If I've played a finer vintage Gibson, I can't remember when. This 1938 Gibson Advanced Jumbo is just incredible - plays like butter, rings out like so many bells, original and with a clean bill of health from Gruhn's Guitars Nashville.
Gibson only built 300 Advanced Jumbo's between 1935 and 1940, this is their jewel in the crown slope-shouldered dreadnought; quite the upgrade from their "workingman" jumbo model.
The Advanced Jumbo features a slim neck profile for fast playability, and a 1 11/16" nut width to boot. 25.5" inch scale length, enlarged 4" soundhole, and a slightly tighter waist that further separates the Advanced Jumbo from the standard Gibson Jumbo of the era, in addition to the diamond and arrowhead inlay pattern.
I love this guitar for so many reasons, it's hard to settle on one. It plays great - has a powerful, dry, woody voice that's been well-seasoned for the past 85 years - is in amazing shape for more music-making and it's one of only 300 built.
It's clear to see why they are both coveted by collectors and savoured by pro-musicians.