1965 Gibson J-50 Slope Dreadnought Guitar (Retopped)

A local customer brought this guitar in for resale and I remember that, when I popped the case open, I got a mild rush of excitement because it had opened-up on something weird. That's the tickle of fun, folks!

Apparently, the instrument was damaged-enough that, after just a few short years in the world, it got a fresh top, pickguard, and bridge fit. The back and sides got a lot of cleats and repairs to a variety of hefty cracks at the same time. The bonus to all of this is that the original top binding was used and the job was, for its time, expert. The repairman x-braced it in a pattern very similar to original spec but with a maple bridge plate, 2-ring red rosette, and Martin-style bridge.

The result is a guitar that handles quick and easy like a '60s Gibson but has a sound more like an early-'50s one. It's a terrific player's guitar and it was bought right-away after being put out on the racks in the shop. I knew it would be!

Work included a neck reset done by myself and then a level/dress and setup work. I can't remember if I did the latter or someone else did. Suffice to say, it plays like a champ. I actually borrowed this the Sunday after it got finished-up for a practice and I was very impressed with it. It has a ton of volume and a good, even, full sound with that Gibson plainkspoken thing going on.