1951 Gibson J50

$8,900

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​Here is a very clean 1951 Gibson J50 that is all original, crack free, freshly set up, and sounds absolutely fantastic.

 

This one has everything you want to see in an early 50’s Gibson slope shoulder dreadnought: original finish with NO overspray, original bridge, original bridge plate, original bracing, original tuners, original pickguard, and no cracks anywhere ever. No top cracks. No back cracks. No side cracks. No repaired cracks. Just a remarkably clean 75-year-old Gibson that has obviously been well cared for and kept properly humidified.

 

The finish is all original and has beautiful checking throughout, exactly as you would expect on a 1951 Gibson.  There are minor signs of play and honest use, but this guitar is exceptionally clean for its age.  The lacquer has that great vintage Gibson patina, but there is no finish touch-up, no overspray, and no evidence of abuse or neglect.

 

Structurally, this guitar is excellent.  All braces are original and tight.  The original bridge and original bridge plate are in great condition.  No electronics have ever been installed, and there is no evidence of any pickup, jack, or other modification.

 

The guitar has had a professional neck reset, and the work was done beautifully.  There is no visible evidence of the reset and no damage to the finish around the heel or neck joint.  The neck angle is excellent, and the saddle height is healthy.

 

The neck is very straight with minimal relief — about .004" at the 7th fret.  The original frets have been crowned, dressed, and polished to perfection.  Every note frets cleanly up and down the neck with no buzzing.

 

12th fret action measures .090" on the bass side and .075" on the treble side.

 

The neck has the classic late 40’s / early 50’s Gibson feel profile - full and substantial without being clunky.  Nut width is the standard 1.725" and the fretboard has the standard 12" radius. This is just a fantastic playing neck.

 

Tone-wise, this guitar is exactly what you hope for in a clean early 50’s J50.  Classic Gibson mahogany and spruce sound from the era — dry, woody, open, balanced, and warm, with that wonderful low end thump.  

 

The original tuning machines are still on the guitar and work flawlessly.  The original pickguard is intact.  The original bridge plate is intact.  No electronics.  No cracks.  No overspray.  No modifications.  Just a very clean, all-original 1951 Gibson J50 with the maintenance work already done.

 

It is currently strung with uncoated phosphor bronze strings: .012, .016, .024, .034, .044, .056.

 

Comes in a premium Martin hardside case in excellent used condition.

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All TERMS OF SALE apply.