Body size at lower
bout: 15 3/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width:
1 9/16"Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips
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1965 Gibson J-45
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SN#: 344714
Body size at lower
bout: 15 3/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width:
1 9/16"
Materials: Solid spruce top; Honduras mahogany back and sides and neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge; mother of pearl dot fingerboard inlays; 3-ply top binding,, contoured tortoise pickguard.
Hardware: Correct hand-antiqued cream button tuners, compensated bone saddle, adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Gibson's most popular full sized flat top, the legendary J-45 made its debut in 1942 and has remained in the catalog ever since. Its signature slope shouldered design and clear rich tone have made it a standby of Nashville players, and vintage examples have skyrocketed on the collector's market. This example is a fine pre-Norlin guitar, with all the right stuff: the classic x-braced construction, tall skinny braces, round shoulders, reverse belly bridge, and 3 point guard of the 1960's.
At a featherweight 4 lb. 2 oz, the instrument is loud as a cannon, extremely comfortable to hold and play, and has a notably slim, fast neck profile, with fine medium jumbo frets. Well played and well cared for, the guitar shows minimal pickwear, and only light scattered finish dings and normal checking. A single short hairline crack in the back has been impeccably resealed and cleated, and the 100% original finish has ambered to a gorgeous suntanned blonde on the top. Best of all, a prewar style compensated solid bone saddle has been installed, to free up the soundboard to sing to its fullest potential. (The original metal and ceramic "tone-killer" adjustable bridge contraption is intact and included in the case pocket.) The action is smooth and low over freshly levelled fretwork, and the voice is clear as a long drink of water: a classic country workhorse from the Bakersfield era.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings.
Case: Original worn black hardshell plush lined case.
