Gibson Murphy Lab 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo Light Aged

The 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo: The Hallmark of an Era That Gave Gibson Its Soul

During World War II, Gibson produced guitars with an "Only A Gibson Is Good Enough" banner on the headstock, a quality hallmark that forever distinguishes the instruments from that period. The Southern Jumbo was one of the most popular models at the time: a dreadnought with rosewood back and sides and a warmth and directness that is hard to match to this day. Gibson Custom and the Murphy Lab are now bringing that guitar back, meticulously recreated, with aging that simulates the ravages of time without sacrificing character.

The thermally aged red spruce top is the heart of this instrument. The thermal treatment opens up the wood's fiber structure in the same way decades of playing would, resulting in a tone that immediately feels mature, layered, and resonant. The rosewood back and sides add warmth and sustain with a clarity in the high frequencies that mahogany cannot offer. The Murphy Lab Light Aging on the nitrocellulose lacquer gives the guitar the authentic look and feel of an original, including subtle wear in the right places.

The mahogany neck features a C-profile with a rosewood fretboard, Mother-of-Pearl parallelogram inlays, and 19 frets over a 24.75-inch scale length. The rosewood Belly Down bridge with open slot, open back tuners with cream buttons, and bone nut and saddle complete an instrument that is historically accurate in every detail. Delivered with a period-correct hardshell case, Gibson Accessory Kit, and Certificate of Authenticity.