2001 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Plus in Trans Amber finish. Specs:
Mahogany body, non-carved AAAAA flame maple top
Mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard
Slim '60s neck shape
Original 490R/498T pickups and low-torque pots
Gold hardware
Brand new Gator hard shell case included
Weight = 8 lbs 2 oz
This is a Les Paul Junior Special Plus and it's a very special guitar. It was made for the Japanese market and features a slab body (like a Special) but with a thick outrageously flamed maple top. Under lights, there's a lot of movement in the flame and the slightly chevron pattern looks great! It came stock with Gibson covered humbuckers and gold hardware. It's a beautiful combination.
Now, this particular has been well-played. It hasn't been abused or neglected, and appears to have been well cared for. There are signs of play wear on the body, some buckle rash on the back, finish checking, pitting of the gold hardware and small dings/scratches in various places. From a few feet away, this guitar looks outstanding, but if you are looking for a case queen or trophy guitar, this ain't it.
This is where the guitar earns the name "special" - it's the smoothest, fastest, and loudest Les Paul we've ever played. At one point it had been re-fretted, as the frets are in near mint condition and these frets are more akin to medium-jumbo frets. The action is low and plays cleanly all over the fretboard. Unplugged, it's loud and resonant, and that energy really comes through when you run it through an amp. Gibson ceramic pickups seem to be either loved or hated, but they work so well with this guitar. Once you play it, you understand why it was played so much.
