The Gibson J-55 was one of the three top of the line pre-war acoustics made by the company, alongside the rosewood backed Super Jumbos and slop shoulder Advanced Jumbo models. Introduced in 1939 and retailing for $55, the J-55 was the top of the line mahogany backed Gibson acoustic guitar, introduced at the time as a more affordable competitor for Martin's dreadnought guitars. With only around 311 documented guitars thought to have been produced between 1939 and the models discontinuation in mid 1942, this 1941 Gibson J-55 is a fantastic example of a pre war Gibson flat top, and would be a cornerstone of any collection.
This 1941 Gibson J-55 is a wonderful example of Gibsons pre-war acoustic period, making it easy to see why this is considered their golden era for flat top instruments. Constructed from an Adirondack Spruce top and Honduras Mahogany back and sides, the J-55 was essentially a more luxurious version of the companies J-35 slope shoulder dreadnought. 1941 is the first and only full production year for the J-55 to use the 'Batwing' style bridge, with earlier models featuring the Super Jumbo style 'Moustache' bridge design. Tonally, this guitar has a beautifully balanced and detailed tone, with an incredible bass response that though extremely present, does not overshadow the upper frequency range.
The neck profile is a 'baseball bat' style rounded 'C' shape, although it is not as full as others we have played from this period. The guitar is finished with the larger sunburst introduced in 1938, along with the larger flamed celluloid pickguard found on these models, open gear Kluson tuners and the pearl inlaid script Gibson headstock logo.
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 guitar has been previously refretted, with a newer nut and saddle fitted also. There has also been one small crack repair to the rear of the guitar which is shown in the pictures. A passive under saddle pickup has previously been fitted to the guitar, having been removed at some point with a small area around the endpin plugged to fit a replacement endpin. 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.
