Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Junior Reissue, VOS, Tri Burst

This Gibson Custom Select 1957 Les Paul™ Junior Reissue takes the model into a familiar yet modern territory with its custom Tri Burst finish. Gibson Custom Select makes models like this possible while utilizing the Made to Measure program. This program allows customization of existing models that can involve customized finishes, electronics, neck profiles, exotic tonewoods, and more. These instruments have handpicked features selected by Gibson’s experts who live and breathe all things guitars. Crafted in small batches by the skilled artisans at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, these guitars have rare features and are rare to find out in the wild. Previously exclusive to the Gibson Garage Nashville, this Junior gives a fresh, yet familiar take on the classic model.

The Gibson Les Paul Junior was introduced in 1954 as a stripped-down version of the Les Paul Goldtop of the same era. The Junior-level trim was originally made for beginner players while still being crafted by Gibson with the same level of craftsmanship at a more attainable price point. While these guitars were made for beginners, the Les Paul Junior had found its way onto festival stages across the world. Aesthetic changes from the Les Paul Standard to the Junior include dot fretboard inlays instead of trapezoid inlays and no binding on the neck or body. The body construction is simplified from the Les Paul Standard’s carved maple top on a mahogany body, whereas the Junior is made from a one-piece slab mahogany. A Dogear P-90 is mounted directly to the slab mahogany body with a simple wraparound bridge. This no-nonsense approach to an electric guitar makes for a unique playing experience beloved by players of all skill levels. 

This 1957 Les Paul Junior Reissue features a custom Tri Burst finish on the top, back, and sides of the guitar. This Tri Burst finish differs from the traditional Vintage sunburst finish in two ways. Firstly, the finish is a more modern perimeter-style pattern rather than the teardrop pattern used by Gibson since the 1940s. While the perimeter burst pattern has been associated with modern aesthetics, the origin dates to the late 1950s with models such as the Epiphone Texan. The second way this finish differs from the Vintage Sunburst finish is the use of three colors, hence the name Tri Burst. Tri Burst is achieved with a base coat of toner, visible at the center of the guitar, which appears as a golden hue. Towards the edge of the guitar is a strip of red before it fades into a very dark brown color on the edge of the body. This finish is repeated on the back of the guitar as well as the sides.   

This slightly different take on the 1957 Les Paul Junior Reissue isn’t too far from a traditional specification, while still providing a unique look to the trained eye. Included with the guitar is a Gibson Custom Certificate of Authenticity and a reissue-style hardshell case.