Gibson J45 Banner Guitar
The legendary Banner Gibson J45!
Gibson J45 Banner Guitar from 1944-1945
“Only the Gibson is Good Enough!” When we see that banner on the peghead of an old Gibson guitar, we get excited. Of all the many banners that have been through this shop, this one takes the prize! Unbelieveable power and sustain, a crisp bottom end as deep as a well and the clear, bright upper mid-range that only comes from a truly well-aged, much loved and constantly played guitar.
I think it is most likely a 1945, because that’s when the good building materials started to flow back into Kalamazoo, and this one has got nice wood, Adirondack spruce top and Honduran Mahogany back, sides and neck. Inside, it is as clean and original as any I have seen, and extremely well-made. All original small maple bridge-plate, two tone bars, scalloped braces. Just what one would expect to see. Outside, it is all there, original finish, but there are a couple of small spots of wear on the top in the upper quadrant where some attempt at coloring has been made. It has truss rod and small rectangular original bridge (which has been reglued). The back has an area of wear about 4 inches in diameter. There is neck wear, but that makes it feel good. There is plenty of that old Gibson finish crackle all over. Top is amazingly flat. This guitar has never seen the inside of a luthier’s repair shop which makes the condition and vintage even more remarkable.
Specifications in inches:
Action at 12th fret: .090 at bass E and .070 at treble E; Relief: .020 at 8th fret ; saddle height: 3/32; thickness of neck: .75 at 2nd fret, .90 at 10th fret; fingerboard width at nut: 1 3/4, at 12th fret: 2 1/4
I am shocked that this guitar is so dialed into standard medium action and has never had a neck set. Neck is as slim as ‘40s Gibsons get, it is rounded, not V. It definitely plays fine for Bluegrass rhythm or flat-picking and, for country blues or just plain finger-picking, it cannot be beat.
Ready for delivery this guitarist’s dream and a collector’s prize. Please inquire for price and terms.
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