Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,200

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

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

The Gibson '50s J-50 Original is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern precision. This acoustic guitar, crafted by Gibson's master luthiers, harks back to the golden era of music with its Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm, resonant tone. The '50s-style tortoise pickguard adds a touch of retro flair, making it as visually appealing as it is sonically impressive.

Designed for musicians who demand both authenticity and performance, the J-50 Original features a wider 1.725" nut, ensuring comfortable playability for intricate fingerpicking and powerful strumming alike. At its heart lies the LR Baggs VTC pickup system, a low-profile under-saddle transducer that faithfully amplifies every nuance of your playing. With an onboard preamplifier and discreet volume control nestled inside the soundhole, it offers a pure and natural amplification experience, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

Built with the same meticulous attention to detail that Gibson is renowned for, the J-50 Original is more than just an instrument; it's a legacy. From the mahogany neck with its smooth round profile to the rosewood fingerboard, every aspect of this guitar is designed to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Sitka spruce top
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Mahogany neck with round profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard, 20 frets
  • Bone nut
  • Traditional belly up bridge
  • Grover Strap Cream button tuners
  • LR Baggs VTC electronics

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model 50s J-50 Original
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Gibson J-50
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Original
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Gibson '50s J-50 Original?

The back and sides of the Gibson '50s J-50 Original are made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant tonal quality.

Is the Gibson '50s J-50 Original suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson '50s J-50 Original is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, making it well-suited for live performances with amplified sound.

How many frets does the Gibson '50s J-50 Original have?

The Gibson '50s J-50 Original features 20 frets on its rosewood fretboard.

What is the scale length of the Gibson '50s J-50 Original?

The Gibson '50s J-50 Original has a scale length of 24.75 inches, offering a comfortable playing experience with slightly reduced string tension.

What body shape does the Gibson '50s J-50 Original have?

The Gibson '50s J-50 Original has a dreadnought body shape, known for its robust sound projection and full tonal range.

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Gibson 50's J-50 | An Underrated Gem For Fans of the Natural

Video thumbnail for Gibson 50's J-50 | An Underrated Gem For Fans of the Natural by Alamo Music Center

Gibson 50's J-50 | An Underrated Gem For Fans of the Natural

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Gibson 50's J-50 Original by Ian Meadows

Gibson 50's J-50 Original

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Gibson 50's J-50 Original Antique Natural by The Peach Boutique

Gibson 50's J-50 Original Antique Natural

The Peach Boutique

The Peach Boutique

Video thumbnail for Gibson 50s J-50 Original Antique Natural by Dirk Witte Music Store

Gibson 50s J-50 Original Antique Natural

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson '50s J-50 Original.

Features and functionality

  • The recent J-50 models featured L.R. Baggs VTC pickups, known for their natural acoustic sound reproduction and dynamic range.

    Source
  • The guitar in question has a metal adjustable bridge, which is often criticized for poor quality.

    Source
  • The J-50 features an adjustable saddle on the bridge, a characteristic that differentiates it from the J-45, which typically does not have this feature.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner describes the '50s J-50 Original as their favorite among a collection of multiple guitars, highlighting its unique appeal.

    Source
  • Owners find vintage models like this one appealing for their historical value, even if they require extensive repairs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The J-50 is noted as a J-45 variant with a natural finish, appealing to those who prefer a more understated aesthetic.

    Source
  • The J-50 and J-45 are identical apart from their finish; any tonal differences are due to natural wood variability rather than their finish.

    Source
  • The J-45 was supposedly designed to compete with the Martin D28, indicating a focus on producing a comparable tonal quality and build.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Discontinued around 2022 or 2023, recent models are only available second-hand, potentially affecting their market value and rarity.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Top cracks can be filled with a sliver of spruce and hide glue; loose bracing may require more complex repairs.

    Source

Build quality

  • Removal of a pickguard can lead to discoloration due to paler wood underneath, indicating a seasoned appearance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing a pickup system is feasible if the jack hole is already present, making it suitable for live play despite vintage reservations.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Gibson Acoustic-Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides