1955 Gibson SJ
Built in the first part of 1955, this transitional Gibson Southern Jumbo features scalloped bracing and the new larger pickguard that had just been introduced. Gibson switched to straight bracing and the large guard in 1955, but it’s not uncommon to find instruments with hybridized feature-sets from the early part of that year.
It’s a great looking vintage SJ with lots of vibe and character in its worn finish, and some pretty happening tone in its top with a great blend of power and balance.
The guitar has had a neck reset recently and is set up with an action of 5-6 64ths at the 12th fret. It’s had a couple of back cracks repaired and an output jack hole on its side filled in. The top is without cracks (the line that looks like a crack on the lower treble bout is chipped finish). There’s a fair amount of finish wear to the body and the back of the neck, and the headstock shows the evidence of changed tuners. Since arriving here at Folkway the first 3 frets have been replaced with accurate period Gibson fretwire and the guitar set up.
Original finish throughout with touch-up at the jack-hole, original nut and all but the first 3 frets, original unmodified bridge and small maple bridge plate, newer bridgepins and saddle, and 1960s Kluson tuners. Round, full neck feel with typical C-shaped carve, 1-11/16” nut, 24.75” scale.
With recent HSC
It’s a great looking vintage SJ with lots of vibe and character in its worn finish, and some pretty happening tone in its top with a great blend of power and balance.
The guitar has had a neck reset recently and is set up with an action of 5-6 64ths at the 12th fret. It’s had a couple of back cracks repaired and an output jack hole on its side filled in. The top is without cracks (the line that looks like a crack on the lower treble bout is chipped finish). There’s a fair amount of finish wear to the body and the back of the neck, and the headstock shows the evidence of changed tuners. Since arriving here at Folkway the first 3 frets have been replaced with accurate period Gibson fretwire and the guitar set up.
Original finish throughout with touch-up at the jack-hole, original nut and all but the first 3 frets, original unmodified bridge and small maple bridge plate, newer bridgepins and saddle, and 1960s Kluson tuners. Round, full neck feel with typical C-shaped carve, 1-11/16” nut, 24.75” scale.
With recent HSC