|  I’m
always on the hunt for legendary guitars, and it seems I finally
lifted up a stone with something special lying underneath.
With only 271 originals produced between 1936 and 1940, I
can safely say I have managed to get my hands on a rarity
– you guessed it! - the classic Gibson Advanced Jumbo,
(a 1938 model), for many, the Holy Grail of Gibson flat top
guitars.
It’s large “slope-shouldered”
dreadnought-style design with Brazilian Rosewood back and
sides, and Adirondack Spruce top, was definitely intended
to give the popular Martin Herringbone D models a run for
their money, and was aptly named: “the bone crusher”.
It’s tone, clarity, power and balance in sound is unrivalled
in the Gibson stable. The 1938 model that I now have in my
possession is characterized by a larger sunburst pattern,
with more yellow area, and its Collectibility rating is A+.
I challenge anyone to dispute that this baby
is the only one of its kind in South Africa – in fact,
if you prove me wrong I might just buy it! The good news is,
Gibson decided to reintroduce the AJ in 1990, due to the legendary
status of the original. A writer for “Acousticville”
describes the new Gibson AJ as: “the best flatpicking
Gibson I’ve ever played. Its sound and playability rival
any new factory-made guitar, regardless of manufacture or
price” This sentiment is echoed by flat picker extraordinaire
– Randy Scruggs, who has one of his own.
All I can say is that its ancestor, the 1938
Gibson Advanced Jumbo, is a masterpiece. The classic Gibson
sunburst finish and fancy pearl designs in the peghead and
fretboard, clearly set it apart from other similar models
(Jumbo J-35, J-45). Though the bracing was of the classic|
X design, the size and placement of these braces differed
from other brands and gave the Advanced Jumbo a full, robust,
and distinctively Gibson tone.
I have owned this guitar for a couple of
months now, and I am bowled over by its wonderful, rich, vintage
tone, and love every moment that I pick it.
Click
here to take a closer look at this beauty. Or drop
in at Hugh’s Fine Guitars, if you would like to get
to grips with a rare legend! |
