1957 Gibson J-45

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1957 Gibson J-45

Road worn looks and tremendously good tone often go hand-in-hand with vintage Gibson guitars, and this 1957 J-45 is the perfect example of what us at Folkway like to call a great ‘Player’s’ guitar. And we don’t use that term lightly. Oversized bridges and refinish that result in unexciting tone, worn out frets that result in poor playability, low neck angles that result in high action… none of that would be acceptable to many of the guitar players that we can think of! This J-45 has a number of repaired cracks and some reglued braces, but it’s original, sounds like a million bucks, plays beautifully, and has an incredible neck feel.

Gibson introduced the adjustable bridge in 1956, and the early versions (like the one on this guitar) feature a metal insert with a micarta saddle and large adjustment bolt heads. The bridgeplate remained the small solid maple variety early on, which is part of why these first adjustable-bridge J-45s have such a characteristically warm, thumpy and lively tone. These guitars sound quite different than the later ply bridgeplate versions with either a ceramic or rosewood saddle.

Set-up here at Folkway, this J-45 is ready to play. The repairs are all solid and the guitar is in need of no further TLC. The neck has Gibson’s classic late 50’s C carve and plenty of worn-away finish, making it feel just right. Nut-width is 1-11/16”. Excellent neck angle providing plenty of adjustment room in either direction at the saddle.

With hardshell case
1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 Gibson J-45
  • 1957 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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