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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

Musician's Friend

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 Gene Clark uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Gene Clark

Singer, Guitarist

The Byrds

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance, Gene can be seen with Gibson J-50.

See how Davy Knowles uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Davy Knowles

Guitarist

Back Door Slam

...
Verified via Performing-musician

"Knowles quite naturally shifts the discussion from singing and songwriting back to his first love: guitars. In addition to his J50 he also owns a J45, which is four years old. “I don’t take it on tour at the moment, but it is a wonderful guitar.” " - excerpt from Performing Musician interview.

See how Mike Gallagher uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Mike Gallagher

Guitarist

Isis

...
Verified via Photo

Posted on his instagram page.

See how Matt Maher uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Matt Maher

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a performance featured on SPIRIT 105.3 FM's YouTube channel, Matt Maher is seen playing his favorite guitar, the Gibson J-50 Jumbo, during the song "Your Grace Is Enough."

See how Alynda Segarra uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Alynda Segarra

Singer, Guitarist

Hurray for the Riff Raff

...
Verified via Instagram

As can be seen in this post, Segarra owns a vintage Gibson J-50 from 1967. She named it "Yoko".

See how Johnny Nicholas uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Johnny Nicholas

Guitarist

Asleep at the Wheel

...
Verified via Guitar World

In an interview with Guitar World, Johnny Nicholas says about the Gibson J-50 "And my sweetheart guitar, the Gibson J50, that was given to me in high school. The J50 and I have been all over the country. I've hopped freight trains, hitchhiked and played all over the world with that guitar."

See how Leendert Haaksma uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Leendert Haaksma

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

@4.38 you can spot this guitar This guitar was original from Martijn van Agt

See how Michael Chapman uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Michael Chapman

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's article, Chapman uses the Gibson J-50.

See how Randy Houser uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Randy Houser

Singer

The Traler Park

...
Verified via Photo

On Randy's official Instagram, you can see him playing what appears to be a Gibson J-50. Being a natural finish instead of a sunburst makes me believe this to be true. It has a banner logo and a hole in the top which leads me to believe it could be vintage.

See how Liberty Ellman uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Liberty Ellman

Guitarist

Henry Threadgill's Zooid

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"I love my 1953 J-50, which is really fun to play." - excerpt from Premier Guitar interview.

See how Pink Anderson uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Pink Anderson

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Pink Anderson is seen using a Gibson J-50 Jumbo acoustic guitar, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Ytimg.

See how Alexi Murdoch uses Gibson J-50 Jumbo

Alexi Murdoch

Singer

...

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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1
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1
Collings I-35 LC
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1
ZVEX Woolly Mammoth Fuzz
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1
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1

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