1952 Gibson J-45 Guitar
(FON 7858-16) Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, mahogany back, sides and neck, spruce top, upper belly bridge, Brazilian rosewood fretboard, firestripe pickguard, and original Kluson tuners. There is no serial number. It has a factory order number of 7858 which is too late for the Spann book, but it does not have the letter code order number with started in 1952. This style Kluson tuner was only used from 1951-52, hence the date. This is the classic early 1950s J-45 slope shoulder dreadnaught. These early 1950s Gibson Jumbos are generally great sounding instruments, with a big, warm sound that will cut through the mix when pushed. The mahogany neck has a big round '50s shape that has plenty of heft while still being shy of the massive profiles seen in the 40s. The original nut measures 1 11/16" in width and the headstock has the original gold silkscreen Gibson logo. The guitar has the original Kluson no-line tuning machines (with replaced buttons) which still turn smoothly. It also has an original firestripe pickguard. The neck was just reset, the frets dressed and a few braces reglued by luthier Jack Dillen in Ashville. It is a guitar that can deliver a burly growl when you dig in and a surprising amount of top end sparkle for fingerpicking. There are no structural repairs but it does show the usual nicks and dings of an instrument used to make music. Frets are good, neck set is fine and it has good volume with a nice low action. Comes with a newer hard shell case.
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