1956 Gibson J-50 Slope Dreadnought Guitar

Overview: Friends, does it get much better than this? This is a crack-free, completely original (save new bone saddle), one-family, '56 J-50. It sounds like a million bucks and plays like a classic Gibson -- pure "home base" feel for me -- with a medium-heft neck, 1 11/16" nut width, and an easy feel. It's easy on the eyes as well.

There's not much need to market one of these old J-50s -- if you know what they are, you know what they are. This one has a bigger, woody, warmer voice that's dry and clean-cut but with that "wide hollow tree" sort-of response that makes it a perfect backup and songwriter's guitar. It can definitely flatpick some lead work like a champ, but "home with the chords" is where this one sings.

I picked on it a bit last week while our band did a short acoustic practice in-shop and I was well pleased and I've played a lot of old J-50s. This was the first guitar I went to when grabbing something off the racks to jam on for a reason and I'm spoiled with choice in our cave of guitars.

Repairs included: Jose gave it a level/dress of the frets, made and fit a new saddle, and set it up. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 4 lbs 6 oz
• Scale length: 24 5/8"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Board radius: 10"
• Depth at first fret: .91"
• Depth at seventh fret: .97"
• Body width: 16"
• Body depth: 4 7/8"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
• 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: original narrow/lower stock (almost full-height)

Condition notes: It's completely original except for a new bone saddle. There's weather-check throughout the finish and the metal parts have mild corrosion. There's small scuffs and scratches throughout the body finish. The headstock has heavier finish crazing and some finish chip-out here and there at the edges. There's pickwear around the soundhole. Please scrutinize all the photos!

It comes with: It has an older hard case.

Consignor tag: RCHW