Gibson J50 Round Shoulder Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
No longer available at zZounds

zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Spruce top. Mahogany back and sides.
Overview
Gibson's J-50 is a Classic 1960's edition with 60's pickguard. It comes equipped with a transducer pickup. Other features include a round shoulder body style, solid Spruce top, solid Mahogany back and sides, and Rosewood fretboard and bridge wood.
In today's world, many acoustic guitar manufacturers have chosen to build their instruments more quickly, cheaply, and in greater numbers.
Gibson acoustic guitars are made one-at-a-time, by hand. No shortcuts. No substitutions. They're made in Bozeman, Montana, where the climatic conditions are ideal for guitar building. Most importantly, Gibson acoustic guitars are built by master craftspeople that have dedicated their lives to building the world's finest acoustic instruments.
These elements combine to create the difference that is the Gibson acoustic guitar. The difference is "MasterBuilt."
Environment
Even though they might get a little more snow up there, the environs of Bozeman, Montana are a guitar builder's dream, come true.
Extreme heat and high humidity are natural enemies of wood. Bozeman has neither. The fine Spruces, Maples, Mahoganies, and Rosewoods are carefully cured and environmentally maintained during the building process.
There are other advantages to Montana in addition to its ideal climate. Gibson's acoustic guitars rely heavily on its builder's sense of creativity and concentration. Living in "Big Sky Country" appears to nurture both of these needs. It seems that looking out over a range of snow covered… read more mountains every morning makes for inspired guitar building - which, in turn, makes for inspired guitars.
Artistry
Experienced builders and players understand that handmade quality, design, and construction determine an instrument's ability to produce truly beautiful sound. Gibson's methods of handmaking guitars have remained unchanged for nearly a century.
The top brace of each guitar is carefully scalloped and arched to focus the sound to the center of the soundhole. The resulting distinctive "Gibson Tone" shares the same vibrance and fidelity as the sound from a fine audio speaker.
Instead of a cheaper bolt-on neck, Gibson's dovetail joint technique creates a cohesive bond between the vibrating neck and body - almost as if the guitar were carved from a single piece of wood. This time-honored technique effectively transfers the strings' vibrations directly into the wood for superior tone and unsurpassed resonance.
Finally, unlike other manufacturers, Gibson still uses its famous "violin-like" lacquer finish. Over the years, the complex makeup of the lacquer merges with the wood, further sweetening the instrument's tone and providing an unmistakable "vintage" look and feel that players and collectors have come to cherish.
Each Gibson acoustic guitar is full of expression, character and exquisite beauty. None is ordinary, and no 2 are alike. When compared to a marketplace full of "lookalikes," the differences of a MasterBuilt Gibson acoustic are unmatched in quality and performance.
Warranty
In 1894, in a one-man shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Orville Gibson created a new family of guitars and mandolins that would inspire generations of craftsmen to produce some of the finest instruments the world has ever heard or seen. The Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Co., Ltd., was formed on October 10, 1902, to build instruments that carry on not only Orville's designs but also his conviction to quality.
Gibson celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1994 with the spirit of Orville still going strong. Gibson's combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology has made Gibson the only company that produces industry standard models in every style of fretted instrument, from electric and acoustic guitars to mandolins, banjos and resonator guitars.
The Gibson Gold Warranty carries on the tradition of the limited lifetime warranty introduced by the company's founders. It represents their commitment to producing the world's finest musical instruments and providing complete customer satisfaction.
Gibson Gold Warranty
Your new Gibson instrument is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original retail purchaser, subject to the limitations contained in this warranty.
If at any time this Gibson instrument malfunctions as a result of faulty materials or workmanship, Gibson will repair the defect(s) or replace the instrument, as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion. Gibson reserves the right to use materials regularly utilized at the time of repair in the event that original materials are no longer available, If replacement of your instrument is deemed appropriate by our staff, Gibson will replace the instrument with one of the same or most similar style of a value not in excess of the original purchase price of your instrument.
This warranty covers the cost of both labor and materials on any repair deemed necessary by our Customer Service Representative for the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the unlikely event that your instrument is destroyed, lost or damaged beyond repair, while in the possession of Gibson for repair, Gibson will replace that instrument with one of the same or most similar style of a value not in excess of the original purchase price of your instrument. Any insurance covering the instrument, including but not limited to collector's value insurance, must be carried by owner at owner's expense. For more info please refer to the Gibson website. read less
In today's world, many acoustic guitar manufacturers have chosen to build their instruments more quickly, cheaply, and in greater numbers.
Gibson acoustic guitars are made one-at-a-time, by hand. No shortcuts. No substitutions. They're made in Bozeman, Montana, where the climatic conditions are ideal for guitar building. Most importantly, Gibson acoustic guitars are built by master craftspeople that have dedicated their lives to building the world's finest acoustic instruments.
These elements combine to create the difference that is the Gibson acoustic guitar. The difference is "MasterBuilt."
Environment
Even though they might get a little more snow up there, the environs of Bozeman, Montana are a guitar builder's dream, come true.
Extreme heat and high humidity are natural enemies of wood. Bozeman has neither. The fine Spruces, Maples, Mahoganies, and Rosewoods are carefully cured and environmentally maintained during the building process.
There are other advantages to Montana in addition to its ideal climate. Gibson's acoustic guitars rely heavily on its builder's sense of creativity and concentration. Living in "Big Sky Country" appears to nurture both of these needs. It seems that looking out over a range of snow covered… read more mountains every morning makes for inspired guitar building - which, in turn, makes for inspired guitars.
Artistry
Experienced builders and players understand that handmade quality, design, and construction determine an instrument's ability to produce truly beautiful sound. Gibson's methods of handmaking guitars have remained unchanged for nearly a century.
The top brace of each guitar is carefully scalloped and arched to focus the sound to the center of the soundhole. The resulting distinctive "Gibson Tone" shares the same vibrance and fidelity as the sound from a fine audio speaker.
Instead of a cheaper bolt-on neck, Gibson's dovetail joint technique creates a cohesive bond between the vibrating neck and body - almost as if the guitar were carved from a single piece of wood. This time-honored technique effectively transfers the strings' vibrations directly into the wood for superior tone and unsurpassed resonance.
Finally, unlike other manufacturers, Gibson still uses its famous "violin-like" lacquer finish. Over the years, the complex makeup of the lacquer merges with the wood, further sweetening the instrument's tone and providing an unmistakable "vintage" look and feel that players and collectors have come to cherish.
Each Gibson acoustic guitar is full of expression, character and exquisite beauty. None is ordinary, and no 2 are alike. When compared to a marketplace full of "lookalikes," the differences of a MasterBuilt Gibson acoustic are unmatched in quality and performance.
Warranty
In 1894, in a one-man shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Orville Gibson created a new family of guitars and mandolins that would inspire generations of craftsmen to produce some of the finest instruments the world has ever heard or seen. The Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Co., Ltd., was formed on October 10, 1902, to build instruments that carry on not only Orville's designs but also his conviction to quality.
Gibson celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1994 with the spirit of Orville still going strong. Gibson's combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology has made Gibson the only company that produces industry standard models in every style of fretted instrument, from electric and acoustic guitars to mandolins, banjos and resonator guitars.
The Gibson Gold Warranty carries on the tradition of the limited lifetime warranty introduced by the company's founders. It represents their commitment to producing the world's finest musical instruments and providing complete customer satisfaction.
Gibson Gold Warranty
Your new Gibson instrument is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original retail purchaser, subject to the limitations contained in this warranty.
If at any time this Gibson instrument malfunctions as a result of faulty materials or workmanship, Gibson will repair the defect(s) or replace the instrument, as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion. Gibson reserves the right to use materials regularly utilized at the time of repair in the event that original materials are no longer available, If replacement of your instrument is deemed appropriate by our staff, Gibson will replace the instrument with one of the same or most similar style of a value not in excess of the original purchase price of your instrument.
This warranty covers the cost of both labor and materials on any repair deemed necessary by our Customer Service Representative for the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the unlikely event that your instrument is destroyed, lost or damaged beyond repair, while in the possession of Gibson for repair, Gibson will replace that instrument with one of the same or most similar style of a value not in excess of the original purchase price of your instrument. Any insurance covering the instrument, including but not limited to collector's value insurance, must be carried by owner at owner's expense. For more info please refer to the Gibson website. read less
Specs
Body Style: Round Shoulder
Top wood: Solid Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
FB & Bridge Wood: Rosewood
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard Inlay: MOP Dot
Other Inlays: MOP Bridge Dots
Scale: 24-3/4 in.
Tuners: Nickel with White Buttons
Finishes: Antique Natural
Pickup: Transducer
Other Features: Historic Belly Bridge
Top wood: Solid Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
FB & Bridge Wood: Rosewood
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard Inlay: MOP Dot
Other Inlays: MOP Bridge Dots
Scale: 24-3/4 in.
Tuners: Nickel with White Buttons
Finishes: Antique Natural
Pickup: Transducer
Other Features: Historic Belly Bridge
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(25 ratings)
Submitted January 10, 2004 by a customer from juno.com
"Robust, woody tone characterizes the Gibson J-50."
It has a richer and more resonant tone than its competitors from Martin, Taylor, Larrivee, etc. I have played them all. Being made from Mahogany, it has a natural brightness, but the deeper tones also resonate freely. It has a woody quality to its sound, not steely like the others. I'd have to go with a Martin D-18 to even come close to the quality I like in the J-50. I like the sound best. What do I like least? The fact that I have only one of them.
Sound
Nice fat trebles. Resonant bass. No wolf tones. Clear tone in all registers. Best with Martin SP 80/20 or John Pearce strings. When miking, you may need to reduce the bass just slightly because it is so resonant. But what an acoustic sound!
Features
No special features. Just solid construction and high quality materials.
Quality
Construction is first-rate--not even any "orange peel" spots in the finish. Product is as sturdy as any acoustic guitar--let's face it, they are delicate instruments and one must respect them properly. OIf you can't do that, then buy a Takamine that you couldn't dent with a bowling and shape its sound with the electronics.
Value
Absolutely.
Manufacturer Support
Only dealt with them with questions regarding this and other Gibson products. They have always responded within 24 hours to any question.
The Wow Factor… read more
Why would I want something that I could make good music without? This is simply the best and most versatile all-around guitar I have found for my purposes and all the sex appeal that other models and other brands may offer is worthless is they can't match this instrument's sound and ease of play.
Musical Style:
Folk-rock, sacred, classical read less
Sound
Nice fat trebles. Resonant bass. No wolf tones. Clear tone in all registers. Best with Martin SP 80/20 or John Pearce strings. When miking, you may need to reduce the bass just slightly because it is so resonant. But what an acoustic sound!
Features
No special features. Just solid construction and high quality materials.
Quality
Construction is first-rate--not even any "orange peel" spots in the finish. Product is as sturdy as any acoustic guitar--let's face it, they are delicate instruments and one must respect them properly. OIf you can't do that, then buy a Takamine that you couldn't dent with a bowling and shape its sound with the electronics.
Value
Absolutely.
Manufacturer Support
Only dealt with them with questions regarding this and other Gibson products. They have always responded within 24 hours to any question.
The Wow Factor… read more
Why would I want something that I could make good music without? This is simply the best and most versatile all-around guitar I have found for my purposes and all the sex appeal that other models and other brands may offer is worthless is they can't match this instrument's sound and ease of play.
Musical Style:
Folk-rock, sacred, classical read less
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