Known for his championing of the J-200 model, writing "Back In The Saddle Again", Ray Whitley (1901-1979) was a a force in Country-Western music for decades, and who lent his name to some of the most revered, and rare (available only from Spring 1939-1940), Gibson flat top guitars ever produced before the second World War.
Hard hit by the depression, the Gibson company would outsource their skills to other manufacturers at the time in an effort to carry the brand through. Recording King was one such imprint, and was produced for the Montgomery Ward catalogs at this time. Records indicate that Gibson only built 180 of these instruments, between 1939-40 - this example with its "E" serial number denotes '39. These 1027 models (and their 1028 Mahogany backed counterparts) are quite collectable now, as they are built to very similar specifications as the Gibson Advanced Jumbo (which from this era will fetch quite a sum). Their sound is everything a serious guitarist looks in a vintage Gibson - with the classic drier sound, with plenty of bass, a well focused midrange, and defined and bright treble.

Constructed with a spruce top and very straight grained rosewood back & sides - this is pretty jaw dropping instrument from the start and features a not overly deep burst finish. A lively instrument that has seen many stages, (a past neck reset, repaired cracks (8 side cracks, 2 top cracks, one back crack, center seam fill), recent refret, maple bridge plate, bone nut and saddle) result in a very playable and well maintained instrument. These X braced instruments are unique amongst the typical ladder braced designs from Gibson.

The guitar is designed with a typical 24.75" Gibson scale length, and 1 11/16" nut width. The neck is hefty with a soft V profile and broader shoulders; fantastic neck set with hardly discernible forward relief, low action, with tons of saddle to adjust; replacement, correctly sized large maple bridge plate; braces in great shape, featuring an X brace, and three diagonal traverse braces; three screw holes around repro end pin.

Another notable & subtle difference between the Gibson AJ and the Recording King Whitleys lies in the 5 piece neck - and the lack of an adjustable truss rod. This would act as a way to cut a cost for the Recording King product lineup as well, by providing a product that would be robust and resilient to a possible need for warranty repair; two screw holes from missing strap hook on back of peghead beneath serial number. This example has a non-adjustable rod present (and found with a magnet).

Cosmetically this guitar has been through its share of repair work and playing. Aside from checking and wear through the finish, there is light overspray on peghead face, with chipping on pearl inlaid logo, with pick wear is present near the original fire stripe pick guard. The bridge has been removed in a past life with some extremely light surface wear present surrounding it, but nothing serious. The binding appears original and is clean with some typical wear in the finish. The back is constructed of book matched rosewood with very unique grain pattern. Past evidence of a neck set is very subtle with a clean heel. Original rosewood fingerboard, with pearl diamond and square inlay pattern down the board. The original tuners are present and all function as they should. Please refer to the photos of this listing, and let us know if there is anything specific you might need.

This example is a fantastic instrument for any guitar collector, or certainly any singer looking to be inspired by this fantastic piece of Country Western & Gibson history. Includes 60s hard case with yellow lining