1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr

$3,499.99 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (8)

$3,499.99 63 available Used

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Average Price: $3,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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In the realm of vintage electric guitars, the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr stands as a testament to classic rock and roll design. With its double cutaway body, this guitar offers effortless access to higher frets, making it a favorite among legendary musicians like John Lennon and Billie Joe Armstrong. Crafted from a solid slab of mahogany, the Les Paul Jr produces a rich, resonant tone, enhanced by its single P-90 pickup that delivers that quintessential raw and gritty sound. The guitar’s design is minimalist yet iconic, featuring a rosewood fingerboard that provides a smooth playing experience and a stud-mounted bridge ensuring solid tuning stability. This instrument strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and power, ideal for both beginners seeking authenticity and seasoned players yearning for that vintage vibe.

Whether you're a collector or a performer, the Gibson Les Paul Jr's historical significance and distinctive sound make it a must-have piece. Its straightforward setup and robust construction mean that it’s as ready to rock today as it was over six decades ago.

Key Features:

Solid mahogany body for deep, resonant tones
Double cutaway design for easy access to high frets
Single P-90 pickup for classic, gritty sound
Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Stud-mounted bridge ensuring tuning stability

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway
Finish	Cherry, TV Yellow
Year	1958 - 1961
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Wrap-Around
Color Family	Red, Yellow
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 is the neck profile like on the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr?: The 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr features a comfortable slim taper neck profile, making it a favorite for fast playing and easy access across the fretboard.
What kind of tones can I expect from the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr's pickup?: The 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, known for delivering a raw, punchy tone that excels in rock and blues genres.
Is the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr suitable for beginners?: While the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr is a high-quality instrument, its simplicity and straightforward controls make it accessible for beginners, though its vintage nature might appeal more to collectors and experienced players.
How does the double cutaway design of the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr affect playability?: The double cutaway design allows for easier access to the higher frets, enhancing playability for solos and lead parts.
What is the primary construction material of the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr?: The 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr is crafted from solid mahogany, contributing to its warm, resonant sound and lightweight feel.

Videos

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That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show – Our Guitars & Gear: Dan's 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior

That Pedal Show

1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr. | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior 01679

frettedamericana

1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior played by RJ Ronquillo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

Single P90 pickup delivers unmatched tone and versatility
Exceptional resonance and note separation with wraparound bridge and thicker neck
Vintage finish and wood provide unique, sought-after sound
Durable construction withstands weather and temperature changes
Classic design with no veneer, just solid mahogany
Thin neck on certain models offers unique playability
Highly regarded among collectors and musicians for its sound and build

CONS

Increasing prices make it less accessible for some buyers
Limited to one pickup may not suit all playing styles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr.

Setup and maintenance

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High action on 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr can lead to intonation issues; professional setup recommended to adjust neck tension and improve playability.
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Proper lubrication of the nut and saddles, along with using D’Addario NYXL 10-46 balanced tension strings, can significantly improve tuning stability.
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Mods and upgrades

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Intonatable bridges are common beneficial mods for this model, providing better tuning stability than the original wraparound tailpiece.
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Suggestion to use a stud tail design instead of the tremolo for better stability, with some recommending Bigsby as a more reliable alternative.
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User experience

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Owners describe the P-90 pickup as smooth with a bit of tinny quality, yet capable of a deep jazz-like tone without scratchiness.
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Owners who properly set the tension and lubricate components report stable tuning despite the infamous tremolo design issues.
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Build quality

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Owners note the guitar's light weight as a significant advantage, especially compared to heavier models like the Les Paul Standard.
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Value and pricing

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Despite cosmetic and structural issues like a cracked headstock, this model can still fetch significant value, with one selling for $5,000.
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Features and functionality

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The Maestro Vibrola, while visually appealing, has variable quality depending on the spring bend and neck angle, affecting pitch change range and downbearing on saddles.
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Comparisons

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The SG body shape introduced in 1961 was initially branded as a Les Paul model, later renamed due to Les Paul's disapproval.
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Artist usage

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J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

Verified via YouTube

J Mascis is confirmed to use a 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr, specifically the SG-shaped model, as demonstrated in the 2022 "Top-Shelf Alt-Rock Guitar Collection" interview by Reverb on YouTube. From the 4:13 mark to the 4:43 mark, Mascis discusses his use of this guitar, noting that he employed it for the opening riff of "Out There" from the album Where You Been (1993) and appreciates the "crunchy" sound it produces. Additionally, Mascis mentioned this guitar (as well as several others) in a 1997 interview with Maximum Guitar, which was published in the July 1997 issue of the magazine.

Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

Verified via Archive

"Other Gibsons that Urban has played, or is currently playing, include a 1961 SG Junior in near-pristine condition that he picked up about a year ago, an ES-345 from the 1970s, a ’63 Melody Maker, a 1952 Gibson J-55 and a 1952 Les Paul Standard."

Jim Ward

Singer, Guitarist

At the Drive-In

Verified via Photo

Jim Ward's preferred guitar during his time with At the Drive-In was an SG-shaped 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior in Pelham Blue. This is confirmed in his Rig Rundown interview with Premier Guitar at the 6:32 mark. https://youtu.be/Xyq8NzqeeKE?si=VC7VH__eWZQ6DKGS&t=392

Unfortunately, this guitar was stolen on August 27, 2010, while he was on tour with Sleeper Car, along with the rest of the band's gear.

Chris Carrabba

Guitarist

Dashboard Confessional

Verified via YouTube

"This is actually not a SG, it's a Les Paul Jr..." (18:45) From the video description: "For electrics, he tours with a 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr. and a racing striped 1967 Fender Mustang with a matching headstock."