Gibson 1957 Les Paul Junior VOS Guitar Review

Toward the upper echelon of Gibson's price range in guitars, the models made as exact replicas start to appear. They have all the same specifications of the original, and attempt to recapture the "magic" of the status that particular model built for itself. Many replicas are designed after guitars originally made over fifty years ago. One example of this is the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Junior VOS. It was made at first as a cheaper model for those who couldn't afford the nicer ones. But, today, its value and demand has risen sharply. Let's take a closer look at it to see if the replica is simply a gimmick, or if it has something to offer today's musician.

Features: In case you were wondering, the VOS in the name of the 1957 Les Paul Junior stands for vintage original specifications, so the features match the first 1957 Les Paul Junior to a tee. The body is made of mahogany wood, and has a single cutaway on the bottom end. There are just a few finishes available including tobacco sunburst and plain yellow. They certainly invoke a '50s feel, and frankly are a little boring. The neck is set into the body, and is made of mahogany as well. It has a rosewood fretboard with twenty two frets and pearloid dot inlays. Even the hardware on the 1957 Les Paul Junior VOS is made exactly like the original. The button tuning heads and bridge are both nickel. Obviously, Gibson spared no detail. Electronically the Les Paul Junior VOS has one P-90 single coil pickup in the bridge position, and one volume and one tone control knobs. Except for the manufacture date, this really is a 1957 Les Paul Junior.

Playability: Considering the Les Paul Junior was more or less designed for beginners, it's no surprise the playability is great. The bridge, though it's not a Tune-O-Matic model, is still easily adjustable for string height. The body, as well, is a little lighter than other Gibson models. The only issue I can see really isn't an issue at all. The neck, like the original '57 Les Paul Junior, has a rounded design that may be a little thick for some players.

Sound: The 1957 Les Paul Junior VOS is a replica, plain and simple. So it's important to remember that it is going to sound like the original. The single coil P-90 pickup is powerful and high quality, but it's all the Les Paul Junior has. Don't expect the same thick clean tones or high distortion from this one as you would from guitars with two humbucker pickups. With a bluesy light distortion or cleaner tone, though, the Les Paul Junior has a distinct sound that some musicians absolutely love. It's a matter of personal taste.

Overall: The 1957 Les Paul Junior VOS is not designed for someone looking for a guitar to fit any musical situation. It is for people nostalgic about original models or those looking for a guitar to fit into an already extensive collection. You can find the Les Paul Junior VOS in music stores for about $2,500.