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.
![1941 Gibson J-35](https://folkwaymusic.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
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.
![1941 Gibson J-35 bridge & saddle](https://folkwaymusic.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
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.
![1941 Gibson J-35 ebony nut](https://folkwaymusic.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
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.
![1941 Gibson J-35 bracing](https://folkwaymusic.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
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.
![](https://folkwaymusic.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
Interested in learning more about Gibson J-35s from this era? Check out this post we shared about a 1940 Gibson J-35