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Description

The 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior stands as a timeless classic in the world of electric guitars. Revered for its minimalist design and punchy tone, this guitar is a favorite among collectors and players alike. Originally introduced as a cost-effective alternative to the Les Paul Standard, the SG Les Paul Junior quickly gained its own following thanks to its unique combination of simplicity and sound. Featuring a solid mahogany body, it delivers warm, resonant tones that are perfect for rock, blues, and beyond. This iconic instrument boasts a single P-90 pickup, offering a raw, gritty sound that's distinctively Gibson.

The SG Les Paul Junior's slim neck profile and lightweight design make it a joy to play, whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home. With its classic stopbar tailpiece and wraparound bridge, it ensures reliable tuning stability and sustain. This model is a testament to Gibson's craftsmanship, encapsulating the spirit of the early 60s rock era while remaining relevant for today's musicians.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
  • Single P-90 pickup for gritty, powerful sound
  • Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Classic stopbar tailpiece and wraparound bridge for tuning stability
  • Vintage-style tuners for authentic look and feel
  • Originally designed as an affordable alternative to the Les Paul Standard
  • Ideal for rock, blues, and other genres that demand character and power
Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Jr. | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Jr. | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Jr. | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Mark Zavon goes for a SABBATH ride on a 1962 Gibson Les Paul Junior SG by frettedamericana

Mark Zavon goes for a SABBATH ride on a 1962 Gibson Les Paul Junior SG

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Junior | @themusicemporium1177 by The Music Emporium

1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Junior | @themusicemporium1177

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior by solidbodyguitar

1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior

solidbodyguitar

solidbodyguitar

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson Les Paul / SG Junior | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1962 Gibson Les Paul / SG Junior | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior.

Features and functionality

  • The single dog-ear P90, especially when paired with a 250K tone pot, delivers a classic tone reminiscent of the late 50s and early 60s Juniors.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Badass and Hipshot bridges are recommended for those seeking adjustable intonation while maintaining the characteristic tone and sustain of the wraparound bridge.

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Comparisons

  • The Gary Moore BFG, featuring a BB3 in the bridge and a P90 in the neck, is suggested for those desiring diverse sound combinations beyond a single pickup setup.

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Use cases and applications

  • Playing a 1962 SG Junior through a 1967 Champ amp is praised for delivering a pleasing breakup, highlighting the synergy between vintage gear.

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  • The 1962 Junior is renowned for its acoustic resonance and loudness, making it ideal for players seeking a vibrant, dynamic sound in live settings.

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Build quality

  • The original early-60s dogear P90 pickup contributes to a unique, resonant acoustic character, amplifying the guitar's natural loudness and distinct tone.

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  • The guitar's weight is remarkably light, estimated to be under 6 pounds, enhancing its playability and making it comfortable for extended use.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight the guitar's magical feel and excellent playability, emphasizing that not all vintage Gibsons offer such a standout experience.

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Other

  • Early SG models like the '62 Junior are often referred to as 'SG/Les Pauls' due to Gibson's naming rights at the time, adding a historical value to the instrument.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
danlaurens

SG Junior 1964

My Best Guitar

i have 2 other for spare on stage (1962 & 1963)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton acquired this guitar for collecting purposes and has played it now and then.

See how Dan Auerbach uses 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Photo

Dan is seen here playing a Gibson SG Junior. However, this one has got a tremolo attached.

Additional photos: Unknown show, 2009.

See how Philip Sayce uses 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior

Philip Sayce

Singer, Guitarist

The Jeff Healey Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo of Philip Sayce he plays a vintage, most likely to be a 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior.

See how Joshua Cain uses 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior

Joshua Cain

Guitarist

Motion City Soundtrack

...
Verified via Guitargeek

Joshua Cain's GuitarGeek diagram shows him using two Gibson SG Les Paul Junior guitars, both cherry red. The primary guitar is listed as being a 1963, the backup does not have a date. But the 1962 in the Equipboard database matches them near enough. Basically the same guitar.

See how Tolo Marton uses 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior

Tolo Marton

Guitarist

Le Orme

...
Verified via YouTube

In multiple performances it is visible to see Tolo Marton playing this guitar. Especially on the video provided in the link.

See how Bruce Franklin uses 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior

Bruce Franklin

Guitarist

...
Verified via ClassicRockHistory.com
Year: 1964

In the article "Bruce Franklin of Trouble: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview" by Andrew Daly on ClassicRockHistory.com, it is confirmed that Bruce Franklin uses a 1964 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior.

What guitars, gear, pedals, amps, and effects are you using, and why? How has that changed from your ’80s and ’90s heyday?

Not a lot has changed, but some things have. My main guitar and amp are a 1964 Gibson Les Paul Junior (SG) and a ’90 Marshall 100-watt JCM 900.

I lucked into getting the SG from a guy that I knew that wasn’t a guitar player. He showed me this guitar that he had and asked if I was interested in buying it. I immediately knew that it was an early ’60s SG and that it was worth a couple of thousand dollars. I asked how much he wanted, and he said that a guy had given him the guitar as compensation for the money he owed him. The guy owed him $250, so this guy I know told me, “$250,” and I said, “Sold!”

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 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul Junior, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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