ARCHIVED • SOLD

1959 Gibson J-50

A wonderful sounding late ‘50s Gibson adjustable bridge J-50 with looks to match. The adjustable bridge Gibsons built in the 1950s feature the same bracing, small solid maple bridge plate, smaller ‘50s bridge, and full-side neck as the non-adjustable models from 1955-1959, which adds to this guitar’s appeal (and tone) tremendously. It’s a great sounding guitar that’s a perfect singing companion thanks to its warm and dark bass response, and its incredible responsiveness to a light touch. It’s lively and full sounding, very present, and really quite ‘pretty’ for lack of a better word. Suffice to say we all are quite enamoured with this guitar.

100% original and in exceptional condition, this guitar’s only repairs are a couple of pickguard margin top cracks, both of which have been repaired. There is a collection of minor dings and scratches to the finish, but far less than the norm, and if we’re getting picky (as we do) you’ll see a small amount of chipped-away finish at the front of the bridge and a tiny chip to one of the headstock’s corners. The original frets show imperceptible wear, the nut has never been out, the tuner buttons and bridge pins are original, the guitar’s finish is entirely factory original and untouched, and apart from two brace sections that were cleanly reglued under the pickguard there are no repairs or issues inside the body.

The neck has a full depth and well-rounded 1959 carve with a thickness of .875” at the 1st fret and a nut width of 1-11/16. We’ve set the guitar up with 12-54 strings and an action of 5-6 64ths. Playability is very easy.

With non-original hardshell case
1959 Gibson J-50

SHOP VINTAGE & USED

Don't just browse history. Play it.

If you like what you see in our archive, you’ll love what’s currently in the shop. Explore our hand-picked selection of available vintage and used gear.

Shop Vintage & Used
Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario Canada

OUR STORY

Three decades of industry experience

We've spent thirty years building relationships with musicians, collectors, and fellow dealers across Canada and the US. Every guitar we sell has been inspected, played, and approved by hands that know the difference.

Learn More