Gibson Les Paul Junior vs Les Paul Studio Satin

[muffmuffin]

Hello all!

I am currently choosing a guitar for my friend's son who is currently 12 and really wants to learn to play a guitar.

At first I was thinking to buy a LP Junior as it is of much simpler construction and has only 3 points of adjustment (bridge height, truss rod and string tunning) as well as a much simpler control system.

But then I've noticed, that for the same £550 pounds I can get an LP Studio with specs close to those of the LP Standard. Even though it is more complicated and there is more that can go wrong with it, I believe it is more versatile and will have a higher resale value than that of a Junior should he quit his new hobby prematurely.

So, what would you recommend?

Here are the links to the specs on the Gibson website:
Junior: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Elec...-Jr/Specs.aspx
Studio: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Elec...tin/Specs.aspx

[daveyh]

Helluva guitar to buy for a friends kid, and a learner at that.

They're different guitars and not necessarily interchangeable. First question, what music does he like?

[John_A]

Either would be a fantastic first guitar. The junior is a bit smaller and lighter, so depending how big he is this may be a better choice. Also, what sort of music does he like? A guitar that looks more like what his heros play would be more likely to inspire him, so if he's in to Slipknot get him an Ibanez instead of a LP.

[Not_the_DJ]

Do you actually know that kid wants a Les Paul style guitar?

[Guitarmonkey]

Do you actually know that kid wants a Les Paul style guitar?

Surely *everyone* wants a Les Paul?

[Not_the_DJ]

Surely *everyone* wants a Les Paul?

Good point....but still he might be into some sort of new fangled shouty type music that needs a couple of extra frets and a whangdoddle bar.

[evilmags]

The studio, without a moment of hesitation. Way more bang for the buck, and guitars need a neck pickup.

[monquixote]

I think step one is to determine if he prefers Fender looking guitars (In which case a Tele might be a better choice) or Gibson type.

If it's a Gibson type then the Studio is a great choice. It's very versatile, has good resale value and even has plenty of metal cred thanks to Zak Wylde.

LP Juniors are really only cool to punks and retro types and I think it's important to have a neck pickup to learn about how that impacts tone.

I definitely wouldn't get something with a wang bar even if he does love that kind of music as my first guitar had a floyd and it was a big mistake.

Gibson quality control is notoriously shady so make sure you have someone experienced check it over before he gets his hands on it (especially if you mail order)

[adetheheat]

You're spending way too much on him. I think you should simply buy a cheap epiphone or squire for 1/4 of the price. If he doesn't like it then you have no worries.

[Neil.C]

A lot of money to pay out for someone who thinks he wants to learn the guitar.

However If it was a straight up choice between the Studio and Junior I would say Junior.

Nothing on there to think or fiddle about with for the beginner other than what you are doing on the fretboard.