The Gibson Country Western Model

The Gibson Country Western Model debuted as its own model in 1955. The folks at Gibson gave the Country Western its own paper label with the name of the model proudly displayed in the center of a western themed lariat border. This model was based on the Jumbo body that was about 16 1/4" wide at the time. It featured a Sitka Spruce top with Honduran Mahogany back and sides. The bracing style had just changed to the non-scalloped version that closely resembled the style of bracing used by Gibson throughout the 1930s. The Country Western received plenty of aesthetic upgrades including the split parallelogram inlays on the fretboard, Holly overlaid headstock with inlayed pearloid Gibson logo and crown, a bound fretboard and multiple layered binding on the top and back. The Country Western model remained unchanged until 1961. These two Country Westerns were manufactured in 1956 and 1957. They feature the typical specifications of the time period. The tone can be described as having that great rumbly low to mid range that made the J-45 so popular. These guitars are perfect for a long songwriting session or just the front porch picker. That slightly larger and more full late 1950s neck profile is highly desired in the vintage market. It fills up the palm nicely but isn't so large that it's difficult to chord. I think you'll find these guitars both comfortable to play and very inspiring.