The Gibson J-45 was first introduced in 1942 as the companies flagship, affordable dreadnought guitar, and remained so for many decades to follow. This 1944 Gibson J-45 is a great players grade example at a relatively affordable price point. This so called 'banner' model features the "Only a Gibson is good enough" headstock banner logo, and is constructed from a Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides, with scalloped X bracing, giving a particularly open and resonant sound. If you are looking for a 'Banner' era J-45 and are happy to make a saving on one that has had some work, then this is the guitar for you.
The neck profile is a comfortable, more rounded 'baseball bat' style profile, as opposed to the 'V' profile found on earlier Gibson instruments. The fretboard is made from Rosewood as opposed to the Gum Wood sometimes found on Gibson fingerboards during wartime production due to Rosewood shortages.
This guitar has had extensive work to keep it playing and sounding as it should, with all work previously undertaken by Vintage Blues Guitars. The back has been replaced with a newer piece of Mahogany, as have the braces. The guitar has been completely oversprayed, and there are crack repairs to the bass side. The bridge has been replaced with an Indian rosewood period correct equivalent, and the bridge plate appears newer. The neck has been reset, and has benefitted from a refret. There is evidence that some of the top braces have previously been reglued. The neck has been reset, and a previous headstock break has been repaired and is secure. The pickguard and tuners have also been replaced.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
