Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,666
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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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
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56?
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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.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56's pickup?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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How does the wrap-around bridge on the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 affect playability?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul Junior '56 lighter than a standard Les Paul?
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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.
Videos
Guitars In The Attic
The BEST Guitar ever made? | 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior | Martin Meets Guitars!
Reviews
PROS
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Classic neck profile reminiscent of a '59 dot neck
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Exceptional P90 pickup with great bite and definition
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Nitro lacquer finish offers unmatched vintage feel
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Lightweight design compared to other Gibsons
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Robust, no-frills workhorse suitable for various playing styles
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Impressive tone that cuts through a band mix
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Retains vintage sound with potential for modifications
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Solid tuning stability
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Surprisingly great playability for its age
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Offers a unique, authentic vintage vibe
CONS
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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
Features and functionality
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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
Comparisons
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Juniors differ from dual P90 Les Pauls, which use 500kΩ pots for both volume and tone, affecting sound response.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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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