Gibson J-45 Guitar (1942-1984)
When guitar players think of gibson electric guitars automatically gibson les paul guitars come to mind , because it became a gibson trademark , just like fender strats and telecasters . When people think of gibson acoustic guitars its the gibson j-45 that seems to stand out .
When The gibson j-35 jumbo discontinued in late 1942 , it was replaced by the gibson j45 . There was not much difference between the 2 guitars accept for the pickguard , fancier gibson logos in gold and minor changes to the pegheads .
Both guitars sound awesome ( warm & phat tone ) however , the gibson j-45 became a huge success because they were not expensive and they sounded really good ,that explains why they are still in production 'til this day.
In 1942 the gibson j-45 were dreadnought flat top guitars , made with mahogany wood (back and sides) , they had a teardrop firestripe pickguard unlike the j-35 which had a pickguard that followed the body contours, rectangular bridge , w/b/w top and back binding, 19 fret fingerboard , fancy gibson gold logo with a banner " only a gibson is good enough " ( see 3rd pic ) ( some had no truss rods )
In 1943 they replaced the pickguard with a tortoise shell celluloid teardrop pickguard , several j-45 guitars were made also in maple wood back and sides , and some had no truss rods ,
in 1945 truss rods were implemented in all j-45 guitars .
In late 1946 the "only a gibson is good enough" banner is gone , belly bridge was added . In 1947 they made a blonde version ( natural ) and called it the gibson J-50 ( same guitar but with a different finish)
1949-50 an upper belly bridge added with a triple bound top , in 1955 a larger pickguard was added with an extra fret making it a 20 fret fingerboard .
From 1956 to 1968 the j-45 went through some minor changes such as various similar sunburst colors , slightly larger frets in 1959 and on , gibson logos were added to the pickguards in 1966 and rosewood brigdes were used on and off ,
in 1968 some j-45 guitars had white pickguards (screwed-down) .
In 1969 the gibson j-45 guitar were made with square shoulders and black teardrop pickguards with no logo . Very minor changes were made until they were discontinued in 1982 .
In 1983 the gibson j-45 celebrity acoustic guitar was introduced for gibson's 90th anniversary ( only 90 were made )
In 1984 gibson reintroduced the original model of the j45 with round shoulders , tortoise shell teardrop pickguard , triple bound top , single bound back , unbound fingerboard ( rosewood ) with dot inlays , and were made in sunburst , natural and ebony finish .
Throughout the 90s gibson continued production on gibson j-45 guitars with different related names such as the j-45 western , j-45 yamano , j-45 custom , j-45 rosewood and the Gibson J-45 buddy holly limited edition .
Vintage Price Value For 2008 :
1942 - 1949 > $4500 to $7500
1950 - 1960 > $3700 to $4700
1961 - 1969 > $2400 to $3500
1969 - 1974 > $1500 to $2000 ( square shoulders )
1975 - 1999 > $1500 to $2000 ( round shoulders )
1942-1949 > Avg Upward Trend of 13% a Year since 20001950-1960> 9% 1961-1969> 8% 1969-1975> 8% 1976-1990> 5%
Note : The gibson j45 is not a highly collectable guitar because they made them in mass quantities and they are fairly easy to find accept for the 1940s and 50s era , however it doesn't diminish the quality and craftsmanship of the guitar as a matter of fact its actually a good thing for us guitar players who want a great acoustic guitar at a reasonable price.
Buying Advice For Used & Vintage Gibson j45 Guitars :
1. You can find used or vintage Gibson j-45 guitars for sale on Ebay, they have good deals on several occasions, and if your lucky you can get them at a steal.
Buying Advice For New J-45 Guitars ( Compare Prices ) :
1. J-45 guitars for sale at musicians friend
2. Gibson j45 guitars for sale at guitar center3. J-45 acoustic guitars at zzounds
4. Gibson j-45 guitars at Music 123
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David
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rosadura
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roberte
i have a 1954 J-45 - its in good shape. The guitar was checked out by a Luthier and they said it was a "friday guitar", meaning that when the bridge was set at the factory, they set it just the slightest bit off. I am selling it and wondering how much that effect value. I know what the guitar is worth, contact me at:
renglish5@cfl.rr.com
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I have a 1947 J-45 my father bought at Parker Music Company in downtown Houston in 1947. It is in great condition considering its age and has a beautiful tone. It had one dime size dent in the wood on the bottom-side and the tuners were replaced with Grover tuners when it was lovingly restored by Strait Music Company in Austin around 1985. Paid $500 for the restoration. On the fingerboard, there are inlaid off-rectangular double "stripes" which appear to be pearl, instead of the usual "dots". The finish in very rich despite the usual marks from wear and tear. I am considering selling this guitar and would like input as to the probable value (although I have a good idea) as well as more info about the guitar itself and why the fingerboard is different. Perhaps it is the "deluxe" model? I also have the original velvet lined hardshell case in good condition. The back of the head of the guitar, opposite side of the original Gibson decal is, there is the a decal that reads "Parker Music Company, Houston, TX". Inside the lid of the case is a torn label that reads "Parker Music Company, 916 Caroline" "Everything For The Band"
I can be contacted at:
bob@swted.com
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Bob
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jjland
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I am wondering the value of my guitar. It has a 5 # serial number on the back of the headstock. I inherited it from my grandfather and was told by him that it was a 1945 J-45. It matches the pictures on this sight from 1942 to '47. It also has an adjustable bridge. It has finish cracks on the face surface and that is it. Bridge is in great condition and fully attached to the body. The neck is as straight as the new larrivee I just purchased and hardly any wear on the back of the neck. Thanks!
Stanton
sturnerlee@gmail.com
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pink stucco studio
I have a Gibson J-45 adj, with serial number 905538 on the neck.
I bought it used around 1970-74.
I just wanted to know the year it was actually made. It has the big pick guard with that "logo" that has the centipede looking legs, or curvy marks near the "G" of Gibson.
It sounds great, and people always want to buy it off me.
It has the skinny neck. I bought it when I was young because I could manage it with small hands. I've travelled with it and had it repaired a few times but the sound is perfect for Delta Blues.
I recently bought one of these Martin "golden era 1937" guitars and it is bright and big, rich too, but it doesn't have the moaning sound my gibson does.
Thanks for any ideas you have on the year it was made. PS I see a lot of people trashing the j45adj on the internet but tha is not my experience. I wonder if they've ever lived with one?
Thanks for any ideas you have on the year it was made.
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Tom Reynolds
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Anujj
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danpage0
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i have a old gibson guitar my grandfather left me he said he bought it in 1932 from a pawn shop its in great condition in side on the neck block is the #902 i think its a FON # from 1910 but the head stock says only a gibson is good enuff ? mabe the neck was swaped out that logo is from j45's from the 40s any body know what i got. albertsen1@comcast.net
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I have a Gibson acoustic with serial number 500800 on the back of the headstock and J-45ADJ stamped inside the body. The guitar is all cherry red with a white pick guard (no logo, just plain white). The guitar is in near excellent condition with a only a few minor scratches. Can you tell more about this guitar, PLEASE?
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I have a 1967 Gibson J45-adj Cherry Sunburst. I had the bridge replaced and the tuners were changed by the original owner whom I bought it from some 20 years ago. It has playing wear and a couple of nicks and lots of neck wear on the back of the neck as well as cracking finish showing its age. Other tahn that it plays and sounds great. Any idea what price range this would be in? Does the replaced bridge effect the value a lot? Thanks for your help.
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dnsmusic
hi there,
I have a J-45, I think from 1943, maple back & sides to sell.
It's a cannon! Sounds really great throughout the whole spectrum. Had the neck reset recently at California Vintage Guitars (Sherman Oaks).
I wanted to know if you could give me an estimate about it's value.
By the way, your site is excellent! Really great job!
Thanks for all your help (including all those past years I was studying your site!)
cheers,
Thomas
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Gibson j45 guitar
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I recently came to own my grandfather's guitar. it is either a 1964 or 1956 Gibson J-45 Adj Bridge. Im almost positive its a 64. The Pickgaurd has been removed and finish is rubbed from wear and tear. Any idea what you think i could get for this hunk of junk? It sounds beautiful to me but compared to my 1955 J-45 this isnt the same. Looking for a price range.
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Wondering if anyone has information on this serial number?
Southern Jumbo or J-45: SN: 2909
Sunburst color and serial number is located under the neck stamped on the support block you can see through the sound hole. 2909 is followed by a faded pencil mark that seems to read "lf".
Thanks guys!
Mac
Texas
emcintosh2004(at)charter.net
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Rob
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MIstaT
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Kelly
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Jay-Jay...
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Many years ago my sister bought a house and found a gibson acoustic in the attic. This guitar was in very bad shape, with deep scratches and pits throughout. The guitar has an absolutely beautiful, deep rich tone. I refinished the guitar, even stripping the gibson logo off the headstock. I am interested in learning the year and model of this guitar. The only identifier is the # 7861-27 on the inside neck block. Any info on this guitar would be greatly appreciated.
wulffman72@gmail.com
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rhonda
I have a 1964 accoustic J-45 Gibson Guitar with its original case. It's in great condition. It was bought for me in 1971 like new from the originl owner.
I dont play and never did much. This guitar has only been played a few times in the 39 years I've had it by true musitians who highly complimented it's sound and playability. It has been a pleasure to own and listen to as well as to play. I am interested in selling it to a buyer who appreciates the quality of this fine guitar. If you would like to be the new owner contact me at rhondalynjones@gmail.com
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rhonda
I have a 1964 acoustic J-45 Gibson Guitar with its original case. It was bought for me in 1971 like new. I dont play and never did much. This guitar has only been played a few times by true musitians who highly complimented its sound and playability. It has been a pleasure to own and listen to as well as play. I am interested in selling to a buyer who appreciates the quality of this fine guitar. If you would like to be its new owner contact me at rhondalynjones@gmail.com
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My J-45 isn't old but it's an absolute gem. I recently (11/2010) got a 2005 Historic on a trade and I'm happy as can be. It's all I ever wanted in a guitar. I had all but sworn off modern Gibsons but this one made me make an exception. I still generally wouldn't recommend new ones but you'll want to find a good one regardless of its age.
I fell in love with a Bourgeois Slope D in 2000 but couldn't afford it. I bought a Martin HD-28LSV and while it was a bluegrass weapon, it wasn't the most versatile. Then I heard Bill Frisell play Lee Townsend's 1961 J-45 and I started keeping my eyes out for one. Perhaps I'll own an older one in the future but for now, this one is quite good enough.
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thomas
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thomas
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thomas
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Scott
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Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it's truly informative. Cheers! Lost Value
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WANTED TO BUY J45 Sunburst (50s - 60s) I parted w/ a few years ago. This is my childhood guitar and is distinguished by my name burnt into wood/brace just inside the soundhole reads: "Pam Love" then covered w/ an advert. sticker. There is tiny holes on both sides And both ends of the lower bridge (to secure it during a reglue)
I used to scrape the player side of the neck w/pick so finish was mighty thin there. Lots of scratches ans dings If anyone knows where this instrument is I would appreciate any and all help relocating it. email: pamkmartz@yahoo.com
or cell 815-541-2297 Thank You !!
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WANTED TO BUY j45 sunburst 50s-60s This is my childhood guitar I parted w/ a few yrs. ago it is distinguished by my name burnt into the wood/brace just inside the soundhole then covered w/ an advert. sticker. There are tiny holes on either sides AND ends of the lower bridge made during a reglue. I used to scrape the player side of the neck w/ pick so the finish was thin there. Lots of scratches/dings . . Id appreciate any and all help in relocating this instrument. via cell 815-541-2297 or email: pamkmartz@yahoo.com Thank You !!
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Coty Walters
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Coty Walters
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http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx
I have 4 Gibson's a Blonde 2005 J45, a LP Studio, SG Standard and a Traditional Standard Flame top LP, my Epiphone Standard LP says Gibson on the TR cover but it's Nipon Gaki so I don't count it..
I am always looking up stuff, the link at the top has useful info like serial number search and links, hope it useful
:)
I am looking for a 1955 J45 in good to excellent condition. I would also be interested in any from 1950-1955.
Please contact me if you have one for sale.
gassman55@yahoo.com
Robert
415.713.1791 cell #