Les Paul Junior, hands down. You can get any tone you want by using the tone control (you know, that second one you never touch). Seriously, Juniors are incredibly versatile and anything but a one-trick pony. Don't let the one pickup fool you, a slab of mahogany with a single P-90 can give you any tone you ask of it.
@@eocha24is not worse, it's just the fact of having only one pup. It push u to be more creative, also you can be very close to the neck pup sound using the tone knod.
I discovered this channel about a month ago and it’s fast become one of my favorites. Buddy’s sense of humor hits the mark, and of course, really good content. I just bought a Epiphone LP Jr based mostly off of this video because I couldn’t decide between it and the LP Special and there was exactly ONE video on UA-cam on the topic (this one) and it answered all the questions swirling in my head. Thanks man!
My first-ever electric guitar was an early 2000s Epiphone Les Paul Special II. I sold it before moving SK to ON and, after trying a bunch of guitars, I simply bought another Special II in 05. I still have it, still love it. I love the look of both of these 2020 editions, but choose one? I agree with you. "Less stuff and more playing," right on!
I own both and I love both. The only thing I had to do to the Junior was shim the pick up to give it more volume and Dynamics. Since I did that, it's a rock and roll machine!
Yes, single pickup, I get that. Sometimes less choice is better. I break out in a cold sweat when I have to choose what cereal to get when at the grocery store so...
I use mine for playing slide on. I’d previously used a SG Special but got really fed up with the neck dive. I had a Les Paul junior 58 SC made for me, l wanted a simple back up option and the Tobacco burst lit my candle. It cost me a fifth of the price of my SC but I now prefer it as my main go to option.
I would get the Special in TV yellow. I've wanted one for a while and I happen to prefer having bridge/neck options. I'm all about the tone for one and I also really appreciate the history of the TV yellow color.
The Les Paul Junior all the way. You can do a lot with one P90 , you can get a lot of different tones from just using the volume and tones knobs and of course your picking dynamics .
I’d definitely go with the special. First reason is I like the variety of tones you get from having both a bridge and neck pickup. They’re so different, but I wouldn’t want to give up one. Second reason is color. I play a butterscotch telecaster so I love the TV yellow
@@landonbailey It is the Godin Summit Classic SG P90 it is really lightweight, nicely balanced, and sounds awesome with the "Kingpin" p90 godinguitars.com/product/summit-classic-sg-vintage-burst-p90-rn
Uhoh, the Fender 2021 guitars are out and there the new MIM Noventa series has P-90s. With 25.5" scales, Tele with 1, Strat with 2 and Jazzmaster with 3 P-90s! So will Epi P-90s measure up now, I wonder?
@@landonbailey Some reviews say they use the MP-90 Fender pickup but you're right, the Fender website only says they are "Fender Noventa Single-Coil" not specifically a P-90. But since Noventa means "Ninety" that's indicative for this being a true P-90 variant.
I watched Rhett Schull talk about how single pickup guitars have more harmonic overtones with fewer magnets affecting the strings up and down the picking area...interesting concept...made sense...the simplicity of that Jr is appealing as well as the finish..that being said...I'd sign up for that Special if you need more space for the new Godin!
Absolutely right. I know this is a a year after your comment, but for anyone reading at this point, the harmonic sweet spot is nearer the center of the string where amplitude is greatest, and not having magnetic poles interfering with that is what opens up the whole tonal range. That's why you can get damn near acoustic tone with a Jr plugged in.
Actually been on a similar debate. But they sounded the same so that I don't have to worry about. But having others with 2 pickups that is a good point
Both! But uhh I personally love my older Epiphone Les Paul Jr. because of the simplicity of it. It's a rock workhorse! I would take an L.P. Special in a heartbeat though HAHA!!! Especially for the price. 🐉💀👽🎸🎶🎵🧠
I own the Junior and when set up drop the bridge and raise the pick up poles it honks and sounds amazing especially with a Germanium fuzz how ever I own a Humbucker SG. If you were to buy only one guitar between these two I would recommend the TV yellow Special its sweeter and butterier also covers more ground! Its tough cause they both rock and can be sweet of you have a Strat tele sg or Humbucker LP I would say grab the Junior
I just picked up a 2007 Pelham blue Special ii GT off a neighbor. It was just sitting in his garage. It's a cool guitar, and has a factory kill switch feature on one of the knobs and a trem system. If you see one at a decent price it's worth picking up. I like the TV yellow speciall out of these 2, and was planning on buying one before I got this GT today. It looks awesome and has decent pickups.
@@landonbailey I have an Epi 56 reissue with 2 P90s but the neck width at the 12th is a good few mill wider than my Tele so no good for thumb over the top playing up the neck 🤪
1 pickup was fine for EVH and Malcom Young. You also have more freedom to pick the string at different distances from 1 pickup for tone changes like on an acoustic. You can be more dynamic as a player with one. I go 2 pickups on my single coil Tele and built my own guitar with a single pickup on a humbucker. Never played a p90 ,can’t comment on that. I’d go jr on the Gibson.
I respect your decision, but disagree. For me it would be the special..."better to be looking at it, than looking for it" as we say here in ireland 🇮🇪 😉
To be fair, it’s down to what YOU!!!! want as both are great value for your money, my choice 🤔 I went for the Les Paul Junior BUT, I replaced the P90 with a BARE KNUCKLE P90, changed out the vintage wiring, capacitors & pots etc. The guitar is deadly.
That tobacco burst looks pretty sharp,. But not as sharp as my honeyburst American standard tele I just picked up... I saw the picture online and was "OK" with the finish.. when it came in tho I fell in love
@@landonbailey yeah, I forgot they re named the Mexican standard and American standard to player and performer series. It plays like a dream and has a beautiful finish. Well worth the value.
I'm looking at the Junior myself. I think the reason people do that is the why people like Esquires too. The only thing I'd change on the Jr is that when the volume is dialed in at 10 that is would bypass the tone circuit.
I’ve seen the Rhett Shull video mentioned and many like it...I don’t get it...in my simple brain if you want the jr. put the bridge pickup on on the special...when you get thirsty for more tonal variety move the pickup selector switch...aka Special!
I prefer the Special, especially in TV yellow. But I bought the Junior because so much of the music I listen to involves someone playing a Junior. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
I might go for the Junior. Not only does it catch my eye, I passed on on Esquire recently wanting to have the neck pickup on my Tele. But man, that Esquire was on fire! I don’t know if the Juniors also have a direct wiring that ups the clarity and ferocity of the bridge PU? But one day I’ll have one in my arsenal… single PU guitars are definitely their own unique beast with distinct winning attributes ,… not an instrument that’s lacking something.
I can just tell you, a whole video wouldn’t be interesting. Guitar + Tube Screamer Mini (Drive at 0, Volume 60%) + Joyo Sweet Baby into a Princeton Reverb (12” Celestion Blue Alnico)
I’m leaning towards the Jr. I agree the special is a great bargain for all it offers. That said, I prefer a stray or tele style for my go to electric and love the simplicity of the jr! And never owned land Paul style guitar. Looks like a lot of fun for the money. Both are cool colors, but the jr is so warm looking ✌️🎸
Please compare the tobacco burst vs the billie joe im curious how different they sound, if it's higher quality otherwise its worth it for the hardshell case alone
I almost bought the Jr (used at L&M for like $370 or something) but I held off and somebody else swiped it. Should’ve pulled the trigger! That said, I’m renting the special right now and it’s awesome!
I was torn between the Gibson Les Paul Jr and the Special. (Gibson not Epiphone) I went with the Special in TV Yellow and have absolutely no regrets! The pickup selection is really pretty easy. Neck for rhythm, bridge for lead. I don’t really use the middle position because to me the bridge overpowers the neck. I think the soap bar pickups are more adjustable than the dogeard pickups. You can really dial in the pickup height.
Both !
I prefer the look of the Jr. But if I was buying one, I think I’d go Special.
@Parker Kenney Exactly my thoughts. I feel in my gut the Jr should be $299.
P-90s in the neck position are awesome
Les Paul Junior, hands down. You can get any tone you want by using the tone control (you know, that second one you never touch). Seriously, Juniors are incredibly versatile and anything but a one-trick pony. Don't let the one pickup fool you, a slab of mahogany with a single P-90 can give you any tone you ask of it.
✊🏻. ☯️
Right . Ask the late Great Leslie West....
Les Paul Special is literally Les Paul Junior with one more pickup.. so how can it be worse to have one more pickup??
@@eocha24is not worse, it's just the fact of having only one pup. It push u to be more creative, also you can be very close to the neck pup sound using the tone knod.
@@samuelnerick how about middle position? How u get That? Rethorical question. You cant…
I discovered this channel about a month ago and it’s fast become one of my favorites. Buddy’s sense of humor hits the mark, and of course, really good content. I just bought a Epiphone LP Jr based mostly off of this video because I couldn’t decide between it and the LP Special and there was exactly ONE video on UA-cam on the topic (this one) and it answered all the questions swirling in my head. Thanks man!
Welcome aboard!
lol I usually hate videos that are so heavily edited as yours are, but OMG yours are so perfectly timed and crack me up!
oh hey thanks! I try to have a blend of things to make it watchable :)
Starting off strong with What’s the Frequency Kenneth
Well I actually ran through this exercise and bought the Special. I'd rather have 2 pickups and not need them than need them and not have them.....
Personally, the Jr seems to be gaining recognition as a rock machine, and for great reason.
I’d go with the Jr.
👍
I agree tobacco burst looks killer!
Whichever is lighter
My first-ever electric guitar was an early 2000s Epiphone Les Paul Special II. I sold it before moving SK to ON and, after trying a bunch of guitars, I simply bought another Special II in 05. I still have it, still love it. I love the look of both of these 2020 editions, but choose one? I agree with you. "Less stuff and more playing," right on!
I want a double cut Jr. in TV yellow myself.
Choosing the Jr. confirms that Landon prefers Less Paul.
😝
I love my new Epi Special.... I have a Gibson DC Jr as well... ( both with short Vibrolas)... tough call
Special for me!
I own both and I love both. The only thing I had to do to the Junior was shim the pick up to give it more volume and Dynamics. Since I did that, it's a rock and roll machine!
🎸👍
What did you use to rise up the pickup ?
yellow, 2 pick ups, plus cool colour, and sounds ace. mind they both sound ace.
For a single pickup guitar, I picked the Epiphone Coronet. It has a really good look, IMO. The Special is hard to beat for a 2 P90 guitar.
I would go with the Junior in TV Yellow
It’s epiphone.....I bought both! My junior p-90 was really noisy so I bought lindy fralin noiseless p-90....sounds amazing!
Yes, single pickup, I get that. Sometimes less choice is better. I break out in a cold sweat when I have to choose what cereal to get when at the grocery store so...
I love cereal :)
The one where I can get great Paul Westerberg riffs and swagger ;)
LP Special
I use mine for playing slide on. I’d previously used a SG Special but got really fed up with the neck dive. I had a Les Paul junior 58 SC made for me, l wanted a simple back up option and the Tobacco burst lit my candle. It cost me a fifth of the price of my SC but I now prefer it as my main go to option.
I would get the Special in TV yellow. I've wanted one for a while and I happen to prefer having bridge/neck options. I'm all about the tone for one and I also really appreciate the history of the TV yellow color.
Tv yellow special for sure 🤟
The Les Paul Junior all the way. You can do a lot with one P90 , you can get a lot of different tones from just using the volume and tones knobs and of course your picking dynamics .
ya I’ll be experimenting more for sure
@ Joe blow Picking dynamics yes ! 🤘
I bought the Jr yesterday..well,well,worth the $.
nice!
I have 11 guitars , I have to leave home for one year for a job ,out of all 11 guitars I took the epiphone les paul jr , and the line 6 spider 3 , 🤘
I’d definitely go with the special. First reason is I like the variety of tones you get from having both a bridge and neck pickup. They’re so different, but I wouldn’t want to give up one. Second reason is color. I play a butterscotch telecaster so I love the TV yellow
I almost never use a neck pickup and having just the single bridge pickup looks cool imo
The Junior. Single pick-up action for me. 🤘🏻
I have the Godin version of the les Paul junior and love it. One pickup guitars are fun
cool, what’s the model called?
@@landonbailey It is the Godin Summit Classic SG P90 it is really lightweight, nicely balanced, and sounds awesome with the "Kingpin" p90 godinguitars.com/product/summit-classic-sg-vintage-burst-p90-rn
I liked the video, subscribed and hit the notification bell. Oh I also liked the video, thanks Landon.
I wish they Did the les Paul junior in TV 📺 yellow, I’m gonna by the single pickup junior next week
Uhoh, the Fender 2021 guitars are out and there the new MIM Noventa series has P-90s. With 25.5" scales, Tele with 1, Strat with 2 and Jazzmaster with 3 P-90s! So will Epi P-90s measure up now, I wonder?
I saw that! Although they don’t call the p90s by name, but they at least look like it on the outside
@@landonbailey Some reviews say they use the MP-90 Fender pickup but you're right, the Fender website only says they are "Fender Noventa Single-Coil" not specifically a P-90. But since Noventa means "Ninety" that's indicative for this being a true P-90 variant.
The Junior. I've got an Esquire I love, so I'm a bit of a one pickup fan.
Agreed.
Really got me thinking about the single pickup guitar...
There's just something special about the special! 😁
For the small price difference, I'd go with the special. I don't have multiple guitars so the two pickups are a better option for me.
I watched Rhett Schull talk about how single pickup guitars have more harmonic overtones with fewer magnets affecting the strings up and down the picking area...interesting concept...made sense...the simplicity of that Jr is appealing as well as the finish..that being said...I'd sign up for that Special if you need more space for the new Godin!
I’ll have to check that out. haven’t seen that video
Absolutely right. I know this is a a year after your comment, but for anyone reading at this point, the harmonic sweet spot is nearer the center of the string where amplitude is greatest, and not having magnetic poles interfering with that is what opens up the whole tonal range. That's why you can get damn near acoustic tone with a Jr plugged in.
Les paul special, i like neck pickups
Agree. As a reborn player, I’m thinking simple (one pickup) is better. For me at least.
I have a Special TV Yellow on order......been waiting over a month so far.
cool! it’s a great model
@@landonbailey now you got me looking at Fender necks for a Squier body. You happy with the purple tele?
I watched this yesterday....I missed the giveaway part but I don’t win EVER so it doesn’t matter. Lol. “I’m a looser baby......🤣
I'll go with the special, that neck pickup sounds awesome!
I would pick the Special for the tonal options.
I have a 2 humbuckers on my Les Paul, Telecaster and Stratocaster. I might one-day get a single pickup guitar but never had one before
Actually been on a similar debate. But they sounded the same so that I don't have to worry about. But having others with 2 pickups that is a good point
I have the epiphone Les paul special and I love it
That Jr. is an exceptional finish indeed. The tone was great from both, with the edge to the Jr.
great guitars and awesome value
Go for two.pickups!
i prefer on guitars only one bridge pickup. idem on basses but central pickup
Both!
But uhh I personally love my older Epiphone Les Paul Jr. because of the simplicity of it. It's a rock workhorse! I would take an L.P. Special in a heartbeat though HAHA!!!
Especially for the price.
🐉💀👽🎸🎶🎵🧠
I’m a sucker for TV yellow. Just love it! Oh and a neck P90. So yea, I’d go with the Special. Great video, Landon!
They’re both awesome looking, the tobacco burst gets a slight edge and looks, but I would ultimately buy the special, more bang for your buck!
The simplicity of the Jr. is cool. Mr. Quircky
Junior. It has that Charlie Starr, BlackBerry Smoke vibe to it.
I like the Jr best but you couldn’t go wrong with either one.
The Telecaster one.
I would go with the Special and the bound neck.
the neck binding is nice for sure!
I like the Jr but the Ephiphone with the two P-90s has more options.. My Propic should explain it..lol..
I own the Junior and when set up drop the bridge and raise the pick up poles it honks and sounds amazing especially with a Germanium fuzz how ever I own a Humbucker SG. If you were to buy only one guitar between these two I would recommend the TV yellow Special its sweeter and butterier also covers more ground! Its tough cause they both rock and can be sweet of you have a Strat tele sg or Humbucker LP I would say grab the Junior
Love that Special ❤️
just bought the epi lp jr ( 2e hand with an gibson gigbag ) for 250 euro , love it .
I just picked up a 2007 Pelham blue Special ii GT off a neighbor. It was just sitting in his garage. It's a cool guitar, and has a factory kill switch feature on one of the knobs and a trem system. If you see one at a decent price it's worth picking up.
I like the TV yellow speciall out of these 2, and was planning on buying one before I got this GT today. It looks awesome and has decent pickups.
The neck looks wider on the Jr - especially up at the 12th. Is it?
I haven’t looked up close. I’ll have to take a look
@@landonbailey I have an Epi 56 reissue with 2 P90s but the neck width at the 12th is a good few mill wider than my Tele so no good for thumb over the top playing up the neck 🤪
I guessed you were going to pick the junior. Both are nice guitars and I can see your point on the simplicity of that guitar. Great video!
Cool, thanks!
Two is more better than one😉. Thanks for the comparison video Landon. Peace!
I definitely love that LP with the 2 P90s i would love to play social distortion songs on it because mike ness uses P90s
Yep, Johnny 2Bags also uses Les Paul Jr's with p90 dogear so both do the social distortion sound pretty cool!
I've noticed the JR works perfect for lead singers who don't want to be lead guitarists. Joan Jett... Richard Marx... Roxette type of thing.
Both nice, I’m a sucker for neck binding but my dislike for yellow would lean me towards the Jr. as well.✌🏼
And to me its worth saying again... I really like the new lighting.
oh hey thanks! ya I moved a bunch of stuff around and it looks pretty good to me too
Where do you find a Les Paul Jr. in Canada
1 pickup was fine for EVH and Malcom Young. You also have more freedom to pick the string at different distances from 1 pickup for tone changes like on an acoustic. You can be more dynamic as a player with one. I go 2 pickups on my single coil Tele and built my own guitar with a single pickup on a humbucker. Never played a p90 ,can’t comment on that. I’d go jr on the Gibson.
I respect your decision, but disagree. For me it would be the special..."better to be looking at it, than looking for it" as we say here in ireland 🇮🇪 😉
SPECIAL for me
To be fair, it’s down to what YOU!!!! want as both are great value for your money, my choice 🤔 I went for the Les Paul Junior BUT, I replaced the P90 with a BARE KNUCKLE P90, changed out the vintage wiring, capacitors & pots etc. The guitar is deadly.
That tobacco burst looks pretty sharp,. But not as sharp as my honeyburst American standard tele I just picked up... I saw the picture online and was "OK" with the finish.. when it came in tho I fell in love
Nice! Performer series?
@@landonbailey yeah, I forgot they re named the Mexican standard and American standard to player and performer series. It plays like a dream and has a beautiful finish. Well worth the value.
Whats the frequency Landon?..
I'm looking at the Junior myself. I think the reason people do that is the why people like Esquires too. The only thing I'd change on the Jr is that when the volume is dialed in at 10 that is would bypass the tone circuit.
I’ve seen the Rhett Shull video mentioned and many like it...I don’t get it...in my simple brain if you want the jr. put the bridge pickup on on the special...when you get thirsty for more tonal variety move the pickup selector switch...aka Special!
I haven’t seen that video. I’ll have to check it out
I prefer the 2 single coils!!🤣👍great vidéo! Thanks
How do you do your recording setup, thanks for the answer😁
hey there! check it out here ua-cam.com/video/w_jDEC7O1VA/v-deo.html
@@landonbailey thank you very much😁
I have a modded LP jr, sadly doesn’t have a p90, someone replaced it with an unknown humbucker. I’m goin LP special in the TV yellow all the way.
I prefer the Special, especially in TV yellow. But I bought the Junior because so much of the music I listen to involves someone playing a Junior. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
p90s are fun!
I might go for the Junior. Not only does it catch my eye, I passed on on Esquire recently wanting to have the neck pickup on my Tele. But man, that Esquire was on fire! I don’t know if the Juniors also have a direct wiring that ups the clarity and ferocity of the bridge PU? But one day I’ll have one in my arsenal… single PU guitars are definitely their own unique beast with distinct winning attributes ,… not an instrument that’s lacking something.
👍🎸
Love my Junior. 👍✌️
Landon, Whats your thoughts on the pickup height on the LP JR? Thanks
I can't say I have any :)
Make a video with the signal chain of this video. It sounds sick
I can just tell you, a whole video wouldn’t be interesting. Guitar + Tube Screamer Mini (Drive at 0, Volume 60%) + Joyo Sweet Baby into a Princeton Reverb (12” Celestion Blue Alnico)
@@landonbailey great! thank you!
I think special is better so I'll go with special 😁
I’m leaning towards the Jr. I agree the special is a great bargain for all it offers. That said, I prefer a stray or tele style for my go to electric and love the simplicity of the jr! And never owned land Paul style guitar. Looks like a lot of fun for the money. Both are cool colors, but the jr is so warm looking ✌️🎸
Right on!
Please compare the tobacco burst vs the billie joe im curious how different they sound, if it's higher quality otherwise its worth it for the hardshell case alone
Before I watch your video ... The TV yellow Junior !!!!! :)
I almost bought the Jr (used at L&M for like $370 or something) but I held off and somebody else swiped it. Should’ve pulled the trigger! That said, I’m renting the special right now and it’s awesome!
Special! 👍
Special all the way!
Tv yellow us my clear winner.
That Special has a Dean Deleo STP vibe, so I'd go for that.
I love STP!
Les paul special, I am sucker for TV Yellow guitars and neck P-90s
I was torn between the Gibson Les Paul Jr and the Special. (Gibson not Epiphone) I went with the Special in TV Yellow and have absolutely no regrets! The pickup selection is really pretty easy. Neck for rhythm, bridge for lead. I don’t really use the middle position because to me the bridge overpowers the neck. I think the soap bar pickups are more adjustable than the dogeard pickups. You can really dial in the pickup height.