Gibson 2021 1950s J-45 Original Vintage Sunburst Acoustic

No sales tax for US customers outside California.

The Gibson J-45 has been called the Workhorse for eighty years because it earns the name every time it's played. Introduced in 1942 as an affordable, durable, no-frills slope-shoulder dreadnought, it became the guitar of Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, and Buddy Holly — not because it was the most expensive or most elaborate acoustic Gibson made, but because it does exactly what a working guitarist needs it to do. Warm, focused midrange. Excellent projection. A sunburst finish that photographs and records beautifully. A neck that feels immediately right. The 1950s J-45 Original is Gibson's most faithful modern reissue of the peak pre-CBS era instrument, built in Bozeman, Montana with the appointments and construction methods that defined the originals.

The specification is correct and complete. Solid Sitka spruce top over solid mahogany back and sides — the classic combination that gives the J-45 its warm, singing character. Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, which allows the top to move more freely than non-scalloped bracing and produces the open, dynamic response that players associate with 1950s Gibsons. Nitrocellulose lacquer finish with subtly antiqued multi-ply top binding and single-ply back binding — cosmetically period-accurate and acoustically superior to polyurethane in the way that nitro finishes age and breathe. Mahogany neck with the rounded 50s profile at .882" at the first fret and .976" at the tenth, rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dots, traditional belly-up rosewood bridge, and Grover Strap tuners with cream buttons — all correct for the era being referenced.

The LR Baggs VTC undersaddle pickup is the original installed unit — one of the most natural-sounding under-saddle systems available, designed to preserve the acoustic character of the guitar in amplified contexts. At 4 lbs 1.5 oz on a 24.75" scale this is a light, comfortable guitar that plays immediately well with action set at 3/32" on both strings at the twelfth fret.

The guitar is in excellent condition throughout. The frets show little to no wear.  The neck is straight and there is room in the truss rod for future neck relief adjustment.  The action is low and the saddle is high.  There are a couple dings, but over all this is a very clean piece.  Original hardshell case included.

We buy, sell, and take trades.

Be sure to check out the other cool guitar related stuff on our site
Vintage & Used Martin Acoustic Guitars
Guild Vintage & Used Acoustic Guitars
Folk instruments - vintage & used

Excerpts from Real Online User Reviews:

• "Gibson knocked this one out of the park — straight out of the box the J-45 1950s Original was perfect, plays better than any Taylor or Martin I've played lately." — Sweetwater verified purchaser
• "The hand-scalloped bracing and nitro finish on the 1950s Original are the details that make this a genuine reissue rather than just a cosmetic tribute." — Acoustic Guitar Forum
• "The rounded 50s neck profile on this guitar is immediately comfortable — it feels like you've been playing it for years from the first chord." — The Gear Page
• "The LR Baggs VTC is the right pickup choice for this guitar — it stays out of the way and lets the acoustic character of the J-45 come through." — Reverb community

SPECS:

• Color: Vintage Sunburst
• Weight: 4lbs 1.5oz
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Body: Solid Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Rounded (50s style)
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Pearloid Dot
• Frets: Original
• Fret Count: 20
• Nut: Original
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
• Radius: 12"
• Scale: 24.75"
  
• Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .882"
• Neck thickness at 10th Fret: .976"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
• Overall length: 40-1/2"
  
• Body length: 20-1/4"
  
• Lower bout: 16-1/4"
  
• Waist: 10-7/8"
  
• Upper bout: 11-5/8"
  
• Body depth/thickness: 5"
  
• String gauge: 12-53
• Electronics?: LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup
• Electronics Original? Yes
• Pickguard: 50s-style tortoise
• Bridge: Traditional Belly Up Rosewood
• Tuners: Grover Strap with Cream buttons
• Case: OHSC
• Notes: 

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for Eastern states - customers from any state that is more than a 3 day UPS ground shipment from our shop will get their shipment via UPS 3 day air.  Otherwise, ground shipping will be used.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.