Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,625
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar is a masterpiece of simplicity and raw power, offering musicians an authentic vintage experience. Originally designed as a more accessible option within the Les Paul lineup, this guitar has become an icon in its own right, beloved for its no-frills approach that doesn't compromise on tone. Crafted with a solid Mahogany body, it delivers a resonant, warm sound that has captivated musicians for decades. The single P-90 pickup is known for its punchy and dynamic output, making it perfect for genres ranging from rock to blues.
This guitar's minimalist design includes an unbound Rosewood fingerboard and a straightforward stud-mounted bridge, ensuring a fuss-free playing experience. Its historical significance is matched by its playability, making it a favorite among legendary artists such as John Lennon and Billie Joe Armstrong. Whether you're a seasoned player or a collector, the 1959 Les Paul Junior offers a nostalgic yet timeless tone that continues to inspire.
Key Features:
- Single dog-eared P-90 pickup for powerful, punchy tones
- Solid Mahogany body providing warm, resonant sound
- Unbound Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Stud-mounted bridge for stability and simplicity
- Iconic design cherished by legendary musicians
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 Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior unique compared to other Les Paul models?
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The Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior is unique for its stripped-down design featuring a single P-90 pickup, mahogany body, and wraparound bridge, offering a raw, punchy sound and vintage aesthetic that appeals to purists and collectors alike.
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How does the P-90 pickup in the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior affect its sound?
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The P-90 pickup in the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior provides a punchy midrange and articulate high-end, delivering a versatile sound suitable for rock, blues, and punk genres.
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Is the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior offers excellent playability with its '50s Vintage neck shape and simple controls, its historical significance and price may make it more appealing to collectors and experienced players.
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What kind of music genres is the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior best suited for?
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The Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior excels in rock, blues, and punk genres due to its raw, punchy sound and the distinctive tone of its P-90 pickup.
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Does the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior includes a hardshell case for secure protection during transport.
Videos
williesguitars
A 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior
A 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior
williesguitars
1959 Gibson Les Paul Jr "Cherry"
Rumble Seat Music Nashville
Reviews
PROS
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Classic Gibson neck offers comfortable playability and vintage feel
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Exceptional one-pickup P90 sound with bite and definition
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Lightweight design for easy handling
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Nitro lacquer finish enhances vintage aesthetic and feel
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Perfect neck profile comparable to the iconic '55 models
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Solid construction makes it a reliable workhorse
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Vintage vibe with unmatched tone quality
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Excellent tuning stability for consistent performance
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Seamless integration with amps for a powerful sound
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Affordable price for a vintage-quality guitar
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar.
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
Build quality
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It's important to protect the headstock, as these guitars are known for neck and headstock breaks.
Source -
The original P90 pickup, bumble-bee capacitor, and centra-labs pots are still intact, providing a classic vintage tone.
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The 1959 model features a distinct brownish-red color, noted for its appeal compared to the 1960 version's red finish.
Source
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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It’s suggested to use a form-fitting flight case or ABS plastic case for safe transport.
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Described as a minimalistic yet versatile instrument, it's ideal for street-style rock and roll, challenging players to explore sound creation.
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It's highlighted as a "rock and roll machine," drawing comparisons to Leslie West's iconic use at Woodstock.
Source
User experience
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The guitar's condition suggests it was well-kept, likely spending most of its time in a case away from sunlight.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
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This article from Gibson's blog claims that this 1959 Les Paul sunburst model was one of Keith's favorite Gibson guitars.
"This was given to me by my wife Ashley for my 40th birthday. What I love about it, as many things, I love the New York Dolls, love Johnny Thunders - he had one of these probably when they were $150 back in the early 1970s. I loved how cool it looked and how it's cracked. This one had like a paint problem earlier on so they couldn't sell it, or they sold it for cheaper back in the day. But I got it from London - it wasn't cheap - I got it for my birthday. I think I use this for 'Mind Your Manners' which is one of our new songs on the new record because it's got this P90. It's got that that great sound. It just knows how to break up; it sounds tough! So I'm kind of gearing more towards these kind of pickups these days. This is a great guitar - 1959, again. I just love that year. I don't know what it is, there's just something about it. I even have it tattooed - 59. So that's it: the TV Yellow, it looked great on TV in the 50s. It looked white, I guess."
In an interview with Vintage Guitar® magazine, Wayne Kramer shares that he traded his Gibson 335 for a Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar after being inspired by Jeff Beck. Unfortunately, this guitar was later stolen after a gig, as were many of his guitars.
Mike Dimkich's other main stage guitar is zeroed in as a late 1959 Les Paul Junior because of its rounded edges on the body and huge neck profile. Upgrades include a Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 and patent-pending Grover tuners.
Steve Hill uses the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar, known for its P-90 pickup, which contributes to his distinctive crunchy sound. This is evidenced by images available through a Google search.
On his blog, Clay talks about the sound of his Les Paul Junior while recording ZBB's fourth album.
Album Usage
The Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar 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 Gibson 1959 Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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