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Lot Essay
Gibson first introduced its Les Paul Junior model in 1954 as an entry-level guitar for students and beginners - a stripped down version of the more expensive Les Paul Standard and Custom models. Despite its simplicity, with a single P90 pickup, mahogany body and wraparound bridge, the model quickly found favor with musicians. This distinct 'double cutaway' model of the Les Paul Junior was introduced in 1958, with the contoured symmetrical body shape allowing for easier access to the higher frets, as well as an updated more modern and sleek look. In 1961 Gibson abandoned the 'Double Cutaway' design and transitioned to the SG Junior (see the following lot); as a result vintage examples of double cutaway LP Juniors from 1958-61 are rare and highly sought after.
The short-lived model, particularly in the distinct 'TV Yellow' finish introduced by Gibson in the 1950s to stand out better on black and white TV sets, would be favored by many professional musicians including Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, who partnered with Gibson to produce a signature run of double-cutaway Les Paul Juniors in 2012-2013, reviving interest in the model. Armstrong played this particular guitar with his punk side project The Longshot, the band he formed in 2018 with Green Day touring guitarist Jeff Matika on bass, together with Prima Donna guitarist Kevin Preston and drummer David S. Field. The Longshot's debut album Love Is For Losers, mostly recorded by Armstrong, with his son additionally credited as a drummer, was released in April 2018, with a tour following shortly after and running through to July of that year.
The short-lived model, particularly in the distinct 'TV Yellow' finish introduced by Gibson in the 1950s to stand out better on black and white TV sets, would be favored by many professional musicians including Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, who partnered with Gibson to produce a signature run of double-cutaway Les Paul Juniors in 2012-2013, reviving interest in the model. Armstrong played this particular guitar with his punk side project The Longshot, the band he formed in 2018 with Green Day touring guitarist Jeff Matika on bass, together with Prima Donna guitarist Kevin Preston and drummer David S. Field. The Longshot's debut album Love Is For Losers, mostly recorded by Armstrong, with his son additionally credited as a drummer, was released in April 2018, with a tour following shortly after and running through to July of that year.