Gibson SJ Southern Jumbo Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1949), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, mahogany back, sides and neck; spruce top, original black soft shell case.
A beautiful example of a late 40's SJ, with some transitional features specific to the era and a great sound. This guitar's factory order number dates it to early 1949; the bridge is still the older Martin-like lower belly style that would be reversed by the end of the year to Gibson's signature upper belly design. The logo is the then-new block script Gibson style, which had just replaced the older 40's gold script version. The neck is chunkier than typical mid-50's Gibson necks, not as large as the "baseball bat" 40's style, but with a similar if more shallow feel. This guitar is marked as a factory second with a tiny numeral "2" impressed in the back of the headstock, but no obvious flaw is visible.
Overall length is 40 3/4 in. (103.5 cm.), 16 1/16 in. (40.8 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 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
Very clean overall; some restoration around the bridge, with a filled hole from an added third retaining screw in the bridge itself. Only minimal play wear, mostly around the soundhole edge. A really great-sounding and playing SJ. Overall Excellent Condition.
