This Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 is a faithful recreation of the earliest iteration of the J-45, with its banner headstock, silk-screened with the phrase “Only a Gibson is Good Enough.” To capture the brilliant voice of the original, Gibson used an Adirondack Red Spruce top, thermally cured for sonic enhancement and structural stability, along with hide glue on the top bracing and neck joint.
The J-45, which was introduced in 1942 and has been offered continually since, takes its model number from its initial price tag of $45 ($657.42 in today’s money). This no-frills, slope-shouldered dreadnought is Gibson’s most popular flattop as well as the benchmark for so many other makers, and it’s been played by everyone from Buddy Holly to Woody Guthrie. This Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 is a faithful recreation of the earliest iteration of the J-45, with its banner headstock, silk-screened with the phrase “Only a Gibson is Good Enough.” To capture the brilliant voice of the original,
Building a guitar with hide glue is definitely better suited for tone transfer than modern glue. Gibson also selected very light wood for this guitar, weighing only 1,71kg making her very light and resonant. Loud, articulate and one of the best sounding J-45 I’ve heard in years. This beauty was built in 2023 and shows only mild playing marks on the body and pickguard. She was well taken care of and thus her condition is rated as excellent. The action is medium, adding to the volume and tone. Lots of room to go lower on the great long saddle bridge with also enhances tone transfer.
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