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1945 Gibson Banner J-45
With its ‘Made in USA’ stamp on the back of the headstock, this Banner J-45 has likely been in Canada since the end of WWII, and appears to have been seldom used. There is almost no playwear to the guitar’s finish, and were it not for the heavy crazing in the lacquer it would look nearly new. It’s had a remarkably well-done neck reset – so well, in fact, that there’s a tiny heel repair that we didn’t even notice until black-lighting – and the frets have been replaced expertly. The set-up and playability are excellent, with a medium action under light strings and plenty of saddle height for adjustment. Original lacquer on the bridge and buttons on the tuners. It’s a really clean and original guitar.
Mahogany-topped Banners are famous for their snap and definition mated to the raw power and bold bass-end response that the spruce Banners are known for, and this guitar fits that bill perfectly. Under a lighter attack the mahogany top keeps its full tone and brightness and tends to offer up more of a full-bodied sound that you’d expect, so it’s an excellent choice for players who want Banner tone without needing to pound on the strings. It’s a quickly responsive J-45, with excellent sustain and a clean and clear fundamental. Players with a harder attack will enjoy the guitar’s headroom, clarity, and mid-range presence. It takes it place perfectly in a mix, and likely would perform really well in a loud jam.
With hardshell case
