Gibson J-45 (1945)

This banner style Gibson J-45 from 1945 is in very good condition. Its original owner passed away in 1955 and it has remained with his family until now and has been  played very little. This guitar was made during the end of the World War II when lumber resources were scarce and so guitar production lent itself to using materials that were available during this time. However, this particular J-40 has a traditional spruce top and mahogany back and sides, and what appears to be a rosewood fretboard, unlike some of the J45s from this era that had maple backs and gumwood fretboards.

There is an un-repaired crack running vertically along the left hand side of the pick guard. The pick guard is also lifting slightly. In no way does this cause any buzzing.  On the back of the guitar there are some impressions in the finish which may have been come about as the guitar lay on its strap in the guitar case. The tuning machines are newer Grover Deluxe tuners, and  the instrument will also come with 1950’s Gibson tuners (with missing buttons) if you prefer to install those and replace the buttons.  There are two screw holes in the center of the rear of the heastock (from who knows what). The action is 7/32 at the 12th fret on the low E, and there is a lot of room (may be still at factory height) on the saddle if you prefer to sand it down. The bridge has been re-glued – it is not sitting perfectly flush in the center although it is completely flush on the sides.  A new end pin has been installed but we have the original in the case with it, along with the original bridge pins (a couple of which have broken in half).

Overall, the guitar is in amazing condition for its age. Original nut and saddle. The frets have been crowned recently. Neck is stable with no separation at the body.  A great open sound with boomy but clear bass and sparkling highs. Comes with a nice vintage CEIB Chicago case.