Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard Blackout Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Ebony

Few acoustic guitars carry the weight of history quite like the Gibson J-45. First introduced in 1942, the iconic “Workhorse” remains the best-selling acoustic in Gibson’s history, revered for its warmth, balance and unmistakable round-shoulder dreadnought voice. The Dealer Select J-45 Standard Blackout acoustic-electric guitar honors that legacy while pushing it into striking new visual territory, pairing the model’s classic tonewood recipe and construction with a stealthy, all-black aesthetic. A solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides deliver the familiar J-45 blend of punchy lows, warm mids and clear projection, shaped by hand-scalloped X-bracing for dynamic response. A short-scale SlimTaper mahogany neck ensures a fast, confident feel, while LR Baggs electronics make the J-45 Standard Blackout fully stage-ready. Finished in deep Ebony nitrocellulose lacquer with black chrome hardware throughout, this limited-run Gibson Custom Shop J-45 merges timeless Workhorse tone with a bold, modern identity.

Sitka Spruce and Mahogany: Timeless Tonewoods for a Powerful Voice

The heart of the J-45’s sound lies in its iconic round-shoulder dreadnought body, designed to deliver power without sacrificing balance. A solid Sitka spruce top provides clarity, articulation and headroom, while solid mahogany back and sides reinforce the sound with warmth, strong fundamentals and a tight, focused low end. Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing allows the top to respond freely, enhancing projection and touch sensitivity while preserving the smooth, blended character that defines the J-45 voice. This construction gives the J-45 Blackout its unmistakable Workhorse authority—equally comfortable supporting vocals, driving a rhythm section or standing alone.

SlimTaper Mahogany Neck and Smooth Rosewood Fingerboard

The J-45 Blackout’s mahogany neck features Gibson’s SlimTaper profile, offering a streamlined feel that balances vintage roots with modern playability. Its short 24.75" scale length slightly reduces string tension, contributing to a relaxed, responsive feel that encourages expressive phrasing and extended playing sessions. A rosewood fingerboard with 20 standard frets and mother-of-pearl dot inlays provides a smooth, familiar surface with understated elegance, reinforcing the J-45’s reputation as a guitar that feels instantly intuitive in the hands.

LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics for Natural Amplified Tone

Outfitted with LR Baggs Element VTC electronics, the J-45 Standard Blackout delivers a natural, stage-ready amplified sound that stays true to its acoustic voice. The undersaddle pickup captures string detail and body resonance with clarity and balance, while discreet volume and tone controls mounted inside the soundhole allow for quick, intuitive adjustments on the fly. Whether plugged into a PA, acoustic amp or recording setup, the Element VTC preserves the warmth and articulation that define the J-45 sound.

Limited-Edition Blackout Styling With Road-Ready Hardware

The Dealer Select J-45 Standard Blackout stands apart through carefully curated visual details that give it a darker, more contemporary presence. The gloss Ebony nitrocellulose lacquer finish is paired with a black teardrop pickguard and black chrome hardware for a cohesive, understated look. Grover Rotomatic tuners provide smooth, reliable tuning stability, while the rosewood belly-up bridge anchors the strings with classic Gibson style and tonal integrity. The result is a Workhorse that looks as confident as it sounds.

A Dealer Select Workhorse With a Modern Edge

The Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard Blackout brings together everything that has made the J-45 an enduring standard—warm, balanced tone, versatile performance and unmistakable character—while introducing a bold aesthetic with a distinctly contemporary attitude. With its classic tonewoods, modern playability, dependable LR Baggs electronics and striking all-black appointments, this limited-run Dealer Select model delivers a fresh take on a true acoustic icon without compromising the legacy that made it legendary.