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