Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Used)
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- Product #580333
Superb craftsmanship, legendary tone.
Nicknamed "The Workhorse" and first introduced in 1942, Gibson's most popular round-shoulder dreadnought guitar is world-renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection. Subtle changes to the bracing of its predecessor—the J-35—made Gibson's J-45 Standard one of most technically advanced acoustic electric guitars of its time.
Nickel Grover Rotomatic Tuners
Grover's original Rotomatic tuners are an engineering marvel, with abundant style and performance exactly suited for the Gibson J-45. With a gear ratio of 14:1, the Rotomatics deliver precision tuning in a durable housing that provides maximum protection for the gear and string post. All moving parts are cut for exact meshing, eliminating the possibility of slippage. A countersunk tension screw lets you regulate the tuning tension to any degree. A special lubricant inside the gearbox provides smooth and accurate tuning stability.
Body Tonewoods (back, sides and top)
The top of the Gibson J-45 acoustic electric guitar is made from AA-grade Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from pattern-grade Honduran mahogany, giving the J-45 guitar its world renowned full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection. Selecting the right wood, and the formula to dry it out are two of the most pivotal processes in Gibson's guitar-building process. Beginning with its first catalog in 1903, Gibson has assured its customers that every guitar would be built using woods with "the most durable, elastic, and sonorous qualities," and today's guitars from Gibson Acoustic maintain that standard.
Pickguard
The pickguard for the J-45 acoustic electric guitar is Gibson's standard plain tortoise tear drop shape, which has been used on the J-45 since its introduction in 1942. As with all of Gibson's pickguards, the coloring, inlay, and binding are all done by hand.
Rosette
The rosette on this Gibson acoustic guitar is a simple single-ring rosette consisting of three-ply binding, adding a stylish, understated elegance to the Gibson J-45 Standard.
Rosewood Fingerboard with Rolled Edges and Dot Inlays
The fingerboard of Gibson's J-45 is constructed from the highest grade rosewood on earth, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled experts before it enters the Gibson factories. The resilience of this durable wood makes the fingerboard extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The J-45 guitar's dot inlays are made of genuine mother of pearl, measuring approximately 1/4-inch in diameter, and are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require the use of fillers. The fingerboard also sports a rolled edge instead of the usual right angle where the fingerboard surface meets the neck. Gibson Acoustic's rolled edges are slightly beveled for an extremely smooth and comfortable feel, enhancing the playability of the J-45.
L.R. Baggs Element Active Acoustic Pickup System
Gibson Acoustic's J-45 comes equipped with the popular Element Active Acoustic Pickup System from L.R. Baggs, which features a low-profile undersaddle element—or transducer—that's proven more stable and durable than many standard ribbon-type pickups. Combined with an onboard preamp with an unobtrusive and removable volume control mounted just inside the soundhole, the Element delivers performance not previously attainable from an undersaddle pickup. Its sleek and effective design removes unnecessary internal components to enhance the coupling between the pickup and the guitar, and improve the sensitivity of the transducer for a robust, lively, and natural acoustic sound with excellent dynamics and delicate high end. The Element works with a standard 9V battery, which is housed inside the guitar in L.R. Bagg's new "Battery Bagg."
Bracing
Every acoustic guitar made by Gibson features hand-scalloped, radiused top bracing inside the body, a feature normally found only in limited run, hand-made guitars. By scalloping each brace by hand, the natural sound of the acoustic is focused more toward the center of the body, enhancing the instrument's sound projection. The Gibson J-45 Standard guitar features a variation of Gibson's "X" bracing pattern situated behind the soundhole, with a set of tall and thin braces for the back, and scalloped tall and thin braces for the top. This legendary bracing design delivers a balanced expression, with punchy, deep lows, warm mids, and clear, crisp highs. When pushed for more volume, the Gibson J-45 projects a natural compression, which helps it blend nicely with any accompaniment.
Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.
Features
- AA-grade Sitka spruce top
- Pattern-grade Honduras mahogany back and sides
- Mother-of-pearl Gibson headstock logo
- Graph Tech nut
- Nickel Grover Rotomatic tuners
- Rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges and dot inlays
- L.R. Baggs Element active acoustic pickup system
This handcrafted Gibson guitar's choice tonewoods make it a finger picker's dream—order today and save.
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Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Reviews
Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Flawless Finish
- Flawless Finnish
- Great Sounding Highs
- Great Sounding Mids
- Plays Like Butter
- Pre-wired Input Jack
- Smells Great
Cons
- Narrow neck
Best Uses
- Live performance
- Studio
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I got a better price on this instrument through my local retailer than even Musicians Friend could provide.
Like any guitar, each has their own personality. I played 3 of these in the store before landing on the one I walked out with. Insane action, brilliant highs and mids filled the room easily and the finish is just so classic...how could you not love it?
It's not exactly a design flaw, but I have big hands so the only "con" I find with this particular model is the neck is a little narrow for me. However, this is just a personal thing and it really doesn't change my 5-star rating in the least.
I am very happy with my purchase and I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for" so I have no issues dropping over 2 grand on a guitar. Price is not a con when you're set on a high-quality instrument.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by JohnnyV
Still has the plastic on the pick guard
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Pros
- Distinct Vintage Tones
- Great for recording
Cons
- Not A Cannon
Best Uses
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
Most guitars today have a sustaining ring to them that blur the distinctive notes; the J45, on the other hand has a tone and vibe all it's own. the notes are distinct from low to high end, a bit of a dry sound but standing out nonetheless. The pickup system does a good job at matching the unplugged sound....the J45 has a vintage vibe that none of my other Gibson's have, or the other brands that I own either. Must be the age-old design that hasn't changed that much from the '40's.
It's simple in it's look, but don't be fooled...this guitar has a lot of personality that the others cant's match.
Pros
- Beautiful Tone And Wood
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Stage Performace
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
After a lot of tonewood research, this guitar sounded and played as anticipated. The natural mahogany back and sides are beautiful. The L.R. Baggs Element Active pickup really brings this gentle giant to life. Someone put a lot of love into this guitar. Flawless....
Pros
- Action
- Playability
- SoundTone
- Style
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I tried several different Martin Dreads, but read somewhere that if you heard a group of guitar players - the one that would come through, clear as a bell would be the J-45. I agree completely. The tone of the J-45 (to me) just blows away a similarly priced Martin. That's the good news. The bad news is that I had to play several differernt J-45's to find one that I really liked. That's not always easy to do - usually when you play a guitar and don't like it you try a different model. However, there was just something about the J-45 tone that made me keep searching. Once I did, I fell for it. This one is a real "keeper".
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
Last year I retired my old 1970 Norlin era J-45 and purchased a new J-45 Standard. The unamplified projection of my new J-45 is excellent. I must comment that the volume control in the sound hole for the Baggs pickup is quite sensitive and I found it best for me to open the volume on the guitar and adjust levels on my attenuator. The fit and finish on the J-45 Standard is very good and I love the round-shouldered body. After a professional set-up and a new set of 12's, this guitar plays like a dream. I also own a vintage Martin D-18 and a Taylor 710, which are both great guitars, but the J-45 Standard is now my "go to" instrument for recording and live performances. If you're looking for a moderately priced dreadnought sized acoustic, then do yourself a favor and check out the Gibson J-45 Standard. It's pure Gibby!
This guitar is an outstanding value for it's price.
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
Exceeded my expectations on all fronts.
I recently bought the J-45. I already own two Martin acoustics(D28 and D1) and love them both. I had always admired the sunburst finish and vintage apperance of the J-45 and was amazed at the tone and how beautifully it plays. None of the catalogues mention the shorter scale (think Les Paul) and this makes the guitar play much differently than the Martins. Fit and finish are terrific, although I notice a bit of roughness on the fret surfaces and getting the bridge pins to stay put when installing strings is a bit of a challenge, unlike any other acoustic I've ever owned...they don't want to stay put Once I do get them to stay put, the guitar tunes up well and stays in tune with great intonation. The guitar came set up pretty well and I thought it sounded great...until I changed the strings after a month to my favorite Martin M-540's and it became a different instrument. Compared to my D-28, it has slightly more pronounced bass and I think an overall richer and louder sound. The L.R.Baggs Element pickup and unobtrusive soundhole mounted volume control work great. I really prefer this guitar over the Martins for fingerstyle playing and it will be my "go to" for that technique. I own >25 guitars (Gibsons,Fenders, Epi's, Ovation,Hagstrom) love them all but I think I have a new favorite. I highly recommend the J-45!
Gibson's are very expensive and this cost more than my D-28
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I bought this guitar about a year ago and I just can't keep may hands off of it. Unplugged, the tone is fabulous and the volume is exceptional. Plug it in (I primarily use a Bose L1 Model II system which has a J45 preset) and you won't believe the sound that comes out of this thing. I do about 60% finger picking and the other 40% strumming and the sound is phenomenal. It's a perfect match with the L.R. Baggs electronics. Finish-wise it has one of the nicest sunburst finishes I've seen on a guitar; very rich looking. I'm rather a purist, so the non-cutaway was a real plus for me. If you want a no frills acoustic-electric guitar that puts out a great sound (plugged or un-plugged) this is the one for you. What are you waiting for?
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I own several fine acoustics (martin d28, koa taylor) but my j45 is my "go to" balance, volume, tome, and attitude. my j45 is the 1st guitar i have ever owned that ended my weekly visit's to the acoustic room at the local gear shop. it is like meeting the right woman. i can't imagine ever wanting another acoustic guitar unless it is another j45.
Comments about Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I love my J45, I use it to play gigs one day a week. It has never let me down. Truly a classic, a must have. They have a sound all their own. I own a Guild F50, Martin D18, and a Taylor 814. Love them all, but the J45 is my workhorse.
Displaying reviews 1-9
