The Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway in TV Yellow is one of the most iconic guitars in rock history. It has been favoured by countless musicians for its simplicity, raw power, and unmistakable vintage aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown of its history and significance.
Origins of the Les Paul Junior
Gibson first introduced the Les Paul Junior in 1954 as an entry-level guitar for students and beginners. It was designed as a stripped-down version of the more expensive Les Paul Standard and Custom models, featuring a single P-90 pickup, a mahogany body, and a wraparound bridge. Despite its simplicity, the guitar quickly found favour among professional musicians due to its rich, punchy tone and rugged build.
Birth of the Double Cutaway (1958)
In 1958, Gibson introduced the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway. This model featured a contoured, symmetrical body shape, which allowed easier access to the higher frets. The new design also gave the guitar a sleeker, more modern look while retaining its raw simplicity.
Key features of the 1958-1961 Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway:
- Mahogany body & neck – Warm and resonant tone
- Single P-90 pickup – Powerful, aggressive sound
- Single volume & tone control – Minimalist, user-friendly design
- Wraparound bridge – Enhances sustain and resonance
- TV Yellow finish – Originally designed for better visibility on black-and-white television broadcasts
Why "TV Yellow"?
The TV Yellow finish is one of the most distinctive aspects of this model. Gibson first introduced this colour in the 1950s for their student-model guitars. The idea behind TV Yellow was to create a finish that would stand out clearly on black-and-white television screens without appearing too bright or reflective like a standard white finish.
Contrary to its name, TV Yellow is not a bright yellow—it’s more of a warm, muted, slightly translucent yellow that allows the wood grain to subtly show through. Over time, the colour has aged beautifully on vintage models, often turning into a more golden, honeyed hue.
Rise to Rock Icon Status
Despite being introduced as a student model, the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway quickly became a favourite among professional musicians due to its raw, powerful tone and lightweight feel. The single P-90 pickup delivers an intense midrange growl with plenty of bite, making it perfect for rock, blues, and punk.
Some of the notable players who have used the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway in TV Yellow include:
- Johnny Thunders (New York Dolls) – Famous for his snarling punk tone
- Leslie West (Mountain) – Used a Junior for his signature thick, heavy sound
- Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) – Occasionally used a Junior for its raw simplicity
- Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) – Revived interest in the model with a signature version
- Mick Jones (The Clash) – A key punk figure who loved the Les Paul Junior
The 1961 Transition & Later Reissues
By 1961, Gibson had abandoned the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway design and transitioned to the SG Junior. This meant the original Double Cutaway models were only produced for a few years, making vintage examples from 1958-1961 highly sought after by collectors.
However, due to continued demand, Gibson has reissued the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway in TV Yellow multiple times. Some notable reissues include:
- 1970s & 1980s Gibson reissues – Often with minor differences in neck shape and hardware
- Gibson Custom Shop 1958 & 1960 reissues – Faithfully recreate the original specs
- Billie Joe Armstrong Signature Model (2006 & 2018) – Based on his personal vintage Les Paul Junior
Legacy of the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway
The Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway in TV Yellow remains a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. Its stripped-down simplicity, raw, punchy tone, and historic look have made it a go-to choice for guitarists who want classic Gibson tone without the frills.
If you're a fan of vintage Gibson tone and iconic rock ‘n’ roll guitars, here’s some exciting news—Colemans Music Melbourne has one of these legendary Les Paul Junior Double Cutaways on the way! This particular model is part of a limited run made exclusively for Australia, making it a rare chance to own a piece of Gibson's history. Whether you're a collector, a gigging musician, or love the look and feel of a classic TV Yellow Junior, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned, and get ready to grab yours before it's gone!
Whether it’s being played on a punk stage, a blues jam, or a rock arena, the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway continues to prove that sometimes, less is more.
