DATE :
Friday, May 2, 2025
1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior: The Pure Rock & Roll Machine
1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior: The Pure Rock & Roll Machine
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior stands as one of the most honest and powerful electric guitars ever created. While its famous sibling, the Les Paul Standard "Burst," commands headlines and six-figure prices, the Junior represents something equally significant: pure, unadulterated rock and roll attitude in its most essential form. Built during Gibson's golden era of manufacturing excellence, these instruments were crafted with the same attention to detail and premium materials as their more expensive counterparts, making them increasingly coveted by collectors and players who understand their unique place in guitar history.
What makes the 1959 Les Paul Junior special is its simplicity and power. This was the year Gibson perfected the Junior's design after five years of production, using premium mahogany bodies, perfectly balanced neck profiles, and the legendary P-90 pickup that would define rock tone for generations. These guitars were built before the corporate changes of the 1960s affected Gibson's manufacturing processes, representing the pinnacle of American guitar craftsmanship in its most stripped-down, powerful form.
Historical Context: Gibson's Working-Class Hero
In 1959, Gibson was at the height of its manufacturing prowess in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Les Paul Junior, introduced in 1954 as an affordable alternative to the Gold Top Les Paul, had evolved into a refined instrument that maintained its working-class appeal while incorporating the same premium construction methods used on Gibson's flagship models.
The 1959 model year was significant for several reasons. Gibson had perfected the Junior's design balance—the single P-90 pickup placement, the comfortable neck profile, and the resonant mahogany body construction that would make these guitars legendary among rock musicians. This was also one of the final years before Gibson began experimenting with double-cutaway designs, making the single-cutaway 1959 Junior a representation of the classic era.
During this period, young musicians were discovering that the Junior's simplicity was actually its strength. The single P-90 pickup delivered a focused, powerful sound that cut through band mixes with remarkable clarity. Artists like Leslie West, Billie Joe Armstrong, and countless blues and rock players would later discover that the Junior's apparent limitations were actually its greatest assets.
The 1959 model year also represents the end of an era—Gibson would transition to the double-cutaway SG-style body in 1961, making the single-cutaway Juniors increasingly rare and desirable among collectors who appreciate the classic proportions and balanced feel of the original design.
Current Market Value (2025 Update)
The vintage guitar market has seen significant appreciation for 1959 Les Paul Juniors over the past decade, with collectors increasingly recognizing their importance in rock history and their superior build quality compared to later reissues.
Key Value Factors:
Finish Originality: All-original finish examples command 40-50% premiums over refinished instruments
Color Rarity: TV Yellow and rare custom colors bring the highest prices
Hardware Completeness: Original wraparound bridge, tuners, and electronics are crucial
Neck Condition: Original frets and unmarked neck significantly impact value
Case: Original brown Lifton case adds $500-800 to value
Recent Market Trends: Recent auction results show strong appreciation, with exceptional TV Yellow examples reaching $20,000+ at major auction houses. The market has particularly favored all-original examples with complete documentation.
Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium vintage Gibson instruments, recognizing their true collector value.
Detailed Identification Guide
Serial Numbers
1959 Les Paul Juniors typically feature 5-digit serial numbers in the range of 90100-92500, stamped into the back of the headstock. However, Gibson's serial number system had overlaps, so always cross-reference with other dating methods.
Neck Dating
The most reliable dating method is the handwritten date on the neck heel, visible when the neck is removed from the body. 1959 necks typically show dates written in the format "1-59" through "12-59" indicating month and year of manufacture.
Potentiometer Codes
1959 Les Paul Juniors used Centralab potentiometers that can be decoded:
134: Centralab manufacturer code
5942: 42nd week of 1959
Volume pots typically read 500K ohms
Factory Markings
Look for these authentic 1959 features:
Pencil markings in neck pocket and control cavity
Original Gibson logo water-slide decal on headstock
"Made in USA" stamp on back of headstock
Factory routing marks in control cavity
Wood Identification
Body: Solid Honduran mahogany, typically one or two pieces
Neck: Mahogany with rosewood fingerboard
Weight: Typically 7.5-8.5 pounds due to mahogany construction
Grain: Look for the characteristic mahogany grain pattern visible through thin nitrocellulose finish
Hardware Specifications
Bridge: Original wraparound "lightning bolt" tailpiece
Tuners: Kluson single-line tuners with plastic buttons
Pickup Ring: Black plastic P-90 mounting ring
Knobs: Bonnet-style knobs (volume and tone)
Jack: Original Switchcraft output jack
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body Dimensions:
Length: 17 inches
Width: 13 inches (lower bout)
Thickness: 1.75 inches
Weight: 7.5-8.5 pounds
Neck Specifications:
Profile: Medium C-shape (comfortable for most hand sizes)
Nut width: 1-11/16 inches
Scale length: 24.75 inches
Fretboard radius: 12 inches
Fret wire: Original small-medium frets
Inlays: Single dot markers at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th frets
Electronics:
Pickup: Single P-90 "soapbar" pickup in bridge position
Controls: Volume and tone with Centralab potentiometers
Wiring: Period-correct cloth-covered wire
Capacitor: "Bumble Bee" capacitor for tone circuit
Finish Options:
Sunburst (most common)
Cherry Red
TV Yellow (most valuable)
Rare custom colors available by special order
Tonal Characteristics
The 1959 Les Paul Junior's tone is legendary for its focused power and clarity. The single P-90 pickup in the bridge position delivers:
Core Sound Profile:
Aggressive midrange attack perfect for rock and blues
Clear treble response without harshness
Controlled bass response that doesn't muddy the mix
Natural compression that adds sustain and warmth
Why the Sound Is Special: The mahogany body provides warm resonance and natural sustain, while the P-90 pickup delivers more output and midrange focus than single-coil pickups but with less compression than humbuckers. This combination creates a tone that's both powerful and articulate.
Pickup Characteristics: Original 1959 P-90 pickups typically read 7.5-8.5K ohms resistance and feature:
Alnico V magnets for strong output
42-gauge plain enamel wire
Unpotted coils for maximum sensitivity
Cream-colored "soapbar" housing
Notable Recordings: The Junior's distinctive tone can be heard on countless classic recordings, though many weren't specifically identified as 1959 models. The sound became synonymous with raw rock power and remains highly sought after by studio musicians.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1959 Les Paul Junior, watch for these potential issues:
Typical Problems:
Neck Breaks: The angled headstock design makes these guitars susceptible to headstock breaks
Bridge Modifications: Many Juniors had the wraparound bridge replaced with tune-o-matic systems
Pickup Replacements: Original P-90s are sometimes swapped for humbuckers
Refinishes: Look for signs of overspray, color mismatches, or filled nail holes
Fret Replacement: Many vintage instruments have had fret replacements due to wear
Value-Affecting Modifications:
Tuner Upgrades: Grover tuners often replaced original Klusons
Electronics: Modern wiring harnesses reduce authenticity value
Nut Replacement: Bone or synthetic nuts replace original plastic
Case Modifications: Added case candy or modern case reduces originality points
Authentication Red Flags:
Serial numbers outside the typical 1959 range
Incorrect headstock logo style or placement
Wrong potentiometer codes or manufacturer
Refinished headstock with "Made in USA" stamp painted over
Pickup rings that don't match the original black plastic style
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
Playing Characteristics:
The 1959 Les Paul Junior appeals to players because:
Simplicity: One pickup, two knobs—pure and focused tone control
Comfort: The single-cutaway body and medium neck profile feel natural
Weight: Lighter than maple-topped Les Pauls but still substantial
Balance: Perfect weight distribution makes for comfortable playing
Sustain: Mahogany construction provides excellent resonance and sustain
Collector Appeal:
Collectors seek 1959 Juniors for:
Historical Significance: Represents the peak of single-cutaway Junior design
Build Quality: Same construction standards as flagship Gibson models
Rarity: Limited production compared to reissues
Investment Potential: Steady appreciation over decades
Rock Heritage: Used by numerous influential rock musicians
Investment Considerations:
1959 Gibson Les Paul Juniors have shown consistent appreciation, particularly all-original examples. The combination of historical significance, limited production numbers, and ongoing demand from both players and collectors supports strong long-term value retention.
Selling Your 1959 Les Paul Junior
If you own a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior, you have a significant vintage instrument that deserves proper evaluation and fair market pricing. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in vintage Gibson instruments and understand the specific factors that determine a Junior's value.
Why Choose Edgewater:
Premium Valuations: We typically pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops
Expert Authentication: Our team can verify originality and identify modifications
Immediate Cash Offers: No consignment fees or waiting periods
White-Glove Service: We handle high-value vintage instruments with appropriate care
Free Consultation: Initial evaluation and market assessment at no cost
Our Evaluation Process:
Initial Assessment: Photos and description review
Authentication: Serial number verification and feature analysis
Condition Report: Detailed assessment of originality and condition
Market Valuation: Current market pricing based on recent sales data
Cash Offer: Immediate purchase offer with transparent pricing explanation
Ready to sell your vintage Gibson? Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation valuation. Call us directly at (440) 219-3607 or submit photos through our online evaluation form.
Related Resources
Authentication Tools:
Additional Model Information:
Selling Resources:
Expert Authentication and Valuation Services
Edgewater Guitars serves vintage guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. We travel to you for high-value instruments like 1959 Les Paul Juniors, providing on-site evaluation and immediate cash transactions.
Our team has decades of experience with vintage Gibson instruments and maintains current market knowledge through active participation in the collector market. We understand the specific details that affect a 1959 Junior's value and can provide accurate, fair market valuations.
Geographic Service Area:
Ohio: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton
Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Kalamazoo
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Erie
Indiana: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend
West Virginia: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg
Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free vintage guitar evaluation. Whether you're considering selling or simply want to understand your instrument's value and authenticity, our expert team is ready to help.
Call (440) 219-3607 or visit our website to get started with your free valuation.
About the Author: The Edgewater Guitars team has over 30 years of combined experience in vintage guitar authentication, evaluation, and sales. We specialize in American-made vintage instruments and maintain active relationships with collectors, dealers, and auction houses nationwide to ensure current market knowledge and fair pricing for our clients.
