Although the Les Paul Junior and Special models were originally marketed as student and entry-level guitars, they quickly became iconic among professional rock & roll musicians due to their simplicity, raw tone, and incredible playability.
Legendary artists such as Keith Richards, Leslie West, Joan Jett, Billie Joe Armstrong, Bob Marley, John Lennon, and Johnny Thunders have all embraced these models throughout their careers, making them an integral part of rock history.
The Les Paul Junior was first introduced by Gibson in 1954 as a budget-friendly alternative to the standard Les Paul. It featured a simple yet effective design—solid mahogany body, single P-90 pickup, wraparound bridge, and a no-frills approach that emphasized pure, unadulterated tone. Initially released as a single-cutaway model, the Junior underwent a major design change in late 1958 with the introduction of the double-cutaway version. This new design provided greater access to the upper frets, making it even more appealing to lead guitarists who needed freedom across the entire fretboard.
This particular Les Paul Junior is an early 1959 model, featuring the first version of the double-cutaway body, which has a sharper, more defined contour. Later in 1959, Gibson made subtle refinements, including rounding out the body shape slightly to improve balance and ergonomics. As a result, early 1959 models like this one remain highly sought after by collectors and players alike due to their distinctive aesthetics and historical significance.
One of the standout features of this guitar is its fantastic wood grain, which gives it a unique and striking look. The natural patterns of the mahogany shine beautifully through the Cherry Red finish, creating a visual identity so distinct that it is recognizable among a thousand other guitars. This kind of wood grain variation is a rare find, making this particular Les Paul Junior even more special for both collectors and players who appreciate the individuality of vintage instruments.
The guitar carries the serial number 9 7642 and remains in very good condition. It previously belonged to a professional musician from Belgium who played it extensively, adding to its rich history and character. Despite its frequent use, the instrument has been well-maintained, with only a few minor modifications over the years. The only non-original components are a recently installed CTS volume potentiometer and a replacement jack input.
Otherwise, it retains all its original hardware, including the factory-installed tuners and its powerful single P-90 pickup, known for its punchy midrange and aggressive bite. Importantly, the guitar has never undergone any structural repairs, making it an even more desirable example of this classic model.
The Les Paul Junior’s single P-90 pickup is a defining feature, delivering a raw, powerful sound with plenty of clarity and dynamic response. Its simplicity allows the natural resonance of the solid mahogany body to shine through, producing the warm and aggressive tones that have made this model a favorite among rock and punk guitarists for decades.
This guitar comes with a 1970s hard case for protection and is available for testing at our shop in Brussels. Worldwide shipping is also possible. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of rock & roll history!
Specs :
Serial : 9 7642
Weight : 3,3kgs
Pickup : original P90
Pickup output : 8.33 K Ohm
Tuners : original single line Kluson
Case : 70s european case with red interior