Music

This 1965 Gibson J-50 is the perfect tool for playing some early James Taylor songs! Check out the included demo video.It’s a beautiful-looking and -sounding guitar that records easily and plays very comfortably. Like other good examples from this era, this J-50 is very balanced and dry. The low end has that “hollow” Gibson thump that I’ve found to be more common in Jumbos of this time period compared to earlier models. The fingerboard features some particularly eye-catching figured rosewood, and the neck profile is a very comfortable, classic “C” shape. This must be an early ‘65, because the neck is not too skinny; the nut width is just barely shy of 1 11/16”.I recently had Glaser Instruments here in Nashville perform a PLEK setup and partial refret. They also reglued the bridge and installed an excellent “relic” replica pickguard made by Holter Pickguards. The bridge, bridgeplate, tuners, and finish are all original. There is the typical amount of lacquer checking for a 60 year-old guitar, and there is a large scratch on top along with a few other marks and scratches elsewhere on the surface. There are two deeper lacquer scratches emanating from the bridge, but they do not go through the wood. There’s an internal cleat on the lower bout center seam, but no other cracks anywhere on the instrument. Structurally it’s in top shape!Asking $3,800 here on Reverb (lower on other forums) plus shipping. Comes in a very cool vintage teardrop-shaped case with bright orange lining.