1963 Gibson J-45

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1963 Gibson J-45

100% original, crack free, unrepaired, and in need of nothing, this is one of those very uncommon Gibson flattops that has survived nearly 60 years without any cracks, braces coming loose, or parts having been changed. It’s hardly been played and is in remarkable condition. All that, and it sounds remarkably good too – even with the original plastic bridge. Yes. That IS possible, it’s just not terribly common, to be honest. Don’t expect a bluegrass flatpicker here, but if you’re after the warm and slightly thumpy, slightly compressed 60’s Donavan / Keith kind of tone, this guitar’s got it going on.

We would normally suggest replacing the plastic bridge with a reproduction 60’s Gibson glued-on version, but this guitar doesn’t show any of the structural failings usually associated with this bridge design and it sounds remarkably good. We’re admittedly very surprised. It’s lasted this long - and here in Canada - without repair needs, so it’s very likely good for the long haul.

The guitar has the typical 1963 neck profile with a lowish C carve, full-width nut (1-11/16”), and 24-3/4” scale. Spruce and mahogany construction, rosewood fingerboard, and gloss cherry sunburst finish. Very little playwear to the finish or frets. There is a tiny chip at the base of the neck heel, a little bit of wear on the back of the neck in the first position, a small assortment of insignificant dings and dents throughout, and just a bit of fingernail wear on the fretboard in the first position. The guitar was set-up and restrung in our shop; we didn’t need to do anything else – there’s not even a pickguard shrinkage crack.

With non-original hardshell case
1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45
  • 1963 Gibson J-45

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