1943 Gibson SJ Banner Southern Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Sunburst
Here we have a well-weathered and fantastic sounding banner-era Gibson SJ from circa 1943. Features include an Adirondack spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and mahogany neck. This guitar has a straight bridge, square maple neck block, and tortoise style guard. It lacks an adjustable truss rod and has an unbound neck. The factory order number has faded away, though from the other features of the instrument we estimate it produced around 1943. The only curiosity is the later block Gibson logo that appears on the face of the headstock, which we estimate was done by Gibson at a later date most likely through a warranty or maintenance event. The tuners have been changed to an aged modern direct replacement set, the nut has been replaced, and the guitar has been refretted with larger modern fret wire. There are a number of long cracks on the back and sides that have long since been addressed. There is also the obligatory and repaired top crack between the bridge and soundhole that runs along the pickguard edge. There is a patch on the upper bout next to the neck heel where we assume a strap button was once installed. There is a strap button currently installed on the neck heel, as well as one at the end of the body.
There is an input jack in the original endpin location, something that was not removed when a prior electronic system was removed. The finish on the neck is mostly gone through playing and flecking away from weather checking over the years. It has a great worn-in feel however. The back of the body exhibits more gloss than the rest of the instrument and was clearly oversprayed at some point, though long ago. There may be some additional clear-coat touch up on the repaired body cracks, but this work is ancient. Overall beyond the slightly glossier back, the instrument’s finish feels well-worn and looks very correct. The interior of the instrument shows regluing of braces and it appears the guitar has had a neck set. Since there is no adjustable truss rod, there is a bit of a dip in the neck, though the guitar intonates well. Beyond the neck bow, it’s a solid instrument in great playing shape that doesn’t require any work to enjoy. It has a warm and articulate tone, very clear, with lots of sustain.
Includes: Non-Original Hardshell Case
- Acoustic Guitar
- Sunburst Finish
- Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back and Sides
- Mahogany Neck
- Rosewood Fretboard with Double Parallelogram Inlays
- 24-3/4″ Scale Length
- 4 lbs. 2 oz.
- .950″ Neck Profile at 1st Fret
- .990” Neck Profile at 9th Fret
