Gibson J-55 (1939: moustache bridge, stepped headstock)
Gibson J-55 (1941: batwing bridge, conventional headstock)
Overview
Brand name:
Product:
- acoustic guitars
Series name:
Dates of manufacture:
1939 to 1942
The Gibson Jumbo 55 (J-55) was introduced in 1939. In 1939 it had a stairstep peghead shape which was changed to the more economical to manufacture standard Gibson shape in 1940. In 1941 the mousache bridge was changed for a 3-point batwing rosewood bridge. Discontinued in 1942 and only around 400 were ever made.
The J-55 model was re-introduced 1972 but with different specifications.
Specifications (20)
General
| Binding | white binding |
| Finish effects | sunburst finish |
| Made in | USA |
| Number of strings | 6 strings |
| Scale length | 24.75 inches scale-length |
Body
| Body back material | mahogany body back |
| Body shape features | sloped shoulders |
| Body sides material | mahogany body sides |
| Body top material | spruce body top |
| Body width | 16 inches wide body |
| Pickguard material | tortoiseshell pickguard |
| Soundhole | round soundhole |
Neck
| Body fret | Neck joins body at 14th fret |
| Neck width | 1.69 inches wide at nut |
| Number of frets | 20 fret |
| Peghead (headstock) | stepped headstock |
| Tuner layout | three-each-side |
Hardware
| Bridge | bat-wing bridge, moustache bridge |
Fretboard
| Fingerboard material | rosewood fingerboard |
| Fingerboard position markers | dot fingerboard position markers |
Prices (5)
| Date | Price | Condition | Name | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 | $55 | new | guitar-list | The J-55 retail list price in 1939. |
| 1942 | $68.25 | new | guitar-list | J-55 retail list price in 1942 |
| 1940 | $125 | new | my father purchased new in Detroit. Refurbished by Gibson, Kalamazoo, 1980. Picture available | |
| 1940 | $55 | good | ||
| 2012 | $8000 | good | Bought from J.Geils. Personal friend. |
