Gibson J-35T Model Flat Top Tenor Guitar (1938), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard.
We often talk about rarity here, but this is one for the books -- literally! You won't find mention of a tenor J-35 in any reference, but here again is proof that if you went to your Gibson dealer with a dollar and a dream (or in this case $37.50 and a dream), the Gibson company would oblige. Gibson sometimes offered (in small print in the catalog) a tenor option on guitars, but this is more usually seen on archtop instruments, and as far as we know no other 4-string J-35 has ever surfaced.
The small body L-00 was carried in stock as the TG-00 in tenor format, but the larger Jumbo body would initially seem an unlikely candidate for such treatment. Still, someone wanted it built, and the resulting guitar actually has an enchanting and beautifully smooth sound, with more depth than a smaller tenor body would provide.
The guitar has mostly standard 1938 J-35 features, with the obvious adaptations to tenor format. The neck is very slim with a thin "French" heel, an unbound dot inlaid fingerboard with a pointed end, white script Gibson logo, and individual Kluson openback tuners with plastic buttons. The tenor bridge is a smaller version of the standard 6-string with pearl dot inlay, and is mounted farther forward on the face, with the pickguard subtly shortened on the back edge.
The top has the lush, wide 1938 sunburst with the back and sides finished in dark mahogany. This guitar shows signs of heavy use but has been well cared for and is in original condition with no major damage or repairs. A wonderful example of an extreme Gibson rarity, and an absolutely world-class tenor guitar.
Overall length is 39 1/8 in. (99.4 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 22 3/4 in. (578 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
Very fine structural condition. Some finish wear and fairly heavy checking with some chipped-off finish on bass side. Pickwear into the wood around the soundhole edge and below the pickguard; some general wear overall. A few small closed back and side cracks; strap button hole on heel. All original; plays and sounds extremely well. Overall Excellent Condition.
