Round Shoulder Dread

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The Round Shoulder Dread, or as many call it today the Slope Shoulder Dread was first introduced in 1934 as the Gibson J-35.  This guitar was much larger than the Gibson Nick Lucas model and was introduced to compete with the Martin D-18 which was introduced two years earlier in 1932.  This guitar remained in production through 1941 and it appears that roughly 2,500 were produced. 

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During its initial production run it went through many changes in design and features.  Internally the bracing systems and configurations could have been three tone bars-scalloped, three tone bars-unscalloped, two tone bars-scalloped, and two tone bars-unscalloped.  You might say Gibson lacked consistency, or you might say they were always trying new things and pushing the envelope.  I am not sure which, but it does make it challenging when evaluating and dating a vintage instrument. In addition to the J-35, Gibson also produced the Jumbo Deluxe, J-45, J-50, J-55 and the SJ or Southern Jumbo as Slope Shoulder Dreads.  

 

This is an interesting fact. During the war, (1939-1945) 90% of Gibson factory workers were involved in the war effort and making things from wood for the military.  That left 10%, or the best luthiers Gibson had, building guitars.  I would guess that is why guitars built during those years are so highly sought after and command such high prices.  Additionally as a result of the war some guitars were built with different materials, like poplar neck blocks, and no truss rods, and three on a plate tuners to manage cost or deal with material shortages.  Most of these instruments were also finished in what has become the iconic Gibson sunburst finish.  

 

The J-35 was replaced by the J-45 which was introduced in 1942 and remains in production today.  This body is typically built from Mahogany or Rosewood back and sides and Sitka or Adirondack Spruce.  I have also built this guitar using other luthier grade tone woods with good success.