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Average Price: $8,200
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$400
$1001+
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Description
The Gibson 1956 Les Paul Junior is a testament to simplicity meeting exceptional craftsmanship, designed for those who crave raw, unadulterated sound. Originally introduced in 1954, this iconic guitar embodies the essence of rock 'n' roll with its minimalist yet powerful design. Its single dog-eared P-90 pickup is not just a throwback to classic tones but a gateway to a world of rich, punchy sounds perfect for both vintage aficionados and modern musicians. The unbound Rosewood fingerboard and slab Mahogany body offer a tactile experience that is simultaneously robust and resonant, making every strum feel alive. Despite its stripped-down aesthetic, the Les Paul Junior has been favored by legendary players like John Lennon and Billie Joe Armstrong, solidifying its place in music history. This model's appeal lies in its straightforward construction, offering fewer frills but more thrills with every note you play.
Whether you're a collector seeking an authentic piece of rock legacy or a musician in search of that pure, gritty tone, the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior stands as a beacon of both tradition and innovation.
Key Features:
- Single dog-eared P-90 pickup for versatile, dynamic sound
- Solid Mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
- Unbound Rosewood fingerboard for a smooth playing experience
- Stud-mounted bridge offering stability and sustain
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 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior unique compared to other Les Paul models?
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The 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior features a single P-90 pickup and a simple, stripped-down design, making it unique among Les Paul models. Its solid mahogany body and set-neck construction contribute to its distinctive, resonant tone and raw, vintage appeal.
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Is the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior is known for its straightforward design, it is often favored by experienced players for its vintage tone and historical significance. Beginners might appreciate its simplicity, but its value and rarity make it more suitable for collectors or seasoned musicians.
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What type of music is the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior best suited for?
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The 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior is well-suited for rock, blues, and punk genres, thanks to its powerful P-90 pickup and raw, resonant tone. Its simplicity and distinctive sound make it a favorite for players seeking a classic, vintage vibe.
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What are the main tonal characteristics of the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior's P-90 pickup?
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The P-90 pickup in the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior offers a bright, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence. It delivers a raw, gritty sound that is versatile enough for various styles, from clean blues to overdriven rock.
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How does the neck profile of the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior feel?
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The 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior features a chunky neck profile typical of the era, offering a substantial feel that many players find comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing. This neck shape contributes to the guitar's robust tone and vintage playability.
Videos
Guitars In The Attic
The BEST Guitar ever made? | 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior | Martin Meets Guitars!
Reviews
PROS
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Classic Gibson neck similar to a '59 dot neck ensures comfortable playability
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P90 pickup offers unrivaled tone, bite, and definition
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Vintage nitro lacquer finish enhances feel and aesthetic
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Lightweight design ideal for extended play sessions
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Exceptional tone that cuts through a band mix effectively
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Solid tuning stability for reliable performance
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Great vintage vibe with authentic 50s sound
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Adaptable for modding without altering the original body
CONS
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Limited to a single pickup configuration
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior.
Build quality
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A factory error resulted in a "Special" label on the headstock of a Junior model, creating a unique, potentially more collectible guitar due to its rarity.
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Some owners report Eastman guitars have hand-built quality comparable to Gibson Custom Shop, with a unique varnish finish differing from Gibson's full gloss nitro.
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The refinished top may resemble Krylon paint, diminishing authenticity; modern screws and knobs further suggest incomplete originality.
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Value and pricing
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Eastman guitars are appreciated for high quality at lower price points, but as Chinese-made, they are less likely to appreciate in value compared to Gibsons.
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Despite the labeling error, keeping all paperwork and obtaining written confirmation from Gibson could enhance future resale value.
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Despite being a possible '56 model, refinishing and mods could reduce its worth to $20K-$30K, much lower than pristine counterparts.
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Mods and upgrades
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It's suggested to replace the Eastman's pickup with a real P90 to achieve the classic LPJ sound, though the stock Lollar pickup is generally praised.
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The addition of a Bigsby and neck shaving to a slim taper (.8" at fret 1, 1" at fret 12) significantly impacts the guitar's vintage value.
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Setup and maintenance
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One owner noted the Gibson Les Paul Junior had multiple QC issues, including misaligned side dots, cracks at the nut, and glue spills in the neck pocket.
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The guitar likely requires expert evaluation to assess modifications like the swapped bridge and non-original pots, affecting its historical accuracy.
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User experience
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After 7 months of ownership, a user found the Eastman comparable to a $5k Gibson LPJ, citing minimal perceived tonal difference after extended testing.
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Owners report the P90 pickup provides exceptional clarity and punchiness, particularly noticeable when played through home setups compared to store environments.
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Potential buyers should verify serial numbers and pot codes, as discrepancies can alter perceived authenticity and value.
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Comparisons
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The Eastman SB55DC/V, featuring Lollar pickups and a Faber bridge, is noted for its high quality, with construction on par with USA-made Gibsons.
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The Les Paul Junior and Special models share similar neck profiles, with only minor differences in nut and board width measurements.
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Some argue that value is diminished compared to a 2023 Les Paul Classic, given extensive modifications and refinishing.
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Artist usage
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