Description
What makes this guitar special: A very rare model, manufactured only between 1939 and 1943. The J-55 was Gibson’s attempt to compete directly with Martin’s D-28. Unfortunately this guitar was in the right place at the wrong time, and production ceased with only about 400 ever being made. This particular piece falls at an interesting point on the transition timeline, somewhere in mid-1940 (factory order number 166 F) after the stairstep headstock had been discontinued, but prior to the introduction of the batwing bridge and change to 24 3/4" scale. It features an array of masterful appointments including a pearl inlaid headstock logo, ultra-cool firestripe pickguard, a mustache bridge, and a bound dark “coffeewood” (ebony) fingerboard. A few strums on this model will show you what all the hype is about-beautiful, full-bodied tone with marvelous projection and outstanding balance. Professionally inspected and set up, ready to sing right out of the case.
Cosmetic condition: A fantastic true vintage player, with plenty of authentic wear throughout. There are various scratches, dents, dings, nicks, chips, and scuffs present, with areas of finish wear and finish checking throughout. The pickguard shows some slight warp but is not lifting. There is a single hairline crack in the top that runs along the topside of the pickguard to the bridge (approximately 3 ¼” in length), and the bridge has been reglued. A previous owner had mounted a pickup, and holes were drilled in the top and treble side, which have since been professionally plugged. It appears this was done long ago, as the accompanying overspray across the body of the guitar has checked considerably with age. The back of the body shows some unorthodox finish wear, likely from resting on a strap in a case. There is a significant dent on the back of the neck on the treble side, behind the 3rd fret. The tuners are replacements with metal buttons. The neck has been refretted, and the neck binding shows a couple small splits along the side dot inlays at the 7th, 9th, and 12th frets. Overall, this one has a fantastic look to it, with a stunning vintage patina.
Body: Slope shouldered jumbo dreadnought in sunburst finish. Double bound solid Honduran mahogany back and sides with solid Adirondack spruce top. Ebony mustache bridge with dual pearl dot inlays. Two-stripe ivoroid rosette and celluloid firestripe “terraced” pickguard. 16” lower bout with 4 3/4" depth. 11 1/2" upper bout with 4” depth.
Weight: 4 lb, 2.7 oz
Neck: Full C-shaped mahogany neck with bound “coffeewood” fingerboard, tortoise side dots, and pearl dot inlays. 1 3/4" nut width, 25 1/2" scale length. Black headstock overlay with pre-war pearl Gibson script logo. The back of the headstock has a thin veneer that extends down behind the 1st fret. Reproduction tuners with metal buttons. Neck has been refretted, and frets have a ton of life left. Action is superb. Truss rod functions as it should. Neck thickness measures .91” at 1st fret, and 1.02” at the 10th fret.
Case: Unoriginal, vintage chipboard case included.
