If there’s any acoustic guitar body style that you could call an instant classic, it’s the dreadnought guitar. In particular, the round or slope shoulder guitar—a version of the dreadnought shape with sloped shoulders and a rounded upper bout—is quite possibly the archetypal acoustic guitar in many people’s minds.
And there’s a reason. These guitars have an iconic look, of course, but it goes deeper than that. A slope shoulder dreadnought simply sounds exceptional.
Round guitars are known for their balanced sound. When built well, slope shoulder guitars boast clear highs, even mids, and deep, rich bass. They’re not as loud and booming an instrument as a Jumbo, but they bring more power than a small-body guitar. That perfect-medium Goldilocks charm has helped slope shoulder guitars stand the test of time.
Since the release of the Gibson Jumbo model in 1934, round shoulder guitars have been a favorite among musicians of every style and genre. They’re just as comfortable in folk and bluegrass settings as they are in rock, jazz, and even unplugged punk.
If there’s any slope shoulder guitar that has worldwide fame—and deserves it, too—it’s the Gibson J-45™. This iconic style, first released in 1942, has been nicknamed “The Workhorse” for its versatility, durability, and universal appeal. Listen to a song from any era with an acoustic guitar on it, and there’s a very good chance that you’re hearing a J-45. Today, you can opt for a J-45 with or without built-in electronics, so you can easily play unplugged at home or on stage.
Another winning example of a round shoulder guitar is the Gibson J-35, a descendant of the Jumbo with a slightly tweaked sonic profile compared to the J-45.
Whatever you choose—a J-45, J-35, G-45, or any other round shoulder variation—you’ll be happy with a Gibson slope shoulder acoustic guitar. Our slope shoulder guitars remain some of the finest, most iconic instruments in our collection, and it all comes back to sound, playability, and versatility. If a slope shoulder acoustic guitar doesn’t sound like what you’re looking for, check out our square shoulder guitars. Order online or pick up a Gibson guitar at your local dealer, and you’ll understand: In your hands, it’s an instant classic.
