1974 Gibson Southern Jumbo Deluxe Good, Hard, $1,395.00
The Gibson Southern Jumbo/Country Western model guitars were created in 1942 during WW II, according to some as a perk specifically for the Gibson distributors below the Mason-Dixon Line. As with many of Gibson’s models—especially during the early war years--there are many variations in the specs over the original 36 years of production, but the bottom line remained the same: it was and is a big guitar designed to hold its own and more against the banjo and fiddle players of the world.
George Gruhn’s Guide to American Guitars (p. 283) starts with the square-shouldered dreadnought shape and the 16” lower bout to identify a post-1963 Southern Jumbo Deluxe like this one. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard is part of the original “Deluxe” package, but the belly below bridge dates it as after 1969; the non-adjustable saddle and the “Made in U.S.A.” on the back of the headstock make it after 1970; the “Deluxe” pearl small block fingerboard inlay, the pearl crown peghead inlay, and the style of the Gibson logo make it 1974 to 1977. The serial number itself (306483) is near the beginning of the 1972 to 1975 ballpark, but given the unreliability of Gibson’s serial numbers as dating indicators and the customization of many of the parts, the 1974 date I’ve assigned to this guitar is arbitrary but probably close.
This is probably Too Much Information, and doesn’t really tell you what you need to know about this particular Southern Jumbo. Cosmetically, the pale Spruce top, fretboard inlay, custom rosette, and spectacular pick guard are striking, and the mahogany back, sides, and neck are in good condition for a vintage Gibson, with some finish crazing. The frets are in surprisingly good shape, the headstock inlay is still good, and the neck is straight. The action is good enough for my old fingers (a hair over 3/32” at the bass 12th fret), and of course with new strings the sound will be terrific.
Given that it’s over 50 years old, it’s not surprising that there have been some repairs. There is a glued and cleated crack beside the fret board, and another one from the bridge to the end binding. There is also a 2” break in the treble side and cracks at the bottom of the back lower bout; all have been professionally repaired. And finally, the bridge and saddle have obviously been shaved to produce the low action. However, this is still a great-sounding vintage Gibson Southern Jumbo guitar with tons of character, begging to be played. It’s a great looking and sounding guitar, embodying everything that the name Gibson has stood for over the last century or so.
The case may not be original, but it is a vintage hard shell case in very good structural shape. The hardware works, the gorgeous red plush is soft and fuzzy, and even the retaining strap is intact. The guitar fits perfectly, and the case offers this fine instrument excellent protection.
Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashiers and personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.
I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this instrument, so its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to buy.
Thank you for your interest in this fine vintage guitar.
Payments by Paypal, cashier’s checks, money orders, or personal checks are acceptable, but all payments must clear my bank before the guitar will be shipped. I will CONSIDER reasonable offers, even including installment payments and trade-ins, but generally since I already attempt to price my guitars very competitively, unusual deals must be unusually sweet.
From henceforth [that's how retired English teachers talk], insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states is $55 due to constantly rising shipping costs unless a specific listing says otherwise; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. I have sold guitars to Russia, Japan, Australia, and over 50 other countries, as well as almost every state in the USA. Since some of my guitars travel thousands of miles, I take care to use lots of packing materials, protect the neck inside the case, and of course de-tune the strings.
I make every effort to describe and illustrate each guitar and case with scrupulous accuracy. However, many of my instruments are well-played vintage items which are many years old, and I am not a luthier. One should assume that any guitar will require some set-up to satisfy your personal requirements, and that not every flaw or ding will be seen/recognized/described in the listing. Thus the return of an instrument will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please read the listing carefully, check out the pictures, and ask any questions you might have before offering to buy.