Gibson Les Paul Junior

The Les Paul Junior began in the 1950s with humble origins. However, like other Gibson models from that era, it went on to gain stature and immense popularity among guitar enthusiasts worldwide. While this striking model pays tribute to its traditional counterparts in both design and functionality, it benefits from a simpler, performance-oriented format. Its slim, lightweight mahogany body and '50s-style mahogany neck enable hours of comfortable play without back pain, offering an authentic fretting experience. True to the original Les Paul Juniors of the era, it is equipped with a single P-90 pickup and an Orange Drop capacitor, providing a wide range of sonic textures suitable for various music genres. To complete the package, a traditional nitrocellulose finish gives the Les Paul Junior a fresh factory lacquer that allows it to breathe and resonate naturally, aging beautifully over time — just like the storied instruments of the past.

P-90 pickups: dare to sound different

We have many fiercely loyal P-90 fans here at Sweetwater. These guitarists know that the P-90 offers a unique tonal palette that is distinct from — and complements — humbuckers and traditional single-coils. Gibson’s first successful single-coil pickup, the P-90 can be heard on countless classic recordings. With its biting treble and high output, the P-90 cleans up nicely when you roll back your guitar’s volume pot. It’s an amazingly versatile pickup with its own brand of grit — a bit brighter, leaner, and less refined than a humbucker and almost as hot. Hit your amp hard, and the P-90 really wails. Plugged into a proper high-gain tube amp, you can elicit grind, sizzle, and bark that would be impossible with humbuckers — or with other single-coils, for that matter. To hear P-90s brilliantly deployed in historical context, check out Santana’s fiery Woodstock performance or the Who’s masterful Live at Leeds album.

Vintage ’50s neck

Comfort and playability were two of Gibson’s primary concerns when they were designing the Les Paul Junior. You’ll be delighted by how this guitar’s vintage ’50s neck profile comfortably fills your hand in just the right way. For your playing pleasure, the rosewood fingerboard is buffed to silky smoothness to let those ripping solos flow from your fingers effortlessly.

Nitro finish for the look and feel of a classic

Gibson gave the Les Paul Junior a gorgeous nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Nitro finishes — standard back in the day — are significantly thinner than today’s polyurethane finishes, allowing the guitar to “breathe.” Nitro finishes not only look amazing, but they also enhance the instrument’s tonal qualities. The Les Paul Junior has the look and feel of a lovingly cared-for classic — one that will only improve with age.