1944 Gibson J-45

$8,000.00

  • Year: 1944
  • Manufacturer: Gibson
  • Model: J-45
  • Case: Original Hard
  • Color: Sunburst/Maple
  • Condition: Excellent
  • Description: The wartime 'banner' Gibson flat tops have gained an increasingly avid, if not mythical, following, and for good reason..quality sound, quality construction and quirky combinations of materials not found pre or post WWII, including the "Only A Gibson Is Good Enough" banner decal. The features on this example suggest a date of 1944: script logo and banner, five-piece maple neck, square-cut heel block, riveted 3-on-a-plate Kluson tuners, and an adjustable truss rod. A look at BannerGibsons.com shows that a number of Gibsons were made with maple back and sides that share this guitar's FON 2828. Overall, this guitar appears to have been oft-played throughout its life, but with no major structural issues to report. The original Klusons had the powdered original buttons replaced with exact reproduction 'Henkes' buttons; the Brazilian rosewood fingerboard was recently refretted with the rosewood showing some playing divots in the first three frets; the tip of the small brace under the pickguard was glued; the original bridge was reglued and shows its original profile, retaining some of its original finish; bridge plate is super clean; the guitar sports its original finish, but, if one looks closely, it appears that someone tried to clean the sides with something that left some dull streaks (these could likely be buffed out); the body shows some nicks and dings and three screw holes in the lower bout from a prior tailpiece installation (likely a cheap fix when the bridge lifted). The top is appears to be 2-piece Adirondak spruce, and the back is a beautiful single piece of curly maple. There are no body or top cracks, although the center seam below the bridge is a bit funky, but tight, and finish checking is noted throughout. Best of all, this banner Gibson has 'the' sound that players seek in vintage instruments; rich and full, with a deep thump when fingerpicked. With the action set at 5/64", and the maple neck worn to a smooth tactile feel in the hand, the guitar is a pleasure to play over long periods of time. Comes with what could be its original brown, pink-lined hard case with broken hinges.