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1951 Gibson J-45

An incredible sounding, looking, and playing J-45 from 1951 that is about as perfect as they get. It’s not *quite* in mint condition, but it is crack-free and totally original but for the new frets we installed after the neck reset we’ve just wrapped up. The neck angle was reset to the guitar’s original unmodified saddle, too. It’s that kind of clean.

A beautifully voiced J-45 with a clear, articulate, and deep bass; strong and forward mids, and sweet trebles up the neck. It’s balanced, bold, and hearty, with a strong fundamental and ample headroom but remains dynamic and expressive for a varied right hand attack. The neck feel is essentially perfect, with the classic early 50’s rounded C shape, comfortably rolled fretboard edges, and finish feels dry and just worn enough. The nut width is 1-11/16” and the 1st fret depth is .884”.

Scalloped braced Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, small tortoise pickguard, thin and finely crazed sunburst lacquer finish. Patent applied for Kluson tuners with original buttons, original nylon nut and saddle, and original finish throughout. Original bracing and bridgeplate are without issue and very clean, and the bridge is unmodified. Refretted with vintage style wire, and set up with an action of 4-6 64ths and 12-54 strings.

With original hardshell case

1951 Gibson J-45

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Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario Canada

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We've spent thirty years building relationships with musicians, collectors, and fellow dealers across Canada and the US. Every guitar we sell has been inspected, played, and approved by hands that know the difference.

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