1969 Gibson SJ Natural

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1969 Gibson SJ Natural (SJN) — a classic square-shouldered Gibson dreadnought. With its warm mahogany voice, relaxed feel, and unmistakable Gibson character, this SJN is an excellent example of why these late-’60s models remain such compelling tools for songwriters and strummers alike.

Built with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this SJ delivers the dry, woody midrange and broad, open projection that Gibson dreadnoughts are known for. The tapered bracing contributes to a loose, responsive top that excels under a flatpick or heavy strum, making this guitar particularly well suited for vocal accompaniment. Chords bloom easily, with a good fundamental and a slightly compressed dynamic that sits beautifully under the voice.

The 24.75" scale length and 1 9/16" nut width give the guitar a relaxed, approachable feel, ideal for long playing sessions and rhythm-heavy work. The neck features a comfortable C profile, familiar to anyone who has spent time with vintage Gibsons from this period. While not a precision fingerstyle instrument by modern standards, it excels at what it was built for: driving rhythm, open chords, and classic singer-songwriter textures.

Cosmetically, the guitar shows heavy checking and light dings throughout, with play-wear entirely in keeping with its age. These signs of use lend the instrument a well-earned, authentic patina rather than detracting from its appeal. Structurally, the guitar remains solid, with no cracks or repairs. An aftermarket Fishman Aurapickup has been installed, featuring a volume control mounted in the soundhole and an output jack on the bottom side, making this SJN stage- and studio-ready for modern use.

This 1969 Gibson SJ Natural comes with its original Gibson hardshell case. For players seeking a genuine vintage Gibson dreadnought with character, warmth, and excellent strumming performance — especially as a singer-songwriter companion — this SJN represents a compelling and honest vintage offering.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: SJ Natural
• Serial Number: 532576

Body

• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Back Strip: None
• Binding & Purfling: Cream with Black/White/Black/White purfling
• Body Shape: Dreadnought

Top

• Top Wood: Spruce
• Finish: Natural
• Rosette: Vintage style
• Binding & Purfling: Cream with Black/White/Black/White purfling
• Bracing: Tapered

Neck

• Wood: Mahogany
• Peghead: Solid, classic Gibson
• Headstock Overlay: Classic Gibson
• Shape / Profile: C
• Nut Width: 1.55"
• Scale Length: 24.75"

Fingerboard & Bridge

• Fingerboard: Rosewood, bound
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Saddle & Nut: Adjustable saddle, nylon nut

Hardware & Misc.

• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe, double-line
• Pickguard: Hummingbird / Country Western style
• Electronics: Aftermarket pickup with volume control in soundhole and output jack

Condition: Good

• Cosmetic: Good; age-consistent wear and finish checking throughout
• Structural: Good; no cracks or repairs; modified with aftermarket pickup

Case & Accessories

• Case: Original Gibson hardshell case