Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,100
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Step back in time and experience the rich tonal quality of the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe, a classic steel-string acoustic guitar that has captured the hearts of musicians for decades. Renowned for its rounded shoulder dreadnought body, this vintage gem offers a full-bodied sound that's perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. The J-50 Deluxe is crafted with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, resonant tone that matures beautifully with age.
This guitar is not only a piece of musical history but also a reliable companion for any serious musician. The smooth rosewood fingerboard and the comfortable mahogany neck make for an effortless playing experience, allowing artists to create with ease. The J-50 Deluxe is equipped with a unique double-ring rosette, adding a touch of elegance to its understated aesthetic charm.
Whether you're a collector or an active player, the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe offers a timeless sound that stands the test of time. Its robust construction ensures longevity, making it a worthy investment for any guitar enthusiast.
Key Features:
- Rounded shoulder dreadnought body style
- Solid spruce top for dynamic sound projection
- Mahogany back and sides for warm, resonant tones
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Vintage double-ring rosette design
- Mahogany neck providing a comfortable grip
- Timeless classic design with enduring appeal
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | J-50 Deluxe |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1969 - 1982 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson J-50 |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson J-50 Deluxe |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
-
What type of sound can I expect from the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe?
-
The 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe offers a warm and balanced tone, characteristic of its mahogany back and sides combined with a spruce top. This combination provides rich lows and clear highs, making it versatile for various styles like folk and rock.
-
Is the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe suitable for fingerstyle playing?
-
Yes, the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its responsive dreadnought body shape and balanced tonal qualities, allowing for articulate note definition.
-
How does the neck profile of the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe affect playability?
-
The neck of the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe is crafted from mahogany, offering a comfortable grip that enhances playability, especially for those accustomed to vintage-style acoustic guitars.
-
Does the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe have any built-in electronics?
-
No, the 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe does not have built-in electronics or a pickup, making it a pure acoustic guitar designed for traditional unplugged performances.
-
What is the significance of the Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era for the J-50 Deluxe?
-
The Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era is renowned for producing high-quality instruments with superior craftsmanship, and the 1978 J-50 Deluxe is a product of this era, valued for its classic build and sound.
Videos
twoodfrd
A J-50 Deluxe
Reviews
PROS
-
Unbelievable sound quality, often described as deep, rich, and vintage-like
-
Easy to play with a thin neck, suitable for long playing sessions
-
Excellent intonation and stays in tune under various conditions
-
Offers vintage tone reminiscent of classic singer-songwriter guitars
-
Dark, caramelized rosewood gives it a unique, aged appearance
-
Generally holds up well over time with fewer issues compared to earlier models
-
High playability makes it a favorite among those who own multiple guitars
CONS
-
Issues with tortoise binding breaking off, requiring eventual repair
-
Some models may require significant repair work to be playable
-
Original tuners may have been swapped, requiring sourcing of correct parts
-
Can only comfortably tune/plays with all strings dropped down half a step
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1978 Gibson J-50 Deluxe.
Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
-
The Gibson J15 is noted for its walnut sides, back, and fingerboard, offering more mid-range presence than the J45.
Source
User experience
-
Despite some setup issues, the thick, meaty Gibson sound is highly preferred by those favoring warmth and punchiness in their guitars.
Source -
A user reported using a guitar string to unclog a drain, showcasing the durability and versatility of strings.
Source -
Despite being from the less-favored Norlin era, owners praise its sound quality, indicating a strong tonal presence despite potential era-related stigmas.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
More Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
cranetechniqueGear IQ 64
-