The Gibson Les Paul Junior might have been marketed as a beginner’s guitar when introduced in ’57, but being basic was never a limitation. It was surprisingly versatile. The Custom Shop’s take on this double cutaway puts the look and feel of a vintage instrument in your hands with startling accuracy. Featuring a single Dogear P90 and a fantastic Ultra Heavy aged finish, this Murphy Lab model is broken in and ready to boogie. Check out the Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1960 Les Paul Junior Double Cut. It’s available now at Musician’s Friend.

Let’s start with the finish

Tom Murphy was instrumental in creating the Gibson Custom Shop; he's also a pioneer in the art of aging guitars. His team gave this Gibson an Ultra Heavy aged finish, equivalent to a half century of extreme wear and abuse. This means major buckle rash on the body, finish checking, plus heavy arm and pick wear that exposes areas of raw wood. The hardware is dinged up, too, with a patina to match.

The Les Paul Junior Double Cut has classic construction

The body of the ’60 Junior is made from a single piece of solid mahogany. The neck is, too. It has a ’60s SlimTaper profile. Although there's a time and a place for a fatter ’50s shape, we think you'll enjoy the faster feel. Medium jumbo frets line the rosewood fretboard, which is rounded like a well-loved instrument. 

A single P90 provides vintage growls to go

Gibson loads a single Dogear P90 in the bridge, where subtle variations in the volume and tone pots change its character instantly. From a gritty, muscular growl to a transparent top end, the ’60 Les Paul Junior lets you focus on the notes and the attack while bathing in truly vintage sounds.

If you’re jonesing for a Junior, get this Gibson

The Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1960 Les Paul Junior Double Cut offers no frills with lots of thrills—a simple instrument with complex sounds. It comes with a certificate of authenticity and an aged brown and pink Lifton reissue 5-latch hard case.