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1962 Gibson J-50
The J-50 has recently been through our shop for a new 1950’s style reproduction drop-in saddle bridge and a replacement bridge plate. The guitar was kept at full string tension for years with a lifting bridge and an improperly located bridge plate, which resulted in top distortion that has since been carefully repaired, along with a few cracks behind the bridge. We’ve repaired a crack along the inside edge of the guitar’s large celluloid pickguard. No other repairs were required, and all braces remain tightly glued. The guitar plays perfectly with modern spec action and a full height saddle.
1962 was the last true year of 1950's specs for Gibson flat-tops. By the end of the year a J-50 would have a two-ring rosette, plastic bridge, thicker pickguard, and a less girthy neck. But this is a very early 1962 model and is essentially a 1950's-spec guitar. It features single ring rosette, rosewood bridge, celluloid pickguard, and a full-carve neck with 1-11/16” nut and a medium-depth round profile. The original bridgeplate was 50s sized and made of solid maple, and the replacement is nearly identical. In feel and look, this guitar is much more akin to a 1957 J-50 than a 60's model.
A remarkably good sounding guitar with a lovely mix of thump and clarity, as well as classic 50's Gibson articulation and warmth. It's a perfect songwriting guitar as it is great at vocal backup, strumming and melodic fills. It feels just right in the hand, and it's easy to play, too.
Mahogany and spruce with cream bindings and natural lacquer finish. Original Kluson tuners are in the case, original nut, frets and finish, original bridge pins and endpin. 24.75” scale.
With original chipboard case
