2008 Gibson Custom Shop Advanced Jumbo Gold Slope Dreadnought Guitar

Gibson AJ models from the '30s are among the most highly sought-after flattops in the country. Modern AJs like this one are, of course, much more prevalent. Gibson Custom Shop versions, though, are not.

Compared to the standard AJ model, this one sports flamed walnut (rather than mahogany) on the back and sides and has a lighter, iced-tea-tinged, "gold" sunburst. It has lightweight scalloped x-bracing and two tonebars on the lower bout combined with a long scale length and a soundhole shifted "up" a bit. This makes it an "inbetweener" guitar -- not quite chunky Gibson, not quite velvet Martin -- in voicing. I think for those who want a Gibson vibe and a D-18 or D-28 approach to play, it's a "golden" choice, as it does have more velvet to the mids and a good amount of snap.

This particular guitar has been through a heck of a lot of play despite its short years. There's a lot of scratching on the back, pickwear on the front, and mild nicks and dings here and there throughout -- all of which I've pictured as well as possible. "Petunia" is scratched into the player's side of the heel, curiously, as well. I'm not trying to downplay, here, but these "love bites" are what make for great stories as instruments age into themselves.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, new bone saddle, string ramping at the bridge, and setup.

Made by: Gibson

Model: Custom Shop AJ Gold

Made in: USA

Serial number: 02068047

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed walnut

Bracing type: x, scalloped

Bridge: rosewood

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Tone: clean, velvety mids, good bass, but defined and snappy

Suitable for: folk, country, old-time, flatpicking, heavy fingerpicking

Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 54w-12 lights

Neck feel: slim-medium C-shape

Board radius: ~12"

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: modern medium

Scale length: 25 5/16"

Nut width: 1 3/4"

String spacing at nut: 1 1/2"

String spacing at bridge: 2 3/16"

Body length: 20 1/8"

Body width: 16"

Body depth: 4 3/4"

Weight: 4 lb 6 oz

Condition notes: as mentioned -- lots of mild pickwear on the top upper-bout, lots of light/medium (not easy to see unless in glare) scratching on the back, minor nicks/scratches along the edges of the body, "Petunia" scratched into the side of the heel (not obvious at a glance). The saddle is low -- about 1/16" clearance over the deck -- but action is fast and there's still that little bit to take down if needed. Please see the pictures with glare to see what I mean.

It comes with: its original hard case in somewhat-used but good order.