Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$1,599.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (19)
$1,599.00
Reverb
5.0 (13)
$8,200.00 43 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$1,599.00
zZounds
5.0 (11)
$1,599.00
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$1,399.00 $1,390.00 $9.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,599.00

Average Price: $2,664

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar combines vintage allure and modern playability, offering a no-nonsense approach that's resonated with musicians for decades. Originally designed as an affordable entry point into the Les Paul series, this iconic guitar quickly became a favorite among artists who appreciated its straightforward design and remarkable tone. With its single P-90 pickup, the Les Paul Junior delivers an unmistakable sound that's as versatile as it is powerful, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

The guitar's slim mahogany body and '50s-style neck provide a comfortable playing experience, allowing you to lose yourself in the music for hours on end. Its Rosewood fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets ensure smooth transitions and effortless soloing. The wraparound bridge and handwired electronics, featuring an Orange Drop capacitor, offer a robust tonal foundation that highlights the P-90's unique character.

Finished with a traditional nitrocellulose lacquer, this guitar not only looks timeless but also ages gracefully, enhancing its resonance and tone over the years. Whether you're a collector or a player, the Les Paul Junior stands as a testament to Gibson's legacy of innovation and quality.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and '50s-style neck
  • Single dogear P-90 pickup
  • Rosewood fingerboard with medium-jumbo frets
  • Wraparound bridge
  • Handwired electronics with Orange Drop capacitor
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for vintage aesthetics and enhanced resonance

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 TV Junior unique compared to other Les Paul models?

The 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior is distinctive for its single P-90 pickup, TV Yellow finish, and simplified controls, offering a raw and powerful tone ideal for rock and blues. Its lightweight mahogany body and rosewood fretboard provide a comfortable playing experience.

Is the 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior suitable for beginners?

While the Les Paul TV Junior is straightforward in design, its historical value and specific tonal character make it more appealing to collectors and experienced players rather than beginners who might prefer more versatile models.

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

The 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior excels in rock, blues, and punk genres due to its powerful P-90 pickup and straightforward design, delivering a raw, punchy tone that cuts through mixes effectively.

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

The 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and resonance compared to bolt-on necks.

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

The neck profile of the 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior is typically a chunky '50s style, providing a substantial feel that many guitarists find comfortable for chord work and lead playing.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

I need MORE COWBELL! 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior

Video thumbnail for I need MORE COWBELL! 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior by frettedamericana

I need MORE COWBELL! 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

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

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

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior - TV Yellow / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior - TV Yellow / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional P90 pickup offers unmatched bite and definition

  • Classic Gibson neck profile reminiscent of a '59 dot neck

  • Vintage nitro lacquer finish enhances playability and feel

  • Lightweight design provides comfort without sacrificing sound quality

  • Solid tuning stability for reliable performance

  • Delivers a big, fat, beefy tone that cuts through band mixes

  • Perfect for players seeking a vintage vibe with modern playability

  • Reasonably priced for a great sounding 50s vintage guitar

  • Simple, no-frills design focuses on sound quality

CONS

  • Single pickup configuration limits tonal variety

  • Original P90 may need replacement for hum-free live performances

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • Early TV Models featured a natural "limed mahogany" finish, distinct from the later TV yellow, designed to present as "white" on black-and-white TV.

    Source
  • The single P90 pickup is noted for its powerful, hot output, ideal for cutting through a mix during live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The natural finish TV Model is considered distinct from the later TV yellow or white models, though they're often classified under the same category.

    Source
  • Modern reissues are said to match the playability of originals, but lack the vintage character that collectors and purists seek.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the playability and setup quality of the 1955 Les Paul TV Junior, describing it as inherently fun to play.

    Source
  • Owners of early Les Paul Juniors often emphasize their lightweight and easy playability, making them appealing for extended live use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 1955 model is favored for its unique finish and historical rarity, appealing to collectors and players alike who appreciate vintage Gibson models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend Music City Bridge's "The Stud Finder" bridge to enhance the tonal response of the Les Paul Junior.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A '59 Les Paul Junior in excellent condition with the original case is valued at $15,000, though prices can vary based on specific market conditions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to have vintage Les Paul Juniors inspected by a guitar tech due to potential neck issues or worn electronics, which can significantly impact value.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Green Day - East Jesus Nowhere Live @ Kesselhaus" by MrGreenDayLive, Billie Joe Armstrong can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar. Although it is not specified as a 1955 model, this guitar, finished in TV Yellow, was prominently used during the 21st Century Breakdown era and its accompanying tour.

See how Keith Richards uses 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Keef can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul TV Model

See how Phil X uses 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar

Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

"This super rare 13-inch-wide, electric solid body TV Junior weighs just 7.10 lbs. Solid mahogany body with the original 'TV' light-washed mahogany finish on body and neck." - As shown in the description of this video where Phil demonstrates this guitar.

See how John Perry uses 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar

John Perry

Guitarist

The Only Ones

...
Verified via Punkglobe

What equipment are you using?

Same white Stratocaster as always.

A Tele. Just got a 1956 Les Paul TV Jnr from Stevie Klasson in Sweden. Love the sound of the P90 pickup. I've also got a reverse Firebird and a 335 which I play open tuned. Marshall amps then I switched to Fenders. A pair of Fender Vibro Kings sound good. Ten inch speakers. Not twelves. Find a good Fender amp that matches the guitar and off you go. I've got a Martin M38 acoustic I've played for 20 years which is a sweetheart; and a 12 string Guild acoustic which records like a dream.

Album Usage

The 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

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 1955 Gibson Les Paul TV Junior Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Firebird V
Gibson Firebird V Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Vibro King Amplifier
Fender Vibro King Amplifier Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Martin M-38
Martin M-38 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

More Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides