A beautiful example of a 1944 Gibson Southern Jumbo, from Gibson’s wartime production period and featuring the highly sought-after “Only a Gibson is good enough” banner logo.

The Southern Jumbo was introduced in 1942 as a more deluxe version of Gibson’s J-45, and the model underwent various changes during the 1940s and 1950s. This early wartime example features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, scalloped X-bracing and the distinctive rosewood belly-down bridge.

It has a wonderfully open and resonant vintage sound, with plenty of warmth, depth and low-end presence. The neck has the substantial, rounded profile often associated with these wartime Gibsons, giving it a comfortable and solid feel in the hand.

The rosewood fingerboard features the characteristic split-parallelogram pearl inlays, while the guitar retains its distinctive original teardrop celluloid pickguard.

Very good overall condition for an 80+ year-old guitar, with attractive lacquer checking and natural patina throughout. The ageing is entirely consistent with the guitar’s age and gives it plenty of character.

The guitar appears to be in original condition, with no obvious evidence of repair work or major modifications. It retains its original appointments, including the banner logo, pickguard and bridge.

The guitar carries FON 2827, which is documented in the specialist Banner Gibson registry as a Southern Jumbo (SJ) from the wartime Banner-era production. The documented specifications for this batch are consistent with the guitar, including the spruce top, mahogany body and distinctive belly-down bridge.

It also comes with its original five-latch case, which is a particularly nice feature and completes what is a very desirable wartime Gibson. A lovely opportunity to own an original banner-era Southern Jumbo with a great combination of history, originality, condition and vintage tone.

The guitar is being offered as part of a private collection. I have tried to photograph the guitar thoroughly, including the areas showing its natural ageing and patina.

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions or if you would like additional photographs, measurements or information. I am happy to provide further detail for anyone seriously considering the guitar.