Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard Red Spruce Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Cobra Burst

Golden-era tone meets modern attitude in the Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard Red Spruce—a Workhorse reborn with a bold new voice and a striking Cobra Burst finish that sets it apart from tradition without abandoning it. At the heart of this limited-edition model is an Adirondack red spruce top—the legendary soundboard of the pre-war era, prized for its explosive headroom, clarity and dynamic range that rewards everything from gentle fingerstyle to hard-driving strums. That vintage-correct power is paired with mahogany back and sides for warmth and focus, while a short-scale mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard deliver the relaxed, expressive feel that has defined the J-45 since 1942. Finished in high-gloss Cobra Burst for a contemporary edge and equipped with LR Baggs Element VTC electronics for natural, stage-ready amplification, this Dealer Select J-45 blends historic materials, modern refinement and unmistakable Gibson character into a Workhorse built to stand out.

Adirondack Red Spruce Top and Mahogany Body for Power and Dynamic Range

The defining feature of this Dealer Select J-45 is its Adirondack red spruce top—a premium tonewood revered for its exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio and wide dynamic range. Known as the “holy grail” spruce of Gibson’s golden era, Adirondack red spruce delivers immense projection, clear fundamentals and rich overtone content that continues to open up as you dig in, never compressing or losing definition. Paired with mahogany back and sides, the result is a voice that balances power with warmth: strong, punchy lows, focused mids and shimmering highs that cut through a mix while remaining musical and controlled. The round-shoulder dreadnought body enhances projection while preserving the smooth, balanced response that defines the J-45 sound.

Mahogany Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard for Classic J-45 Feel

A mahogany neck with Gibson’s comfortable rounded profile anchors the J-45’s inviting playability, complemented by a short 24.75" scale length that reduces string tension for an expressive, forgiving feel. Chords bloom easily, bends feel natural and long sessions remain comfortable and fatigue-free. The rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and smoothness to the guitar’s response, while mother-of-pearl dot inlays provide understated visual elegance. A rosewood belly-up bridge supports stable intonation and efficient energy transfer, ensuring the guitar feels lively and responsive under the hands.

LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics for Natural, Stage-Ready Tone

Designed to perform in professional settings, the LR Baggs Element VTC pickup system faithfully translates the J-45’s acoustic voice when plugged in. The undersaddle transducer captures the guitar’s dynamics, warmth and articulation without the brittle edge often associated with piezo systems. Discreet soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls allow quick, intuitive adjustments while maintaining the guitar’s clean aesthetic. Whether on stage or in the studio, the J-45 retains its natural character with clarity and balance.

Classic Hardware With Refined Dealer Select Appointments

Traditional hardware and tasteful appointments complete this Dealer Select J-45’s distinctive presentation. Grover Rotomatic tuners provide smooth, reliable tuning stability, paired with durable nickel hardware that complements the instrument’s vintage roots. A teardrop tortoiseshell pickguard and mother-of-pearl block logo add classic Gibson style, while the high-gloss Cobra Burst finish delivers a modern, visually striking edge that sets this Dealer Select model apart from standard J-45 offerings.

The Dealer Select J-45: Golden-Era Power With a Modern Edge

The Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard Red Spruce acoustic-electric guitar offers a compelling blend of historic tonewood pedigree, familiar J-45 comfort and contemporary visual flair. Its Adirondack red spruce-driven voice delivers exceptional headroom and nuance, while its refined playability and professional electronics make it ready for real-world performance. Complete with a Gibson hardshell case, this limited-edition J-45 is a bold take on “The Workhorse”—built for players who want vintage power with a distinctly modern presence.