1945 Gibson J-45 Banner Logo Wartime Dreadnought, Spruce & Mahogany w/ Maple Neck, Case

Up for sale, a 1945 Gibson Banner Logo J-45, complete with an era-correct hardshell case. As one of sparingly few Gibson acoustics produced during World War II, this J-45 is notable for many reasons; one prominent one is the solid mahogany used for the back and sides, less common than the dyed maple frequently substituted in many instances (due to the inherent resource limitations of Wartime production), which yielded a markedly different tonal result. Additionally, this J-45 is notable for the presence of a truss rod, which was also not universal during the era. This Wartime dreadnought boasts the original gloss nitro lacquer Sunburst finish and maple bridge plate, benefitting from a neck reset, a carved bone saddle and nut, replacement rosewood bridge, aged replica tuning machines (originals included), and a refret with medium fretwire. This J-45 features an X-braced spruce top, solid mahogany back/sides, and a unique five-piece maple/walnut neck. This neck construction was sometimes seen during Wartime production, more in-line with a premium Gibson archtop than a workingmans dreadnought, capped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. An absolute cannon, this J-45 can sound both delicate and powerful simultaneously, and theres a burly growl when digging in with a flatpick. The treble detail of the instrument lends itself to fingerpicking, and the plain strings are sparkling and punchy. Theres a reason these guitars are so prized both by collectors and musicians: the faintest strum yields ample volume and sweet bloom, and the sheer dynamic range of the guitar is incredible. Each string rings out very evenly with a clarity typically reserved for rosewood, and theres a pillowy warmth when strumming in front of the soundhole. This J-45 lives up to the reputation of the Banner-era instruments, weighing 4lbs 8oz and professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action. Neck Specs: -Wood: Maple/Walnut-Shape: Baseball bat C, measuring .925 1st fret, .995 9th fret-Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, dot inlay-Frets: Medium, refret, no wear-Scale Length: 24 3/4-Nut: 1 3/4, bone (replacement)-Tuners: StewMac Golden Age Restoration, aged (originals in case)-Serialization: Three-digit FON on neck heel dates to 45 Body Specs: -Wood: Spruce, mahogany-Bracing: X (straight)-Bridge: Rosewood belly down (replacement), maple bridge plate, compensated bone saddle-Plastics: Tortoise pickguard (reseated)-Marquetry: One-ply binding, simple rosette The gloss Sunburst nitro lacquer finish is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, exhibiting extensive shattered glass checking, with some case rash along the rims at the lower bout perimeter and finish-loss primarily constrained to the rims. This guitar has one vertical split on top at the treble-side lower bout, two on the back running parallel to each other on either side of the endpin, and a small impact at the neck heel. All cracks have been professionally addressed and reinforced as needed. There is pick wear across the soundhole and on the upper bout beyond the edge of the tortoise pickguard, buckle rash central to the back, and various dings and scuffs from almost a century of careful usage. The neck profile exhibits palm wear behind frets 1-5, with a number of shallow nicks along the profile length worn smooth through play. A vintage hardshell case is included. The hinges are not functional, but the latches are present and the original handle is intact. Reviews There are no reviews yet. Be the first to review “1945 Gibson J-45 Banner Logo Wartime Dreadnought, Spruce & Mahogany w/ Maple Neck, Case” Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Your rating * Rate… Perfect Good Average Not that bad Very poor Your review *Name * Email * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.