What is the primary body material of the 1958 Les Paul Junior Reissue?

The guitar is constructed from a solid mahogany body, which provides a resonant and warm tonal foundation characteristic of the late-1950s Gibson designs.

What type of pickup does this model use?

It features a single Custom Dog-Ear P90 pickup. This pickup is known for its dynamic bite and mid-range focus, offering more output and 'growl' than a standard single-coil.

How does the double-cutaway design affect playability?

The double-cutaway design provides smooth and unobstructed access to all 22 frets on the fingerboard. This was an ergonomic improvement over the original single-cutaway Les Paul Junior models.

What is the neck profile of this 1958 Reissue?

The guitar features a chunky C-shape neck profile. This is intended to replicate the substantial, hand-filling feel of original 1958 Gibson necks.

What kind of bridge is installed on this guitar?

It uses a classic wraparound bridge. This design is prized for its simplicity and the way it transfers string vibration directly into the mahogany body for increased resonance.

What does 'VOS' stand for in the finish description?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a Gibson Custom Shop finishing process that applies a light patina to the hardware and a slightly aged sheen to the lacquer to mimic a well-cared-for vintage instrument.

How are the internal electronics wired?

The controls are hand-wired to period-accurate specifications. This ensures a high level of craftsmanship in the signal path, contributing to the guitar's dynamic response when using the volume and tone knobs.

What is the typical price range for this Gibson Custom Shop model?

This specific reissue typically retails for approximately GBP 3499. The price reflects its status as a premium, American-made Custom Shop instrument.

What is the significance of the TV Yellow finish?

TV Yellow was a classic Gibson colour originally designed to look white on black-and-white television broadcasts without the glare caused by a true white finish. It has since become an iconic aesthetic for the Les Paul Junior.

How many frets does the 1958 Les Paul Junior Reissue have?

The guitar is equipped with 22 frets. The double-cutaway body shape ensures that all of these frets are easily accessible for lead playing.

How does this model differ from a standard Gibson Les Paul?

Unlike a Les Paul Standard, the Junior has a flat mahogany top rather than a carved maple top, and it features a single P90 pickup instead of two humbuckers. This results in a lighter, more aggressive, and more focused sound.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

This guitar is ideal for players who appreciate minimalist designs and vintage-correct specifications. It is particularly well-suited for rock, blues, and punk styles where a raw, punchy P90 tone is desired.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut Reissue VOS TV Yellow

The Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut Reissue is a high-end electric guitar that meticulously recreates the specifications of the late-1950s original. Built with a solid mahogany body and a single Custom Dog-Ear P90 pickup, it is designed to offer the raw resonance and simplicity characteristic of vintage hard rock instruments.

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Historical Context

The original 1958 Les Paul Junior marked a significant transition for Gibson's student-tier instrument, introducing the double-cutaway body style to provide improved access to the upper frets. This Custom Shop reissue, specifically model #85120, serves as a period-accurate recreation of that era. It focuses on the transition from the single-cut design to the more ergonomic double-cut format that became a staple in the late 1950s.

Construction and Design

The guitar is constructed from a solid mahogany slab body, paired with a mahogany neck featuring a period-correct 'Chunky C' profile. Unlike the carved tops of the Les Paul Standard, the Junior utilizes a flat-top design which contributes to its focused resonance. The double-cutaway design is a primary feature, allowing players to reach all 22 frets without obstruction. The hardware is kept minimalist, featuring a traditional wraparound bridge which simplifies the string path and enhances sustain.

Electronics and Sound

At the heart of the instrument's sound is a single Custom Dog-Ear P90 pickup. This single-coil design is known for a 'snarling' attitude and dynamic bite, sitting tonally between a traditional single-coil and a humbucker. The electronics are hand-wired to ensure signal integrity, providing a raw and transparent response to the player's touch. Despite having only one pickup, the interaction between the volume and tone controls allows for a wide range of textures from clean chime to aggressive overdriven tones.

Suitability and Comparison

This instrument is primarily aimed at professional musicians and collectors who seek the specific tactile feel of a vintage 1950s Gibson. While modern alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster offer different electronic configurations and bolt-on neck constructions, the Les Paul Junior is defined by its 'set-neck' simplicity. Compared to the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, the Junior is lighter and more streamlined, omitting the neck pickup and the carved maple top for a more direct, mid-forward sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of the 1958 Les Paul Junior Reissue?: The guitar is constructed from a solid mahogany body, which provides a resonant and warm tonal foundation characteristic of the late-1950s Gibson designs.
What type of pickup does this model use?: It features a single Custom Dog-Ear P90 pickup. This pickup is known for its dynamic bite and mid-range focus, offering more output and 'growl' than a standard single-coil.
How does the double-cutaway design affect playability?: The double-cutaway design provides smooth and unobstructed access to all 22 frets on the fingerboard. This was an ergonomic improvement over the original single-cutaway Les Paul Junior models.
What is the neck profile of this 1958 Reissue?: The guitar features a chunky C-shape neck profile. This is intended to replicate the substantial, hand-filling feel of original 1958 Gibson necks.
What kind of bridge is installed on this guitar?: It uses a classic wraparound bridge. This design is prized for its simplicity and the way it transfers string vibration directly into the mahogany body for increased resonance.
What does 'VOS' stand for in the finish description?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a Gibson Custom Shop finishing process that applies a light patina to the hardware and a slightly aged sheen to the lacquer to mimic a well-cared-for vintage instrument.
How are the internal electronics wired?: The controls are hand-wired to period-accurate specifications. This ensures a high level of craftsmanship in the signal path, contributing to the guitar's dynamic response when using the volume and tone knobs.
What is the typical price range for this Gibson Custom Shop model?: This specific reissue typically retails for approximately GBP 3499. The price reflects its status as a premium, American-made Custom Shop instrument.
What is the significance of the TV Yellow finish?: TV Yellow was a classic Gibson colour originally designed to look white on black-and-white television broadcasts without the glare caused by a true white finish. It has since become an iconic aesthetic for the Les Paul Junior.
How many frets does the 1958 Les Paul Junior Reissue have?: The guitar is equipped with 22 frets. The double-cutaway body shape ensures that all of these frets are easily accessible for lead playing.
How does this model differ from a standard Gibson Les Paul?: Unlike a Les Paul Standard, the Junior has a flat mahogany top rather than a carved maple top, and it features a single P90 pickup instead of two humbuckers. This results in a lighter, more aggressive, and more focused sound.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: This guitar is ideal for players who appreciate minimalist designs and vintage-correct specifications. It is particularly well-suited for rock, blues, and punk styles where a raw, punchy P90 tone is desired.