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Average Price: $2,549

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$200

$601+

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Description

Experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Gibson J-50 Jumbo. This iconic steel-string acoustic guitar is a staple among musicians seeking rich, full-bodied sound with exceptional clarity. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the J-50 Jumbo delivers a balanced tone suitable for a variety of musical genres. Known for its robust projection, this guitar is ideal for both stage performances and intimate sessions, offering versatility that caters to both seasoned players and budding musicians.

The Gibson J-50 Jumbo stands out with its round-shoulder design, enhancing its resonance and providing a comfortable playing experience. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge contribute to its warm tonal character, while the multi-ply top binding adds a touch of classic elegance. Equipped with a traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, the J-50 ensures durability and superior sound quality, making it a reliable companion for your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced sound projection
  • Mahogany back and sides for a warm, balanced tone
  • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge for smooth playability
  • Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing for structural stability
  • Round-shoulder design for a comfortable playing experience
  • Multi-ply top binding for classic aesthetics
Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Guild F-50 Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for Guild F-50 Jumbo Acoustic Guitar by Musician's Friend

Guild F-50 Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

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Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for 1969 Gibson J-50 Acoustic Guitar | CME Vintage Demo | Brian Westfall by Chicago Music Exchange

1969 Gibson J-50 Acoustic Guitar | CME Vintage Demo | Brian Westfall

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson SJ 200 vs Taylor 618e - It's A Jumbo Shootout! - Acoustic Guitar Comparison - New For 2019 by Alamo Music Center

Gibson SJ 200 vs Taylor 618e - It's A Jumbo Shootout! - Acoustic Guitar Comparison - New For 2019

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

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 J-50 - Folk-Rock Icon - Guitar Discoveries #1 by Robert Cassard

GIBSON J-50 - Folk-Rock Icon - Guitar Discoveries #1

Robert Cassard

Robert Cassard

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson J-50 Mahogany/Spruce by Dream Guitars

1956 Gibson J-50 Mahogany/Spruce

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson J-50 VOS Antique Wide X Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson J-50 VOS Antique Wide X Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for "Saddle Battle" 1966 and 1967 Gibson J-50 | CME Vintage Demo | Karl Neurauter by Chicago Music Exchange

"Saddle Battle" 1966 and 1967 Gibson J-50 | CME Vintage Demo | Karl Neurauter

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The 1948 Gibson J-50 reportedly has a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and original bridge, though replacements are common in vintage models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners mention the importance of checking for damaged braces, especially if the guitar has a history of top sinkage due to past modifications.

    Source
  • Measuring the nut width can help date the guitar; 1 11/16” indicates early 60s, while 1 9/16” suggests mid-60s onwards.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's observed that the original Gibson J-50 from the 1940s should have a straight bridge rather than a belly-style one, indicating potential replacements in older models.

    Source
  • The J-50 model from the 60s includes an "ADJ" marking next to the serial number if it originally had an adjustable bridge.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite past damage and modifications, the Gibson J-50 still delivers the vintage Gibson sound characteristic of its golden era.

    Source
  • Owners describe the J-50's tone as rich and heavenly, suitable for playing James Taylor's early hits.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the adjustable bridge with a standard one is common and may improve sound stability, as adjustable bridges often loosen over time.

    Source

Comparisons

  • J-50s, unlike the J-45s, used clear finishes, leading to better soundboard selection, although the J-45 is often more iconic and valued in the vintage market.

    Source
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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gb1138

The Greatest Full-Size Dreadnought Ever

I got mine in 2007. It was one of Gibson's reissue models, and apparently it was one of the last years that they made the J-50. It had a beautiful sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides (I loved to stick my nose in the soundhole and breathe in that delicious smells...it constantly smelled like freshly cut wood), and an LR Baggs internal mic system. The volume knob was just inside the soundhole, which is great because I HATE when guitar companies cut holes in the sides of their acoustics to put all the knobs and other fiddly bits and show off how cool their technology looks. It came with Grover enclosed tuners as well, and sounded perfect from Day 1. I got mine hours after it was delivered to the store from Bozeman, Montana, and it was like they'd set it up before shipping. It came with a nice "Gibson Acoustic" case for a total of $2000.

As far as sound, it's exactly what you'd expect from a high-end Gibson acoustic. A nice full sound when strumming (and with very balanced sound, from a full bottom end to a crisp and clear high end), beautiful clarity when fingerpicking. It also sounded really good when plugged in.

Sadly I sold mine when I got divorced. I still daydream about finding it online and buying it back. I'll tell you this, though. If you find one of these, grab it. I guarantee you won't be sorry.

P

Classic J-50 looks and tonal dynamics, ideal for any style of music including country western, bluegrass, folk, and blues.

The classic Gibson J-50, with Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides highlighted with the J-50's antique natural finish complemented by a distinctive 1950's style tortoise pickguard. Top Wood Species: Sitka Spruce Pieces: 2 Grade: AA Binding: 4 ply top

Back Wood Species: Mahogany Pieces: 2 Binding: 1 ply Weight Average Weight (body only): 1.025 kg /2.26 lbs

Materials Used Glue: Franklin Titebond 50

Tonal, Resonant, and/or Technical Effect: Radiused top with scalloped bracing for projection and resonance

Body Contour Carve: Radiused

hollywoodcrash

Great acoustic guitar.

This is a classic, does everything great-except have a cutaway. Stays in tune, loud, dynamic, easy to play, light, comfortable-a classic.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Turner uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

Appears at 0:09 in the video.

I'm not sure if it's a 1964 one but that's around the era of that kind of pick guard. Also back then they just called natural finish J-45's J-50's. They're essentially the same guitar but the J-45 is sunburst.

See how George Harrison uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

George Harrison possibly used the Gibson J-50 Jumbo while working on the "All Things Must Pass" album, alongside his Gibson J-200. Although it is unclear if this guitar was featured on the final recordings, a user-uploaded photo suggests that Harrison may have used it for demoing tracks during the sessions. The current status of the guitar, whether retained by the Harrison Estate or passed to another owner, remains unknown.

See how Steve Vai uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Vai

Steve Vai owns a Gibson J-50 Jumbo, as noted on his official website, Vai.com. This vintage guitar is among the select few in his collection.

See how Bob Dylan uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Bob Dylan

Singer, Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via Bobdylansgear

Early sixties with a natural Gibson J-50 with rosewood soundboard.

See how Elliott Smith uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Elliott Smith

Singer, Guitarist

Heatmiser

...
Verified via Photo

Elliott Smith is seen using what appears to be a Gibson J-50 during his performance at the Henry Fonda Theater, updated with a Country Western style pickguard and Grover rotomatic tuners. Additionally, producer Rob Schnapf mentioned that Smith used a J-50 on the album "Figure 8."

See how James Bay uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

James Bay

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Gstatic

In the provided image, James Bay is seen holding a Gibson J-50 Jumbo guitar.

See how Ben Gibbard uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Ben Gibbard

Singer, Guitarist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via YouTube

Gibbard identifies his guitar as a Gibson J-50 in the beginning of the video 0:00

See how Dallas Green uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via YouTube

Dallas played the J 50 during the Little Hell tour.

See how Marcus Mumford uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Marcus Mumford

Singer, Guitarist

Mumford & Sons

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video you can see Marcus playing a Gibson 1968 J-50 with The New Basement Tapes.

See how Elvis Costello uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Elvis Costello

Singer, Guitarist

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

...
Verified via YouTube

Elvis guest hosting David Letterman. Minute 1:03:08 opening with a joke version of Allison.

See how Dustin Kensrue uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Dustin Kensrue

Singer, Guitarist

Thrice

...
Verified via Twitter

Horseman 1 - 1969 Gibson J-50

See how Laura Jane Grace uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Laura Jane Grace

Guitarist, Singer

Against Me!

...
Verified via YouTube

For AV Undercover sessions, Laura covered Michael MacDonald and The Cure. She used a Gibson J-50 for the covers.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson J-50 Jumbo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1

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