Gibson Les Paul Junior, 2015
Gibson Guitars, serial number: 150022107, 2015.
New and Improved in 2015:
• Gibson G FORCE™ Tuning System: Faster, more accurate, additional tunings
• Zero Fret Adjustable Nut: Added action adjustment
• P–90 Dogear Alnico Slug Pickup: Brighter Tone with a more percussive attack
• Wider neck and fingerboard: Increased playing area with same string spacing
• Thicker Rosewood Fingerboard: Increased mass for sustain
• Pearl Inlays: Better appearance and value
• Smoother sanded, buffed and oiled fingerboard: Improved playability and feel
• Comprehensive Setup (Lower Frets, Improved Plek, Intonation): Silky smooth action and bending, improved intonation
• Improved contact output jack: Secure contact and uninterrupted signal
• More robust cables: Stronger signal strength
• Les Paul 100th birthday signature: Honoring a genius with a facsimile of his actual signature taken from a pickguard autographed by Les.
• Les Paul Hologram: Authenticity and tribute
• New & Improved Hardshell Case: Improved protection (up to 15 foot drop), sleek, ergonomic, made in USA”
Personal note: I bought this on a whim at Sam Ash, in New Haven, Connecticut, in 2016. I have been fond of the Les Paul Junior since my band, The Institution, opened for Mountain, in around 1969, and I saw Leslie West playing his. I was very impressed. The price was right — very inexpensive — and I wanted to try living with the then new G FORCE™ tuning system. I have been very disappointed. Now I ponder whether I should replace the G FORCE™ with regular tuning machines, or just get another Junior at some future point. For now, it sits in my basement, going unplayed and gathering dust.