Paul, are you still rocking the JR? I have a 2022 USA standard and it’s great but, the custom shop Murphy Lab is calling my name. Great playing by the way. I have a few guitars and the JR gets played more than the rest of the heard. lol
What a great guitarist you are. Tasty playing and great technique. That new Jr. suits you well. Great looking and awesome sounding guitar. I love the simplicity of the one pickup design. Lots of fun and enjoyment ahead for you in your guitar cave :-)
That’s all very tasty sounding Paul, hope you enjoy it and it inspires you lots. I’m only half way through listening to this and I needed to leave a comment. Takes a good player to bring out the tone like that. Excellent I’m delighted that you are connecting with it Paul Enjoy👌🌅 🌠🌌
Well done. You brilliantly capture that life affirming moment of unboxing a newly delivered guitar. Such ecstasy as the buckles are released and the sweet lady emerges. And what a guitar. I just got a new Les Paul Special in TV Yellow and I love it but this 57 Custom Shop Junior looks pretty special. Makes me want to consider trading in my PRS McCarty 594 Artist for one. Yes the PRS is gorgeous and has a bazillion tone options but it’s just too clinical. Thanks for the video.
Thank you Tom, I enjoyed reading your comment 😊. Actually, you mention your LP Special…. Yeah, I don’t have one of these…. they’re super cool, so maybe one day…..
BTW Paul, I'm late in saying this but I did end up selling my PRS and buying a 57 VOS Custom Junior LP. No regrets. What a guitar. It abundantly rewards good playing. @@paulstaffordcook8799
Wow! Thanks Paul I love that you shared the thrill and suspense of new guitar day with us! Super cool! My 1st electric was a Sears version of that axe, red gloss grain showing ..bought it for 60$ from a friend who is a great Canadian musician/producer now.. Thanks again, cheers!
Of all your stunning guitars this is the one that speaks the most to me. A very lucky man to own such a beauty! Let's hope she's in many videos to come.
Thank you Richard! Yes, it’s a real beast, the loudest guitar I own. In fact, I tend to instinctively place the Junior’s volume knob at no. 5, or else it just obliterates my other guitars 🤣
Happy new guitar day paul!! It’s a Beauty that and sounds amazing. I’m waiting for a new electro acoustic to be delivered hopefully early next week. it’s only been 2 days and the wait is killing me ha. Enjoy mate!! 👍
Oh, I can feel your pain Lewis 🤣. Waiting for the arrival of a new guitar is just torture! Well I hope you enjoy your new baby when she arrives. I can sense you’re in for some happy times 👍🤘🎸
Paul, every post of yours is a masterclass of technique, riffs and licks even though you don't pitch it as a lesson. I have to hand it to you, your fluency and creativity is second to none. I get a new set of ideas to lift and develop every time I watch you. Keep on posting! (Oh, and I think the majority of us would agree you ARE hot!)
You play it so well. Love my 57 historic. Mine was previously owned by an alt rock god and he put a ‘50s style wind Lindy Fralin in there and it is so sweet. Pure and yet so dirty.
Paul, for some reason this video came and went without my seeing it before it's just popping up today. Man, the look on your face says it all my friend! What a great sounding guitar and you do it justice!
Brilliant guitar, amazing playing skill! Well done bro, I am an SG player and I was looking for this beast! You make it sound holllllllow, woody and spiritual sweet tone!!!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 The Junior sounds very special and unique. I would say a Gibson "Tele" or an angry les paul.. but..you know it has some personal sweetness that it does not like other guitar, strange!! A completely different personality, which I really dig and the Custom Shop is really good!
Paul as always your playing is exceptional and filled with emotion its just awesome. Congrats on the jr.rock machine. Your videos are always inspiring.
I have the exact same guitar.. easy to fall in love with... every home should have one... mans best friends..... a dog... an old wife...and a Les Paul Junior
Congratulations mate, happy days! Enjoy it and yes, you deserve it! If you can make it sing, you deserve it..and boy do you make that thing sing! Cheers and stay safe!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 well I'm flattered hahaha! I took something from you as well, I restrung my Junior with 11s and tuned it down a step, happy days!
Lovely review, fantastic tone and super-classy playing. I love Juniors... That stripped down machine is everything rock'n'roll should be about. Magic Walsh outro. Thank you for posting.
My word you have such an awesome feel and touch! Musical vibrato to boot too! The Voodoo Child excerpt was on point! I love the way that guitar sounds in your hands mate! Thank you for this demo!
This definetely deserves more views. This is only the second time in the youtube game i see a guy that really knows how to play a junior (and thanks for the 3 / 3 tip :D). Great job.
Thank you Neil. Just remembered, Hendrix played a Strat with his teeth.... that could be your new thing Neil. So next time I see you, that’s what we work on 🤣
Congrats on the new Junior Paul. Looks and sounds great! As a side note, I've watched several of your videos and have been truly moved by some of the music you've played on that Strat. I think you should keep it if you can swing it. You may regret having parted with it down the line. Anyway, I have a '59 Junior and man do I love that guitar. They are simple perfection. Cheers!
Thank you David, I’m delighted to hear you liked my Strat videos.... My Dad has Strats so I’m sure he’ll let me borrow one for a video now and again. My Strat is now on its way to its new owner, who I hope will love it. You say you have a ‘59 Junior? Man, I’d LOVE a guitar from that golden era .... If I ever get a windfall i may treat myself to something vintage. Thanks David, cheers for watching my wee videos 👍😀
Hi Dr. Penny. Sorry for late reply. The intonation is really very good, i.e. I never find myself wishing to fiddle or tinker with it. Technically, I suppose it could never be as accurate as a bridge with 6 individual saddles….. But not once have I felt chords sounding out of tune as I play different inversions up and down the neck. It’s important to note that this bridge is not the stock one…. it’s an aftermarket bridge and it looks like it might be a Faber TBWC-59….. As to tuning stability? It’s as solid as any of my other guitars, so I’m very happy with it 👍
Paul, I was remiss in not acknowledging your great review of the '57 reissue over several videos. The tunes utilize great chord structures and great solo. Nice also is the spaces you leave - tension. You totally leverage the tonal capability of the '57, but I'm a firm believer in tone being in your fingers! So, nice touch. I've had an order in for one identical one and it arrives here in northern Ontario this coming Tuesday. Player for 50 years now and took your sentiments to heart: I'm beyond 51, can afford to buy and enjoy the perks of this caliber guitar, so I did. Thanks for solidifying the confidence in my purchase! Cheers from Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Cottage Country. R
Well congratulations on your new guitar Rob, I’m sure you’ll have fun with it. There’s just something very raw and resonant with that wrap over tailpiece arrangement. I love it. Enjoy your own new guitar day 😊
Love the minimalist feel of a single pickup guitar...but only in the hands of an accomplished, inspiring player such as yourself! :) I’d only recently discovered the beauty of these dog ear P90s through a goldtop Casino I found. It was so good that when I saw another gold Korean-made Casino I just had to buy that one too.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 and thanks to you, Paul, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Lukas Nelson signature, one of the last ones I could find online. :p BTW, loved your Clint Eastwood analogy!
Love the video. Like you Paul,, I have a good many quality guitars (& a Cornell Romany!) I was searching for a VOS in 2013 and couldn't find one for a sensible price in the UK. Following a search online I found a lovely VOS Custom Shop Junior in a store in America. I contacted them and they shipped it to me for a nominal price. I thought that £1,600.00 at the time (2013) was a lot of money but I wouldn't swap my Junior now or anything! Such a wonderful well-made guitar with a classic sound. Thanks for the note about the Gibson's 'i' touching the 'G' I never knew that.
Paul could you please walk us through some of your blues progressions. There were so many tasty bits in this vide, all your video's. If you could break down your tunes a little would be so helpful .Love the guitar.
Hi Paul, excellent playing and review! I am actually about to switch from my Stratocaster to Les Paul Junior too. I play on Strat on my Neck pickup only, I don't need 3 pickups and 5way switch. I am only concerned about the bridge position of a pickup on LP, but I think you just set you amp differently and just work with tone, volume and hands and it should be good, what is your experience? Thank you!
Hi Jakub. Yes, I think you’re coming at it with the right mindset. Having only one pickup is definitely a “thing”. The physical construction of a Junior, with zero routing at the base of the neck (and only a stud tailpiece) seems to impart a very direct and unique tone. Extremely resonant and loud and impolite. It really barks! In a good way. I believe if you hypothetically routed the neck for a second pickup and then added an ABR-1 you would dilute the tone significantly and it would no longer sound like a Junior. People say similar things about Fender Esquires. Is my Junior my favourite guitar? Or my most played instrument? No. In fact it’s more like the convertible 2 seater Mazda MX-5 (Miata) that lives in your garage and only comes out when the mood takes you. But it’s a lovely thing to have in my little collection!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Thank you Paul, comparison with Mazda MX-5 is interesting, since I would like to have Junior as my main instrument. I love the acoustic quality of the rolled of tone, I also like the chunky neck actually, even this little detail made me to play different than I normally would on a Strat. Anyway, I am probably gonna buy a second hand one (not a Custom shop straight away) and will not sell my Fender. Than eventually I can sell any one of them if I stick with one or the other or just have them both :) Thank you for your insight, appreciate it very much. P.S.: I have seen you playing some 50's P90 gold top Les Paul and it sounded fantastic in your hands again so it is still every time in the hands not the instrument :)
I just newly discovered your channel because I was looking for some dim run stuff, which I also found that you did a great video on. Now I’m just hanging around and watching all your videos because you are such an awesome melodidic and musical player . I’ll steal a bit here and there 😊
I really warmed to you and your enthusiasm along with feeling envious of your confident playing and terrific licks. I've fallen out of love with guitar playing but you have really rekindled that fire again. I am from Scotland too but have lived OS for many many moons. Kudos to you and you've earnt a new subbie. Oh and I really want to rip your licks ... they are terrific!
Ah, thank you Spawn Dooley, what a lovely comment 👍. Appreciated mate. Well I wish you many happy hours practicing. And yes, feel free to steal the licks, as I’m sure I probably pinched them from someone else 🤣
Hi Paul , greetings from Akron , Ohio USA ! Love your new guitar ! Juniors have a history , rich in tone ! Leslie West and Gary Moore made some great recordings with them ! One of the best guitars I ever played was a 60's melody maker . Juniors and Esquires have everything you need , without weighing you done with a bunch of stuff that you don't need ! Whenever I see a Junior , I want to play Mississippi Queen ! I always feel that the tone is in the fingers . If a guitar sounds like crap unplugged , it will sound like crap plugged in . Your new guitar sounds awesome !
Thank you Gangnam Style Grandpa 👋👍. I’m really loving it. Even just reaching up to pull it off the wall is a thrill, as my hand grabs that big neck. Love it!
Holy shit man you have hands. Some people you can just tell immediately and you're one of them. You have good feel. Im trying like hell to get there. My favorite Leslie west loved them.
Thank you Chuck! Delighted you think I fall into that category, cheers 🍻. And yes, Leslie West managed to coax monster sounds out of his Juniors. He was a joy to listen to.
2nd time I have watched this to the end, crazy good! I have the 2018 Les Paul JR with the script logo on the head stock. Thinking of trading it in and adding the difference for the custom shop one? What do you say Paul?
Thanks for watching my wee video - twice! 🤣. That’s a great question.... Do you pay the extra for Custom Shop... Well, it depends. I reckon it’ll only be 5 to 10% better in terms of sound or performance. Some would even argue zero %. The reason I always go custom shop is that (a) I’m really serious about my guitars and my playing. It’s a huge part of me, and so I reward myself with the best versions I can possibly afford - the “dream” versions (b) If you go for a V.O.S. finish it’ll look wonderfully dull and will age beautifully, including the dull hardware. (c) buy a custom shop 2nd hand.... that way you’re talking £2.5k as opposed to £3.5k and upwards. (d) it’ll hold more value (e) it’ll probably end up being a “keeper”. Hope this helps 👍😀
Tasty licks Paul, sweet guitar!! Curious to hear what it sounds like through your Katana amp. I have the same t shirt btw, lol Also, I can’t believe how good it sounds with your iphone. No expensive recording mics or any frills
Thanks Chris! I think the secret is (a) bedroom volume, and (b) iPhone placed very close to the amp’s grill cloth. This seems to pick up all the sparkle and the overtones, in the same way as sitting facing the amp as you’re playing. And yes, my trusty Katana is about due for another appearance 👍
Hi Paul, it's great to see that you love it so much, that immediately makes it a worthwhile purchase! First impression it looks very simple and plain, not my style at all, especially the machine heads, oddly shaped plastic pick guard, but the pickup does look authentic! The rosewood fingerboard looks lovely, almost ebony like, and the sunburst finish looks nice. It sounds good, but I don't know if I heard a tone that is not available on any of your other guitars, although it obviously inspires you to play Joe Walsh, nice funky, raunchy feel! For me it's like a first real guitar you'd buy before graduating to a Les Paul, a 'no frills' workhorse you could rely on, like a telecaster, great for stage, and keep your good guitar safe at home where it belongs!😁😁. Seriously, I'm looking forward to a wee shot of it, but I'll bring a Strat with me just in case! Cheers Paul, enjoy!!
I’m smiling.... totally see where you’re coming from. And I’m sure some of my subscribers will agree. On a related note, I’m looking forward to putting a couple of your Strats through their paces on my channel! So that’s something we can line up in due course. Cheers Dad. And wait ‘till you feel the neck on that Junior! It’s like a baseball bat 🤣
happy new guitar, life's been good to you too eh ? (yea i saw what you did there ) pmsl i'll be sorry to see the strat go, but at the end of the day, it's whatever gives you pleasure and makes you happy that counts. always liked the simplicity of the junior, especially when it doesn't have the wings on the headstock, really must treat myself to something with P90's. enjoy my fecebook friend and thanks for posting :)
Wow just Wow Paul, i can see You Wont be Putting This Guitar Down Much Your the Master of Tone and Feel....Well Deserved My Friend Looking Forward to Hearing more from This Girl Behind the Bar 😂👍🎸
Hi Paul. Thank you for your inspirational postings. You obviously ordered the guitar without trying it, but I hope it proves it's worth with time. It sounds great! You have some fabulous amps, how do you feel the Katana stacks up in terms of harmonic overtones for cleanish tones compared to tube amps?
Thank you Ernie! I’m already loving it, so it’s now a permanent feature in my collection. As regards the Katana.... yeah, having played it back to back with my 4 valve amps over the last couple of years, it doesn’t have the magic of any of my valve amps. But it IS close, especially with the Clean Setting and Gain up full to fatten things out. So at this point I see the Katana as “fabulous for the price”. But it is valves that are rocking my world at the moment 👍
Thanks Deniel. Yeah, I’m about to upload another vid in an hour or so, featuring the Junior.... and my god, I’m loving it’s tone 🙏. Cheers for watching.
Hi Paul. Just bought the 2020 version of the Les Paul Junior. I've noticed the tone control has a buzz in it when adjusting it. A bit concerned. I've got 30 days to make a decision. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue I'm having? Thanks.
Hi Thomas. Hmm... a few thoughts pop into my mind. You don’t mention “Custom Shop” so I’ll assume it’s off the normal Gibson production line..... which by most accounts is dam good for 2020 (with the new man in charge trying to turn things around). I wonder if we can put it down to the fact that P90 pickups are famously a bit buzzy and noisy..... What I can say is that my one is a Custom Shop from 2005 (got it second hand) and I’m enjoying a very silent performance. So I’m wondering if your guitar is officially faulty or if the shop will just pass it off as “typical P90 performance”. Not sure. So in conclusion, if you love it and are bitterly disappointed by this one and only issue then I’d suggest giving it to a guitar tech to ask if he can add screening to the cavity (copper tape) and maybe add an extra ground wire. I very recently had a similar issue with my P90 Gold Top, which the Tech completely fixed 😁. Here’s the story: ua-cam.com/video/Lq6R_oOL5BA/v-deo.html
Thank you Michael! Yes, it’s like it’s alive 🤣. It’s a P90, they call it a “dog ear”, and it’s wound quite hot. Ooo I’m excited to have it! Glad you liked my little Clapton impression too. Cheers Michael
Quick question. With the Current junior/standard iterations one could get both in the budget of the cs. Does custom shop smoke the both of em to dust? I know they're different beasts just asking because I love that vintage warmth of the junior, just wondering if you miss the neck pickup enough to get a standard or could that awesome ax be someone's only guitar? (In theory) I know Malcolm had his one pickup so did Eddie van Halen, etc n let's not forget Billie Joe Armstrong, I feel like I answered my own question 😂 but your input is appreciated. In a perfect world I'd zone in on a r8 and the cs junior and the Jimmy page mirror tele, And the gretsch MY but 🤑 just wondering if the junior ticks enough boxes to not continue chasing that tone rabbit down the proverbial hole lol thanks!!
Hi Ledzep. I’ll try and answer your question. For me, a custom shop Gibson or Fender DOES smoke anything “off the rack”. But this could be just psychology and placebo. But I can’t help it. The knowledge that less hands & more time were put into the building, finishing, and material choices… well that totally ticks a big psychological box in my head. I have a lovely Epiphone Riviera…. but I hardly ever pick it up because the rest of my guitars are custom shop. And they inspire me. As regards a Junior being “your only guitar”…? No. I absolutely adore my Junior but it ain’t no LP Standard. 😊
@@paulstaffordcook8799 would it be heresy to buy a 58/59 reissue and gut it ala Malcolm young and have a bomb diggity one pickup Les Paul with all the tone juice of a junior 😜 😂 joking aside I do like the neck pickup occasionally
Paul, thanks for sharing this video with us. I am big fan of the Les Paul Jr., I have the Gibson USA production model and I can clearly hear the difference between the different models. I have an R9 so I know quality you get from a Custom Shop Les Paul and I think it is worth the price. I can see myself getting this guitar in the future. Thanks again.
Thank you Tim, glad you enjoyed my wee review. Yes, after having owned this guitar for a while now, I can safely say that there’s some special mojo to it. It’s party piece is to set it up for a nice crunch tone at around no. 6 on its volume pot…. And then wind to 10 for some of that famous fat growl that Junior’s are so good at. It makes me laugh out loud every time I do it🤘
Sounds like you were born with that Jr. in your hands, fantastic Paul!
Thank you Glen, I’m delighted you like the pairing (Paul Cook & Junior 🤣).
I came for the review, but stayed for the talent. Wow, you have a gift!
Well thank you man, I appreciate that. Delighted you liked the playing. Cheers 🍻
Had ta come back 3 years later to listen again.
Wow, I’m delighted this vid made a wee impression! Welcome back rpmblues 🍻
Paul, are you still rocking the JR? I have a 2022 USA standard and it’s great but, the custom shop Murphy Lab is calling my name. Great playing by the way. I have a few guitars and the JR gets played more than the rest of the heard. lol
What a great guitarist you are. Tasty playing and great technique. That new Jr. suits you well. Great looking and awesome sounding guitar. I love the simplicity of the one pickup design. Lots of fun and enjoyment ahead for you in your guitar cave :-)
Ah, thank you Thor, I appreciate your kind words 🙏. Thanks man.
MAN !!! WHAT A TONE !!! Congratulatians to this BEAUTY ! Oh my God , a ( Vintage ) Junior is on my Wishlist for Years. Now I know I need one.
Thank you Michael 👍
sound beautiful !!! very taste playing
Many thanks!! 🍻
Love your playing! Its very impressive the varied tones you can get out of a single pickup guitar. Most inspiring! Thankyou!
Thank you kindly VMX12k 👍. Cheers for watching
You are a real Player Paul, Keep Rocking? Jr. sounds awesome!
Thank you Ianney Mayfield, appreciated👍
How are you not more famous holy super cool licks really out of the box blues stuff insane
Great guitar. Adventurous also. I just bought the same one - a CS vintage cherry Junior.😊
This is my favorite review of an lp jr because you actually show how versatile it really is , this is awesome, you are awesome
Thanks man, I’m delighted you liked the vid. Cheers 🍻
No sir thank you , a true gentleman I tip my hat @paulstaffordcook8799
SOUNDS JUST AS GOOD AS ONE'S FROM THE 50'S
Thanks Deniel 👍
Well done real pleased for you, such a pleasure to hear you play it
Ah, thank you Ross. I feel like a kid at Christmas again 🤣
I don't know if you still have this guitar, but you really spoke truth in words and music.
Thank you Jamie! I’m delighted to read your comment. And I’m pleased to say yes, I still have it and still love it. Cheers Jamie 👍
“Plain girl at the back of the bar” ...but what a bottom end👍🏻😆
Bought a custom shop junior last year. Couldn’t believe what I was missing!
Congrats🎸
So we’re “custom shop twins” 🤣👍. Cheers for watching man.
That’s all very tasty sounding Paul, hope you enjoy it and it inspires you lots. I’m only half way through listening to this and I needed to leave a comment. Takes a good player to bring out the tone like that. Excellent I’m delighted that you are connecting with it Paul Enjoy👌🌅 🌠🌌
Ah, thank you Alistair, appreciate you leaving a comment. I’m super excited to have it. I feel like a kid at Christmas 🤣
Well done. You brilliantly capture that life affirming moment of unboxing a newly delivered guitar. Such ecstasy as the buckles are released and the sweet lady emerges. And what a guitar. I just got a new Les Paul Special in TV Yellow and I love it but this 57 Custom Shop Junior looks pretty special. Makes me want to consider trading in my PRS McCarty 594 Artist for one. Yes the PRS is gorgeous and has a bazillion tone options but it’s just too clinical. Thanks for the video.
Thank you Tom, I enjoyed reading your comment 😊. Actually, you mention your LP Special…. Yeah, I don’t have one of these…. they’re super cool, so maybe one day…..
BTW Paul, I'm late in saying this but I did end up selling my PRS and buying a 57 VOS Custom Junior LP. No regrets. What a guitar. It abundantly rewards good playing. @@paulstaffordcook8799
Wow! Thanks Paul I love that you shared the thrill and suspense of new guitar day with us! Super cool! My 1st electric was a Sears version of that axe, red gloss grain showing ..bought it for 60$ from a friend who is a great Canadian musician/producer now..
Thanks again, cheers!
My pleasure Astrolabe Sage! Well it sounds like that Sears has a story and a pedigree! 🤘
Just bought one. Was looking around and found your review. Awesome guitarist as always. Dig your playing. Thx👍
Congrats on your new guitar Richard! And thanks for the compliment. Cheers 🍻
Of all your stunning guitars this is the one that speaks the most to me. A very lucky man to own such a beauty! Let's hope she's in many videos to come.
Thank you Richard! Yes, it’s a real beast, the loudest guitar I own. In fact, I tend to instinctively place the Junior’s volume knob at no. 5, or else it just obliterates my other guitars 🤣
Congratulations to a lovely guitar!!!😍 And as always, well played👍
Thank you Mikael! Appreciated 👍
Happy new guitar day paul!! It’s a Beauty that and sounds amazing.
I’m waiting for a new electro acoustic to be delivered hopefully early next week. it’s only been 2 days and the wait is killing me ha. Enjoy mate!! 👍
Oh, I can feel your pain Lewis 🤣. Waiting for the arrival of a new guitar is just torture! Well I hope you enjoy your new baby when she arrives. I can sense you’re in for some happy times 👍🤘🎸
Paul, every post of yours is a masterclass of technique, riffs and licks even though you don't pitch it as a lesson. I have to hand it to you, your fluency and creativity is second to none. I get a new set of ideas to lift and develop every time I watch you. Keep on posting! (Oh, and I think the majority of us would agree you ARE hot!)
Ah, thank you so much for your lovely compliment! Appreciated Albert 🙏
I think you've nailed it with the Clint analogy. Thanks for the video, it sounds sodding glorious.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching Doug 👍
Great guitar & great playing! Enjoy!👍🎶 A junior is on my list!
You play it so well. Love my 57 historic. Mine was previously owned by an alt rock god and he put a ‘50s style wind Lindy Fralin in there and it is so sweet. Pure and yet so dirty.
Thanks Richard 👍
Love your new toy Paul t's beautiful. I love the colours. Lovely sound too.
Thanks Mum, glad you like it. On a different note, we’ll see you tomorrow 👍. x
Paul, for some reason this video came and went without my seeing it before it's just popping up today. Man, the look on your face says it all my friend! What a great sounding guitar and you do it justice!
Thanks Chuck! I just watched it back myself, because it’s been a while! My hair! What the heck is going on there?🤣
Brilliant. I love the no-pedals / 3 / 3 setting.
Thank you K B 👍
Brilliant guitar, amazing playing skill! Well done bro, I am an SG player and I was looking for this beast! You make it sound holllllllow, woody and spiritual sweet tone!!!
Thank you Bill, delighted you liked the vid! And I dig your choice of adjectives 😊
@@paulstaffordcook8799 The Junior sounds very special and unique. I would say a Gibson "Tele" or an angry les paul.. but..you know it has some personal sweetness that it does not like other guitar, strange!! A completely different personality, which I really dig and the Custom Shop is really good!
i would love to listen more, you playing that beautiful tones with this gem! You are really great player, I love your style!
That makes my wee Scottish heart swell with pride. Thanks Bill 🙏
My Favorite Ever!! this guitar is infinity and beyond
Well thank you LoveLisaRap 👍
A beautiful basic guitar, played beautifully. Congrats and enjoy Paul!
Thank you Rick, delighted you like my new toy 😀👍
Paul as always your playing is exceptional and filled with emotion its just awesome. Congrats on the jr.rock machine. Your videos are always inspiring.
Ah, thank you Tim. Delighted you’re watching my wee videos. And yes, I’m loving my new toy 😀
This is the best review of a junior I've seen! Thank you!
Ah, thank you Steve, I’m delighted you like my wee vid. I’m really loving the Junior 🙏
That guitar is a beauty. I find the p90 to be the most expressive of any pickups. So sweet, such growl.
great review on the guitar and bringing the spirit of playing the instrument to life. Well done!
Thank you Douglas! Cheers
I have the exact same guitar.. easy to fall in love with... every home should have one... mans best friends..... a dog... an old wife...and a Les Paul Junior
Love it! Yeah, that description about sums it up perfectly 🤣
Congrats on hooking yourself a great sounding Jr., Paul 👍
Thank you Todd, I’m loving it! 👍
Sounds more rock n roll than anything you have , no frills. Love it!
Thanks Daniel! Yeah, I like your summary. Such a raw, raucous sound. 👍
That guitar was definitely made for you. The Jr's are amazing. Hope you're enjoying it mate, cheers
Thanks Daniel! Yes, it’s a joy to have it. I’m a very lucky boy. (And sorry for late reply - mad busy week).
Beautiful guitar Paul. Killer sounding - and so versatile for only having one pickup. Nice.
Thanks man! Your own Junior video played a part in pushing me in that direction. So cheers mate 👍
Congratulations mate, happy days! Enjoy it and yes, you deserve it! If you can make it sing, you deserve it..and boy do you make that thing sing! Cheers and stay safe!
Thanks Krenar. Your videos with your own Junior helped to fuel the fire 😀. So thanks man.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 well I'm flattered hahaha! I took something from you as well, I restrung my Junior with 11s and tuned it down a step, happy days!
Gorgeous jr!! Love em! Congrats mate!
Thanks Gunroar Guitar 👍
Lovely review, fantastic tone and super-classy playing. I love Juniors... That stripped down machine is everything rock'n'roll should be about. Magic Walsh outro. Thank you for posting.
Thanks Ian 👍
My word you have such an awesome feel and touch! Musical vibrato to boot too!
The Voodoo Child excerpt was on point!
I love the way that guitar sounds in your hands mate! Thank you for this demo!
Thank you Aditya! What a lovely compliment, cheers to you 🍻
One of these have been on my wish list for a good while now. It sounds tremendous Paul. Absolutely love them.
Best wishes,
Gareth
Thanks Gareth, I’m delighted with it. 😀
@@paulstaffordcook8799 looking forward to hearing more of it 🙂
The Life's Been Good jam at the end is appropriate... Awesome sounds, as usual. It sounds like a keeper.
Thanks Craiger, glad you liked my Junior 👍😊
Incredible playing, and the analogy was great!
Thank you Greg, and delighted you liked my analogy 🤣
This definetely deserves more views. This is only the second time in the youtube game i see a guy that really knows how to play a junior (and thanks for the 3 / 3 tip :D). Great job.
Thank you so much Choupi😊👍. Delighted to read such a lovely comment!
Unbelievable playing. Fantastic tone too... Very nice.
Thank you QW, delighted you like my playing 👍
Sweet sweet sweet, so inspiring Paul, makes me want to try and try again albeit a little restricted with my hand at the moment.
Thank you Neil. Just remembered, Hendrix played a Strat with his teeth.... that could be your new thing Neil. So next time I see you, that’s what we work on 🤣
Congrats on the new Junior Paul. Looks and sounds great! As a side note, I've watched several of your videos and have been truly moved by some of the music you've played on that Strat. I think you should keep it if you can swing it. You may regret having parted with it down the line. Anyway, I have a '59 Junior and man do I love that guitar. They are simple perfection. Cheers!
Thank you David, I’m delighted to hear you liked my Strat videos.... My Dad has Strats so I’m sure he’ll let me borrow one for a video now and again. My Strat is now on its way to its new owner, who I hope will love it. You say you have a ‘59 Junior? Man, I’d LOVE a guitar from that golden era .... If I ever get a windfall i may treat myself to something vintage. Thanks David, cheers for watching my wee videos 👍😀
Lovely guitar in great hands. Loved the voodoo chile section in your style.
Thank you MarkTheCard 👍
sounds like a beast when awoken up ... gorgeous sound .
Thank you John 👍
Nice one Paul man! great review and excellent guitarist too...At last someone who can play ...specially the Junior...my favourite guitar. cheers paul.
Delighted you liked my wee vid 👍
Great video thank you. How was the inctination? How was the tuning stability?
Hi Dr. Penny. Sorry for late reply. The intonation is really very good, i.e. I never find myself wishing to fiddle or tinker with it. Technically, I suppose it could never be as accurate as a bridge with 6 individual saddles….. But not once have I felt chords sounding out of tune as I play different inversions up and down the neck. It’s important to note that this bridge is not the stock one…. it’s an aftermarket bridge and it looks like it might be a Faber TBWC-59….. As to tuning stability? It’s as solid as any of my other guitars, so I’m very happy with it 👍
Yay, it looks beautiful. Sounds great too .😊
Thank you JON 👍
Paul,
I was remiss in not acknowledging your great review of the '57 reissue over several videos. The tunes utilize great chord structures and great solo. Nice also is the spaces you leave - tension. You totally leverage the tonal capability of the '57, but I'm a firm believer in tone being in your fingers! So, nice touch.
I've had an order in for one identical one and it arrives here in northern Ontario this coming Tuesday. Player for 50 years now and took your sentiments to heart: I'm beyond 51, can afford to buy and enjoy the perks of this caliber guitar, so I did.
Thanks for solidifying the confidence in my purchase!
Cheers from Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Cottage Country.
R
Well congratulations on your new guitar Rob, I’m sure you’ll have fun with it. There’s just something very raw and resonant with that wrap over tailpiece arrangement. I love it. Enjoy your own new guitar day 😊
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Thank you Paul!
Love the minimalist feel of a single pickup guitar...but only in the hands of an accomplished, inspiring player such as yourself! :) I’d only recently discovered the beauty of these dog ear P90s through a goldtop Casino I found. It was so good that when I saw another gold Korean-made Casino I just had to buy that one too.
Thank you for your kind words Gary, delighted you’re a fan of the dog ear P90. And buying a second guitar on the strength of the first? Love it!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 and thanks to you, Paul, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Lukas Nelson signature, one of the last ones I could find online. :p BTW, loved your Clint Eastwood analogy!
Fantastic playing there! Already trying to steal some of your riffs :D
Thanks Steve 😊
Paul... Once again I say ,"OH MY GOD" Ya got it mate. Ya do it justice ;0) you absolutely feel it.
Thank you RPM Blues! Appreciated 👍
Love the video. Like you Paul,, I have a good many quality guitars (& a Cornell Romany!) I was searching for a VOS in 2013 and couldn't find one for a sensible price in the UK. Following a search online I found a lovely VOS Custom Shop Junior in a store in America. I contacted them and they shipped it to me for a nominal price. I thought that £1,600.00 at the time (2013) was a lot of money but I wouldn't swap my Junior now or anything! Such a wonderful well-made guitar with a classic sound. Thanks for the note about the Gibson's 'i' touching the 'G' I never knew that.
Thanks Applemanuk, looks like we both love our Juniors. Cheers
Wonderful sound and great playing....such feel!👍🏻
Thanks Kevin, delighted you liked my playing 👍. Cheers for watching.
Paul could you please walk us through some of your blues progressions. There were so many tasty bits in this vide, all your video's. If you could break down your tunes a little would be so helpful .Love the guitar.
Hi Glenn. Yes, I like your suggestion. So that’ll go on my wee list of upcoming videos to make 👍
Hi Paul, excellent playing and review! I am actually about to switch from my Stratocaster to Les Paul Junior too. I play on Strat on my Neck pickup only, I don't need 3 pickups and 5way switch. I am only concerned about the bridge position of a pickup on LP, but I think you just set you amp differently and just work with tone, volume and hands and it should be good, what is your experience? Thank you!
Hi Jakub. Yes, I think you’re coming at it with the right mindset. Having only one pickup is definitely a “thing”. The physical construction of a Junior, with zero routing at the base of the neck (and only a stud tailpiece) seems to impart a very direct and unique tone. Extremely resonant and loud and impolite. It really barks! In a good way. I believe if you hypothetically routed the neck for a second pickup and then added an ABR-1 you would dilute the tone significantly and it would no longer sound like a Junior. People say similar things about Fender Esquires. Is my Junior my favourite guitar? Or my most played instrument? No. In fact it’s more like the convertible 2 seater Mazda MX-5 (Miata) that lives in your garage and only comes out when the mood takes you. But it’s a lovely thing to have in my little collection!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Thank you Paul, comparison with Mazda MX-5 is interesting, since I would like to have Junior as my main instrument. I love the acoustic quality of the rolled of tone, I also like the chunky neck actually, even this little detail made me to play different than I normally would on a Strat. Anyway, I am probably gonna buy a second hand one (not a Custom shop straight away) and will not sell my Fender. Than eventually I can sell any one of them if I stick with one or the other or just have them both :) Thank you for your insight, appreciate it very much. P.S.: I have seen you playing some 50's P90 gold top Les Paul and it sounded fantastic in your hands again so it is still every time in the hands not the instrument :)
I just newly discovered your channel because I was looking for some dim run stuff, which I also found that you did a great video on. Now I’m just hanging around and watching all your videos because you are such an awesome melodidic and musical player . I’ll steal a bit here and there 😊
Well thank you Martin! That makes me smile. Comments like that make it a pleasure to post on UA-cam. 😊
I really warmed to you and your enthusiasm along with feeling envious of your confident playing and terrific licks. I've fallen out of love with guitar playing but you have really rekindled that fire again. I am from Scotland too but have lived OS for many many moons. Kudos to you and you've earnt a new subbie. Oh and I really want to rip your licks ... they are terrific!
Ah, thank you Spawn Dooley, what a lovely comment 👍. Appreciated mate. Well I wish you many happy hours practicing. And yes, feel free to steal the licks, as I’m sure I probably pinched them from someone else 🤣
This shows everyone what truly loving music vs providing for the ego sounds like!
Well thank you Dan, appreciated 🙏
7:26 “I Feel Free" love that tone!
Thanks Oscar 👍
Lovely guitar, looking forward to hearing it through the Vox.
Thank you Paul, me too 👍
Hi Paul , greetings from Akron , Ohio USA ! Love your new guitar ! Juniors have a history , rich in tone ! Leslie West and Gary Moore made some great recordings with them ! One of the best guitars I ever played was a 60's melody maker . Juniors and Esquires have everything you need , without weighing you done with a bunch of stuff that you don't need ! Whenever I see a Junior , I want to play Mississippi Queen ! I always feel that the tone is in the fingers . If a guitar sounds like crap unplugged , it will sound like crap plugged in . Your new guitar sounds awesome !
Thank you Gangnam Style Grandpa 👋👍. I’m really loving it. Even just reaching up to pull it off the wall is a thrill, as my hand grabs that big neck. Love it!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 , nothing like new guitar to make things right with the world !!
Nice playing Paul, and nice guitar!
Cheers Jeff 👍
Holy shit man you have hands. Some people you can just tell immediately and you're one of them. You have good feel. Im trying like hell to get there. My favorite Leslie west loved them.
Thank you Chuck! Delighted you think I fall into that category, cheers 🍻. And yes, Leslie West managed to coax monster sounds out of his Juniors. He was a joy to listen to.
2nd time I have watched this to the end, crazy good! I have the 2018 Les Paul JR with the script logo on the head stock. Thinking of trading it in and adding the difference for the custom shop one? What do you say Paul?
Thanks for watching my wee video - twice! 🤣. That’s a great question.... Do you pay the extra for Custom Shop... Well, it depends. I reckon it’ll only be 5 to 10% better in terms of sound or performance. Some would even argue zero %. The reason I always go custom shop is that (a) I’m really serious about my guitars and my playing. It’s a huge part of me, and so I reward myself with the best versions I can possibly afford - the “dream” versions (b) If you go for a V.O.S. finish it’ll look wonderfully dull and will age beautifully, including the dull hardware. (c) buy a custom shop 2nd hand.... that way you’re talking £2.5k as opposed to £3.5k and upwards. (d) it’ll hold more value (e) it’ll probably end up being a “keeper”. Hope this helps 👍😀
Tasty licks Paul, sweet guitar!! Curious to hear what it sounds like through your Katana amp. I have the same t shirt btw, lol
Also, I can’t believe how good it sounds with your iphone. No expensive recording mics or any frills
Thanks Chris! I think the secret is (a) bedroom volume, and (b) iPhone placed very close to the amp’s grill cloth. This seems to pick up all the sparkle and the overtones, in the same way as sitting facing the amp as you’re playing. And yes, my trusty Katana is about due for another appearance 👍
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Sounds Good !!
Hi Paul, it's great to see that you love it so much, that immediately makes it a worthwhile purchase! First impression it looks very simple and plain, not my style at all, especially the machine heads, oddly shaped plastic pick guard, but the pickup does look authentic! The rosewood fingerboard looks lovely, almost ebony like, and the sunburst finish looks nice. It sounds good, but I don't know if I heard a tone that is not available on any of your other guitars, although it obviously inspires you to play Joe Walsh, nice funky, raunchy feel! For me it's like a first real guitar you'd buy before graduating to a Les Paul, a 'no frills' workhorse you could rely on, like a telecaster, great for stage, and keep your good guitar safe at home where it belongs!😁😁. Seriously, I'm looking forward to a wee shot of it, but I'll bring a Strat with me just in case! Cheers Paul, enjoy!!
I’m smiling.... totally see where you’re coming from. And I’m sure some of my subscribers will agree. On a related note, I’m looking forward to putting a couple of your Strats through their paces on my channel! So that’s something we can line up in due course. Cheers Dad. And wait ‘till you feel the neck on that Junior! It’s like a baseball bat 🤣
God that thing sounds great in your hands Paul. Is there a better sounding, more responsive pickup than the P90? Not for me! Congrats sir👍
Thank you Matt, appreciate your kind words 👍
Dig It! I own a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Junior as well..and absolutely LOVE IT!
Hey, we’re “Junior twins” 🤘. Yeah, there’s some real mojo in them! Cheers for watching my wee vid.
happy new guitar, life's been good to you too eh ? (yea i saw what you did there ) pmsl i'll be sorry to see the strat go, but at the end of the day, it's whatever gives you pleasure and makes you happy that counts. always liked the simplicity of the junior, especially when it doesn't have the wings on the headstock, really must treat myself to something with P90's. enjoy my fecebook friend and thanks for posting :)
Thank you Charlie! Yes, I feel like a kid at Christmas again. I might just have a wee shot of it before I have my cornflakes this morning 🤣
Wow just Wow Paul, i can see You Wont be Putting This Guitar Down Much Your the Master of Tone and Feel....Well Deserved My Friend Looking Forward to Hearing more from This Girl Behind the Bar 😂👍🎸
Ha ha, yes my analogies were running wild in that video 🤣. Cheers Barry, I’m sure this channel will see more of it!
I wish you long life and good health to enjoy it. It sounds wonderful and the playing is great, as usual.
Thank you Paul. And of course, you’re no stranger to a Junior 😀🤘
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Saw Mountain in 1970, was deaf for four days and haven't looked back. Hahahahahaha
Gorgeous guitar, you make it sound amazing 👏
Thank you Q Tips 👍
I have the same guitar too.
Custom sounds very nice
Hi Paul. Thank you for your inspirational postings. You obviously ordered the guitar without trying it, but I hope it proves it's worth with time. It sounds great! You have some fabulous amps, how do you feel the Katana stacks up in terms of harmonic overtones for cleanish tones compared to tube amps?
Thank you Ernie! I’m already loving it, so it’s now a permanent feature in my collection. As regards the Katana.... yeah, having played it back to back with my 4 valve amps over the last couple of years, it doesn’t have the magic of any of my valve amps. But it IS close, especially with the Clean Setting and Gain up full to fatten things out. So at this point I see the Katana as “fabulous for the price”. But it is valves that are rocking my world at the moment 👍
Great video, Thanks man. I have a 2011 GLPJ & I love it.
Thank you Sammy, cheers 👍
Amazing playing as always
Thank you Jackson, delighted you liked my playing 👍
I love that - "lets hope its not a pair of shoes".
You are my new guitar teacher :)
Well thank you MrEasyday! Cheers 🍻
Paul 🙈 I must have one bud, 👍🏻 great playing as always 👍🏻
Thanks Moose. Yes, I’m a lucky boy.
I'VE HAD TONS OF JR'S VINTAGE AND VOS THEY ALL SOUND GOOD.
Thanks Deniel. Yeah, I’m about to upload another vid in an hour or so, featuring the Junior.... and my god, I’m loving it’s tone 🙏. Cheers for watching.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 I'LL LOOK FOR THE VIDIO OR MESSAGE ME ON FACEBOOK DENIEL EDWARDS. CHEERES.
Hi Paul. Just bought the 2020 version of the Les Paul Junior. I've noticed the tone control has a buzz in it when adjusting it. A bit concerned. I've got 30 days to make a decision. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue I'm having? Thanks.
Hi Thomas. Hmm... a few thoughts pop into my mind. You don’t mention “Custom Shop” so I’ll assume it’s off the normal Gibson production line..... which by most accounts is dam good for 2020 (with the new man in charge trying to turn things around). I wonder if we can put it down to the fact that P90 pickups are famously a bit buzzy and noisy..... What I can say is that my one is a Custom Shop from 2005 (got it second hand) and I’m enjoying a very silent performance. So I’m wondering if your guitar is officially faulty or if the shop will just pass it off as “typical P90 performance”. Not sure. So in conclusion, if you love it and are bitterly disappointed by this one and only issue then I’d suggest giving it to a guitar tech to ask if he can add screening to the cavity (copper tape) and maybe add an extra ground wire. I very recently had a similar issue with my P90 Gold Top, which the Tech completely fixed 😁. Here’s the story: ua-cam.com/video/Lq6R_oOL5BA/v-deo.html
@@paulstaffordcook8799 thanks for replying back . Appreciate that . I'm definitely going to bring into someone.✌
That looks like a Faber compensated bridge on there, do you like it?
I’ve never removed it, so I can’t say for sure….. but yes it looks like it’s probably from Faber. I love it and can absolutely recommend it.
Great playing, great solo face also!
Thanks Ian 😀
Very, I mean very, very tasty playing. So every guitar/amp sounds..what surprise..very, very good.
Thank you trilogyopus 🙏.
What a responsive, active guitar, is that a P90? Beautiful, love the Clapton licks too!
Thank you Michael! Yes, it’s like it’s alive 🤣. It’s a P90, they call it a “dog ear”, and it’s wound quite hot. Ooo I’m excited to have it! Glad you liked my little Clapton impression too. Cheers Michael
Amazing demo
Thanks James! Cheers
congrats to the new guitar! :)
Thank you wonderpope 👍. I’m loving it
Quick question. With the
Current junior/standard iterations one could get both in the budget of the cs. Does custom shop smoke the both of em to dust? I know they're different beasts just asking because I love that vintage warmth of the junior, just wondering if you miss the neck pickup enough to get a standard or could that awesome ax be someone's only guitar? (In theory) I know Malcolm had his one pickup so did Eddie van Halen, etc n let's not forget Billie Joe Armstrong, I feel like I answered my own question 😂 but your input is appreciated. In a perfect world I'd zone in on a r8 and the cs junior and the Jimmy page mirror tele, And the gretsch MY but 🤑 just wondering if the junior ticks enough boxes to not continue chasing that tone rabbit down the proverbial hole lol thanks!!
Hi Ledzep. I’ll try and answer your question. For me, a custom shop Gibson or Fender DOES smoke anything “off the rack”. But this could be just psychology and placebo. But I can’t help it. The knowledge that less hands & more time were put into the building, finishing, and material choices… well that totally ticks a big psychological box in my head. I have a lovely Epiphone Riviera…. but I hardly ever pick it up because the rest of my guitars are custom shop. And they inspire me. As regards a Junior being “your only guitar”…? No. I absolutely adore my Junior but it ain’t no LP Standard. 😊
@@paulstaffordcook8799 would it be heresy to buy a 58/59 reissue and gut it ala Malcolm young and have a bomb diggity one pickup Les Paul with all the tone juice of a junior 😜 😂 joking aside I do like the neck pickup occasionally
Paul, thanks for sharing this video with us. I am big fan of the Les Paul Jr., I have the Gibson USA production model and I can clearly hear the difference between the different models. I have an R9 so I know quality you get from a Custom Shop Les Paul and I think it is worth the price. I can see myself getting this guitar in the future. Thanks again.
Thank you Tim, glad you enjoyed my wee review. Yes, after having owned this guitar for a while now, I can safely say that there’s some special mojo to it. It’s party piece is to set it up for a nice crunch tone at around no. 6 on its volume pot…. And then wind to 10 for some of that famous fat growl that Junior’s are so good at. It makes me laugh out loud every time I do it🤘
Beautiful, looks like a great neck: enjoy ! Awesome tones... Nice drop D playing btw ;-)
Thank you Cool Rene👍.
Great playing man!!
Thanks, appreciated 👍