Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,490
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Southern Jumbo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Gibson Southern Jumbo is a top-tier acoustic-electric guitar, drawing inspiration from the coveted wartime models that Gibson is renowned for. This acoustic-electric guitar delivers a fantastic blend of punch, projection, and harmonic richness. Whether you're gently fingerpicking or aggressively strumming, the Southern Jumbo's versatile dynamics ensure a stunning tone that resonates with every note played.
The guitar's construction includes a robust mahogany neck, topped with a rosewood fretboard, offering unparalleled playability. The LR Baggs VTC electronics provide an immaculate amplified sound, capturing the guitar's natural tone and dynamics flawlessly.
In addition to its sonic prowess, the Gibson Southern Jumbo boasts several visually striking features such as double antiqued binding, parallelogram inlays, and open-back tuners. This guitar masterfully merges the vintage style with modern functionality, making it not only an instrument but a piece of musical history.
Key Features:
- Derived from Gibson's most coveted wartime models
- Delivers a perfect blend of punch, projection and harmonic richness
- Features a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard for superior playability
- Enhanced with LR Baggs VTC electronics for pristine amplified sound
- Beautiful aesthetics with double antiqued binding, parallelogram inlays, and open-back tuners
- Handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana using top-quality materials and time-honored techniques
- Ideal for both live performance and studio use
- Includes a hardshell case for safe transport and storage
- Body made from a combination of Sitka spruce and mahogany, delivering a warm, resonant tone with plenty of projection
- Comes with a low-profile under-saddle transducer that's more stable and durable than many standard ribbon-type pickups
- The Southern Jumbo retains the late '40s style and appointments that reflect the charm and style of the South.
Product specs
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Round Shoulder Dreadnought |
| Back & Sides Wood | Mahogany |
| Top Wood | Sitka Spruce |
| Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Body Bracing | Scalloped X-bracing |
| Binding | Multi-ply top/back |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slim Taper |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Mother-of-Pearl Parallelograms |
| Number of Frets | 20, Standard |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.72" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Bone/Bone |
| Bridge Material | Rosewood |
| Tuning Machines | Open Gear |
| Electronics | LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup |
| Strings | Gibson, .012-.053 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Gibson Southern Jumbo?
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The Gibson Southern Jumbo features a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, balanced tone ideal for various musical styles.
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Is the Gibson Southern Jumbo suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson Southern Jumbo is equipped with an LR Baggs VTC under saddle pickup, making it well-suited for amplified performances.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Southern Jumbo like?
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The Gibson Southern Jumbo has a slim taper neck shape, offering comfortable playability for both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.
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Does the Gibson Southern Jumbo come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson Southern Jumbo comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and easy transport for your guitar.
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What kind of finish does the Gibson Southern Jumbo have?
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The Gibson Southern Jumbo features a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which enhances the guitar's resonance and provides a classic look.
Videos
Alamo Music Center
What the heck is the difference between the Gibson J-45 and Gibson Southern Jumbo?!
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tone with rich, complex sound and dynamic range
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Flawless fit and finish, visually stunning with subtle, classy details
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Slim taper neck profile enhances playability and comfort
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Sustains well, with long-lasting resonance and a lively body
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Works well with both fingerstyle and flat-picking techniques
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Transparent sound through PA system, no distortion from pickups
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High-quality hardshell case, sturdy and secure
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Resonates well for both intimate settings and larger gatherings
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Excellent setup and action right out of the box
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Unique bridge pin and saddle design for crisp articulation
CONS
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Shows fingerprints and dust easily
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Combined jack and strap button limits security options
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Some units may have minor cosmetic imperfections
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Glue residue found inside some guitars at this price point
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Initial chemical smell from the case upon opening
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Southern Jumbo.
Build quality
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The Southern Jumbo had a significant crack down the headstock, visible before painting, raising concerns about quality control.
Source
Setup and maintenance
User experience
Features and functionality
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The Southern Jumbo features a 1.78” beefy C neck, while the 1942 J-45 has a 1.72” soft V, potentially impacting playability preference.
Source
Comparisons
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 10 Ratings
Stunning guitar (Southern Jumbo Original)
One of these came in at a local guitar shop, it only took 1 strum to fall in love. Put it on layaway! It has the warmth and vigor or a j-45 but with a touch more crispness and articulation. I think the difference in tone from a standard is the small variances in build specs.
The southern jumbos bridge pins are closer to the middle of the bridge, and closer to the saddle giving it a steeper break angle. Also, the southern jumbo has lighter components than the j45 std. *Edit: the southern jumbo, unlike the standard, comes with bone nut and saddle which I believe makes a tonal difference as well. Also, you gotta love the visual details... Split parallelogram inlays, torch inlay, and more rosette rings and binding. Very subtle but classy details.
All in all a less famous but superb option if you're interested in a top of the line Gibson
76
This is the perfect all around acoustic guitar
Big resonant sound when you want it...intimate feel and touch when you need that. I picked up a used on e in 1970 and have never looked back. Although I've had a number of electric guitars over the years, I couldn't imagine swapping out this one.
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Artist usage
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"Mid-’50s Gibson Southern Jumbo" is listed as part of Tom's guitar collection the article
Hank Williams owned quite a few guitars in his life and he was pictured with many of them. This guitar was a 1951 Gibson Southern Jumbo used by Hank Williams Sr. Later in life. There a many pictures of him with this guitar and one video of him with it.
In this photo you can clearly see Morgan holding a Gibson Southern Jumbo. Based on the checking on the finish in the photo, the pick guard and the tuning machines (which are plastic- not metal) I would say his guitar was made in the 1950’s.
In this Twitter update, Jenkins singles out his SJ for praise.
In this photo, along with his Gibson Hummingbird, the Gibson Southern Jumbo can be seen.
He acquired this guitar somewhere in 1999 or 2000, and this guitar is from 1952. He got it at Wille's American Guitars.
Jacob Bugden is seen with a Gibson Southern Jumbo guitar in an Instagram post titled "Throw your phone in the sea."
Album Usage
The Gibson Southern Jumbo 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 Southern Jumbo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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