Gibson Murphy Lab 1936 J-35 ‘Vintage Sunburst’ Ultra Light Aged Preowned 2024

The Murphy Lab Acoustic Collection marks the first time Gibson acoustics have received ultra-light aging directly from the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop. Designed to recreate the appearance of a meticulously cared-for vintage instrument, this series captures the subtle character of a guitar that has gently aged over generations. The 1936 J-35 pays tribute to one of Gibson’s most important pre-war designs, originally created during the Great Depression as a no-frills workhorse with exceptional warmth, power, and musicality.

Built in Bozeman, Montana by Gibson’s master luthiers, the 1936 J-35 features a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides for a punchy, dry, and unmistakably vintage voice. Hide-glue bracing, a wide vintage-correct nut, and period-accurate construction details deliver crisp articulation, strong fundamentals, and a deep, resonant low end. The Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged finish and lightly aged hardware add an authentic broken-in feel, giving players the look, response, and atmosphere of a well-loved pre-war Gibson—straight out of the case.

One of the rarer Murphy Lab Gibson acoustics, the J-35 has a fatter, louder and punchier tone than the J-45, and this is a stellar example. The Murphy Lab aging is subtle and convincing, and the tone is next-level and all-enveloping. Playability is flawless, and it has a seemingly endless amount of headroom, with tremendous dynamic range. A rarely-seen and world-class slope-shoulder dreadnought with modern build quality and tonnes of vintage vibe! Includes original hardshell case.

Specs

• Top Thermally aged Adirondack red spruce

• Back and sides Mahogany

• Binding Multi-ply top, single-ply back

• Neck Mahogany

• Fingerboard Rosewood

• Scale length 24.75" (628.65 mm)

• Number of frets 19

• Nut Bone

• Nut width 1.77" (44.95 mm)

• Inlays Mother-of-pearl dots

• Bridge Rectangle bridge with open slot and historic spacing

• Tuners Cream button tuners

• Case Hard case included