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Average Price: $1,495

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$1001+

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Description

Rediscover the timeless allure of a classic with the Gibson J-35 Reissue, an acoustic-electric guitar that pays homage to its storied past while embracing the needs of the modern musician. Originally launched in the mid-1930s, the J-35 was a pioneering predecessor to the J-45, beloved for its robust sound and elegant design. Today, this reissue faithfully replicates those vintage specifications, ensuring that every strum resonates with history.

Crafted with a solid Sitka Spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Gibson J-35 Reissue delivers a rich, warm tone that is perfect for any setting, from intimate acoustic sessions to larger live performances. This guitar's slope-shoulder dreadnought body enhances projection and depth, making it an ideal companion for singers and songwriters seeking that unmistakable Gibson sound.

Incorporating a thoughtful modern touch, the J-35 Reissue is equipped with an L.R. Baggs Element onboard pickup. This addition ensures that the guitar's natural acoustic voice translates flawlessly into amplified settings, maintaining clarity and balance. Paired with a '40s era tigerstripe pickguard, the aesthetic appeal of this instrument is as captivating as its sound.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Gibson J-35 Reissue offers a bridge between the past and present, providing both vintage charm and contemporary performance.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Slope-shoulder dreadnought body
  • L.R. Baggs Element onboard pickup
  • '40s era tigerstripe pickguard

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model J-35 Reissue
Finish Antique Natural
Year 1994 - 2018
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-35
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Montana Factory Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Gibson J-35 Reissue, and how does it affect the sound?

The Gibson J-35 Reissue features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides. This combination provides a warm, balanced tone with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for various musical styles.

Is the Gibson J-35 Reissue suitable for live performances?

While the Gibson J-35 Reissue does not come with a built-in pickup, its robust projection and rich tone make it well-suited for mic'd live performances.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson J-35 Reissue like?

The Gibson J-35 Reissue has a comfortable, rounded neck profile, which appeals to players who prefer a traditional feel and ease of playability for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

How many frets does the Gibson J-35 Reissue have?

The Gibson J-35 Reissue comes with 19 frets, offering a traditional range for acoustic playing, suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar parts.

Does the Gibson J-35 Reissue come with an active preamp?

No, the Gibson J-35 Reissue does not include an active preamp, maintaining its classic acoustic sound without electronic modification.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Guitars and Gear Vol. 26 - Gibson J-35 Reissue Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for Guitars and Gear Vol. 26 - Gibson J-35 Reissue Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo by Sweetwater

Guitars and Gear Vol. 26 - Gibson J-35 Reissue Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful natural finish with a nearly brand-new gloss appearance

  • Outstanding ease of play, especially beneficial for those with arthritis

  • Excellent sustain and pleasing bottom end sound

  • Versatile for fingerstyle, light strumming, and flatpicking

  • Sounds great both unplugged and plugged in

  • Distinct separation of sound across highs, mids, and lows

  • Comfortable neck and quality build

  • Unique, string-forward sound reminiscent of a Martin D-18

  • Increased value over time, making it a solid investment

  • Complements other Gibson J-type guitars well

CONS

  • Electronics are adequate but not exceptional, may require an upgrade

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson J-35 Reissue.

Setup and maintenance

  • Gibson J-35 often ships with 12-gauge strings (EJ16), which may feel like mediums due to high action; users suggest these can help lower action naturally.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replace the stock Fishman pickup with an LR Baggs model for improved tone and volume balance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A common issue is shallow saddle radius which can cause uneven string volume when amplified, particularly louder A and D strings.

    Source
  • Vintage models feature a black ink stamped FON with batch numbers handwritten in red, offering a unique historical touch.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that the J-35 sounds significantly better with light strings rather than mediums, improving overall tone.

    Source
  • Owners note the guitar's sound cuts through in jam sessions, holding its own against a closed-back banjo.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the J-35's tone well-suited for solo performances, preferring the drive and volume of phosphor bronze strings for such contexts.

    Source

Build quality

  • The "soft V" neck profile provides comfort, with a wide nut and bridge spacing ideal for fingerpicking.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Described as a hybrid of a Banner J-45 and a 1930's D-18, with well-defined notes, a dry punch, and balanced tonal spectrum.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Gibson J-35 Reissue Retains the Charm of its Ancestor | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Gibson J-35 Reissue impresses with its blend of vintage aesthetics and modern craftsmanship, offering a warm, full-bodied sound that's both a strummer's delight and a fingerpicker's dream. With its responsive dynamics and classic Gibson "dry" tone, it's a versatile instrument suitable for various playing styles. The inclusion of the L.R. Baggs Element pickup provides a stage-ready, balanced amplified tone, though some EQ adjustments may be necessary for recording. While not a budget model at $1,699, it remains a compelling choice for those seeking a US-made guitar with historical charm and modern reliability. A few minor cosmetic inconsistencies noted in the review do not detract from its overall appeal and value.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
walter

Start Dad off Right

My dad decided he wanted to pick up guitar. We went to our local Sam Ash and checked out a bunch of acoustics. He was set on getting an acoustic electric so that he could plug and play. I picked up a bunch of guitars but kept coming back to this one Unplugged this guitar is full and crisp. Very articulated on every string. Theres no cut away so theres more to the body of the guitar. Plugged in, the discreet Baggs pickup knocks it out of the ball park. The only control is a volume. The pickup is full and tasty.
I went halves on this guitar with my dad so that he could have something quality that he likes to play.

levieramsey

Acoustic Guitar

this is the acoustic guitar I always use

mhenwood47

Dang, yo...

Sweetest acoustic I've ever played, and sounding better each time I play it. Stellar.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Louane Emera uses Gibson J-35 Reissue

Louane Emera

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Louane Emera is seen playing a Gibson J-35 Reissue guitar during a live session on NRJ radio, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Craig Wiseman uses Gibson J-35 Reissue

Craig Wiseman

Singer, Guitarist

The Hit Men of Music Row

...
Verified via Photo

in the photo you can see him with a Gibson J-35 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

See how Yoon Suk Yeol uses Gibson J-35 Reissue

Yoon Suk Yeol

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Yoon Suk Yeol performed music at the White House state dinner on April 26, 2023, receiving a Gibson J-35 at the same recital. https://www.reuters.com/world/south-koreas-yoon-sings-american-pie-white-house-state-dinner-2023-04-27/

Album Usage

The Gibson J-35 Reissue has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson J-35 Reissue, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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