1964 Gibson J-50

EX. Extremely scarce in natural finish over black back, sides, and neck. Very striking and very, very, rare. We doubt you’d even find a photo of such (if so tell us). This has been in owner Willie’s personal collection. First, as a 1964 it has the pre-1965 feature of the larger 1 & 11/16” nut width. Second, it sounds really great. Full yet crisp like so many classic recordings, with that great response and those long sustaining notes. Easy action makes it an effortless joy to play. Now – black? Yes. The custom-color Gibsons came later in the post-Norlin era when they made black, red, green, etc. But this is earlier. As I write this, looking at it in the corner it looks stunning. The yellow lacquer makes the binding look gold against the black back (like a Les Paul Custom).

The guitar is all stock, original nickel Kluson tenders and Brazilian rosewood bridge, with ceramic insert (the ceramic is part of the sound of many 1960s records.) The bridge has been reglued in the past. The frets are in almost new condition. There is checking and some dings but no pickup, no strap button, no cracks. Standard J-50 (J-45) Gibson specs. Aged wide-grain Sitka spruce over mahogany with a Brazilian fingerboard. Nice big neck. Comes with original semi-hardshell case (it’s gray like the Epiphone ones made under the same roof.) Very cool find.