Pre-War Guitars lists its Slope Shoulder as a “35 Style” model, drawing from the American slope-shouldered guitars that emerged during the 1930s. Gibson introduced the original J-35 in 1936 as a simplified working musician’s instrument, designed to retain a warm and balanced voice within a restrained, functional design. The Pre-War Slope Shoulder combines a torrefied Adirondack spruce top and bracing with Honduran mahogany back and sides. Its 24.9-inch scale, old-growth Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, cream binding and vintage-style firestripe pickguard remain faithful to the character of the early slope-shouldered tradition. An ultra-thin aged nitrocellulose sunburst finish completes the vintage aesthetic while allowing the instrument to remain open and responsive. This is a direct, warm and expressive mahogany guitar for players drawn to the unmistakable character of an early slope-shouldered flat-top.
