1964 Gibson J-50 ADJ Natural EX+ w/ Original Case

SN 220862. This one owner 1964 J-50 ADJ might be the cleanest 60-year old instrument I’ve had in the shop. And one of the most surprising. It was purchased new by the present owner as a teenage and dutifully kept in its original hard case when not being played. It’s surprising because it sounds incredibly good especially given the reputation – or my misconception – of the ADJ.

It was constructed with the select tone woods of the day, the experienced workmanship at the Kalamazoo factory and perhaps the most interesting bracing pattern I’ve encountered. It features a select Sitka spruce top and one piece Honduran mahogany back and rim with an attractive ivoroid binding and rosette. The neck is one-piece mahogany with 1-11/16” nut width, adjustable truss rod, 20 frets and dot position markers on a rosewood fretboard. Nickel-plated enclosed tuners with a lube hole. The serial number is stamped on the back of the peghead and “Gibson" is stenciled in gold on a black face plate. The neck is fast and the action is medium low. The bridge is made of rosewood and, for lack of a better explanation; the saddle is adjustable by the end user using only a flathead screwdriver.

The bracing inside is unique to say the least. First, a large bridge plate stabilizes the top and holds the bridge bolts and the bolts for the adjustable saddle. The X-brace is positioned well forward; even more so than a prewar Martin. The X-brace and two tone bars are hand tapered and somewhat shorter than standard. Each brace and tone bar is lightly glued AND held in place by a small piece of glued linen. This whole design appears to be engineered to prevent cracks AND to let the bulk of the top vibrate freely. The guitar is crack free and sounds exceptional.

The guitar is completely original with the exception of fresh frets installed by master luthier Dave Doucet. The bridge pins and end pin are exact repros by Antique Acoustics (originals in the case). The case is the gold plush-lined “Faultless” case that, back in the day, cost 1/3 the price of the guitar. There are three tiny, tiny blemishes on the top that are barely visible and shallow nearly invisible capo mark on the back of the neck. Overall a super-clean, handsome and collectible guitar that can be played and enjoyed … and passed on.

CONSIGNMENT

Specs:
Top: Sitka Spruce
Band & Sides: Honduran Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Rosewood
Appointments: Ivoroid binding and rosette, bot position markers
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 16”
Depth: 4-13/16”
Scale length: 24.75”
Case: OHSC