2011 Gibson Advanced Jumbo Classic Koa Slope Dreadnought Guitar

How about them big, beautiful, koa apples? This was marketed as a koa-backed AJ model but I think of AJs as long-scale instruments with rosewood back and sides and this one is short-scale and koa-backed -- both features that make me think of this as a much-prettier, sparklier-sounding J-45 in application and handling.

It does have the AJ looks, however, with that slick browny sunburst look, deco-style inlay in the fretboard, extra trim on the board, and classic rectangular bridge shape. The flamed koa used throughout the back and sides is simply outrageous, too. It really pops!

Tonewise, this sounds and responds as I noted above -- it's very-much similar to a '40s J-45 sound (to my ears) but with a lot more going-on in the upper mids and highs and more sustain. I like it a lot and it makes a beautiful fingerpicker, for sure, as well as a nice, airy, woody-but-open strummer.

It arrived here pretty-much ready to go and has a pickup installed as well with a volume control at the soundhole. We just had to adjust the setup a hair.

Repairs included: minor setup.

• Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz
• Scale length: 24 5/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/4"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Board radius: 12"
• Body width: 16"
• Body depth: 4 7/8"
• Top wood: solid Adirondack (red) spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid flamed koa
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium modern

Condition notes: it shows the tiniest fretwear. I can level/dress this if desired before it heads-out or can leave it. It does not affect playability at all right now. The finish has a few tiny little scratches/scuffs here and there but I can't see any of them in photos. It basically looks like a new guitar with maybe a little handling at a store for a time.

It comes with: its original hard case.

Consignor tag: DCH