Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
$3,999.00
Guitar Center
$3,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (13)
$8,200.00 43 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (434)
$3,999.00
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$3,999.00
Thomann
4.5 (2)
$3,555.00 $3,499.00 $56.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£4,199.00

Average Price: $4,616

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Immerse yourself in the legacy of music with the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior. This iconic instrument is a testament to Gibson's commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and sonic excellence, offering an authentic and accurate reissue that celebrates Gibson's rich history.

Originally marketed as a budget model for students in the 1950s, the Les Paul Junior quickly caught the attention of professional guitarists who fell in love with its pure tone and minimalist design. Its simplicity was its strength, unencumbered by unnecessary components, it delivered a raw, unfiltered sound that still resonates today.

The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior is a celebration of this iconic design, maintaining the same recipe that defined the original. Crafted from solid mahogany and constructed with hide glue, it offers a robust and resonant tone. Its vintage-style wiring ensures a faithful reproduction of the original's sound, making this reissue a dream come true for musicians and collectors alike.

The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior is not just a guitar, it's an experience – an invite to be "ruined" by its excellence, and a chance to own a piece of music history.

Key Features:

  • Gibson Custom Shop Reissue
  • Solid Mahogany construction
  • Vintage-style wiring
  • Minimalist design for pure, unfiltered sound
  • Iconic Les Paul Junior model
  • Crafted with hide glue for an authentic vintage feel

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Les Paul Junior
Body Material 1-piece Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Chunky C
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.687"
Nut Material Nylon
Bridge/Tailpiece Wraparound Stopbar
Tuners Kluson Single Line
Bridge Pickup Custom Dog-ear P90 Single-coil
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What makes the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior unique compared to other Les Paul models?

The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior is known for its simplicity and raw tone, featuring a single P90 pickup and a solid mahogany body. It's designed for straightforward playability with fewer controls, making it popular for its pure, unadulterated sound.

What kind of music is the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior best suited for?

The Les Paul Junior's P90 pickup delivers a punchy, midrange-rich tone, making it ideal for rock, punk, and blues. Its straightforward design and powerful sound suit players looking for a raw, vintage vibe.

How does the neck profile of the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior affect playability?

The 1957 Les Paul Junior features a "Chunky C" neck profile, offering a substantial feel that's comfortable for players who prefer a thicker neck. This design provides solid support for chord work and bending.

Is the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior suitable for beginners?

While the 1957 Les Paul Junior is simple and straightforward, its historical significance and unique tone make it more appealing to experienced players. Beginners might appreciate its simplicity, but it's often valued by those seeking a vintage sound.

What type of pickup is used in the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior, and how does it influence the sound?

The 1957 Les Paul Junior is equipped with a Custom Dog-ear P90 single-coil pickup, known for its bright, punchy, and dynamic sound. This pickup delivers a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for cutting through a mix.

Guitarist

Guitarist

Single-pickup guitar review round-up: modern electrics vs 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Video thumbnail for Single-pickup guitar review round-up: modern electrics vs 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior by Guitarist

Single-pickup guitar review round-up: modern electrics vs 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior played by Joey Landreth by Carter Vintage Guitars

1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior played by Joey Landreth

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson 1957 Les Paul Junior Single Cut | N Stuff Music Product Review by N Stuff Music

Gibson 1957 Les Paul Junior Single Cut | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Joe Bonamassa: The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior by Guitar World

Joe Bonamassa: The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Junior from 1957 presented by Tobias Hoffmann & Vintage Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Junior from 1957 presented by Tobias Hoffmann & Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior by True Vintage Guitar

1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior

True Vintage Guitar

True Vintage Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Extremely resonant, almost acoustic-like sound when unplugged

  • Classic Gibson neck, reminiscent of the '59 dot neck

  • P90 pickups offer magical, big fat beefy tone with great definition

  • Lightweight compared to other Les Paul models

  • Perfect neck profile, praised by vintage guitar enthusiasts

  • Old nitro lacquer provides an unparalleled vintage feel

  • Highly recommended for its great tone and vibe, especially for blues/rock

  • Easy adaptation for non-hum stage performance with P19 MiniHumbucker

  • Solid playability and reliable tuning stability

CONS

  • Quality control issues reported, including smudges and swirl marks

  • Paint defects and splintering on fretboard noted in some cases

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior.

Value and pricing

  • Original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Juniors range between $10,000-$14,000, depending on condition, with some listings even reaching $20,000.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 1957 Les Paul Junior is celebrated for its punk rock appeal and is also linked to iconic performances, like Leslie West at Woodstock.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the Junior's pickup as exceptionally powerful, with descriptions likening it to a "hot knife through butter."

    Source
  • Gibson's customer service is praised for swift resolutions and occasional inclusion of extra items like gig bags and accessories, enhancing customer satisfaction.

    Source
  • A 150-page book titled "50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul" was sometimes sent as a gift, reflecting Gibson's appreciation for customer feedback.

    Source
  • Owners describe the guitar as lightweight and resonant, emphasizing its impressive sustain qualities.

    Source
  • A user who disliked an original 1955 model attributes the experience to old strings and an improper setup, highlighting the importance of maintenance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1957 Les Paul Junior is often played through vintage amps like the Silvertone 1482 or 1959 Princeton, enhancing its classic tone.

    Source
  • Some players who have tried both original and custom shop versions feel the 57 Custom Shop closely replicates the real deal.

    Source

Build quality

  • The bridge design on the Les Paul Junior is noted as less clever, but the simplicity of the guitar is valued for providing everything needed without excess.

    Source
  • Owners noted that finish on the side of the fretboard was rough, indicating potential quality control issues in certain units.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some guitars arrived with finish cracks, prompting warranty replacements to address these concerns.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek St. Holmes uses 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Derek St. Holmes

Guitarist, Singer

Michael Schenker Group

...
Verified via YouTube

Here at 10:39 Derek St. Holmes is playing his 57 LP Junior for Just What The Doctor Ordered

See how Paul Rudolph uses 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Paul Rudolph

Singer, Guitarist

Hawkwind

...
Verified via facebookapp

In this forum post, Paul Rudolph and others comment on his guitars in his Pink Fairies era. A Les Paul Junior is mentioned with a serial number from 1957, the final year Gibson made single cut Juniors (they produced double cut juniors starting in 1958).

Album Usage

The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior 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 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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