Gibson J-35 Banner Reissue Antique Natural 2013

This second hand acoustic is in great condition,

2013 model. Includes original Gibson Hard Case

The Gibson J-35 is a round-shoulder flat-top acoustic re-introduced in 2013 (though the model name goes back to Gibson’s 1930s period). The 2013 version seeks to balance vintage Gibson character with more modern playability and features

What Works Especially Well 

1. Tone / Balance
   The combination of spruce top + mahogany body yields a warm, rich midrange, a pleasant sweet top-end, and a good amount of bass without becoming boomy. Players often describe it as having more volume than expected for its size/weight, especially given its lighter bracing. 

2. Playability / Comfort
   The short scale and comfortable neck profile make it accessible; less finger-stretch needed versus slimmer or longer scale guitars. Many reviews say the neck feels good, that the instrument is comfortable to hold/strum. 

3. Build Quality & Aesthetics
   Gibson did well with its cosmetic touches: attractive nitrocellulose finish, traditional styling (fire-stripe pickguard, binding, rosette), nice appointment of wood, etc.

4. Electronics
   For those who want to plug in, the built-in Baggs Element system works well as a practical solution without major sacrifice in acoustic tone. 

5. Value / Distinction
   In its price range, many feel the J-35 offers excellent value—getting close to Gibson’s higher-end models (like the J-45) in tone and feel, while sacrificing some of the premium touches but not dramatically so. For many players this makes the 2013 J-35 a very appealing sweet spot.

Sound & Playing Experience

Here’s what the 2013 J-35 tends to feel like when you actually pick one up and play:

• Unplugged / Acoustic
  Strong presence, good clarity in chords, and excellent in mid riff-driven finger style and light strumming. The sound breathes well, especially after it’s been broken in a bit. Not overwhelming loud in the bass, but generous warmth and resonance.

• Dynamics
  Responds nicely to playing nuances: softer attacks, fingerpicking, etc. It also cleans up well under lighter picks, and responds well to being pushed (for example, going from clean to more aggressive strum).

• Plugged In / Live Use
  The built-in electronics do their job – you can get usable live sound without too much hassle. Some tonal shaping may be needed. Good choice for singer-songwriters or someone needing to go from home to studio to stage without swapping guitars.

• Feel / Ergonomics
  The neck is comfortable, action tends to be reasonable out of the box (though many users still tweak intonation and action). The balance of the guitar is solid; despite its body size, it's not overly cumbersome. The strap-button/belly-on lap play is manageable. The finish (nitro) helps a bit in that it is thinner and more resonant (but also more delicate) than many thick poly finishes.

The 2013 Gibson J-35 is an excellent guitar for a player wanting:

• a lot of the classic Gibson round-shoulder tone (warm mids, good balance),

• a guitar that’s more affordable than Gibson’s highest tier models but still very much real Gibson,

• a guitar versatile enough for both stage and studio, for strumming, and fingerstyle,

• someone who appreciates vintage styling and craftsmanship.