ARCHIVED • SOLD

1954 Gibson J-45

A scalloped braced small-guard J-45 with lots of focus and presence through the midrange, and plenty of muscle in the trebles. Like many 50’s Gibsons, this guitar is a great strummer and likes a medium attack best, which is part of the reason you’ll see so many 50’s J-45s in the hands of singers on stages around the world. A controllable guitar that plays easily and comfortably, it’s really hard to put down.

A great looking vintage Gibson, this J-45’s dark sunburst finish, small pickguard, and cut-through bridge saddle immediately suggest ‘vintage’ as first glance. There’s not much playwear on the finish, and the bindings have yellowed beautifully.

Sitka spruce and mahogany body, scalloped bracing, rosewood belly bridge, and single-ring rosette. Changed tuning machines, original nut and frets, original finish. There are two repaired top cracks on the lower treble bout, and three repaired back cracks that were quite minor. Cracks along both sides of the fingerboard’s extension were repaired when we reset the guitar’s neck a few years back. Original bridge and small maple plate. Playability is excellent, original frets play well and show very little wear, and the guitar is set up with 5-7 64ths action and light strings. A strap button has been installed in the heel.

Deep and round neck carve with a 1-11/16” nut. Neck depth is .92” at the 1st fret and .98” at the 9th. Scale is 24.75”, and string spread at the bridge is 2-1/8”.

With modern hardshell case.
1954 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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