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Average Price: $4,900
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s a piece of rock and roll history. Originally introduced in 1954 as an approachable entry into the world of electric guitars, this model quickly became a favorite among musicians for its straightforward design and robust sound. Its single dog-eared P-90 pickup is a hallmark feature that delivers raw, powerful tones perfect for everything from gritty blues to sharp punk riffs. Crafted with a slab Mahogany body and a Rosewood fingerboard, the Les Paul Junior offers a warm, resonant sound that has stood the test of time.
This guitar’s minimalist design doesn’t compromise on quality. The simplicity of its construction – including a stud-mounted bridge and unbound fingerboard – belies the rich, full sound it produces. Players like John Lennon and Billie Joe Armstrong have famously wielded the Les Paul Junior, attesting to its versatility and enduring appeal. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a modern musician seeking that classic sound, this guitar is a timeless addition to any collection.
Key Features:
- Single dog-eared P-90 pickup for powerful, versatile tones
- Slab Mahogany body for rich resonance
- Unbound Rosewood fingerboard
- Stud-mounted bridge for straightforward, reliable performance
- Celebrated by legends like John Lennon and Billie Joe Armstrong
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Junior |
| Finish | Sunburst, TV Yellow |
| Year | 1954 - 1959 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany, Maple |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Wrap-Around |
| Color Family | Brown, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Junior |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What makes the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior unique compared to other Les Paul models?
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The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior is unique for its simplicity, featuring a single P-90 pickup, a wrap-around bridge, and a solid mahogany body. This design provides a raw, powerful tone ideal for rock and blues.
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Is the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior suitable for beginners?
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While it is a straightforward guitar with a simple control layout, the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior is often sought after by experienced players for its vintage tone and collectible value. Beginners might find it easy to play, but its historical significance and price may be better suited for enthusiasts.
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What kind of music is the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior best suited for?
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The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior is renowned for its punchy, mid-range-rich tone, making it ideal for rock, blues, and punk genres. Its single P-90 pickup delivers a raw, aggressive sound that cuts through mixes well.
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Does the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior have a set neck or bolt-on neck?
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The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior features a set-neck construction, which contributes to its sustain and resonance, qualities highly valued by players seeking a classic vintage tone.
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What is the neck profile like on the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior?
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The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior typically features a chunky neck profile, often referred to as a "baseball bat" shape, providing a solid feel that many players find comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.
Videos
frettedamericana
Phil X Crushes this AMAZING 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional P90 pickup delivers a magical, beefy tone with great definition
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Classic neck profile similar to a '59 Gibson, perfect for comfort and playability
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Lightweight design prevents fatigue during long playing sessions
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Vintage nitro lacquer finish provides an unmatched feel and vibe
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Solid tuning stability enhances live performance reliability
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Offers remarkable tonal clarity that cuts through a band mix effortlessly
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Excellent playability makes it a versatile choice for both studio and stage
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Affordable entry into 1950s Gibson sound and quality
CONS
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Limited to a single pickup may not suit players seeking tonal variety
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Some modifications may be necessary for players preferring humbucker sound without hum
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959).
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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At 4:21 in this video, Billie's tech, Hans, pulls out "Blackie." "And this guitar I'm pretty sure everyone'll recognise: Black '55. And that has probably another antiquity in it as well."
"This 13-inch-wide electric solid body weighs just 7.00 lbs. and has a wonderful fat neck profile, a nut width of 1 11/16 inches and a standard Gibson scale length of 24 3/4 inches." - Fretted Americana
At 2:55:00, Charlie shows his 1955 Junior. he says he got into Juniors because of Leslie West.
In this rig rundown For premiere Guitar, brian talks about his live rig. One of the guitars he has is a 1955 les paul Junior
In this video of Arcade Fire playing on 6/5/2014 at the Northside Festival in Denmark, Richard Parry is playing what appears to be a 1955 Les Paul Junior electric guitar at minute mark 23:29.
In this video you can see Steve Brown plays Florida Vibes on a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior
In this Instagram photo, Beaux can be seen using a Gibson Les Paul Junior. Beaux was using this item during a live session at Rak Studios in August of 2022. This guitar belongs to Dirty Hit founder, Jamie Oborne, as noted in a separate Instagram post caption where Beaux writes:
Coolest guitar I've ever played, @jamieoborne's 1955 Les Paul Junior
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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