In 1942, war-time production shortages prompted Gibson to replace the prewar J-35 and J-55 with the J-45 and the Southerner Jumbo. According to Gibson lore, the sales rep who handled the Southeast region requested the company build a flat-top targeted for the Southern states. He felt that Gibson flat-tops were especially appreciated there and in Country music, and apparently he was able to convince Gibson execs that a model dedicated to the South was just what they needed.
The result was a 14-fret, slope-shoulder dreadnought originally called the "Southerner Jumbo," but quickly shortened to "Southern Jumbo" then later just "SJ." With a Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides, the SJ shared the same size and basic construction as the J-45, but it featured fancier details: multi-ply body binding, split parallelogram inlays, and fingerboard binding. In 1954, Gibson offered a natural-finish "SJN," which was re-named the "Country Western" in 1956. With a crown inlay on the peghead, the classic pointed pickguard, and the "County Western" rope label in the soundhole, this very cool—albeit relatively rare—Gibson slope-shoulder has a vibe and style all its own.
This Country Western dates to 1958, and it finds us with a remarkably well-balanced, robust voice and an inviting, low setup. The talented folks at Colfax Guitars (Denver, Colorado) replaced both the bridge and the bridge plate, and in so doing removed the heavy metal parts from the original bridge assembly. The reduction in weight greatly improves the tone! This SJN has more volume and power, and of course it also has the refined nuances of a played-in vintage guitar.
Over the years, this Country Western has a had a neck reset and at least a partial refret. There are some repaired fingerboard divots that greatly improve playability, and the have finish wear on the back of the neck feels just right. It has a new nut, and new period-correct tuning machines (the originals are included in the case). The wear and mojo on this one give it so much character. There is something special about a good old Gibson—each one feels like a unique individual. It looks like this guitar was used a lefty at some point, and there are three repaired top cracks on the lower bout. There is also a repaired pickguard crack.
This 1958 Gibson Country Western includes a vintage case that has seen better days, but it completes the package.