uncle fester Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 Hi folks, I'm fantasizing - but this one is driving distance. It's a 1959 J50 on Reverb, all original except a bridge fix / replacement. Would there be any red flags in spec (i.e. skinny neck, or long gage etc...) Also - from the pics is there anything that would concern anyone, or things I should absolutely check out, ask about before considering a guitar of this age. I'm really doing this for education's sake - so pass if it's a bother, but again it is driving distance, and it is a beautiful day for a drive, and the price seems reasonable? Thanks for any input. Rgds - billroy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 Seems to be in overall very nice condition. Nothing comes to mind other than the guitar probably had an ADJ saddle (which became available as an option in 1956) which would explain the bridge replacement. The model is stamped on the center strip so if it was converted the "ADJ" should be there. The "S" in the FON is right for a 1959 and the single line "Deluxe" tuners what you would expect to find. The nut will be 1 11/16" and the neck carve a full roundback D. Based on the asking price, I would say a bit of haggling might be in order. One of these though will get you into Jorma and Lightnin' Hopkins territory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle fester Posted May 30, 2018 Author Share Posted May 30, 2018 Seems to be in overall very nice condition. Nothing comes to mind other than the guitar probably had an ADJ saddle (which became available as an option in 1956) which would explain the bridge replacement. The model is stamped on the center strip so if it was converted the "ADJ" should be there. The "S" in the FON is right for a 1959 and the single line "Deluxe" tuners what you would expect to find. The nut will be 1 11/16" and the neck carve a full roundback D. Based on the asking price, I would say a bit of haggling might be in order. One of these will get you into Jorma and Lightnin' Hopkins territory. Thank you very much, I really appreciate the input. I'm going to go play my new J45, and consider how an old J50 could compliment 'er. Rgds - billroy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 I can't vouch for authenticity, there's plenty here who can,, but... the condition overall is pretty remarkable. Don't even find any checking in those photos. wonder how the setup is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blindboygrunt Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 if it has a nice action .... Looks good from way over here Good luck man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 What is that last two digit sequence stamped into the neck block just off and slightly lower than the FON? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 The bridge looks like an oversize, clumsy replacement. An adj bridge would have been non-standard in 1959, but they do exist. Like ZW says, that FON looks a bit odd, but not too alarming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesKing777 Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 Bridge and saddle look a bit home-made! I would get that off and a better set put on - until then you would be changing one string at a time to stop the saddle possibly falling out. After that, Lightnin rules! BluesKing777. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 Other than the dodgey looking bridge it looks very clean. I would make a reasonable offer taking into account what it will roughly cost you to fix the bridge. If he bites good if not move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted May 31, 2018 Share Posted May 31, 2018 Bring an inspection mirror with you - that replacement bridge may be hiding something - look at the bridge plate and the bridge pin holes, see if anything looks a bit larger than it does on your J-45. Take a look at wear on the frets and fret board - if it looks like there are finger divots in the bird, and the frets are worn, figure $400 to plane and sand and refret. Action in the photo looks high - by design? That's not the thru saddle the bridge was designed for. If it needs a re-set, figure another $500. So $4,200 even at that would not be too bad for a good player. Bought my 57 J-50 for $3,500, and now have $5,200 in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted May 31, 2018 Share Posted May 31, 2018 Bring an inspection mirror with you - that replacement bridge may be hiding something - look at the bridge plate and the bridge pin holes, see if anything looks a bit larger than it does on your J-45. If the guitar is like those built starting in 1961 and had an ADJ saddle bridge it will have a large laminate bridge plate. If so, whether it is worn or not, I would replace it with a solid maple plate anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted June 2, 2018 Share Posted June 2, 2018 Not sure it should be called a red flag, but I have a 1959 J-45 very close to the Southern Jumbo below. Must say I don't play it much. Like the SJ it is rather tight and without the deep projection (excuse this inadequate phrase - hope U get what I mean) heard in my 1953 older sibling. Still it's a 45 without no doubt - I just happen to prefer the ones from lounge, not the barn - and the 53'er definitely answers that call without losing 45-DNA. Anyway - here's a fresh clip from that cühl lad working in, , , , what was the store's name again. Forman's Spare Sitars or something. . . Enjoy 2018 ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF07XstrflE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted June 2, 2018 Share Posted June 2, 2018 And here the old original. Notice it has double ring rosette like the Jumbo above - what !?! Think they are quite close. 1959 ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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