Description
Collar City Guitars is proud to present this beautiful 1956 Les Paul TV Junior
for sale as a package with the matching (and extremely rare) GA-7 TV Junior
amplifier, an original brown alligator case, a later hard case, an extra ’56 P-90
pickup, an extra set of no line Kluson tuners and an extra pickguard. One owner
since 1981...here are the details.
The guitar is in the original early TV finish with no breaks or cracks. There is
wear to the edges and it has various nicks, dings, and scratches all over. This
instrument has seen a lot of stages and studios and it’s always been solid as a
rock. Sometime before 1981 the short bridge post sockets were removed and
replaced with long ones. Damage to the area between the pickup route and the
post hole was stabilized and it has not been an issue since. We don’t know who
did that work but it was done correctly and the post is not leaning...see photos
The original Kluson no-line tuners are in the case as the buttons are crumbling. They have been replaced with a different set of 50’s no line Klusons that have slightly shrunken but intact and solid buttons. The knobs, nut, and strap buttons are original. The frets are original and do show some wear. The TV model and Gibson logo decals are original and in great shape. The light weight aluminum tailpiece is also original.
The original 1956 P-90 is in the case as well. It works and measures 8.28k. It
was replaced by the late Jim Mouradian about 20 years ago with another 1956 P-90 from an ES-125. This pickup measures 9.42k and is a super tone monster! He did a beautiful job and kept the original pots and bumblebee tone cap. The truss rod cover is original, The pickguard is a replacement but it’s so accurate that it can pass for original. The actual original is in the case but it’s been cut...see pics. The back plate and jack-
plate are replacements as the backplate was missing and the jack-plate had been replaced with a metal one.
The amp is in excellent original cosmetic condition. It’s original inside too
except for the standard filter and bypass electrolytic cap updates that any 70 year
old amp needs to work properly. The speaker is original and the amp sounds great!
It pairs well with the guitar and can go from sparkling cleans to surprisingly
effective distortion.
The package also includes an original LP junior brown alligator case in good
condition with all latches and the handle present and working fine, the later hard
case the previous owner kept it in, a 50’s style leather strap, and a 50’s Gibson
string box with one unused string in it.
Untouched 1956 TV juniors are rare enough...511 were made in 1956 according to shipping records...but the amp is even rarer. We have only seen one example of the pair being sold together and that was many years ago. This package would make a great addition to any vintage guitar collection. We can arrange delivery in the NY/New England area or contact us for shipping options.
For a demo of the amp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7tkSBapTCE
Specs:
Width:
At Nut : 1.656"
At 12th Fret: 2.062"
Thickness:
At 1st Fret: .901"
At 12th Fret: .972"
Weight: 7.00 lbs