1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior (SG Style) - Cherry

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1961 Gibson Les Paul Junior — a beautifully preserved SG-style example in classic Cherry, offering the raw, unmistakable tone and character that make early Gibson Juniors so coveted by collectors and players alike.

Originally introduced in 1954 and updated to the SG-style body in the early ’60s, the Les Paul Junior was Gibson’s entry-level workhorse, prized for its simplicity, playability, and aggressive P90 voice. This 1961 example embodies everything enthusiasts love about the model: lightweight solid Honduran mahogany, a set neck for exceptional resonance, and a single P90 pickup delivering biting, responsive tone. Its Cherry finish remains vibrant, with moderate checking and light, honest play-wear that speak to its history without diminishing its visual appeal.

This particular Junior has excellent provenance. It is a two-owner guitar, originally sold new and later acquired by Norm’s Rare Guitars, who featured it as a “Guitar of the Day.” From there, it was traded to Tone Brothers, who in turn sold it to the most recent owner before arriving at Garrett Park Guitars. This traceable lineage underscores its authenticity and careful stewardship over the decades.

The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard features original dot inlays and frets in excellent condition, while the gold Gibson decal crowns the headstock above original Kluson Deluxe strip tuners. Original hardware includes the stop-tailpiece, small 2-ply pickguard, black bonnet-style knobs, and original strap buttons. At some point in its life, the guitar wore a different pickguard, leaving two small screw holes concealed beneath the current guard — a minor and entirely cosmetic vestige of its long history.

Structurally, the instrument is sound, with no cracks, breaks, or repairs, and it plays with low action and effortless feel — offering the kind of vintage tone and character that collectors and discerning players prize.

This 1961 Les Paul Junior represents an extraordinary opportunity for the serious Gibson collector or player seeking a historically significant, player-ready vintage instrument with both tonal and aesthetic authenticity.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Les Paul Junior (SG-style)

• Year of manufacture: 1961

• Serial Number: 30610

Body

• Material: Solid Honduran mahogany

• Finish: Cherry

• Weight: 5lbs 14oz

Neck

• Material & Construction: Honduran Mahogany, set neck

• Profile shape: Medium C-shape

• Neck depth: 0.85" (1st fret) / 0.92" (12th fret)

• Nut width: 1.67"

• Fingerboard material: Brazilian Rosewood

• Inlays: Original dot inlays

• Frets: Original, excellent condition with minimal wear

• Headstock: Original gold Gibson decal

• Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe strip tuners

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Original stoptail

• Pickguard: Original 2-ply white/black

• Knobs: Original "black bonnet" style

• Strap buttons: Original

Electronics

• Pickup: Original P-90, 7.78k Ω

• Pots & caps: Original

• Wiring: Original

Condition

• Excellent overall, with light, honest play-wear and moderate checking that adds vintage character

• No cracks, breaks, or repairs; structurally sound

• Plays effortlessly with low action, free from buzzing or dead spots

• Finish retains depth of color with only minor surface imperfections

Case & Accessories

• Case type: Later Gibson USA hardshell, providing secure transport