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Average Price: $4,900

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$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

What makes the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior unique compared to other Les Paul models?

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.

Is the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior suitable for beginners?

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.

What kind of music is the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior best suited for?

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.

Does the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior have a set neck or bolt-on neck?

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.

What is the neck profile like on the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior?

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.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Phil X Crushes this AMAZING 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Video thumbnail for Phil X Crushes this AMAZING 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior by frettedamericana

Phil X Crushes this AMAZING 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr. | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr. | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr. | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr. | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr. by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr. | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr. | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior w/ Duke Levine | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior w/ Duke Levine | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for ATB Guitars | 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior by ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars | 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional P90 pickup delivers a magical, beefy tone with great definition

  • Classic neck profile similar to a '59 Gibson, perfect for comfort and playability

  • Lightweight design prevents fatigue during long playing sessions

  • Vintage nitro lacquer finish provides an unmatched feel and vibe

  • Solid tuning stability enhances live performance reliability

  • Offers remarkable tonal clarity that cuts through a band mix effortlessly

  • Excellent playability makes it a versatile choice for both studio and stage

  • Affordable entry into 1950s Gibson sound and quality

CONS

  • Limited to a single pickup may not suit players seeking tonal variety

  • 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).

Build quality

  • The bridge post bushings used from 1953-1956 were only about half an inch long, leading to potential bridge post collapse.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing short bushings with 1-inch bushings from Historic Makeovers improves bridge post geometry and resonance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Extracting original bushings requires careful support of surrounding wood to prevent damage during removal.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Phil X uses Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)

Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

"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

See how Charlie Starr uses Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)

Charlie Starr

Guitarist

Blackberry Smoke

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1955

At 2:55:00, Charlie shows his 1955 Junior. he says he got into Juniors because of Leslie West.

See how Brian Baker uses Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via YouTube

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

See how Richard Parry uses Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)

Richard Parry

Guitarist, Bassist

Arcade Fire

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Steve Brown uses Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)

Steve Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Def Leppard

...
Verified via Instagram

In this video you can see Steve Brown plays Florida Vibes on a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior

See how beaux uses Gibson Les Paul Junior (1954-1959)

beaux

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

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

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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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