Gibson les paul junior or epiphone les paul custom?

Gibson Les Paul Custom... I know that is not what you wanted to hear but once you fall in love with one of these I doubt you would ever accept anything less. Look for a good quality used one - the new ones are VERY expensive. You should also look at the Standards - especially the Historic Reissue or other "special" types. I have a "59 RI" and it has some "serious mojo" going on. I own one LP Custom - I wish I had more.