Home Gibson J-45 "Rosie" (1951)
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Gibson J-45 "Rosie" (1951)

Vintage

Currently unavailable
DOCUMENTED HONESTLYEvery repair, every change
VETTED ON THE BENCHBefore it's listed
SINCE 1968Still independent

This is a J-45 that's been loved.

We love this because, simply put, it's a guitar that's been loved. We acquired this 1951 J-45 from the estate of a local client who loved music. There were many instruments left to be sorted through when he passed away, but "Rosie" was the clear heirloom. This guitar has been a gigging instrument all its life (that decal was meant to attract eyeballs on stage, as if there was any doubt). Its original endpin has been replaced with a metal one; and the original tuner buttons have been replaced as well (they likely crumbled long ago). The internal components, including all bracing and the bridge plate, are original and in great shape.

But the thousands of hours the guitar's previous owner logged with her have left an indelible mark on her voice. Rosie has the kind of sound anyone looking for a lifetime J-45 would want. This is a lightweight, responsive J-45, with a dry, woody, clarity, and beautiful low-end thump perfect for rhythm guitar playing with a flatpick. Single notes high up the fingerboard leap out of the guitar with a rewarding punch as well. We sincerely hope someone in search of their grail-level J-45 snaps this guitar up quickly, since it receives our highest marks for sound, looks, and playability. Priced with a modern hardshell case.

** Please note that expedited shipping is required during online checkout. Contact us for Ground options.
Condition: Vintage. Fully inspected and set up by TME staff before it ships or leaves the showroom.
Top Spruce
Back & Sides Mahogany
Neck Mahogany
Fingerboard Rosewood
Bridge Rosewood
Nut & Saddle Bone
Tuners Original Kluson w/Replaced buttons
Construction Hide Glue
Finish Original Lacquer
Carve Vintage C
Nut Width 1 11/16"
String Spacing 2 1/8"
Scale Length 24 7/8"
Truss Rod Adjustable
Inlays MOP Dots
Headstock Gibson logo in MOP
Serial # 7860-34
Case Modern Hardshell

Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.

Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.

Preserving The Past. Played Into The Future.
Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they'll play beautifully for decades to come.
Gibson J-45 "Rosie" (1951)
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Pricing

We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.

Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

Tasteful Restoration

When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.

Accurate Listings

Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.

Shipping

With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.