❌SOLD❌ Gibson J-35 Round Shoulder Flat Top Natural, 2013

Built from 1936 to 1942, the Gibson J-35 round shoulder model, formally known as the Jumbo 35, replaced the more expensive Jumbo, whose sales were poor due to the ongoing Great Depression.  The very first models were named the Gibson Trojan. In 1942, the Jumbo 35 was itself replaced by the very successful J-45 model.

The Gibson J-35 round shoulder jumbo and the J-45 have many visible and structural similarities. Both feature a Jumbo body with Spruce top paired with Mahogany for the back, sides, body blocks and neck, with Rosewood for the bridge and fingerboard, and have a 24.75 inch scale length. The body has fairly plain binding and the fingerboard is unbound. The bridge on both was a small rectangular style. However, the J-35 was available in either a Sunburst or Natural finish top – the J-45 has always had a Sunburst. Internally, the J-35 had slightly lighter bracing.

From 2012 to 2019, the Gibson J-35 round shoulder jumbo was built in at the Gibson Acoustic plant in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. Here we’re looking at a J-34 dating to August 7, 2013 in overall good condition. This example features a light Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer finish, a Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood fingerboard, vintage style ‘Firestripe’ pickguard and a factory installed LR Baggs VTC pickup system. The volume and tone controls are discreetly tucked under the bass side of the soundhole.  The nut and saddle are Tusq, and the vintage-style, white button tuners read Kluson Deluxe.   The light lacquer finish has some natural sinking,  and the neck finish has worn through where the player’s thumb rested near the first fret as well as a few subtle marks near the bass side 9th fret. 

This guitar plays very nicely and sounds great.  It’s a bit brighter than a J-45, but still has the characteristic warmth and richness. 

While the Gibson J-35 round shoulder jumbo was discontinued in 2019, Gibson has a ‘Legacy’ page for this model here.

The original hard shell case is included.