Over the years Gibson has consistently tinkered with the Les Paul formula looking for ways to goose sales and spark interest. The Gibson LPJ is one of those models, and it sports an interesting combo of worn satin finish and set maple neck. But don't be fooled: This is a traditional Gibson in every way, and while most of them have black covered pickups, this guitar has their 490R and 490T models with chrome covers.

But this all a good thing, as for what they lack in fancy cosmetics, the Gibson delivers in pure Les Paul playing experience. The Gibson 490 pickups are essentially their Alnico 2 "PAF" pickups with some wax potting to prevent any feedback or squeal. And the maple set neck provides some noticeable snap and clarity. And while it's a cost saving measure we've always been drawn to the maple neck Les Paul’s. And it's still got a maple top and weighs just 9.0 pounds, which is pretty good for a non-chambered no-contour Les Paul. 

The Gibson LPJ falls into the "bargain" category of USA Les Paul guitars. But that's more a matter of what traditionalists want and not how good this guitar is. If you want to live the Les Paul life on an Epiphone budget, this is your guitar.

This guitar is in excellent condition for it's age with some minor marks and signs of handling, including a chip up near the nut, and some edge wear. There is some "glossy" burnishing from normal handling. No headstock repair. Plays and sets up well, and with no fret wear. Come with original Gibson Hard Case. Every guitar we sell gets a pro setup before shipping.

• Worn Mahogany nitrocellulose lacquer finish
• Maple top with Mahogany back, 9.0 pounds
• Maple set neck
• Rosewood fretboard with trapezoid inlays
• 12" fretboard radius, 1-11/16 nut width
• 24-3/4" scale length
• 490R Neck pickup - Alnico 2, ~8K DC resistance
• 490T Neck pickup - Alnico 2, ~8.2K DC resistance
• Individual volume and tone controls
• Tune-o-match bridge with stop bar
• Includes Gibson tan hardshell case
• Made in USA