Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,549
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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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
Videos
Musician's Friend
Guild F-50 Jumbo Acoustic Guitar
Guild F-50 Jumbo Acoustic Guitar
Musician's Friend
1969 Gibson J-50 Acoustic Guitar | CME Vintage Demo | Brian Westfall
Chicago Music Exchange
Gibson SJ 200 vs Taylor 618e - It's A Jumbo Shootout! - Acoustic Guitar Comparison - New For 2019
Alamo Music Center
Gibson 50's J-50 | An Underrated Gem For Fans of the Natural
Alamo Music Center
GIBSON J-50 - Folk-Rock Icon - Guitar Discoveries #1
Robert Cassard
1956 Gibson J-50 Mahogany/Spruce
Dream Guitars
Gibson J-50 VOS Antique Wide X Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Musician's Friend
"Saddle Battle" 1966 and 1967 Gibson J-50 | CME Vintage Demo | Karl Neurauter
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
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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
Features and functionality
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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
Mods and upgrades
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Replacing the adjustable bridge with a standard one is common and may improve sound stability, as adjustable bridges often loosen over time.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings
148
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.
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
184
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
In addition to the aforementioned Brian May Red Special, Stroud’s guitar collection includes several instruments from the Sixties: a 1965 Fender Stratocaster, a 1968 Fender Jazzmaster, and a 1969 Gibson ES-330. “I also have a Gibson J-50 flattop acoustic, although I don’t know what year it is,” he says.
In a YouTube interview titled "James Taylor - Me & My Guitars," James Taylor discusses using the Gibson J-50 Jumbo on his first two albums. He mentions purchasing it at a music store in Durham, NC.
In an interview with Paul Butler, who produced Kiwanukas debut "Home Again", it's been said that Kiwanuka used a 1966 Gibson J-50 for some of the acoustics on "Home Again". (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar12/articles/kiwanuka.htm)
In this interview with Truevintageguitar.com Isakov says about his 1967 J-50 that it has had a neck reset, refret and had the adjustable bridge “fixed”. The tuning keys are reproduction Kluson keystones. It has the slimmer, late 60s neck and the setup is spot on. It has nice mid to low range with that classic Gibson Americana rumble. (http://truevintageguitar.com/gregory-alan-isakov-and-his-1967-gibson-j-50/#wpexLightboxGallery[post-99]/0/)
Robbie McIntosh talks through and plays the acoustic guitar and resonators on Turn Up For The Books
J-50 is one of main guitars of Kaukonen. He used a 1958 J-50 for "Embryonic Journey".
I bought my 1958 Gibson J-50 in Dayton, Ohio at Pop’s Music Store in 1959. It cost a hundred bucks, and worth every penny. I learned to finger pick on that guitar… it’s the guitar I played Embryonic Journey on. Learned to pick, sing and write on that guitar. It was the musical story of my life for… well, a long time. When I’m gone it will belong to my son Zach.
Performances: Mann's Fate with Jack Casady, 1969.
In a photo from Daytonaradio, Luke Bryan is seen playing the Gibson J-50 Jumbo, a limited edition acoustic guitar. This model features a Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and is finished in Antique Natural for a classic look. It includes a distinctive tortoise pickguard, vintage-style Grover strap tuners, and an L.R. Baggs Element VTC pickup for easy amplification. Handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana, only 65 of these guitars were made, adding to their exclusivity.
Featured in this August 9, 2007 Gibson article.
Known for finessing a handful of chords on his Gibson J-50 into a career’s worth of gritty, powerful blues tunes, Lightnin’ Hopkins occupies a unique space within the context of 20th century blues, thanks to his economical guitar style and gift for haunting storytelling.
In this 2016 interview with Premier Guitar Casal stated that he plays a 1957 J-50.
In this screenshot of a Instagram post published on November 9th 2023 on the White Denim account we can see James playing this guitar.
According to Premier Guitar, Welch uses 1956 Gibson J-50.
Album Usage
The Gibson J-50 Jumbo has been featured on the following albums:
Summertime
Orville Peck (2020)
Thanks Chet
Robbie McIntosh (2018)
Lost On The River
The New Basement Tapes (2014)
Home Again
Michael Kiwanuka (2012)
Quah
Jorma Kaukonen (2003)
Figure 8
Elliott Smith (2000)
Somewhere in England
George Harrison (1981)
All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster)
George Harrison (1970)
Another Side Of Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan & Robert Zimmerman (1964)
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan & Robert Zimmerman (1962)
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-50 Jumbo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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