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Early 50's SJ/J-45's questions


XeMeme

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Are the early 50's J-45/SJ known for having log of necks like the LG's before the 60's?

 

Also, is there anything different between an early 50's J-45/SJ vs a late 50's?

 

Thank you,

1st question-no.

2nd question- size of pick guard.

 

If you find one, get it. They're great guitars.

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Like Martin said, the top bracing is the most significant difference between the early 1950s Gibson bracing and the later 1950s bracing. The bracing style changed sometime during 1955.

 

The early 1950s bracing style is a traditional X style, tall and thin profile. The middle areas of the X and tone bars are hand scalloped at the factory. The later bracing is straight with a more short and wide profile. Both bracing styles make for a very responsive top. Some of the best Gibson dreadnoughts I've ever had have been late 1950s straight braced examples.

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"Log of neck" is not something typically associated with the 50's J-45 or LG. If that is something you are looking for in vintage territory, pre 1947 would fit the bill. A less expensive route would be some of the contemporary J-45's which are known to have a beefier neck; the Legend, the '42 Reissue, or the John Hiatt signature guitars come to mind.

 

Also- if this would be your first foray into J-45land, bear in mind that Gibson went first, in 1956 as an option, then in '57 as standard issue, to the adjustable bridge. It might be best to give one of the guitars equipped with this often controversial bridge a listen after your ear gets familiar with a J-45 with the traditional bridge.

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"Log of neck" is not something typically associated with the 50's J-45 or LG. If that is something you are looking for in vintage territory, pre 1947 would fit the bill.

 

 

You should come over and play my Schmidt-made Galiano or Kay Kraft. You would never again think of any Gibson neck as large

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