1974 Gibson J-40 Very Good, Original Hard, $895.00

The Gibson J-40 is a jumbo-style guitar with a solid spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck. Gibson introduced the line in 1971 as a "no frills," stripped-down, more economically friendly version of Gibson's famed J-45—something like the “Working Man” series which replaced the J-40 in the 1980s. This particular instrument was made in Kalamazoo, Michigan: its serial number (A401624) indicates it probably was made in 1974—although Gibson’s serialization is rather slippery in that period.

The earlier J-40 had rosewood strings-through bridges that were pinless [unlike this one], but later versions featured pins on the bridge. It had a 14/20-fret rosewood finger board with pearl dot inlay, a large tortoise pick guard, and full body binding. It had three-per-side “Gibson Deluxe” nickel tuners, and a screened logo on the blackface Gibson headstock. It was clearly designed to represent a working man’s guitar, with no frills and no fuss—nothing but the huge sound for which vintage Gibsons have been famous for decades.

HOWEVER, in 2004 a previous owner decided to add some “bling” to the “working man” image, and luthiers Phillip and David Petillo were contracted to make upgrades which are meticulously listed on an index card taped inside the sound hole. This included exotic woods and abalone on the truss rod cover, position markers, and bridge, with an elephant ivory nut and saddle, and Nigerian ebony pins and such. So now it looks kinda like a Martin D-45 superimposed on a Gibson mahogany body. The old nickel tuners have also been replaced with vintage-style open tuners. You’ll have to decide for yourself what you think of the effect—and effectiveness—of the mods, but it’s for sure nobody else at your jam will have a Gibson like this one!

Cosmetically, this 43-year-old veteran has fewer nicks and dings than you would expect, but there is a 1 ½” bruise along the top lower bout edge. There is perhaps a very faint “2” indented on the back of the headstock, possibly because of the finish, which has bled onto the spruce top around the edges (I personally think it looks kinda cool, like a minimalist sunburst, but I’m sure that in 1974 it was perceived as a flaw). The other issue is another typical Gibson problem: the tortoise binding is apparently drying or something all the way around, top and bottom; none is missing, but there is considerable discoloration and cracking despite some attempts to stabilize it, as is evident in the pictures. However, this ol’ boy sounds and plays great and is ready to go, with the action set up at a fast and comfortable 3/32” at the 12th fret low E.

The case is the original Gibson arched-top hard shell case—kind of a deluxe version with a royal blue plush interior. It is in good shape, inside and out, and the guitar fits perfectly. The hardware all works, and there are no significant tears in the exterior. It is an excellent vintage complement to this excellent and unusual guitar.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower forty-eight states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashier’s checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this vintage instrument and its case, so its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before bidding.

Thank you for your interest in this cool guitar.