Description
Gibson Southerner Jumbo 1957The Gibson Southerner Jumbo was introduced in 1942 and discontinued in 1978. It was reintroduced in limited editions in 1991.Mythology has it that it was specifically targeted at the Southern market for the rising Country music trends. When it came out in 1942 it was the most expensive Gibson flat-top in the line.During 1942 two new models were introduced to the Gibson line-up to replace the J-35 and J-55. They were the J-45 and the Southerner Jumbo. The Southerner Jumbo (later shortened to: “Southern Jumbo” and then “SJ”) was a fancier J-45.The appointments of the Southerner Jumbo included more top binding and an additional set of rosette rings. The back and sides were still mahogany but the Southerner Jumbo had a dark wooden stripe separating the 2 back pieces. The neck heal had a white plastic cap. Back & Sides: MahoganyTop: Select spruceNeck: mahogany ? single pieceBound Fretboard ?Pearloid? twin parallelogram inlaysBelly-up rosewood bridge20 fret fingerboardnon-scalloped, low cut bracesHeadstock appointments: pearl logo inlay and crownFor more detailed information see: “Identifying Vintage Instruments” in the “Research and History” section of this website.
