1955 Gibson Southern Jumbo - Natural
For sale is a beautiful and rare 1955 Gibson Southern Jumbo (SJN) in natural finish. This mid-’50s dreadnought is a particularly desirable example, featuring a combination of appointments that set it apart from standard models of the era and make it a truly uncommon find.
In 1955 Gibson moved from the smaller pickguards found on this guitar to the larger ones found on guitars from the mid 50s to mid 60s.
The earlier gold silkscreen “Gibson” logo was replaced with pearl inlay and a pearl crown peghead design added. Only a handful of guitars were made in this transitional period where the smaller earlier pickguard and crown pegged inlay can be found together.
Other desirable appointments include the pre 1955 scalloped bracing, rare natural top, 5 ply bound body, bound neck and attractive parallelogram, inlays found on the higher end models of the day.
The guitar plays and sounds fantastic with low action, a warm clarity and charismatic dry Gibson “thud” you’d hope and expect from a mid 50’s Gibson.
The neck profile is a comfortable modest C shape.
Condition:
The guitar is in overall good condition with no cracks except for an unattractive amateur filler repair to an area on the back lower bout. All stable and cleated from inside and has remained unchanged in the 20 years I’ve owned the guitar.
There is a small filled hole at the base of the pick guard. Possibly made for an ancient pickup at one time in its life.
The bridge plate was replaced for a rosewood one to flatten out the top. The original remains in the case and could be reinstalled if so wished.
The bridge and nut are original with plenty of room left on the saddle.
The neck has been reset
There is a noticeable chip to the peg head on one corner.
Possibly changed tuner buttons although hard to say.
The guitar retains the original finish throughout with the exception of a couple of touched up areas and a sliver of spruce was added from underneath to add support to a worn area of the soundhole.
Frets 1-7 were replaced with fretwire to match the originals.
A strap button has been added to the neck heel and a stewmac NoJak endpin installed at the guitar’s bout.