Up for sale, a 1969 Gibson J-50 in exceptional condition, complete with the original hardshell case. Structurally identical to a J-45 and marketed by Gibson as an upgrade from that venerable dreadnought with a Natural-finished X-braced spruce top, this particular J-50 features the traditional Gibson tonewood pairing of solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top.

Originally an "ADJ" model with an adjustable saddle, this Gibson has been retrofitted with a proper belly-up carved rosewood bridge and carved and compensated bone saddle. There's plenty of power and projection on tap, with low end that has ample muscle and kick. Trebles are punchy and clear, and this J-50 is a very satisfying strummer while also having a broad dynamic range, very sympathetic to picking dynamics with a smooth, bell-like quality when played very lightly. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar and weighing 4lbs 6oz, this J-50 is strung with fresh 12-54 bronze strings, dialed in with easy-playing action

The one-piece mahogany neck has a C-shaped profile carve, slender at the nut with appreciable heft and shoulder up the fingerboard, measuring .800" deep at the 1st fret and .970" at the 9th. The rosewood fretboard has lightly rolled edges for added comfort, retaining the original medium jumbo fretwire which retains its full factory height and well-rounded crowns, showing no wear. The guitar plays cleanly up the 24 3/4" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures 1 9/16" in width, and on the headstock, the original Kluson Deluxe double line strip tuners are intact and still function as intended.

The replacement rosewood bridge matches the shape of the original and sits flush with the top on all edges. A new tall carved and compensated drop-in bone saddle has been installed, and the original neck set is also ideal, ensuring decades of future viability. The original tortoise pickguard is intact, with a practically perfect Gibson silkscreened graphic only used from 1968-69.

The nitro lacquer gloss finish is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, and there are two cleanly repaired cracks on top extending from the back edge of the bridge to the lower bout body edge. Two additional extremely short splits have been addressed between the pickguard and upward “belly” of the bridge. Cosmetic wear is otherwise extremely limited, with a couple spots of light lacquer checking, a few minor scuffs and finish scratches from light, careful use, and one small area of “case rub” on the bass-side upper bout rim. The gloss finish on the neck profile is flawless.

The original black tolex hardshell case with Gibson silkscreen on the lid is included.