1941 Gibson J-35
1940-1942 were transitional years for Gibson’s Jumbos, with specs changing rapidly. These J-35s are very unique, and come in many variants. They each have their own sound and are therefore difficult to compare on equal ground. I had this wonderfully clean and original 1941 Gibson J-35 on the bench that is an excellent example of its kind.
Photo 1. The natural finished 1941 body.
Photo 2. 1930s-style sawn neck pocket. Look closely and you can see the model name pencilled on the side right next to the mortise.
Photo 3. Lacquered bridge with drop in saddle. The saddles on Gibsons were always glued in place, even the drop-ins, right up until the adjustable bridges came along in the mid/late 1950s.
Photo 4. Lacquered over ebony nut. The Ebony nut was standard on the J-35 and L-00 models. They have this shape from around 1935 until 1942, thereabouts.
Photo 5. Transitional ‘scalloped’ 2 bar bracing. When Gibson went to a 2 tone bar design they tightened up the X brace angle, used a larger bridge plate, and shorter braces. The top thickness appears to have been increased as well. Notice the single finger braces, as well.
Photo 6. Banner 1944 Bracing, for comparison. Notice the wider X, smaller plate (just like on a 3 tone bar J-35, and on post war J-45s), as well as taller and more robust braces.
Interested in learning more about Gibson J-35s from this era? Check out this post we shared about a 1940 Gibson J-35
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