Introduced in 1939, the J-55 was the final Gibson slope-shoulder dreadnought released in the 1930s. Fewer than 400 were manufactured in total, so the J-55 remains one of the rarest and most sought-after prewar Gibsons. More than just a fancier J-35, the J-55 features unique bridge designs which require subtle changes to the internal bracing that impact the sound. Instantly recognizable from its , the J-55 evolved spec-wise, and good examples are known for warm, resonant, throaty, and undeniably Gibson tone.
This J-55 is marked with Factory Order Number 52276, so it was made in 1941. With its "bat wing" bridge, regular headstock shape, 24-3/4" scale, and Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, this 1941 Gibson is an excellent example of the final iteration of the J-55 model. This guitar was owned and used by session guitarist and producer Tom Bukovac, and it includes a signed letter from Tom as well as a photograph of him with the guitar.
This 1941 Gibson J-55 shows some play wear—especially around the sound hole and pickguard—which adds character and mojo to a well-loved prewar guitar. While it has been played, repairs/damages/issues are minimal. From what we can tell, the neck has been reset and the fingerboard has been refretted. The nut and saddle have both been replaced, and the tuning machines themselves are original, the tuner buttons have been replaced. There is a repaired pickguard crack, but otherwise this J-55 is in really nice structural condition. Very often, prewar Gibsons require substantial repair to be playable 80+ years down the road, but that's really not the case here. This J-55 plays nicely with medium action that lets you dig in and push the volume. The neck profile is stout with a soft V—very comfortable by today's standards!
Under the hood, this J-55 uses a scalloped X bracing with two uniquely-scalloped tone bars. The tone bars are scalloped, but also slightly tapered where the tallest point is closest to the X brace, almost like a modern Lowden dolphin brace. The guitar produces a superlative slope-shoulder Gibson sound that is rich, woody, and powerful. The sustain is impressive, and the tone is consistent everywhere you play up and down the neck. This guitar would mic really well in the studio, and its versatile tone seems to do everything well. Combined with the rarity, the condition, the playability, provenance, the deep, nuanced sound makes this J-55 feel like a sincere treasure. It includes a modern TKL hardshell case.