“1954 Gibson SJ” has been added to your cart. View cart
1954 Gibson SJ
$13,495.00 CAD
(USD $9,851.35)
For more details contact us at info@folkwaymusic.com or 855-772-0424.
Among the most iconic models on the list of Gibson’s flat-tops is the small pickguard Southerner Jumbo, or SJ, for short. It’s a guitar that’s on just about everyone’s wish list, and has been an inspiration to songwriters and guitarists since its inception during WWII. The post-war small pickguard SJ existed until 1955, when the pickguard was enlarged, its scalloped bracing replaced with straight braces, and its simple logo replaced with pearl inlay and a pearl crown. This 1954 model is among the youngest of its kind, with scalloped braces and a small pickguard. It’s a fabulous looking instrument with the tone and neck feel to back up its claims.
In excellent condition, this 1954 Gibson SJ is completely original but for its first 3 frets and replacement tuner buttons. It has a repaired crack at the pickguard’s inside margin and the top and back centerseams have both been reglued in sections. Under the hood there are no glued or loose braces and the original bridge plate remains in good shape. The bridge was very cleanly reglued in the 1990s, at which time the bolts were also removed. The guitar has never required a neck reset and remains perfectly playable with low action. There are two small finish repairs on the top (about 1.5” in diameter, each) which appear to be as old as the original finish, suggesting these were done at the time of manufacturing as part of final inspection. Finally, there is minor impact damage at the top’s lower bass bout edge. Added up, there’s not much fault to find with this Gibson SJ but there’s a whole lot to fall in love with.
A great sounding guitar with excellent volume and headroom, classic Gibson warmth and sweetness, open basses and a touch of shimmer up top. It’s a great strummer and is a perfect choice to back up a singer.
Round and deep C-shape mid 50s Gibson neck carve with 1-11/16 nut and first fret thickness of .910” – pretty much the classic 50s Gibson neck carve that everyone wants. 24.75” scale, 2-1/8” string spread at the bridge. Set up with 12-53 strings and a low action of 4-5.5/64ths at the 12th fret. The first 3 frets are older replacements but show little wear, the balance of the frets are original remain in good shape.
With original hardshell case.
In excellent condition, this 1954 Gibson SJ is completely original but for its first 3 frets and replacement tuner buttons. It has a repaired crack at the pickguard’s inside margin and the top and back centerseams have both been reglued in sections. Under the hood there are no glued or loose braces and the original bridge plate remains in good shape. The bridge was very cleanly reglued in the 1990s, at which time the bolts were also removed. The guitar has never required a neck reset and remains perfectly playable with low action. There are two small finish repairs on the top (about 1.5” in diameter, each) which appear to be as old as the original finish, suggesting these were done at the time of manufacturing as part of final inspection. Finally, there is minor impact damage at the top’s lower bass bout edge. Added up, there’s not much fault to find with this Gibson SJ but there’s a whole lot to fall in love with.
A great sounding guitar with excellent volume and headroom, classic Gibson warmth and sweetness, open basses and a touch of shimmer up top. It’s a great strummer and is a perfect choice to back up a singer.
Round and deep C-shape mid 50s Gibson neck carve with 1-11/16 nut and first fret thickness of .910” – pretty much the classic 50s Gibson neck carve that everyone wants. 24.75” scale, 2-1/8” string spread at the bridge. Set up with 12-53 strings and a low action of 4-5.5/64ths at the 12th fret. The first 3 frets are older replacements but show little wear, the balance of the frets are original remain in good shape.
With original hardshell case.