Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard, Spruce Top Mahogany Back/Sides, Vintage Sunburst
The Gibson J-45 Standard, fondly known as “The Workhorse,” has been a fixture in the acoustic guitar landscape since its inception in 1942. Originally designed during World War II, the J-45 was crafted as a more affordable and readily available alternative to its extravagant predecessors, gaining immediate recognition for its versatility and reliability. Its trademark round-shoulder dreadnought shape laid the groundwork for what would become an industry standard, prized for its balanced tonal character that comfortably straddled between bass and treble frequencies.
Throughout the decades, the J-45 has been embraced by artists across genres, solidifying its reputation not just as a country or folk guitar, but as a multi-dimensional instrument capable of handling everything from rock to blues. The staying power of the J-45 can be attributed to its consistent tonal quality, robust projection, and understated elegance. Its wood combinations—primarily Sitka Spruce for the top and Mahogany for the back and sides—have remained largely unchanged, delivering a timeless sonic footprint that has become a cornerstone in Gibson’s acoustic line-up. This iconic guitar continues to evolve, capturing the spirit of each era while retaining its foundational excellence.
At the heart of this model lies a Sitka Spruce top, chosen meticulously for its balance between strength and flexibility, yielding an exceptional dynamic range. The Mahogany back and sides enrich the overall tone with warm bass frequencies and a layered mid-range. Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing under the top enhances projection and sustains the resonance.
Crafted with a Slim Taper Mahogany neck and adorned with a Rosewood fingerboard, the J-45 allows for easy playability across its 20 standard frets. Mother-of-Pearl dot inlays discreetly embellish the fingerboard, ensuring both aesthetic charm and functional visibility.
The guitar’s electronics are nothing short of impressive; an LR Baggs VTC pickup system offers articulate amplification without sacrificing the natural acoustic qualities. Convenient soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls let you shape your sound in real-time, hassle-free.
The finishing touches? Grover Rotomatic tuning machines with kidney buttons for reliable tuning stability and a Belly-up Rosewood bridge, complemented by a Vintage Sunburst Top finish, executed in Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer for long-lasting aesthetics. Tucked into its Gibson hardshell case, this guitar is as durable as it is distinguished.
- Bookmatched solid Sitka Spruce
- Bookmatched solid Mahogany back and sides
- LR Baggs VTC undersaddle pickup with discreet volume and tone controls
- Hand-scalloped Spruce X-bracing
- Compound dovetail neck joint
- Legendary balanced tonal response
