First offered in 1947, the J-50 was one of the first new offerings from Gibson post World War 2 (with the other new guitar being the LG-3 which started production in 1946). This model was pretty much identical the the J-45 model aside from the finish (natural on the J-50 vs sunburst on the J-45) and a black & white purfling along the top of the guitar. From 1947 to 1954 this model stayed unchanged. In the 1950's these guitars received numerous changes to them. In the early '50s the bridge on the J-50 & J-45 was changed from the rectangle bridge to the top-belly bridge as seen on this guitar. In 1955, the fretboard was lengthened to 20 frets and the bracing was changed from tall scalloped top bracing to shorter un-scalloped top bracing. In 1956, which is when this guitar was built, Gibson started offering the J-50 and J-45 (as well as other models) in both a traditional acoustic bridge and the newer adjustable saddle version.
From our inspection as well as write up the previous owner included, this guitar is all original. The Kluson Deluxe strip tuners still have the original buttons intact and seem to have been well maintained over the years in terms of keeping them lubed up as they still are very smooth and have no lash in them. A new set of Kluson tuners is also included as the previous owner bought them as a backup. The frets still have a decent amount of height on them and the guitar plays very well as it is, there looks to be enough meat on them to get one more dress before a re-fret is needed. The bridge is the original Brazilian rosewood bridge, it has a newer carved bone saddle that still has full height to it. The neck angle on the instrument is also great with no signs of any work needed to it.
As this guitar has a vintage nitro finish to it there is a lot of noticeable lacquer checking which in our opinion looks awesome. A crack has been repaired on the back and is barely noticeable, the repairs are only visible when looking on the inside of the guitar where with a cleat being visible. There have also been a few lacquer touch ups on some areas of buckle rash but these were also done professionally and look great.
The original chipboard case is included and as far as vintage chop board cases go this one is actually useable. All the latches are intact as well as the molded handle, it also hasn't lost its shape as some of these old cases can be prone to do.
This instrument is fully setup and currently strung with 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze strings.
