The Twelfth Fret ~ Since 1977 ~

❌SOLD❌ Gibson J50 Slope Shoulder Jumbo Guitar Natural, 1953

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The Gibson J50 Slope Shouldered jumbo model was introduced in 1947 as an ‘upgrade’ to the successful J-45, with a natural finish showing off the higher quality Spruce top. The J-50 was built until 1982, shifting to a square shoulder body design for 1969, and has been reissued from time to time.

This is a relatively early Gibson J50, built during 1953 at the Gibson Parsons Street plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Built almost exactly like the iconic J45, this J50 uses Adirondack Spruce for the top and top bracing, with Mahogany for the back, sides, neck, body blocks, linings and back bracing. The fingerboard and bridge are both Rosewood, and at the time of construction the Rosewood was sourced in Brazil.

Visually, the key differences between the J50 and the J45 are the natural finish top against the sunburst on the J45, and layered binding around the top.

This example is in decent shape, with a number of repairs and a replaced, slightly oversize Rosewood bridge. The original bridge was removed and a new Indian Rosewood bridge made. In departures from the original design, the new bridge is slightly larger and has rosewood dots, rather than Mother of Pearl dots, covering the locating bolts.

The top has had several cracks repaired – five on the top and one on the back. A neck reset was done some time ago, and the fingerboard has been refretted. It plays well, and has that warm, rich sound characteristic of the Gibson Jumbo design.

A non-original hard shell case is included.


 

Price: $5,999.99 CAD
  • Model: J-50
  • Year: 1953
  • Finish Natural
  • Class: Vintage
  • Serial Number: Y6898 8
  • Country of Origin: USA
  • Condition: Good
  • Date Posted: 25/07/2019

  • This instrument has been sold
  • Consignment Item

  • Required CITES documentation
  • Including Hard case
  • Instrument Weight: 4.2lbs 1.91kg
  • Scale Length: 24.75in 628.6mm
  • Nut Width: 1.69in 43mm
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