Gibson J-45 (1946)

This is, quite simply, the cleanest vintage Gibson J-45 we have ever seen. It's entirely original, except for a new set of bridge pins, and the finish still shines like new. While light signs of playwear and an occasional whisper of crazing are present, the guitar's surfaces are amazingly free of the heavy checking typically seen on Gibson flattops that have weathered the last 70 years (which we're used to seeing even on the guitars kept under careful ownership). We won't bore you with a more significant diatribe about the guitar's condition. Suffice it to say that for vintage J-45s, this one is as clean as they come. 

None of that would mean anything if this was just an average-sounding guitar, though, would it? Well, not to worry on that front either. Light as air for a guitar its size, this J-45 rings like a hammered gong, with an airy clarity and power from tip to stern. That somewhat nasally Gibson voice seems a bit tempered here: the guitar has chime aplenty, but it's a particularly warm-sounding J-45 with color across its entire spectrum. Sonically, this is a J-45 that should make a believer out of anyone who never met a Gibson they'd consider superior to their Martins. A bold claim, perhaps, but we stand by it. 

This guitar is housed in a 1950's Lifton hard case that's a less-than-perfect fit (likely a case made for a J-200, so there's a little room on the sides). Calton Cases are available.

• Model: J-45
• Materials: Mahogany back & sides, Spruce top, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard & bridge
• Finish: Original lacquer
• Neck Shape: Full vintage C
• Hardware: Original
• Measurements: 24 7/8" Scale, 1 23/32” nut width, 2 3/16" String spacing
• Case: 1950's Lifton HSC