Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (37)
$1,599.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (19)
$1,599.00
Amazon
$2,257.00
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$2,427.00 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$1,599.00
zZounds
5.0 (11)
$1,599.00
Thomann
4.7 (27)
$1,258.00 $1,245.00 $13.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,223.00

Average Price: $1,761

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.

* 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

The Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 is a celebrated icon in the world of electric guitars, embodying simplicity and timeless appeal. Emerging from the 1950s, this guitar continues to captivate musicians with its straightforward design and robust performance. Crafted with a slim mahogany body and a vintage '50s-style neck, it promises hours of comfortable play, making it the perfect companion for both stage and studio.

At the heart of this classic is the P-90 pickup, known for its unique tonal character. Unlike humbuckers or traditional single-coils, the P-90 offers a gritty, raw sound that's both versatile and distinct. Whether you're looking for biting treble or smooth, cleans, this pickup delivers, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles. The inclusion of an Orange Drop capacitor further enhances its tonal flexibility, ensuring every note resonates with clarity and depth.

The Les Paul Junior 56 is finished with a traditional nitrocellulose lacquer, a nod to its vintage roots. This finish not only looks stunning but also allows the guitar to breathe and age gracefully, enhancing its tonal qualities over time. For those who appreciate the look and feel of a classic, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's enduring craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Slim, lightweight mahogany body for comfortable play
  • Period-correct '50s-style mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with medium-jumbo frets
  • Powerful P-90 pickup for a distinctive tonal palette
  • Handwired with an Orange Drop capacitor
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for a vintage aesthetic

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Lukas Nelson Signature '56 Les Paul Junior
Finish Vintage Sunburst
Year 2020 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Lukas Nelson
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
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
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Artist Collection
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 suitable for rock music?

The Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, known for its raw and powerful tone, making it ideal for rock music. Its mahogany body and neck provide a warm and resonant sound that complements the P-90's punchy output.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 affect playability?

The Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable neck profile that offers smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. This design enhances sustain and provides easy access to higher frets.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 a good choice for beginner guitarists?

While the Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 is a high-quality instrument suitable for players of all levels, its simplicity and excellent tone make it an attractive option for beginners seeking a straightforward yet professional-grade guitar.

What type of bridge does the Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 use, and how does it impact performance?

The Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 features a wrap-around bridge, which simplifies string changes and contributes to its sustain and resonance. This design provides a direct transfer of string vibration to the body, enhancing the guitar's tonal characteristics.

What are the tonal characteristics of the P-90 pickup in the Gibson Les Paul Junior 56?

The P-90 pickup in the Gibson Les Paul Junior 56 delivers a bright, punchy tone with a gritty edge, making it versatile for various music styles, especially rock and blues. It offers a unique blend of single-coil clarity and humbucker warmth.

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 Guitar of the Day: 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Charlie Starr's 1956 Gibson Les Paul Juniors [Blackberry Smoke] by Premier Guitar

Charlie Starr's 1956 Gibson Les Paul Juniors [Blackberry Smoke]

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for A 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior by williesguitars

A 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior

williesguitars

williesguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Resonates beautifully both unplugged and plugged, with excellent sustain

  • P90 pickup captures intricate sound details for versatile play styles

  • Featherlight design avoids traditional Les Paul back and shoulder strain

  • Encourages skill development through hand and finger technique

  • Offers great playability and a killer tone

  • Wildly resonant and inspirational to play

  • Beautiful finish with a custom shop feel

  • Highly underrated yet widely appreciated by enthusiasts

CONS

  • Factory-installed strings may require immediate replacement for optimal tuning stability

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.

Mods and upgrades

  • It's noted that the guitar has a non-original Bigsby tailpiece added, which replaced the factory TOM bridge/stopbar tailpiece.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users observed that the headstock finish-checking is difficult to recreate, suggesting authenticity in older Gibson models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The neck has been professionally shaved to a slim taper, measuring 0.8 inches at fret 1 and 1 inch at fret 12.

    Source
  • A clean, dry microfiber cloth is recommended for dust removal to preserve the guitar's vintage patina.

    Source
  • A basic setup, including fresh strings and a bit of board oil, is suggested for optimal playability after long periods of inactivity.

    Source
  • For humidity control, storing the guitar in a case with humidity regulation is advised to maintain its condition.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickups are reportedly original, contributing to the guitar's rich sound despite modifications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Due to the refinishing and modifications, the guitar's value is estimated around $20K-$30K, significantly lower than unmodified versions.

    Source
  • Recent vintage market trends suggest a 1956 Les Paul Junior might list between $11,000 and $14,000.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is considered "player grade" due to modifications and refinishing, making it more suitable for playing than collecting.

    Source
  • Known for versatility, the 1956 Les Paul Junior is praised for its effectiveness as a slide guitar.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The refinished top was compared to wall paint, indicating significant alteration from the original gold finish.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Gibson Les Paul Junior 56

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Used by Eric Clapton in studio and live 1970. Photo from Bournemouth 18 of August 1970

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    pera77a
    pera77a

    Gear IQ 741