DATE :
Friday, August 15, 2025
1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut: The Rock & Roll Revolutionary
1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut: The Rock & Roll Revolutionary
The 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut represents one of the most significant design transformations in electric guitar history. This revolutionary instrument marked Gibson's bold response to guitarists' demands for improved upper fret access while maintaining the primal simplicity that made the Junior series legendary. Born during a pivotal year when Gibson was redefining their entire solid-body lineup, the 1958 double cut Junior would become the blueprint for countless rock anthems and a cornerstone of electric guitar design.
What makes the 1958 model historically significant:
First year of the revolutionary double cutaway design that influenced generations of guitar makers
Introduction of the vibrant Cherry Red finish that would become synonymous with rock and roll
Perfect balance of simplicity and functionality that appealed to professionals and students alike
Last year before the SG body transformation, making it a bridge between classic and modern design eras
Represents Gibson's peak manufacturing period before corporate changes affected production
Historical Context: Gibson's Transformational Year
1958 stands as perhaps the most innovative year in Gibson's history. The company was experiencing unprecedented success, with Ted McCarty leading a design revolution that would shape the future of electric guitars. During this period, Gibson introduced the Flying V and Explorer, refined the humbucker pickup, and completely redesigned their student-level solid-body offerings.
The Les Paul Junior had been Gibson's entry-level solid-body electric since 1954, but guitarists were increasingly vocal about wanting better access to the upper frets. Single cutaway designs limited players to approximately the 15th fret, while the emerging rock and roll styles demanded more range. Gibson's solution was elegant: add a second cutaway while maintaining the Junior's signature simplicity.
The timing was perfect. Rock and roll was exploding across America, and electric guitars were becoming more affordable and accessible. The Junior's no-frills approach appealed to working musicians who needed reliable, great-sounding instruments without the premium price of the Les Paul Standard. Meanwhile, the new double cutaway design provided the upper fret access that lead guitarists craved.
Gibson's decision to make Cherry Red the standard finish was equally revolutionary. Unlike the previous Sunburst-only option, Cherry Red was bold, modern, and perfectly captured the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. This vibrant finish would later become one of the most iconic guitar colors in music history.
During 1958, Gibson was also perfecting their manufacturing processes. The company had moved beyond the experimental phase of solid-body construction and was producing consistently excellent instruments. The wood quality, finish application, and hardware installation all reached new levels of sophistication during this period.
Detailed Identification Guide
Properly identifying a genuine 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut requires examining multiple features, as this transitional year included both single and double cutaway models.
Serial Numbers
1958 Gibson solid-body guitars typically feature ink-stamped serial numbers beginning with "8" followed by four digits. However, some early double cutaway models from late 1958 may have a four-digit serial number without the year prefix. The serial number appears on the back of the headstock in black or gold ink.
Dating Challenges
Some Les Paul Juniors made in 1958 just after the transition to the double cut body do not have the model year prefix, but still have the consecutive 4 digit number. This makes identification more complex, requiring examination of other features to confirm the date.
Body Design Features
Double Cutaway Shape: The 1958 introduced rounded "horns" that provided access to the 22nd fret while maintaining the Les Paul's overall proportions. The body edges are slightly sharper on early 1958 models compared to later production.
Wood Construction: Solid mahogany slab body with no weight relief or carved top. The grain pattern should be consistent mahogany throughout, with no maple cap or veneer.
Finish Characteristics:
Cherry Red became the standard finish for double cutaway models
TV Yellow was also available but less common
The nitrocellulose finish was applied relatively thin, allowing the wood grain to show through
Original finishes often show beautiful checking patterns
Hardware Specifications
Bridge: Combination bridge/tailpiece (wraparound design) with two adjustment studs. Gibson resolved the problem of too short bridge post bushings in mid-1956 by using double length bushings and shifting the bridge cavity slightly away from the treble side bridge post.
Tuners: Individual Kluson Deluxe tuners with plastic buttons (often deteriorated on original examples)
Knobs: The knob style was updated from the large barrel style to the more delicate amber bonnet style knobs used until 1960
Pickup: Single black "dog-ear" P-90 pickup mounted in the bridge position
Neck Identification
Profile: The neck profile from 1957 was a more rounded, and comfortable C shape, measuring about 0.90" deep at the first fret. The classic '58 neck profile is big but not too big and feels very comfortable.
Fretboard: Unbound rosewood with clay dot inlays (not pearl or pearloid)
Frets: Small/medium fret wire, consistent with mid-1950s Gibson specifications
Nut Width: Approximately 1 11/16" (1.6875")
Detailed Physical Specifications
Weight Range
1958 Les Paul Juniors typically weigh between 6 lbs 15 oz and 7 lbs 1 oz, making them notably lighter than the later Les Paul Standards with maple caps. The all-mahogany construction creates a resonant but manageable weight.
Neck Dimensions
Nut Width: 1 11/16" (1.6875")
Neck Profile: Neck profile at the first fret = 0.93", 12th fret = 1.01"
Shape: Medium C profile with comfortable shoulders
Fretboard Radius: 12" radius throughout
Scale Length: 24.75" (Gibson standard)
Electronics Specifications
Pickup: Single P-90 "dog-ear" style single-coil pickup
Output: Typical resistance readings around 8.49k to 8.78k ohms
Construction: Soap-bar magnet structure with adjustable pole pieces
Mounting: Direct to body with pickup ring and mounting screws
Controls:
One volume control (bridge pickup)
One tone control (bridge pickup)
Three-way toggle switch was not used (single pickup configuration)
Wiring: Period-correct cloth-covered wire with original-style capacitors
Hardware Details
Bridge/Tailpiece: Combination wraparound bridge with compensated saddle Tuners: Six individual Kluson Deluxe tuners with 15:1 gear ratio Strap Buttons: Original Gibson strap buttons (often replaced) Jack: Standard 1/4" output jack with original-style jack plate
Tonal Characteristics
The 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut delivers a distinctly powerful and focused sound that has made it legendary among rock and blues players. The combination of mahogany body, P-90 pickup, and wraparound bridge creates a sonic signature that's both aggressive and musical.
Sound Profile: The P-90 pickup produces a thick, midrange-heavy tone with excellent note definition. Unlike humbuckers, the P-90 retains single-coil clarity while delivering substantial output. Paired with the wraparound bridge, you get that immediacy of attack, resonant fundamental power, and top end sizzle that has made these models so desirable.
Frequency Response: The all-mahogany construction emphasizes the midrange frequencies, creating natural compression and sustain. The solid body design eliminates feedback issues while the slab construction provides excellent note definition even with heavy distortion.
Dynamic Response: P-90 pickups are extremely responsive to picking attack and guitar volume changes. Light picking produces clean, jangly tones, while aggressive picking drives the pickup into natural overdrive. This dynamic range makes the Junior incredibly versatile despite its simple configuration.
Amplifier Compatibility: The Junior excels with both clean and overdriven amplifiers. Through clean amps, it delivers bell-like clarity with excellent string separation. Through overdriven amps, it produces the thick, singing sustain that became synonymous with rock guitar.
Recording Characteristics: The midrange focus makes 1958 Juniors exceptional recording instruments. They cut through dense mixes while maintaining warmth and character. Many classic rock recordings feature Junior guitars in rhythm sections where their powerful midrange provides perfect support for lead instruments.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut, several issues commonly affect both playability and value:
Typical Problems
Tuner Button Deterioration: The original plastic tuner buttons often crumble over time, leaving worming patterns in the finish where the plastic residue contacts the guitar. Replacement buttons are common and acceptable.
Bridge Post Lean: Earlier models may exhibit bridge post lean due to string tension, though Gibson resolved this issue in mid-1956 with longer bridge post bushings.
Neck Binding: Rosewood fretboards can develop cracks or separation, particularly around the nut area where temperature changes create stress.
Pickup Output Issues: P-90 pickups may lose output over time due to magnet degradation or wiring issues.
Common Modifications
Fret Replacement: Original smaller frets are often replaced with medium jumbo wire, which can feel right at home on this model.
Electronics Upgrades: Players often upgrade capacitors, pots, or wiring for improved tone or reliability.
Hardware Changes: Tuners, bridges, or strap buttons may be upgraded for better functionality.
Jack Plate Replacement: Slightly oversized replacement jack plates are common and generally don't significantly affect value if the original electronics are intact.
Restoration Considerations
Refinishing Warning Signs: Look for overspray in cavities, filled screw holes, or inconsistent aging patterns
Neck Repairs: Check for headstock breaks, truss rod repairs, or neck resets that can significantly impact value
Body Repairs: Examine for crack repairs, hole fills, or routing modifications
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
The 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut holds a unique position in guitar history that appeals to both players and collectors for different but overlapping reasons.
Playing Characteristics
Immediate Playability: The full C neck is a total dream carve - slightly softer shoulders but with nice depth and a moderate taper that is noticeable but not an impediment at all. The comfortable neck profile accommodates both rhythm and lead playing styles.
Upper Fret Access: The double cutaway design provides clear access to all 22 frets, making it ideal for lead guitar work while maintaining the Junior's characteristic sustain and resonance.
Tonal Versatility: Despite its simple single-pickup configuration, the Junior delivers remarkable tonal variety through pickup position adjustment, volume control manipulation, and playing technique variations.
Collector Appeal
Historical Significance: As the first year of the double cutaway design, 1958 models represent a pivotal moment in electric guitar evolution. This design influence can be seen in countless subsequent guitars from multiple manufacturers.
Transitional Features: 1958 bridges the gap between the classic 1950s single cutaway era and the SG transformation of the 1960s, making it a crucial piece of Gibson history.
Limited Production: The relatively short production run of first-year double cutaway models makes them increasingly rare and desirable.
Investment Potential
Market Appreciation: Values have steadily increased over the past decade as collectors recognize the historical importance of these instruments. The combination of playability and collectibility creates strong market demand.
Rarity Factor: Finding all-original examples becomes increasingly difficult, supporting continued value appreciation.
Celebrity Association: Notable players include John Lennon, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Johnny Thunders, adding to the model's cultural significance and market appeal.
Selling Your 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut
If you own a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut, you're holding a significant piece of music history that has appreciated substantially in value. Edgewater Guitars specializes in acquiring these exceptional instruments and offers several advantages over other selling options.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars
Premium Valuations: We consistently offer 30-40% more than typical guitar shops because we understand the true collector value of vintage Gibson instruments. Our expertise in dating and authenticating these guitars ensures you receive fair market value.
Expert Authentication: Our team can verify the originality and dating of your instrument, identifying valuable features that less knowledgeable buyers might miss. We understand the subtle differences between early and late 1958 production that can significantly affect value.
Immediate Cash Offers: Unlike consignment arrangements or private sales, we provide immediate payment with no waiting periods or uncertainty. For high-value instruments, we offer secure in-person evaluations.
Hassle-Free Process: We handle all aspects of the transaction, including professional photography, detailed documentation, and secure shipping arrangements.
Selling Process
Initial Evaluation: Contact us with photos and serial number information for a preliminary assessment
Professional Appraisal: For significant instruments, we provide in-person evaluations by our vintage guitar experts
Market Analysis: We research recent sales of comparable instruments to ensure competitive pricing
Immediate Offer: Cash offers are made on the spot with no pressure or obligations
Secure Transaction: All transactions are handled with complete professionalism and discretion
Ready to discover what your vintage Gibson is worth? Get your free valuation or call us directly at (440) 219-3607. We're actively seeking 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut guitars and would be honored to add your instrument to our collection.
Related Resources
Authentication and Dating Guides
Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool - Comprehensive dating guide for all Gibson models
Gibson Les Paul Junior Identification Guide - Detailed specs and features by year
Vintage Gibson Hardware Guide - Identifying original vs. replacement parts
Related Model Information
1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior Single Cut - The predecessor model
1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut - Following year specifications
Gibson Les Paul TV Model Guide - The yellow-finished variant
Selling Information
Sell Your Gibson Guitar - Complete guide to selling vintage Gibson instruments
Guitar Valuation Services - Professional appraisal services
Contact Edgewater Guitars - Get in touch with our buying team
Expert Consultation Available
Edgewater Guitars serves vintage guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For high-value instruments like 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut models, we provide in-person evaluations to ensure accurate assessment and secure transactions.
Our team of vintage guitar experts has extensive experience with Gibson instruments from the golden era and can help you understand your guitar's history, verify its authenticity, and determine its current market value.
Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 or visit EdgewaterGuitars.com to begin the process of selling your vintage Gibson. We're committed to providing fair, professional service and the highest possible return on your vintage instrument investment.
Edgewater Guitars - Your trusted partner for vintage guitar sales throughout the Midwest region.
