Home
... Musical Instruments
Guitars
Electric Guitars
Solid Body Electric Guitars
1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar

1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar

$3,499.99 Price Tier: High-end

Find out who is using Gibson Les Paul Junior 1961

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

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

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$3,499.99 63 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $3,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* 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

Edit description

Rediscover the timeless allure of the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar, an instrument that embodies the raw, untamed spirit of rock 'n' roll. Crafted during a golden era of guitar innovation, this classic piece harks back to a time when simplicity met performance. The Les Paul Junior’s single P-90 pickup delivers a punchy, articulate sound that’s perfect for both gritty blues riffs and searing rock solos. Its distinctive double cutaway body allows for effortless access to higher frets, inviting players to explore the full range of its expressive tonal capabilities.

The mahogany body resonates with warmth and depth, while the Rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth and responsive playing experience. Designed with the gigging musician in mind, the stud-mounted bridge ensures solid tuning stability and sustain, making it a reliable companion on any stage. Whether you're channeling the energy of iconic players like John Lennon or Billie Joe Armstrong, or carving your own sonic path, the Les Paul Junior stands as a testament to enduring quality and craftsmanship.

Key Features:

Double cutaway mahogany body for easy upper fret access
Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Single P-90 pickup for versatile tone
Stud-mounted bridge for stable tuning and sustain

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 Junior?: The 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior features a comfortable and fast-playing neck with a slim taper profile, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
What kind of tones can I expect from the P-90 pickup on this guitar?: The P-90 pickup on the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior delivers a raw, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, perfect for rock and blues genres.
Is the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior suitable for beginner guitarists?: While the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior is a classic instrument known for its simplicity and great sound, it may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its vintage nature and value.
How does the double cutaway design affect playability on this guitar?: The double cutaway design of the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior provides easier access to higher frets, enhancing playability for lead guitarists.
What type of bridge does the 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior have?: This guitar features a wrap-around bridge, which contributes to its sustain and resonance while simplifying string changes.

Videos

Add video

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

Add review

PROS

Single P90 pickup brings unparalleled tone and versatility
Vintage mahogany body offers exceptional resonance and sustain
Ideal for lead playing with easy access to upper frets
Noted for its unique, sought-after sound and mojo
Durable construction withstands environmental changes
Historic appeal and collector's value for enthusiasts
Highly praised for tonal variety despite simplicity
Renowned for exceptional sound, even compared to vintage PAFs
Thick neck provides a comfortable playing experience

CONS

Increasing prices due to high demand and rarity
Limited availability as a vintage model

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

0 0

The guitar's action appears high, which can exacerbate intonation issues, especially with the unique bridge style of the Les Paul Junior.
Source
0 0

Proper lubrication of the nut and saddles, alongside balanced tension strings like D’Addario NYXL 10-46, can improve tuning stability with the Maestro Vibrola.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Intonatable bridges are a common mod for this guitar, providing individual saddles as opposed to the original wraparound tailpiece.
Source
0 0

Some owners have replaced the neck on modified Les Paul Juniors with that of a Special, noting the bound neck as a characteristic of such modifications.
Source

User experience

0 0

The P-90 pickups from this era are noted for their exceptional bite compared to modern versions, delivering a clear, smooth, and slightly tinny tone.
Source
0 0

Owners report improved neck balance with the Maestro Vibrola, as it helps mitigate neck dive common in SG models.
Source
0 0

One owner found a heavily modified 1961 Les Paul Junior that included a crack at the heel, highlighting potential structural issues with vintage guitars.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Despite being 70 years old, the Les Paul Junior is praised for its lightweight build and versatility, likened to jazz guitars for its low, smooth sound.
Source
0 0

Modified Les Paul Juniors are sometimes acquired as project guitars, appealing to those interested in restoring or customizing vintage instruments.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Owners appreciate the guitar's cutaway design, which facilitates left-handed playing by flipping the instrument without restringing.
Source
0 0

The original tremolo design was poor, but the reissue's Maestro Vibrola is noted for its visual appeal despite limited pitch change range.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The original 1961 neck joint was fragile due to a short tenon, but reissues feature a longer tenon for improved stability.
Source
0 0

It's been observed that modified Juniors may have additional cavities for volume, tone, and toggle switches not original to the model, indicating significant alterations.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The 1961 SG design was initially released as a Les Paul model, but Les Paul himself did not approve of the redesign, leading to its rebranding as the SG.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

A vintage Les Paul Junior with modifications was considered a "crazy fair" deal after a 7-hour drive, suggesting the potential for value finds in the vintage market.
Source

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

Verified via YouTube

In the description of this video, Fretted Americana writes that this 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior weighs just 7.20 lbs. Phil X can be seen playing the guitar throughout.