Gibson
Vintage Gibson J-50 - USA 1956
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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 throughout their history.
They don’t come much cleaner than this 1956 J-50, the guitar is in stunning condition, and one of the best we have ever come across here at Premier Guitars – light checking in the natural finish, gorgeous ‘50s Gibson neck with plenty of meat, all original parts other than the original frets being replaced with stainless-steel ones earlier in its lifetime. There is a small cleat on the treble side of the sound hole that looks to be a repair of a small crack that runs along the fingerboard, some of the lacquer has chipped off on the neck between the 2nd and 3rd frets, there is also some light abrasion on the top from pick use. Other than these small blemishes, this is one clean machine.
This J-50 is incredibly cool with just a slight amount of player wear to make it a vintage beauty – it has all the positive characteristics that we know, love and look for in a vintage 50s Gibson acoustic. Along with its originality and striking aesthetic, another huge payoff with this one is the sound. It is a wonderfully balanced, even and very focused acoustic tone that could only be Gibson. It is a terrific instrument to play, and the neck is comfortable in all positions, no dead spots, and once you start strumming it is near impossible to put down. You don’t see many J-50s in this condition that play and sound this good – make a move....quickly!
Comes in its original Gibson ‘Gator’ hard case in excellent condition.
Specs:
Action at 1st fret: 0.5mm
Action at 12th fret: 2.25mm
Neck depth at 1st fret: 23.27mm
Nut Width: 42.91mm
12 fret width: 52.68mm
Weight: 2.03kg / 4.48lb
Scale Length: 24 ¾"
Finish: Natural
Top Material: Sitka Spruce Top
Body Material: Mahogany Body
Neck Material: Mahogany Neck
Fingerboard Material: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge Material: Brazilian Rosewood
Nut Material: Bone
Saddle Material: Bone
Pickguard: Tortoiseshell
Neck Profile: Gibson 50s Chunky ‘C’
Tuners: Original Kluson No-Line
Case: Original Gator Case
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