock; Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits, Bryan Adams, and Bruce Springsteen among others. My dad wants an inexpensive guitar (around $300) and my mom wants it to last me. Any of you out there know this guitar well and could share your feedback on this guitar? Do I need to make modifications for it to suit me better? I think this guitar might work better than other budget guitars made from cheaper materials. Please help me out!

 

This guitar found here

 

Martin

The (current) Epi LP Jr is a pretty fantastic guitar. It's my go-to guitar at the moment (ahead of all my other muchos more expensive guitars) for the simple reason that it's simple. Always good to go. It's also really light so it isn't a chore to pick up or put down, and it's cheap enough that I can leave it laying about without worrying too much about it.

 

That said, mine had aftermarket tuners on it when I got it so I don't know how good (or bad) the originals are, and it was also missing the pickup so I can't comment on that either.

 

As far as the wood goes though, it's really damn good.

 

As to whether it's suited to your musical taste, well.. I know that the Boss plays an Esquire (or a Tele that's been turned into an Esquire, or something.) Dire Straits is a name I associate with a stratocaster sound, and I've seen Bryan Adams with a strat too.

 

The LP Jr is a great guitar and all, but maybe you'd be better off with something from the lighter side. The ice pick-ier side.

[EpiphoneFan1989]

Buy it! I´ve got the LP Special II and it´s near to the Junior and I love it. Inexpensive guitars can also be good.

[mKwatra427]

As to whether it's suited to your musical taste, well.. I know that the Boss plays an Esquire (or a Tele that's been turned into an Esquire, or something.) Dire Straits is a name I associate with a stratocaster sound, and I've seen Bryan Adams with a strat too.

 

Yeah, but I'm also trying to develop my voice on the guitar. Also, there aren't a lot of decent quality budget Fenders. Even Squier uses cheap woods Still, you're right...

[brianh]

Epiphone Juniors are nice starter guits, and a lot of us have bought them as a modification / experimentation platform, but from the list of styles you mention, I expect you'll outgrow it pretty quickly.

 

The current Jr will need at the very least new tuners and pickup, and all of the units I've bought have received a new nut, wiring, pots, caps and jack, as well as a complete setup. I do my own work, but between parts and labor it would cost you perhaps $400 to have it done professionally. At that cost, you could get a much nicer guitar, no mods needed. Plus it's a bolt-on neck which many people consider inferior to a set-neck, at least on Gibson style guitars. Also, most of them have laminated (plywood) bodies, and with a budget of $300, you should be able to get a solid wood body guitar.

 

In any case for tonal flexibility, I would think you'll want two pickups at the very least, and there are plenty of good choices out there in that range from Epiphone, Fender (Squire), Ibanez, Dean, Yamaha, etc. Right now you can get an Epiphone G-400 or Les Paul Studio for less than $300 shipped, no tax right to your door. You might also consider the Agile line form Rondo which has a number of features that outstrip most of the big name brand competitors in that price range: http://www.rondomusi...lesssbd2ts.html

 

Welcome to the forum, good luck, and keep us posted.

 

PS, here are a few links to some Junior mod pages, this forum is full of them:

 

http://forum.gibson....__1#entry933049

 

http://forum.gibson....__1#entry816469

 

http://forum.gibson...._1#entry1048283

 

http://forum.gibson....__1#entry959961

 

http://forum.gibson....__1#entry957284

[animalfarm]

Hey guys, I'm getting my first guitar soon and am looking at the new blue Les Paul Junior from Epiphone.

I play mostly classic/oldies rock; Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits, Bryan Adams, and Bruce Springsteen among others.

My dad wants an inexpensive guitar (around $300) and my mom wants it to last me.

Martin

 

I'll add my two cents, which is based on personal experience, and will partially

echo comments already made.

 

Regarding ANY Epi Special/Junior Guitar - I've owned both the Epi LP Special and SG Special.

They ARE playable with a good set-up, BUT, the tuners are throw-aways. Epi dropped the ball

on these models. Stock tuners are Stamped out/mass produced, and have an inherent problem

with the Tuner worm gear meshing with the post driven gear. They tend to be loose between the two,

causing slippage. We've had threads here in which the tuners were dissected and flaws pointed out.

Stay away from the Special/Junior unless you plan on replacing tuners. If EPI would just step up

and put decent D-Tip Grovers on them, they could sell thousands more...

 

I highlighted the "Inexpensive" and "Last Me" because I have a suggestion which you should

consider, and meets both criteria. Brianh also suggested same model I am about to mention,

and I bought mine in Dec 2008, consider it to be HIGHLY playable and a KEEPER. I had to

sell mine about a month ago due to financial needs , really miss it, and would buy

ANOTHER in a Heartbeat.

 

Please consider the EPI Les Paul Studio (Worn Brown, Cherry, or Ebony). I'll also provide a

link to the Musician's Friend page, AND a link to a Review I wrote sometime in the recent past.

Normally, they are selling for around $349.00, currently priced under $300.00. Plays like a dream,

has SET NECK, GOOD Grover D-Tip Tuners, holds a set up very well, and it really is a keeper which

will provide years of enjoyment. I eventually upgraded mine with Gibson pups and tuners, but I like

to work on my own gits. I don't forsee that you would be disappointed AT ALL with the Stock Guitar.

 

Just my thoughts, trying to get you the best Bang for your Buck.

 

Musician's Friend Link:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-les-paul-studio-electric-guitar/518351

 

REVIEW - Epiphone LES PAUL STUDIO (Worn Brown/Satin Finish):

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/71435-epiphone-les-paul-studio-worn-brown/

 

You also mention preferring styles of music/performers which have traditionally been

associated with "Strat-Style" guitars. There are many of us on this Forum who enjoy

finding Guitars/Manufacturers that are not well known, but produce a high-quality, yet

inexpensive line of instruments. I'm one of those folks. RONDO MUSIC is gaining a reputation

for being a source of such instruments. I've owned several guitars from them, and have

always been amazed at the quality for money. Rondo sells SX, Agile, Douglas...

They are an on-line company, and I have been purchasing from them at least 2 years with

no problems.

 

I'm going to link to a "Strat-Style" SX guitar with P-90 Pickups, sells for $119.00 + shipping.

I OWN one of these, and am very pleased with the tones I can get from it. It set up very nicely,

I'm really digging the Maple neck, and the Tuners are actually DECENT!

Rondo link and a REVIEW link follows:

 

RONDO MUSIC Link:(on page 5 of website)

http://www.rondomusic.com/product4324.html

 

REVIEW - SX HAWK MN MH Strat Copy With 2 P-90s and Stop Tail:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/70034-sx-hawk-strat-copy-with-2-p-90s-i-found-the-missing-link/

 

There you have it. Two Completely Different Guitars to add to what you're considering.

These are just MY opinion, but it's based on Hands-on experience. Good Luck in your

search!!!!!

 

Animalfarm

[mKwatra427]

Thanks all you guys. I'll consider the Les Paul Studio, or maybe even a Fender/Squier (not likely though). If I need to mod out a LP Jr, I was thinking of a Seymour Duncan P-Rails. You know, that pickup that switches from Fender single coil to P-90 to humbucker? I could achieve all my sounds with that. Still, If it may not last me, I'll consider the Studio. Thanks!

[damian]

Great advice, as always.............All I can add is, start your geetar addiction !!!!!!!!!!!! And enjoy it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [thumbup] .......

 

 

One guitar is never enough......... ............

[Malchik]

See if you can convince you dad to through in a few hundred bucks and buy a good Epiphone Les Paul standard. That'll do you for a while.

[brianh]

If I need to mod out a LP Jr, I was thinking of a Seymour Duncan P-Rails. You know, that pickup that switches from Fender single coil to P-90 to humbucker? I could achieve all my sounds with that. Still, If it may not last me, I'll consider the Studio. Thanks!

It's not that the LP Jr won't last, it's just that after you make all the mods necessary to make it a good player, you could have bought a better guitar and spent that time working on your chops.

 

Nothing wrong with Jrs (I have 4), but make it your 3rd or 4th guitar, or pick one up for $50 on Craigslist for learning how to do repairs, maintenance and modding. P-Rails are a cool option BTW, have considered this myself. PS, here's the list of mods I did on this one:

 

Guitar: $122.45

Pickup: $55.45

Surround: $8.98

Bridge: $32.95

Tuners: $22.95

Knobs: $12.95

Straplocks: $10.95

Nut, jackplate, jack, pots, wire, screws, etc: $25

TOTAL COST: $291.68 (call it $300 with Stew MAC & GFS shipping.)

 

Before:

 

 

After:

 

 

[animalfarm]

It's not that the LP Jr won't last, it's just that after you make all the mods necessary to make it a good player, you could have bought a better guitar and spent that time working on your chops.

 

Agreed. Needless to say, we're all interested in what you eventually choose!!!

Should your "Parental Units" have ANY questions, please feel free to post them here -

we'll do our best to provide unbiased, informed answers. Of course, we ALL have opinions,

and you've established the parameters of how much and gotta last.

 

Brianh is correct, get a GOOD player Guitar in your hands FIRST. The Modification "Bug" will

eventually bite you, and you can start your learning curve on less expensive Gits, which, BTW,

CAN be made into some rock-solid Axes once you get a handle on what you're doing.

 

There's a Sticky at the Top of the EPI Lounge called the "Do-it-Yourself" Thread. If you'll

click on it, then scroll down to the "Projects and Builds" sub-section (the smaller BLACK header -

There's a main BLUE one, then further down is the Black one) you can look at various MOD projects

some of our Forum members have done. Just for future reference...

 

Oh, yeah - when you finally choose and receive your GIT, we EXPECT pictures...

[RobinTheHood]

It's not that the LP Jr won't last, it's just that after you make all the mods necessary to make it a good player, you could have bought a better guitar and spent that time working on your chops.

 

 

I have to agree with this as well. I bought my daughter an SG Junior and have what amounts to almost $150 in tuner and bridge mods alone.

 

Of course, you can go cheaper than what I did, as pointed out by Brian's parts pricing summary, but the point remains valid. If I didnt already have a slew of guitars laying around the house, I would have bought her something more versatile for a little more money.

[mKwatra427]

Speaking of better guitars for the price, my dad found some good deals on some Schecter Omen and Damien guitars near his budget. I'm afraid of the cheaper basswood body on the Omen, and the Damien is against my slightly milder tone (It has EMGs). Any of you Schecter specialists out there, please help!

 

http://www.amazon.com/Schecter-Omen-6-Electric-Guitar-Black/dp/B0002E51S0/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1325306245&sr=1-1

 

http://www.amazon.com/Schecter-Damien-Special-Electric-Guitar/dp/B005CP07S8/ref=sr_du_1_map?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1325306334&sr=1-1

[mKwatra427]

All right, I'm currently gravitating away from the Junior as my first guitar. I'm looking primarily at a Schecter Omen and the Epi Les Paul Studio. Need to change the name of this thread...:D

[damian]

Speaking of better guitars for the price, my dad found some good deals on some Schecter Omen and Damien guitars near his budget. I'm afraid of the cheaper basswood body on the Omen, and the Damien is against my slightly milder tone (It has EMGs). Any of you Schecter specialists out there, please help!

 

http://www.amazon.co...25306245&sr=1-1

 

http://www.amazon.co...25306334&sr=1-1

 

Damien guitars.......hmmmmm.....I wonder about those..... :unsure: ......

[fretter]

My vote is for the Les Paul Studio model. IMO, you can't go wrong with this choice. You get a good basic guitar at a great price to start with. Later, when you get the mod bug, this guitar has endless possibilities. Begin with a solid carved top mahogany body add whatever PUPs,pots and caps or hardware and you can make it into a really high(er) quality guitar.

 

Just my dos centavos

[AlanH]

I'm going to go one stage further since your Mum is looking to get something that will be good for the long haul. I like Epi LP Studio and Standards but they still need some upgrading (pickups mainly) to achieve an unmuddy tone. So, I would recommend the following (which don't cost much more than an Epi LP Standard but need nothing upgrading):

 

-Epiphone Prophecy SG or Les Paul (all the bling, much slicker, more playable necks and no upgrades necessary)

-Gibson Melody Maker Series in SG, Explorer, Flying V etc. shapes (bling free, less tonal flexibility as only one pickup but lovely woods, components and a slick feel to the neck)

 

The advantage of the Epi LP Studio or Standard is the set neck which makes them more upgrade-worthy. However, you may well still end up going down the route of buying better pickups and then eventually selling it on anyway.

 

So, play a few but always get the best guitar you can stretch the budget to as it will save you money in the long run in both upgrades and/or eventual trade ups. It's also much better to learn on the best instrument you can afford. Also, if you can put in some of the finances yourself (savings; ebaying a few things you no longer need; doing chores; getting a paper round) your Dad will be a lot more convinced you're serious and don't just want a free ride.

 

Hope this helps a little- it's based on my own experience with guitars, and as a Dad.

 

Alan

[Sjael]

I would recommend the following (which don't cost much more than an Epi LP Standard but need nothing upgrading):

 

-Epiphone Prophecy SG or Les Paul (all the bling, much slicker, more playable necks and no upgrades necessary)

-Gibson Melody Maker Series in SG, Explorer, Flying V etc. shapes (bling free, less tonal flexibility as only one pickup but lovely woods, components and a slick feel to the neck)

 

The advantage of the Epi LP Studio or Standard is the set neck which makes them more upgrade-worthy. However, you may well still end up going down the route of buying better pickups and then eventually selling it on anyway.

If we're stretching the budget, I'm gonna have to nominate the Nighthawk Custom Reissue. (http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Designer/Nighthawk-Custom-Reissue.aspx)

 

A superb guitar for the money, and I would wager it's a lot better suited to achieving F*nder tones than a Les Paul (although by all accounts it can do pretty much anything you really want.) At $399 new it also includes basically every upgrade you'd want on a studio as stock - with the addition of fancy inlays and an ebony fretboard (I frickin love ebony boards.)

[Aethyr]

If we're stretching the budget, I'm gonna have to nominate the Nighthawk Custom Reissue. (http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Designer/Nighthawk-Custom-Reissue.aspx)

 

A superb guitar for the money, and I would wager it's a lot better suited to achieving F*nder tones than a Les Paul (although by all accounts it can do pretty much anything you really want.) At $399 new it also includes basically every upgrade you'd want on a studio as stock - with the addition of fancy inlays and an ebony fretboard (I frickin love ebony boards.)

 

Judging from the specs and clips (sadly I haven't played one, even though I've tried to find one in a store) the Nighthawk seems like a better guitar for that style indeed, especially with the coil-splitting pickups (especially the slanted bridge pup). Not to mention specs that generally are found on much more expensive guitars like the ebony fretboard with the beautiful inlays (real wtf moment there) and the maple top. Probably the best spec'd guitar I've seen at the 300 euro mark, and maybe even at the 400 euro mark...

 

That said, the Studio is still a great first guitar, and everyone I know who has bought it (myself included) as their first guitar hasn't regretted it... And in my humble opinion, spending more cash on the amp is more important than spending it on the guitar.

 

Final thing to consider: Buy a guitar that you like. Innumerable people who sell guitars will tell you this: your parents are wrong. Ultimately, you should buy a guitar that you like, both in appearance and in specs. It's your guitar. You're the one who is going to play it, not your dad. And the more you like it, the more likely you are to pick it up, and play more, and get better. And that's how a guitar pays back its value. Buying a cheap guitar that you don't like so that your father is pleased will only end in a situation where you don't play as much, so he whines about spending his money and you whine about hating your guitar.

 

Personal example of the above: When I bought a my second guitar a few weeks ago, I bought a Les Paul. Again. My friends and parents all said "why did you buy the same guitar again?" My reply? "Because that's what I want to play. Not an Ibanez, not a Fender, not even a different Epiphone model. I just want a Les Paul." It's as simple as that, really.

 

Off Topic: I find the Nighthawk so ugly (like a Les Paul gone bad) and yet beautiful - it gives me such major GAS that I'm considering starving for it...

[mKwatra427]

Final thing to consider: Buy a guitar that you like. Innumerable people who sell guitars will tell you this: your parents are wrong. Ultimately, you should buy a guitar that you like, both in appearance and in specs. It's your guitar. You're the one who is going to play it, not your dad. And the more you like it, the more likely you are to pick it up, and play more, and get better. And that's how a guitar pays back its value. Buying a cheap guitar that you don't like so that your father is pleased will only end in a situation where you don't play as much, so he whines about spending his money and you whine about hating your guitar.

 

Personal example of the above: When I bought a my second guitar a few weeks ago, I bought a Les Paul. Again. My friends and parents all said "why did you buy the same guitar again?" My reply? "Because that's what I want to play. Not an Ibanez, not a Fender, not even a different Epiphone model. I just want a Les Paul." It's as simple as that, really.

 

Thanks Aethyr, I agree wholeheartedly. These other recommendations (Melody Maker, Prophecy, Nighthawk) don't appeal to me like a Les PAul does. The Epiphone Nighthawk feels somewhat awkward to me, but in the long run I may consider a Gibson Nighthawk. That 2010 model in Chicago Blue suits my tone and my style.

[mKwatra427]

Hey all you guys have been a great help to me. Thanks to Sjael, brianh, animalfarm, fretter, AlanH, RTH, damian and Aethyr among others. You have convinced me and my dad that an Epiphone Les Paul Studio is the guitar for me and would suit me better than a Junior. I'm expecting to get it by the end of January, but anything can happen. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it. Thanks to all!

[animalfarm]

Well, you'll note that the EPI LP Studio(Worn browm, Worn Cherry, Ebony) is getting a high

amount of recommends, and is still selling at Musicians Friend for just under $300.00 - without

AMP, or course. A quick visit to a Store/Pawnshop/or Craigslist can remedy that.

 

When I decided to re-join the "Guitar Army" back at the end of 2008, I kept going back

and forth between the LP-100 (Bolt-on Neck) due to price, and the Worn-brown LP Studio.

Chose the Studio as I wanted a set-neck Git like the Gibsons I used to own. Was quite happy.

 

However, within finiancial considerations, the ultimate choice is YOURS, plus if you DO have

the ability to add to the "kitty", even better!

 

I've purchased a few "String-thru" guitars for Mod Projects, but have always preferred a "stop-bar"

tailpiece, so off to the modification races we went:

 

ORIGINAL DEAN VENDETTA XM:

 

 

POST-TAILPICE MOD, PUP UPGRADE, BRIDGE and TUNER UPGRADE, and RE-FINISH:

 

 

The Mod Bug will eventually bite you, just give it time. Just did this one because

I could. Whatever Guitar you are able to chose, all power to you!

[sledge57]

Sounds like a good choice, don't poo poo Squires though. If you like Fenders sound, any of the Squire Classic Vibe Strats (and the CSV Tele) will put a smile on your face.

 

Ask anyone who has one.

[Aethyr]

When I decided to re-join the "Guitar Army" back at the end of 2008, I kept going back

and forth between the LP-100 (Bolt-on Neck) due to price, and the Worn-brown LP Studio.

Chose the Studio as I wanted a set-neck Git like the Gibsons I used to own. Was quite happy.

 

The Studio feels much more like a "real" Les Paul to the hand than the LP-100 ever did for me... I've played a LP-100 and almost immediately wanted to go back to my Studio. Indeed, you made a good choice.

 

The Mod Bug will indeed bite you. You can always replace your Humbuckers with pair of Coil-Splitting ones or get a pair of P-90's or something; That could bring you closer to the sound you want, maybe.

 

Still, a good amplifier and good effects are a more integral part of getting the sound you want...

[mKwatra427]

Does anyone know about any pickups that give a Fender-like tone that will drop into a humbucker slot? The Wide Range pickup is the closest I can find, but it has a different size/shape.