Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$1,599.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (19)
$1,599.00
Reverb
5.0 (13)
$8,200.00 44 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$1,599.00
zZounds
5.0 (11)
$1,599.00
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$1,399.00
Gear4Music
£1,599.00

Average Price: $2,666

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Les Paul Junior '56". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of raw sound. Born in the mid-'50s, this iconic guitar was designed to offer musicians a straightforward, no-frills electric experience without sacrificing quality. Its timeless design features a solid Mahogany body that resonates with deep, rich tones and an unmistakable P-90 single-coil pickup that delivers a punchy, articulate sound. This combination has made the Les Paul Junior a favorite among legendary musicians who seek a pure and unadulterated sonic experience.

The Rosewood fingerboard is smooth and inviting, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned guitarists who demand playability and comfort. Despite its straightforward appearance, the Les Paul Junior '56 is a true powerhouse, capable of handling everything from soft blues to aggressive punk rock. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a canvas for musicians to craft their unique sound. With a legacy that includes notable players like John Lennon and Billie Joe Armstrong, the Les Paul Junior '56 has proven itself to be more than just a guitar; it’s a piece of music history.

Key Features:

  • Solid Mahogany body for rich, resonant sound
  • P-90 single-coil pickup for clear, punchy tones
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Stud-mounted bridge for stability and sustain
  • Beloved by iconic musicians across genres

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

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56?

The Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 features a chunky '50s-style neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that is favored by players who prefer a more substantial feel in their hand.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56's pickup?

The Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, known for its raw, punchy sound with a mix of brightness and warmth, making it versatile for rock, blues, and punk genres.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 is a full-sized guitar with a straightforward design, its quality and historical significance make it more appealing to intermediate and advanced players seeking a classic tone.

How does the wrap-around bridge on the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 affect playability?

The wrap-around bridge on the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 provides a straightforward setup with enhanced sustain and resonance, contributing to its distinctive tone and making string changes simple.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 lighter than a standard Les Paul?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 is generally lighter than a standard Les Paul due to its slab mahogany body without a carved top, making it more comfortable for extended playing sessions.

Guitars In The Attic

Guitars In The Attic

The BEST Guitar ever made? | 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior | Martin Meets Guitars!

Video thumbnail for The BEST Guitar ever made? | 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior | Martin Meets Guitars! by Guitars In The Attic

The BEST Guitar ever made? | 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior | Martin Meets Guitars!

Guitars In The Attic

Guitars In The Attic

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior by Emerald City Guitars

1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for A 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior by williesguitars

A 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior

williesguitars

williesguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic neck profile reminiscent of a '59 dot neck

  • Exceptional P90 pickup with great bite and definition

  • Nitro lacquer finish offers unmatched vintage feel

  • Lightweight design compared to other Gibsons

  • Robust, no-frills workhorse suitable for various playing styles

  • Impressive tone that cuts through a band mix

  • Retains vintage sound with potential for modifications

  • Solid tuning stability

  • Surprisingly great playability for its age

  • Offers a unique, authentic vintage vibe

CONS

  • Only one pickup limits tonal variety without modifications

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Junior '56.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners recommend storing original tuners and using period-correct reproductions to preserve originality and functionality.

    Source
  • It's advised to contact Gibson Custom Shop or consult with experts like Dan at MojoAxe for authentic replacement parts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • In the 1950s, Gibson used a unique serial number system where the last digit indicated the year, helping to identify '56 models accurately.

    Source
  • '56 Les Paul Juniors used 250kΩ tone pots and 500kΩ volume pots, with caps like Sprague black beauties (.022uf) for specific tonal characteristics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacement keys called "butterbean" are popular for their vintage look, though some users prefer to age them for authenticity.

    Source
  • Vintage P90s from 1956 have inconsistent output, typically around 7.5-7.7kΩ, using Alnico magnets (A2, A3, A4, A5) at random.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Juniors differ from dual P90 Les Pauls, which use 500kΩ pots for both volume and tone, affecting sound response.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that the '56 P90s were not uniform, making each guitar's tone somewhat unique due to varied magnet and winding specifics.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
J

Jimi Hocking

Guitarist

Screaming Jets

...
Verified via Photo

Jimi:Got out the '56 and the vintage MXR pedals out, we must be recording.

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 Les Paul Junior '56, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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