Gibson J-35 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1938, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, reddish brown sunburst lacquer finish, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and bridge, black hard shell case.
The J-35 was Gibson's "working man's" Jumbo flattop from the late 1930's. Originally selling for less than forty dollars, the guitar was a direct competitor to Martin's D-18, and has since been recognized as one of the all time classic flat-top designs. A relatively early example, this J-35 features a sixteen inch mahogany round-shouldered dreadnought body with a sunburst top and solid dark reddish finish on the back and sides.
Appointments are spartan; the rectangular bridge has two pearl dots on the outside of the pins, and the top and back are single-bound. 14-fret neck is unbound with dot inlays and a subtle but distinct V-shape with a wide heel. "Gibson" is silkscreened in white on headstock, which sports early Kluson strip tuners with square end plates and plastic buttons.
This is a fantastic playing and sounding guitar, with three tone bars under the top behind the X-brace. This variation is considered by many connoisseurs to be the ultimate J-35. The tone is both powerful and warm, and the neck angle is perfect with no neck set performed or needed. With only light normal playing wear and no repairs, this 1930's Jumbo is set up ready to play both types of music -- country OR Western -- as well as anything else one might wish! With a recent hardshell case.
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).
Overall excellent condition; general play wear and small dings to the body, and noticeable finish checking. Pickwear to soundhole rim in one spot -- whoever played this guitar originally had a very specific technique! Some fingerboard wear only in the first three fret areas -- they didn't use a lot of chords. Minor wear to back of neck. A strap button has been added to the heel. A nicely original and well-preserved guitar.
