Gibson Guitars - 1941 J-35 - Sunburst - Vintage
$12,500.00
In Stock
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This 1941 Gibson J-35 delivers that classic sunburst slope-shoulder sound from the pre-war Kalamazoo era. Featuring a beautiful, incredibly tight grain red spruce top, this guitar is bold and dynamic, with a punch that really cuts through when driven hard, and woody, light tone when backing off. Somehow after 80-plus years this top has remained crack free, in part thanks to it having lived most recently a more humid climate.
Gibson bracing was a moving target throughout the 1930s with two and three tone bar top having been produced. This J-35 features two non-scalloped tone bars, which translates to a punchy and direct tone to this guitar thanks to the slightly stiffer bracing, while still being lightweight and incredibly responsive. When a vintage J-35 is good, it's really good and this is a prime example of that sound.
Appointments include a stunning firestripe pickguard, straight bridge that retains it's original lacquered finish from the factory, script logo and the original Chicago stamped Kluson 3 on a plate tuners. A standout design choice from the time is an elegant, smaller heel, typically seen on L-00s of the era but used by Gibson on a run of J-35s at the end of the 1930s, into the early 1940s. The neck profile is a full, rounded C-shape that feels great and makes this vintage Gibson a joy to play.
Like so many guitars of this era, the one-piece Mahogany back has developed a crack. That crack which had been previously repaired poorly has now been properly patched and made stable here in our shop. Minor finish touch up along the back crack. Previous repairs also include a re-glued X-brace on the treble side. Minor finish touch up along the back crack, otherwise all original finish.
The original frets are here, and while low the guitar is very playable. The replaced saddle has a proper saddle height, with plenty of room to come down if desired. There is no need for a neck reset at present. 1 11/16" nut width, 2 3/8" string spacing, 24.75 scale length. Includes a non-original hardshell case (see photos)
