1951 Gibson SJ Sunburst, Excellent, Original Soft, Call For Price!

Gibson’s SJ model, or Southerner Jumbo, was introduced in 1942 along with its dressed down sibling the J-45 and was likely the next generation of what was the J-55. Like the J-45, the SJ featured a 16 1/2″ wide round shoulder body, Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, and a 24 3/4″ scale length fretboard. Gibson dressed up the model a bit with split parallelogram fretboard inlays, neck binding, multi layer top and back binding, and individual Kluson tuners. 1951 was the last year that Gibson made tapered headstocks with deeper set truss rods as well as solid Mahogany rims. The SJ model is a fine piece of Gibson history that continues to be reissued from time to time in small batches.

This 1951 Gibson SJ with original strap, hang tag, and case has recently come to us from the family of the original owner. It’s in fine condition and ready for the stage or collection. We received it in unrepaired and largely unplayable condition and have performed the necessary work to put it back into excellent playing condition. Repairs include a neck reset with new bone saddle, bridge reglue with crack repair, tuner buttons replaced, one brace reglued, and some light finish touch up around the bridge. The resulting guitar is a lovely playing vintage guitar with the classic dry, woody tone to prove it. All parts appear to be original to the guitar except for the saddle, plastic tuner buttons, and strings. The hinges on the original chipboard case are torn and we are attempting to repair them. We’re confident you’ll love the tone and playability from this one family owned 1951 Gibson SJ.