The Gibson J-35 was introduced in 1936 as the companies most affordable 'Jumbo' model, retailing initially for $35, and produced in the highest numbers for any pre-war Gibson acoustic model. Although essentially the most stripped back of the companies slope shoulder dreadnought offering at the time, the bracing patterns used on J-35's from this period give them a sound that is fairly unique among Gibson flat tops of the time, with this particular 1940 J-35 being one of the sweetest, most dynamic sounding pre-war Gibson guitars we have had the pleasure of playing.
Constructed from an Adirondack Spruce top and Honduras Mahogany back and sides, this 1940 J-35 features the two tone bar scalloped bracing patter used between 1939 and models discontinuation in 1942. Braced lighter than earlier examples, this J-35 has a beautiful balance of low end controlled resonance with real top end sparkle, and is particularly perfect for finger style playing. The neck features a rounder feel than the earlier 'V' profiles found on some J-35's, while the guitar is finished with the script Gibson headstock logo, a celluloid guard, rectangle rosewood bridge and open gear Kluson tuners.
This guitar is in very good condition for an instrument of its age, with only fairly minor work carried out over the years to ensure it keeps playing and sounding as it should. The original bridge has been re-glued, and a newer Maple bridge plate fitted on the underside of the soundboard. There are also two finger braces which have been re-glued at some point in the guitars life. Otherwise, this guitar is internally and externally original, and to the best of our knowledge free of any further repairs. This guitar also includes a period hard case.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
