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 1943 Gibson J-45 is a fantastic example from Gibson's war time production period. This so called 'banner' model features the "Only a Gibson is good enough" headstock banner logo, and is constructed from a Mahogany top and Mahogany back and sides, as opposed to the Spruce top found on pre and post war models. This change came to be due to a shortage of Spruce during the war time period, and as such these guitars feature a unique sound among J-45s. Featuring scalloped X bracing, this guitar is extremely open and resonant, with the Mahogany top giving it a fuller, bassier sound than a spruce top model.
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 Sweet Gum, a wood with similar properties to Rosewood used by Gibson their WW2 production due to Rosewood shortages.
This guitar is in very good condition cosmetic condition, and sports many years of play wear commensurate with its age, visible primarily on the back of the body. This guitar has had some work over the years to keep it in top playing condition. The back has been removed by our luthiers to repair the top braces, with all the original braces being save with the exception of the bass side x brace. The bridge has been replaced with an Indian rosewood period correct equivalent, stained to match the look of the Sweet Gum fretboard, and the bridge plate has also been replaced. There has been some minor touch up to the finish around the footprint of the previous bridge. This guitar has also benefitted from a neck reset by our luthier, and the pick guard has been reglued. Other than that, this instrument is in all original condition.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
