1955 Gibson Southern Jumbo (SJ) Flattop Acoustic Guitar

Gibson introduced the Southern Jumbo in 1942, as a more "deluxe" version of its popular but plain J-45 model. This SJ is in superb condition and features the distinctive slope shouldered body with a sunburst solid Sitka Spruce top, solid Mahogany back and sides, Brazillian Rosewood belly bridge and fretboard, with Gibson's "deluxe" split parallelogram pearl inlays, and binding to fretboard, and front back of the body.

The serial number on heel block to faint to read, however its “top belly” Rosewood bridge, 20 fret Rosewood fretboard and teardrop scratch plate would indicate that this is an early 1955 model.

Judging how clean the finish is, and how dark the back of the body is, we can tell that the guitar has been refinished at some point in its past – by the way the finish reacts to black light testing, and the lacquer cracking that is now starting to appear, it looks like this refinish was carried out many years ago. Black light testing inside the body highlighted 2 historical split repairs to the length of the guitars back, invisible to the naked eye both the inside and outside of the guitar. We would guess that these were carried out as part of a restoration/refurbishment job that included the refinish – all completed to the highest of standards. The 3-on-a-plate single line Kluson Deluxe tuners are not original to the guitar – this would have originally had individual single line Kluson tuners.

The guitar is in great condition and has been well looked after – the frets and Rosewood fretboard are in great condition with no visible fret wear. There are some lacquer cracks beginning to show in the finish to the heel and bottom of the headstock and some lovely crazing to the teardrop scratch plate (see last 3 pictures). There is also some very light lacquer cracking stating to show on the finish to the back but too light to capture with the camera. Overall condition though is superb.

The guitar comes complete with a Shadow Nanoflex under saddle pickup with end pin jack point – a very loud acoustic pickup – also comes with a non-original fitted hard case that has had a Gibson logo stencilled on to it at some point.

Due to Brazilian Rosewood elements we are selling this with UK delivery only - Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.