Gibson J-35 Acoustic Guitar in Antique Natural

While the Gibson J-45 is the most popular guitar in the acoustic guitar lineup its predecessor the J-35 arguably has stronger projection with its X bracing pattern and 30's style design. If the J-45 is a powerful and warm all round the J-35 has a slightly brighter sound the travels a bit further even though it uses the same materials. Originally designed as an inexpensive flattop this guitar is a great choice with fingerpicking styles and people who don't want to rely on electronics everywhere they go.

The Build

Gibson have made a name for themselves using a particular set of materials including a Sitka Spruce on top of Mahogany with a Mahogany neck topped with a Rosewood fingerboard. Gibson's mastery of these woods mean they can get a wide range of tones out of the same materials by adjusting the body shape as well as the bracing. That is how this guitar gets its brighter sound when compared to other Mahogany backed acoustics.

New For 2016

Gibson have gone through their entire range of acoustics for 2016 and given a lot of them pickup upgrades so that you can get the most out of them in a live environment. Now on this guitar you get the easy to use and natural sounding Element VTC system from LR Baggs. This new and improved pickup system means that you can rock up to any sized gig plug in and get your guitars sound through the PA every night.

Updated Fit and Finish

Along with these new electronics Gibson have also introduced brand new finishing systems across the range. Not only are they now using a finer grip sandpaper for the finish to really bring out the best in the finish but they are also sanding down the edges of the fretboard for a more comfortable fit. Speaking about the fretboard new hand rubbed oils are used on the Rosewood that appears on this guitar not only protect it for longer but increase the quality of the look as well.

Specifications

Top

• Wood Species: Sitka Spruce
• Pieces: 2
• Grade: AA
• Binding: 4 ply top

Back

• Wood Species: Mahogany
• Pieces: 2
• Binding: 1 ply
• Weight
• Average Weight (body only): 1.025 kg /2.26 lbs

Materials Used

• Glue: Franklin Titebond 50

Body Contour

• Carve: Radiused

Neck

• Wood Species: Mahogany
• Pieces: 1

Details

• Truss Rod: Single Action
• Profile: Profile
• Thickness at Fret 1: 2.04cm / .803"
• Other Materials: Franklin Titebond 50, hot hide glue neck joint
• Average Weight: 408.23 gr / 14.4 oz

Peg Head

• Type: CF-100
• Logo: Script and banner decal
• Headstock Angle: 17 degrees

Neck Fit

• Joint Angle: 3 degrees
• Type: Compound Dovetail
• Adhesive: Hot hide glue
• Gauges Used:
• Short Scale Pitch Guage, Rule

Nut

• Material: Tusq
• Width: 4.38 cm / 1.725"

Slots:

• E: 0.053
• A: 0.042
• D: 0.032
• G: 0.024
• B: 0.016
• e: 0.012

Fingerboard

• Wood Species: Rosewood
• Pieces: 1

Fingerboard Details

• Radius: 30.48 cm / 12 "
• Frets: 20
• Nut/End of Board: 4.38cm / 1.725" @ nut, 5.70cm / 2.245" @ end of board
• Scale: 62.865cm / 24.75"
• Side Dots (Color): White

Fingerboard Inlays

• Style: Dots
• Material: Mother of Pearl
• Average Weight: 0.11kg / 0.25lb

Finishes

• Antique Natural
• Color Code: AN
• Surface Texture: Smooth/ Hi Gloss 90 Sheen Lacquer
• Filler: Natural
• Sealer: 1-1.5 mils
• Top Coat: Hi Gloss Lacquer/ 90 Sheen 7-8 mils
• Scraped: Fingerboard Sides and Nut

Tuning Keys

• Style: White Button
• Weight: 22.68gr / 0.05lb

Tuning Keys Details

• Tuning Ratio: 14:01
• Plating specs: Nickel
• Part numbers: 140-130-680

String Dimensions

• E: 0.053
• A: 0.042
• D: 0.032
• G: 0.024
• B: 0.016
• e: 0.012

Bridge

• Style: Rectangle Closed Slot
• Material: Rosewood with Tusq saddle
• Part number: 140-120-915, 140-130-866
• Weight: 22g / .8 oz

Output Jack

• Style: 6.35 mm / 1/4" mono

Pickup

• Style: L.R. Baggs VTC

Plastics

• Pick Guard Style: Firestripe J-35
• Part Number: 140-130-965
• Truss Rod Cover  Style: 2016
• Part Number: 140-130-840