Gibson J-50 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1956), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top, black tolex hard shell case.
A very unusual 1956 Gibson J-50 that appears to be factory original with no pickguard. This is rare but not unheard of -- James Taylor can be seen playing a similar guitar in pictures and films from around 1970.
Otherwise standard fittings for 1956; enclosed Kluson Deluxe tuners, gold Gibson square script logo, and natural mahogany back and sides. This guitar looks and sounds great, with a nicely ambered blonde triple-bound top with 3-ply celluloid soundhole ring and rosewood reverse belly bridge.
The sound is quite powerful and well balanced with plenty of ring, and works equally well as a flatpicking or fingerstyle instrument.
Overall length is 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).
This guitar is all original except for replaced tuner buttons and an added strap button above the neck heel. Very well-preserved with average checking and -- surprise! -- some pickwear where the pickguard would have been!
An interesting Gibson rarity and great-playing instrument as well. Excellent Condition.
