Review gibson j45 the must play and must own guitar njn. The gibson j45 and martin d28 are the most copied styles and sounds in acoustic guitars. The j45 bears an adirondack red spruce top with mahogany back and neck with rosewood fingerboard. Nov 14, 2017 the gibson j45 and martin d28 are the most copied styles and sounds in acoustic guitars. The guitar that defines gibsons acoustic guitar legacy, the j45 is perennially one of gibsons best selling acoustics since its introduction in 1942. The guitar that defines gibson s acoustic guitar legacy, the j 45 is perennially one of gibson s best selling acoustics since its introduction in 1942. Introduced in 1942 as a replacement for the j35, the j45 has since become one of gibsons most popular acoustic flattops. Gibson j45 standard acousticelectric guitar vintage. He preferred to be called a bond servant of the lord jesus.
Vintage guitars info gibson collecting vintage gibson guitars. The j45, as the only largebodied gibson flattop produced through most of the war years, was quite successful. Earning a reputation as a workhorse guitar, the j 45 was embraced for its nofrills attitude and big, strong tone. It remains one of the only guitar manufacturers to produce its instruments exclusively in the united states. Gibson j45 guitar gibson j45 guitar info jumbo 45 flat. Aug 12, 2018 when it comes to gibson i keep thinking all i need is the 1942 j 50 which is that once in a blue moon guitar and 1961 b4512. Introduced in 1942 as a replacement for the j 35, the j 45 has since become one of gibson s most popular acoustic flattops. Nicknamed the workhorse and first introduced in 1942, this iconic acoustic has become the cornerstone of its roundshoulder, dreadnought line. I suspect it is from 1944 but the year could be slightly earlier. The j 45, as the only largebodied gibson flattop produced through most of the war years, was quite successful.
Gibson custom shop 1960s j 45 12076078 acoustic guitarwith hc from jp fs see more like this used 1956 gibson j 45 sunburst vintage acoustic guitar whsc free shipping preowned. Vintage 1967 gibson j 45 roundshouldered acoustic, vgcond. The j 45 is part of gibson s roundshoulder jumbo line, begun in 1934 with the jumbo flattop introduced to compete with c. That new j 45 was a dreamguitar,perhaps one of the finest sounding acoustics ive ever played. Gibson history tidbit gibson acoustic gibson brands. Gibson introduced the southern jumbo also known as the southerner jumbo or sj guitar in 1942, as a more deluxe version of its popular but plain j45 model. The j 45 is gibson s bestselling acoustic of all time. Curiously, the j 50 does not reappear in the ledger books for more than two years.
This book is a musthave for gibson flattop devotees. If you havent played one, you must spend time with the guitar. Meticulously constructed with old school craftsmanship, the 1942 banner j45 is a portal to another time, with a smooth vintage sound and an intangible vibe. You can see it has the banner on the headstock, only a gibson is good enough. Although its no collectors piece, its structurally solid and has that classic chordal whump that has made them favorites for rhythm duties in all kinds of music, from texas fiddle backup to acoustic rockabilly, as well as that classic everly bros. Since 1942, the gibson j45 has been on more stages and in more recording studios than any guitar in history, hence its nickname the workhorse. Jan 12, 2016 the j 45 bears an adirondack red spruce top with mahogany back and neck with rosewood fingerboard. Gibson was for years a close coworker with bill macdonald. Gibson j45 standard acousticelectric guitar vintage sunburst. Hummingbirds have that, that j45 that i have definitely has that. When it comes to gibson i keep thinking all i need is the 1942 j50 which is that once in a blue moon guitar and 1961 b4512. Oct 14, 2015 what that actually means is im keen on guitars that have a rich, full, weighty bottom end. The legendary j45 clearly defines the storied legacy of gibson acoustics.
Gibson custom shop 1960s j45 12076078 acoustic guitarwith hc from jp fs see more like this used 1956 gibson j45 sunburst vintage acoustic guitar whsc free shipping preowned. Gibson named the model j 45 with the j to represent gibson s 16 wide jumbo sized body and 45 to represent its introductory price in 1942. The gibson j45 model through the years true vintage guitar. But i am starting to think in terms of maybe a john walker wise river or kevin kopps take on the j 35. But i am starting to think in terms of maybe a john walker wise river or kevin kopps take on the j35. Gibson notably coined the term cyberspace in his short story burning chrome and later popularized the concept in his acclaimed debut novel neuromancer.
We dont know, but its a prime example of gibsons cherry sunburst, and the cherry stain on the mahogany back, sides, and neck has little sign of the uv fade that can make these models look anemic. The j45 is gibsons bestselling acoustic of all time. If the ink stamped number consists of 5 digits, there will be a space between the first and second numbers separating the last digit of the year from the actual serial number. Starting in 1953, the first number is the last number of the year. The j 50 is identical to the j 45, except the top is natural instead of sunburst. Heres a wellworn early 50s j45, but one thats already had the neck reset and refret these old gibson jumbos almost always need. Unfollow gibson j 45 to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. The gibson s had a bass sound that was defined and fullbodied. Several variations of the j 45 have been released over t. Todays lineup of j 45 guitars comes with only minor changes from the original j 45 first released in 1942, and theres a good reason for that.
This very early example of a j45 features the script gibson logo on the headstock with only a gibson is good enough written on the banner below. Documents the capture of the federal garrison at plymouth, north carolina, and life as a. We dont know, but its a prime example of gibson s cherry sunburst, and the cherry stain on the mahogany back, sides, and neck has little sign of the uv fade that can make these models look anemic. Gibson j45 studio rosewood acousticelectric guitar. The j 45 has remained in production almost seamlessly since 1942 but has changed in. Diary kept by gibson while serving with company b, 103rd pennsylvania infrantry regiment, u. Skip to main content skip to footer site51500000317170 site51500000000299540 new l73547 gibson j45 studio rosewood acousticelectric guitar site51500000317170,site51500000317171. Gibson j45 studio rosewood acousticelectric guitar antique. Weve all heard the saying if it aint broke, dont fix it and judging from the j45 series, gibson has heard it too.
May 25, 20 this gibson j45 comes from the world war two production days when gibson did not put serial numbers on them. I didnt have the cash at the time to get it, but i always remembered how wonderful the sound was i also remembered how bad comparitively speaking the acousticelectric versions sound was. The playability of this guitar is above all others. It is the story of how gibsons guitar production was taken over by women while the men were off fighting wwii. Gibson j 45 rosewood 2008 made rosewood side back rare beutiful japan ems fs. Skylar and adam at sweetwater were amazing in helping me select the right serial number. Nicknamed the workhorse it was first introduced in 1942. It is generally regarded as gibson s most famous and widely used acoustic guitar model. Ive compared my 1971 j50 to a modern brand new gibson j45. This gibson j45 comes from the world war two production days when gibson did not put serial numbers on them. T his guitar was made during a brief window in which the regular j45 had the only a gibson is good enough banner under the gibson logo on the headstock. If you own two acoustic guitars either the first or the second should be a gibson j45. He was a premiere personal evangelist and a mentor to missionaries and assembly elders.
A favorite among players like woody guthrie, bob dylan and. Review gibson j45 the must play and must own guitar. This very early example of a j 45 features the script gibson logo on the headstock with only a gibson is good enough written on the banner below. The gibson j45 slope shoulder dreadnought guitar was introduced in 1942, and it has been in production ever since, with minor variations. The modern gibson j45 is called the gibson acoustic j45 standard or the slightly upscale gibson j45 standard acousticelectric guitar, vintage sunburst there are more refined and yes more expensive versions like the gibson j45 true vintage but the j45 standard had all the great characteristics of the legendary j45 at the lowest price you can find reasonable imitations as low as. Heres a classic mid60s gibson j45 is amazing condition. That new j45 was a dreamguitar,perhaps one of the finest sounding acoustics ive ever played. Features true to the original include solid genuine mahogany back, sides, and neck, solid sitka spruce top, scalloped spruce bracing, and a traditional compound dovetail neck to body joint attached. It has been widely copied, originally by mandolin maker bob givens. Heres a classic mid60s gibson j 45 is amazing condition. Several variations of the j45 have been released over the. Gibson s classic guitars, especially the popular j 45 and the big j 200, defined a certain sound in popular acoustic music of the midtwentieth century. Hummingbirds have that, that j 45 that i have definitely has that. During his years with gibson, loar invented a coil.
The gibson j 45 is a dreadnought style acoustic guitar manufactured by the gibson guitar corporation. It featured a sunburst spruce top, mahogany back and sides a few rare early examples had rosewood back and sides, or rosewood sides only, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, with gibsons deluxe split parallelogram pearl inlays. According to gibson, the j45 has been gibsons topselling acoustic guitar for years. All j45s and the slightly upmarket cousins, the j50s are built with spruce top, mahogany back, sides and neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. Without question, the j45 is one of the most beloved and played acoustic guitars in the history of modern music, and the icon of gibsons roundshoulder dreadnought acoustic line ever since its introduction in 1942. Otis jean gibson 19212006 was a graduate of baylor university b. The guitar has just been proffesional set up by my london luthier and is in very good condition with only a small chip in the nitrocellulose lacquer on the back of head stock, top right corner see photo below. Curiously, the j50 does not reappear in the ledger books for more than two years. Nicknamed the workhorse for its robust build and tone, the j 45 remains one of histories most beloved and played acoustic guitars. The loar a5 was found by tut taylor and sold to a southern california bluegrass musician in 1974.
Nicknamed the workhorse for its robust build and tone, the j45 remains one of histories most beloved and played acoustic guitars. I have a gibson j45 from 1943, so this book fascinated me. Bob dylan played a gibson j45 guitar during the early 1960s and reverted to playing them in the early 1990s. However, it is the postwar 1948 forward gibson logo and originally any gibson that had the banner would have had a script gibson logo. Gibson j45 custom acousticelectric guitar musicians friend. Introduced in 1942, the j45 is the one of the most widely recognized and bestselling acoustic guitars in gibson history. Gibson history tidbit gibson acoustic gibson brands forums. Referred to as the workhorse due to its strippeddown style and exceptional tone and playability, gibsons flagship roundshoulder dreadnought model is back for 2019 with that same legendary sound and feel youve come to know and love, onboard lr baggs vtc electronics. It is the story of how gibson s guitar production was taken over by women while the men were off fighting wwii. I have a gibson j 45 from 1943, so this book fascinated me. Sure not going to rule out a jackson browne model 1 though.
William gibson books, ebooks, audiobooks, biography. The j45 has been a best seller since the 1940s and this custom koa edition is sure to be a gem in the finest of guitar collections. Earning a reputation as a workhorse guitar, the j45 was embraced for its nofrills attitude and big, strong tone. The first year of gibson solidbodies was 1952, and gibson didnt use any serial number in 1952. Vintage 1967 gibson j45 roundshouldered acoustic, vgcond. The j45 standard caught my ear after trying all the other gibsons in a guitar center back in michigan.
For your consideration is this vintage 1945 gibson j 45 banner model acoustic guitar. World renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass and excellent projection, the j 45 has been refined to carry this legacy to new heights. William gibson books, ebooks, audiobooks, biography barnes. The gibson j 45 with its round shoulder body shape and classic americana tone is an essential model for any collector, studio or serious player. Heres a wellworn early 50s j 45, but one thats already had the neck reset and refret these old gibson jumbos almost always need. The high strings were more subtle and didnt overpower the bottom and middle strings as other acoustics did. Save money on used gibson acoustic guitars at guitar center.
Ive compared my 1971 j 50 to a modern brand new gibson j 45. Initially, the j45 guitar differed only slightly from the discontinued j35. The custom j45 maui wowie koa acoustic guitar is for the j45 lover who also wants the beauty and sweetness of a solid koa guitar with other upgraded features. The j45 was a new model in 1942 and replaced several other designs as wartime pressures began to cause materiel scarcity.
Todays lineup of j45 guitars comes with only minor changes from the original j45 first released in 1942, and theres a good reason for that. Skip to main content skip to footer site51500000317170 site51500000000299540 new l73547 gibson j 45 studio rosewood acousticelectric guitar site51500000317170,site51500000317171. If youve never played a j45, you absolutely need to. Find great deals on ebay for gibson j45 and gibson j50. Dating gibsons without serial numbers gibson acoustic. The gibsons had a bass sound that was defined and fullbodied. Theres also aged klusonstyle tuner buttons with darkened buttons and bone saddles and nuts.
Unfollow gibson j45 to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. Good neck angle, good original frets, and that dry gibson slopeshoulder tone. Gibson brands, the worlds most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. The j 45 standard caught my ear after trying all the other gibsons in a guitar center back in michigan. Most 1947 models still have the script gibson logo. This guitar was made during a brief window in which the regular j45 had the only a gibson is good enough banner under the gibson logo on the headstock. For your consideration is this vintage 1945 gibson j45 banner model acoustic guitar. Selling this lovely 2005 gibson j45 historic collection acoustic made in september 20th, 2005 at the bozeman plant, montana, usa. May 15, 20 the gibson j45 sounds great strummed or picked. How to determine the age of a gibson j45 our pastimes. However, it is the postwar 1948 forward gibson logo and originally any gibson that had the banner would have had a script.
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in nashville, tn, gibson brands has a legacy of worldclass craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is. Only one astyle mandolin, a gibson a5, is known to have been signed by loar. Vintage guitars info gibson collecting vintage gibson. World renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass and excellent projection, the j45 has been refined to carry this legacy to new heights. Weve all heard the saying if it aint broke, dont fix it and judging from the j 45 series, gibson has heard it too. Gibson j45 custom acousticelectric guitar musicians. Gibson j45 guitar the most popular for 75 years njn network.
Since 1989, all gibson acoustic guitars have been made in bozeman, mont. Weve mentioned before that acoustic guitars are incredibly difficult to describe in terms of tone. Selling this lovely 2005 gibson j 45 historic collection acoustic made in september 20th, 2005 at the bozeman plant, montana, usa. What that actually means is im keen on guitars that have a rich, full, weighty bottom end. Arguably, its the most iconic acoustic guitar in american music history. During ww2, gibson used a distinctive banner logo, with the banner reading only a gibson is good enough. In celebration of the j45s proud history, gibson has released the 1942 banner edition j45. This humble yet notable gibson j45 shows normal light signs of use and playing time, much less than one would expect to see there is finish checking, yes, and there is a chip at the bass waist near the top binding, there are some small nicks around the headstock as one nearly always finds and around the edge of the soundhole.
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