1944 Gibson J-45

$8,900.00

  • Year: 1944
  • Manufacturer: Gibson
  • Model: J-45
  • Case: Soft
  • Color: Sunburst
  • Condition: Excellent
  • Description: SOLD. FON: 2558-23. Powerful Banner J-45 from the incredible 2558 batch in quite excellent condition. I’ve had a number of J-45s from this batch and they are all remarkable and all different. It’s an amazing batch. This one is a conventional configuration with a spruce top, one-piece mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood bridge and fretboard, and three on a strip Kluson tuning machines. The finish is nicely checked and well preserved. There’s a bit of wear on the treble side of the sound hole from playing, and a little missing north of the bridge, possibly from the bridge being off or just the brittleness of the Gibson finish. There are two areas on the side where the chipboard case has worn the finish away and a few light dings on the top. Overall, the finish is bright and intact. The neck has the classic baseball bat profile with 1 11/16” nut. It’s large but the action is close an, though a handful, doesn’t feel uncomfortable (to me). There are no cracks. The inside is very clean and original with its knife blade braces, scalloped tone bars, and linen side straps. I’ve had the neck reset by Mark Tossman, new frets, and a new saddle. It plays very easily and boasts the classic Banner Gibson bark with a powerful midrage, bass with an edge, and complimentary trebles that are present but not shrill. It came to me with a chipboard case that is 30-40 years old but probably should have something sturdier for shipping. Overall, a no excuses Banner that would be a proud addition to any vintage Gibson collection.