In the UK when punk started a lot of the bands were playing Juniors and Specials because they'll have been relatively cheap. Some of them then moved to Customs when they realised that they could become the type of rock stars they were being critical of in their songs :) Re users of Juniors/Specials, whilst the video for Money For Nothing has the sunburst LP it was actually recorded on a Junior hence that intro sound. Add Steve Howe of Yes as another Junior player. Great playing as ever, John.
@@OldSethOnetooth yes totally, nobody quite sounds like thunders. Even though it's just a fender reverb with a junior. Still havent heard anybody sound like him.
That Leslie West tone in the late sixties defies belief... absolutely frazzled the the brink of even working. I can totally imagine eggs frying on the amp.
There's something rude, nasty, and primal to cranked P-90's that lends itself well to the sound of Rock and Roll better than the more refined PAF humbucker. Well stated playing as always, John. Stay safe, I look forward to the next installment of this series.
Great video. I love when you demo vintage guitars, the tone is phenomenal. I have a 57 Junior and it sounds fantastic. I always wanted one since hearing Leslie West playing Mississippi Queen and after seeing Lukas Nelson twice, the last time at New Orleans Jazz Fest, that was it, I went and bought one. The Junior sounds great at a out door concert. You got a steal of a deal, some are in the price range of up to $10,000 in immaculate condition. My cardboard case sucks but the guitar is in collectors condition. Thanks John, you really have been putting together some great videos during this time of crisis, it helps with you keeping the music and gear dream alive. You are doing a great job and service to Musician’s all over the world. 🎸👏👍✌️🙏😎
The GIBSON MELODY MAKERS from the '50's & 60's are out there now and most are in that $2K range. Modeled after the LP Special & Jr's. They've got rippin' tone and the BIG Gibson neck. They're great bargains.
True story...Jimmy Page showed up at Jethro Tull’s recording session for Aqualung (the song) and cheered Martin Barre on from behind the glass as he laid down the solo in one take.
Nice playing in the intro. My first (and only) electric guitar is the Epiphone Les Paul Junior (though it's not the same as a Gibson Les Paul Junior with a P90). Very decent guitar 👍
I haven't justified the purchase yet, but I think those 2015 100 anniversary model is a great value - been watching them on Reverb this last year. Oh, and the 2020 Epiphone offering also looks good, and affordable. Decisions, decisions.
Got a 1956 Les Paul Jr. with the same tobacco sunburst you have when I traded a 1932 A model Gibson Mandolin that I bought for $100 from and elderly widow a tad south of Paradise Michigan. I traded the mandolin to Dave Feretta at his store in Denver CO for the 1956 Les Paul Jr. as 1962 Fender Strat sunburst with the Rosewood fingerboard, A early 70's Gibson Southern Jumbo with the read sunburst finish and last but not least a 50's Gibson ES 125 with the tobacco sunburst finish. No idea what Dave got for that Mandolin, but I definitely walked out of his store a happy camper. Got into a band in Leadville CO that we named Kokomo. Used that LP Jr. on the Lou Reed Rock n Roll Animal version of Sweet Jane. Perfect Guitar for that tune. Ended up selling em all in 80 to finance move me my wife and 1st baby son to southern WV. Was sad to part with them but needed the $ since my 1st car died so we downsized and moved to WV via Airliner and UPS. End of the story or was it? Wonder where those guitars ended up and who owns them now, but do know that this guy has ended up landing in Asheville NC nearly 20 years ago and is still a happy camper and now owns maybe too many guitars.
Thanks John...after this video the price of vintage Les Paul Juniors will have shot-up 500-1000%! Love your videos and your guitars. I'm jealous! Vintage Teles next?
Hi John, this is actually very funny. I own a 59 Junior that once was owned by DeeDee Ramone. The funny thing is that it has been refinished red and it had a neck pick up and extra controls added, exactly like yours. But then long ago someone converted it back to original, I’m guessing before DeeDee owned it because that finish is flaking too. Amazing guitar. And coincidentally I own a sunburst junior (55) as well… You’re right, they both are amazing guitars.
Dan, I traded a tele for one of these back in 69. One of the bridge studs had been hit so I had to send it out for repair. So for $300 I had the bridge repaired, a neck p90 and refinished like a gold top. When the guitar was returned, I was devastated that the switch was installed near the co trolls and not at the top like the double pickup les Paul’s. The pickups were also installed out of phase. This guitar really kicked ass. But being a dumb kid, I traded it in for a new les Paul deluxe around 72.
There is just something about a junior that nothing else can match. It's magic 😁 just got my first one and it's so simple but so raw! Just something about that single p90 nailed to a slab of mahogany 😀
John, I love your demos. What is the purpose of this video for the average Joe? Most of us are not able to buy vintage instruments. This seems off compared to your normal things.
I don't think any of The Beatles were all that knowledgeable about gear. There was no internet, no guitar magazines. They couldn't even get a Fender or Gibson in the UK until the 60s. Paul and George had to take a bus across Liverpool just to learn B7, the V chord in the key of E. Seems to me John just pronounced it incorrectly, just like people say "all intensive purposes" or "irregardless" instead of all intents and purposes or regardless.
So where are these "bargins" you're talking about. Single cut Juniors are $7000+. Idiots trying to get $5000 on 3/4 Juniors. I guess if you consider $7000 affordably getting into the vintage game, then yeah. I don't.
I don’t understand how in 2020 people still think that resonance is something to be desired for an electric guitar. Resonance it is energy lost in the body that is stolen from the strings. Without resonance the strings will move more. So more sound more sustain. The pickups transforms the MOVEMENT of the strings in ELECTRICITY. Movement not the sound of the strings. Pickups are deaf.
Between his vintage Strats and LP's and Juniors, John's got an amazing collection.
A '50s LP Jnr is my dream guitar. Someday... thanks John, for posting!
In the UK when punk started a lot of the bands were playing Juniors and Specials because they'll have been relatively cheap. Some of them then moved to Customs when they realised that they could become the type of rock stars they were being critical of in their songs :)
Re users of Juniors/Specials, whilst the video for Money For Nothing has the sunburst LP it was actually recorded on a Junior hence that intro sound. Add Steve Howe of Yes as another Junior player.
Great playing as ever, John.
Dtk lamf
@@tysonrinker5958 Johnny Thunders on his TV Yellow was awesome.
@@OldSethOnetooth yes totally, nobody quite sounds like thunders. Even though it's just a fender reverb with a junior. Still havent heard anybody sound like him.
That Leslie West tone in the late sixties defies belief... absolutely frazzled the the brink of even working. I can totally imagine eggs frying on the amp.
He used SUNN PA amps!
Love the Finster artwork over his shoulder.
I love this series of videos man
There's something rude, nasty, and primal to cranked P-90's that lends itself well to the sound of Rock and Roll better than the more refined PAF humbucker.
Well stated playing as always, John. Stay safe, I look forward to the next installment of this series.
Mick Ralph’s early tone with Mott the Hoople was a Jr!
that intro thing into amazing grace! sounds so good!!
Great video. I love when you demo vintage guitars, the tone is phenomenal. I have a 57 Junior and it sounds fantastic. I always wanted one since hearing Leslie West playing Mississippi Queen and after seeing Lukas Nelson twice, the last time at New Orleans Jazz Fest, that was it, I went and bought one. The Junior sounds great at a out door concert. You got a steal of a deal, some are in the price range of up to $10,000 in immaculate condition. My cardboard case sucks but the guitar is in collectors condition. Thanks John, you really have been putting together some great videos during this time of crisis, it helps with you keeping the music and gear dream alive. You are doing a great job and service to Musician’s all over the world. 🎸👏👍✌️🙏😎
I AGREE! Great Video! Dig your Slide take on "Angel"... John Prine R.I.P.
The GIBSON MELODY MAKERS from the '50's & 60's are out there now and most are in that $2K range. Modeled after the LP Special & Jr's. They've got rippin' tone and the BIG Gibson neck. They're great bargains.
Buddy Lobos what’s a 50’s jr price range?
@@robertalleneasleyiii4926 late 50s all orig junior about 5/6 grand in UK up to about 10 grand for a 1960 all orig mint tv model
@@robertalleneasleyiii4926 melody makers are less than half the price I've got a 59 melody maker very similar but thinner bodied and thinner pickup.
That 58 sounds killer man! So does the 60 but the 58 has a lil more grind and magic.
Magical playing...raw and sweet beyond belief.
Always superb my friend! Great guitars!
Well done Brother! Great Guitars John! Thanks for sharing and Be Well All!
Unfortunately they have went way in price since this video was posted 5 years ago.
Howard Finster artwork gets extra points ;)
True story...Jimmy Page showed up at Jethro Tull’s recording session for Aqualung (the song) and cheered Martin Barre on from behind the glass as he laid down the solo in one take.
Love DC LPs.....beautiful
That red junior/special is awesome. I think I know what I'm gonna be looking for next
Nice playing in the intro. My first (and only) electric guitar is the Epiphone Les Paul Junior (though it's not the same as a Gibson Les Paul Junior with a P90). Very decent guitar 👍
This has inspired me to pick up my decidedly not-vintage Junior and crank around on some riffs. Sounded awesome, man!
I haven't justified the purchase yet, but I think those 2015 100 anniversary model is a great value - been watching them on Reverb this last year. Oh, and the 2020 Epiphone offering also looks good, and affordable. Decisions, decisions.
What about a Music City Stud Finder Bridge for that '58?
yes.. I have one in my 54 Goldtop, wil eventually upgrade the 58 as well.
Got a 1956 Les Paul Jr. with the same tobacco sunburst you have when I traded a 1932 A model Gibson Mandolin that I bought for $100 from and elderly widow a tad south of Paradise Michigan. I traded the mandolin to Dave Feretta at his store in Denver CO for the 1956 Les Paul Jr. as 1962 Fender Strat sunburst with the Rosewood fingerboard, A early 70's Gibson Southern Jumbo with the read sunburst finish and last but not least a 50's Gibson ES 125 with the tobacco sunburst finish. No idea what Dave got for that Mandolin, but I definitely walked out of his store a happy camper. Got into a band in Leadville CO that we named Kokomo. Used that LP Jr. on the Lou Reed Rock n Roll Animal version of Sweet Jane. Perfect Guitar for that tune. Ended up selling em all in 80 to finance move me my wife and 1st baby son to southern WV. Was sad to part with them but needed the $ since my 1st car died so we downsized and moved to WV via Airliner and UPS. End of the story or was it? Wonder where those guitars ended up and who owns them now, but do know that this guy has ended up landing in Asheville NC nearly 20 years ago and is still a happy camper and now owns maybe too many guitars.
Always love John's insight on gear and his playing too.
Thanks John...after this video the price of vintage Les Paul Juniors will have shot-up 500-1000%! Love your videos and your guitars. I'm jealous! Vintage Teles next?
Man, I only have one vintage tele and regetably it's in the shop... Thanks for watching.
1960 looks super cool.
I love the John Prince slide work. What tuning are you in John?
standard tuning. thanks
Single pick up, classic guitar, great sound, great hair!!
Hi John, this is actually very funny. I own a 59 Junior that once was owned by DeeDee Ramone. The funny thing is that it has been refinished red and it had a neck pick up and extra controls added, exactly like yours. But then long ago someone converted it back to original, I’m guessing before DeeDee owned it because that finish is flaking too. Amazing guitar. And coincidentally I own a sunburst junior (55) as well… You’re right, they both are amazing guitars.
Very cool Dan
Dan, I traded a tele for one of these back in 69. One of the bridge studs had been hit so I had to send it out for repair. So for $300 I had the bridge repaired, a neck p90 and refinished like a gold top. When the guitar was returned, I was devastated that the switch was installed near the co trolls and not at the top like the double pickup les Paul’s. The pickups were also installed out of phase. This guitar really kicked ass. But being a dumb kid, I traded it in for a new les Paul deluxe around 72.
Great video! What is the name of that bridge you have installed on the Goldtop?
Great Tull and West sound ! Elvis could envy the hair ¡
Yep! The whole Aqualung album was cut with a 50s Junior.
Which LP did Leslie West use back in the late 70's
I think his was a 1958 single cut.. but not sure on details
Love the slide part. Cheers.
I'll take the 1958 Singlecut. The 1958 Gibson les paul jr is the best guitar in my opinion🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Ace Ventura forever
😂😂
There is just something about a junior that nothing else can match. It's magic 😁 just got my first one and it's so simple but so raw! Just something about that single p90 nailed to a slab of mahogany 😀
They are just FUN!
You cant go wrong with a p90 and a fender tube amp. Dtk lamf 4 life
Agreed it’s the magic duo!
great playin!
Nice playing John...cool video.
John do a bass video please ,
take care , stay safe , God Bless.
I am a bad bass player.
John playing John Prine - how nice,
4 me would be interesting to hear some Queen stuff on that sixti Jr.😋
Hey John was the double cut away a mod on that guitar?
the 2nd pickup was added, and and extra volume and tone knob, and the bridge was changed.
john bohlinger Hi John I meant the shape of the body, was that standard for that year?
They sound great! I want one for slide!!
Nice, Any Melody Makers?
cool guitars.. but I don't have one.
I regret selling mine in the 90s :(
102k for that?
John has the coolest job of all time, and some sweet equipment
John, I love your demos. What is the purpose of this video for the average Joe? Most of us are not able to buy vintage instruments. This seems off compared to your normal things.
I didn't know Robbie Williams played the guitar?
I have hair envy !
Lennon was taking the PISS! He was LIKE that! He knew his gear!
Yep, it was typical Lennon wordplay. “Humperdinker,” as in Engelbert Humperdinck.
I don't think any of The Beatles were all that knowledgeable about gear. There was no internet, no guitar magazines. They couldn't even get a Fender or Gibson in the UK until the 60s. Paul and George had to take a bus across Liverpool just to learn B7, the V chord in the key of E. Seems to me John just pronounced it incorrectly, just like people say "all intensive purposes" or "irregardless" instead of all intents and purposes or regardless.
So where are these "bargins" you're talking about. Single cut Juniors are $7000+. Idiots trying to get $5000 on 3/4 Juniors. I guess if you consider $7000 affordably getting into the vintage game, then yeah. I don't.
I bought a early 59 jr off marketplace in the Atlanta area right before covid for $1750.00!
Arent u rich to own these axes Bolinger?
they were surprisingly affordable
cmon dude, play some Johnny Thunders
John is not the guitar it's the player
Stay safe
1958 Junior less than $2000, 1960 Junior w/mods $2300...... total BS!!!
I don’t understand how in 2020 people still think that resonance is something to be desired for an electric guitar. Resonance it is energy lost in the body that is stolen from the strings. Without resonance the strings will move more. So more sound more sustain. The pickups transforms the MOVEMENT of the strings in ELECTRICITY. Movement not the sound of the strings. Pickups are deaf.