1956 Gibson SJN Country Western

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1956 Gibson SJN Country Western. Introduced in the mid-1950s as Gibson’s natural-finish counterpart to the Southern Jumbo, the Country Western (often designated SJN for Southern Jumbo Natural) occupies a distinctive place in the company’s slope-shoulder lineage. Built on the same fundamental platform as its sunburst sibling, it pairs understated visual appointments with a voice that has become synonymous with mid-century Gibson flat-tops: warm, open, and richly responsive. This 1956 example, bearing factory order number V5404-3, presents in excellent condition with notably light cosmetic wear for its age and a clean, well-preserved overall appearance. Structurally, the instrument remains outstanding, showing no cracks, no breaks, and no history of repair, and is fully 100% original with the single, non-invasive exception of a Mitchel’s Plate Mate installed on the bridge plate to protect against string-ball wear—an unobtrusive and easily reversible safeguard that does not alter original construction. Constructed with a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this Country Western delivers the classic Gibson slope-shoulder voice of the era: dry, immediate, and harmonically complex, with a strong fundamental and a rounded low end that never becomes overbearing. The natural finish allows the wood’s visual character to take center stage, aging gracefully into a warm, organic patina that complements the instrument’s restrained aesthetic. The mahogany neck features a comfortable rounded “C” profile, paired with a bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and split parallelogram inlays, all hallmarks of Gibson’s golden-era craftsmanship. With its 24 3/4" scale and 1.70" nut width, the guitar provides a familiar, slightly generous feel in the left hand, offering both stability for chordal work and enough room for articulate single-line playing. This 1956 Gibson SJN Country Western comes with its original hardshell case. Specifications All components original unless specified Model & Year Model: Gibson Southern Jumbo Natural Country Western Factory Order Number: V5404-3 Body Size: Dreadnought Finish: Natural Top: Sitka spruce Back & Sides: Mahogany Bridge: Rosewood Bridge Plate: Maple, equipped with Mitchel’s Plate Mate Neck Material: Mahogany Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood, bound Inlays: Split parallelograms Frets: Original Profile: Rounded C Scale Length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1.70" Depth: .92" (first), .98" (tenth) Tuners: Kluson Deluxe Condition: Excellent Cosmetic: Excellent, with below-average wear for age Structural: Excellent, with no cracks, breaks, or repair history Originality: 100% original, equipped with Mitchel’s Plate Mate as a protective