1942 Gibson J-45

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1942 Gibson J-45

No FON. Banner J-45's don't come in much finer shape or more attractive than this one, folks. With its gorgeous two-tone sunburst finish, banner headstock logo, small rectangle bridge, and open-geared Klusons this guitar perfectly epitomizes the War-time J-45. This is an early Banner model, but without factory order number, we can't get too specific about the year it was built; however, analyzing its features leads us to believe it was finished up in very late 1942. The first Banner models featured multi-layer top bindings and soundhole rosettes, while later models have simple single-ply bindings and rosettes. This guitar's top has the multi-ply rosette of the first Banners, but has the single-ply binding of the later models. It has a four-piece top of Red Spruce, one-piece mahogany back and matching sides, mahogany neck (with truss-rod), and mahogany head and tail blocks. It was completely original when we acquired it, but has since had a neck reset, a refret and set up. The tuners, nut, finish, bridge and end pins are original. This guitar is in truly excellent condition; it has had no internal repairs, and shows no top deflection. We repaired a short 2" back crack, a pickguard crack, and glued a suspect top-seam; this guitar arrived with no loose braces - very unusual! Typical of war-time Gibsons the neck on this J-45 is quite large and round; measuring 1-25/32" wide at the nut. Thanks to the new frets and nice action, this guitar is very comfortable to play despite its girthy neck. Its got that typical Banner J-45 voice - big, loud, and warm, with a very quick attack, and robust mids and trebles... there's nothing out there that sounds anything like it. I'll be sad to see this guitar leave the shop - Banner J-45's are getting harder and harder to come by, and examples this nice are as rare as palm trees in Michigan.
With its original case
SOLD
1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45
  • 1942 Gibson J-45

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