FON: 4260G: If you are considering adding a J-55 to your collection of Gibson flat tops, this may be the one to go for. This enigmatic model was introduced in 1939 as either the dreadnaught equivalent of the J-100 or a fancier version of the J-35. By the time the last one was produced in 1941, it evolved into an elegant design all its own. The details start with a three point beveled bat-wing bridge with three pearl dots.  It sports a fire striped terraced pickguard similar to the J-100. The rosette is a simple white-black-white pattern, the top and back is bound with a single strip of ivoroid as is the fingerboard. The lovely light-colored sunburst is a tea color that envelops the sound hole, giving it a little beard. The headstock is the standard tapered job but with a pearl inlaid logo that does not dot the “I”. The mahogany back and sides are stained lighter than the J-35 and J-35 and it feels like the body overall is slightly deeper. The workmanship is exquisite, especially compared to the wartime J-45’s and SJs in the shop. But, perhaps it’s just that the condition is so much better. This one is from the last year of a production of about 400 over three years and may just set a new standard for the word “clean” in describing vintage guitars – especially Gibsons. There is one little scratch under the strings, one or two on the butt end, and a couple of surface checks on the back. Otherwise all is original, clean and shiny. This guitar has spent very little time out of the case. In fact, I bought it from a reputable dealer fully expecting to reset the neck and play the heck out of it. When it arrived, I decided that I didn’t want to be the one to disturb the originality. That said it’s a nice player. The action is quite low although on the low and high E, there is very little break over the saddle. The scale this year is 24.75” so it plays easily and sounds great in open tunings. Comes with a good quality newer hardshell case. Thanks for putting up with this verbose description and please call or email if you have any questions.