Vintage Gibson J-50 - USA 1968

After a brief appearance in 1942, the J-50 was reintroduced in 1947.

Every source of historical information defines the J-50 in terms of its predecessor, the J-45. Both models are what are called “slope (or round) shouldered” jumbos. The J-45 was a sunburst finish top instrument and it debuted in August of 1942, and the J-50 was also shipped but only from June 1942 to August 1943. The US World War II effort, with its concomitant loss of experienced personnel, caused the cessation. Five years later, in 1947, Gibson introduced the natural top version and called it the J-50.

Interestingly, in the original period, Gibson priced the guitar with the same number as the model – so the J-45 was originally US$45 and the J-50 would have been US$50. The 1947 version of the J-50 was (and remains) 16” in body width, had a solid spruce top, black bridge pins, pearl dots on the bridge, which at that time was not adjustable.  It had a single ply top and back, dot marker pearl fingerboard inlays, a gold coloured silkscreen Gibson logo, and natural finish. 

So the J-50 is essentially the same guitar as the iconic J-45 but with a natural instead of sunburst finish. As such, the changes in specifications between the two models have been more or less identical through their history. 

This particular J-50 was the studio and performing guitar of a big Australian country guitarist and songwriter. It was then purchased by another Australian musician and it has been played on stages across the US including the Beacon Theatre in NYC, and all throughout Europe and Asia. 

This J-50 has had a few modifications and repairs. There is a very fine, almost imperceptible fissure in the back which has been professionally reinforced with four carefully placed mini braces. This appears to have been done some time ago, and the back seems to be totally stable, with no further movement in the wood. The original bridge and saddle have been replaced by a new, hand-crafted bridge - made by industry respected luthier - Luke Parry. It has been fitted with an L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup which has worked exceptionally well on big stages and for more intimate shows.

The guitar is certainly a player but presents in great condition. There is some finish checking and a couple of finish dings on the top. Some pick wear at the sound hole. Back and sides have some finish checking and scratches. Neck is pretty clean with some finish checking by the heel and up near the headstock. Headstock has some finish checking and a couple of finish chips.

This late '60s J-50 has been a professional working guitar for many decades, and for good reason. The payoff on this one is the sound. It is a wonderfully balanced, even and very focused acoustic tone that could only be Gibson. It is a lovely instrument to play, and that neck is comfortable in all positions. No dead spots, and a vibe that says “play me!”

Comes in its original Gibson hard case in good condition.

Features:

Action at 1st fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th fret: 2.25mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 19.58mm

Nut Width: 39.13mm

12 fret width: 51.17mm

Weight: 2.22kg / 4.89lb

Finish: Natural

Top Material: Sitka Spruce Top

Body Material: Mahogany Body

Body Details: Mahogany back and sides with two-piece spruce top

Neck Material: Mahogany Neck

Fingerboard Material: Brazilian Rosewood

Neck Profile: C

Nut Width: 1-9/16”

Neck Details: One piece mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays