Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1955 J-45 Light Aged Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst

The Gibson Murphy Lab 1955 J-45 Light Aged acoustic guitar channels the spirit of a true golden-era icon, painstakingly handcrafted in period-correct detail by the Gibson Custom team in Bozeman, Montana. Nicknamed "The Workhorse," the J-45 has been a staple on stages and recordings since its 1942 debut, prized for its no-frills design, balanced tone and enduring reliability. This stunning recreation pays tribute to the landmark 1955 model with its 20-fret rosewood fingerboard and larger 50-styled pickguard. It's built with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top and traditional X-bracing, delivering a rich, resonant tone right out of the case. The Murphy Lab's Light Aged treatment matches the 1955 J-45's vintage voice with a beautifully aged-in aesthetic, giving this guitar the feel of a cherished heirloom from day one.

Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce and Mahogany Provide Vintage Warmth

The 1955 J-45 pairs a thermally aged Sitka spruce top with a mahogany back and sides—a combination that has defined the guitar's signature voice for generations. The spruce top responds quickly to dynamics, delivering both shimmering highs and a woody midrange, while the mahogany deepens the tone with warmth and resonance. Thermal aging gives the spruce a played-in sweetness, approximating the tone of a well-loved vintage instrument. Together, these tonewoods make the J-45 versatile enough for strumming, fingerpicking and vocal accompaniment—qualities that earned it its enduring "Workhorse" reputation.

Iconic Round-Shouldered Shape and X-Bracing for Balanced Tone

The classic round-shouldered J-45 body is as comfortable to hold as it is sonically balanced. Its slightly larger lower bout provides fullness without overwhelming the midrange, making it ideal for accompanying singers. Inside, traditional scalloped X-bracing is secured with hide glue, allowing the top to resonate freely for greater projection and sustain. The bracing supports both gentle fingerstyle passages and robust strumming, ensuring the guitar retains clarity and definition under any playing style. It's this structural design that has kept the J-45 at the center of countless recordings across genres for decades.

Extended Rosewood Fingerboard Offers Enhanced Playability

The 1955 J-45's mahogany neck features a comfortable round profile and joins the body with a compound dovetail joint, also fitted with hide glue for maximum resonance transfer. In 1955, Gibson lengthened the J-45's fingerboard and added a 20th fret—a feature faithfully recreated here. Topped with a rosewood fingerboard and accented with mother-of-pearl dot inlays, the neck offers smooth playability for both traditional chords and extended melodic lines. The slightly longer reach expands the instrument's versatility, giving players more range without compromising the J-45's familiar feel and balance.

Murphy Lab Aging and Vintage Gibson Hardware for an Authentic Feel

Every detail of the 1955 J-45 reflects Gibson's commitment to vintage accuracy. The Murphy Lab's Light Aging process gives the guitar's finish the soft wear patterns of an instrument cherished for decades, while the nickel hardware and cream-button Grover strap tuners complete the period look. A traditional rosewood belly-up bridge, bone nut and saddle and single-ply back binding reinforce the timeless design. These appointments don't just look the part—they also contribute to reliable performance and tonal clarity, ensuring this recreation plays as beautifully as it appears.

The Murphy Lab 1955 J-45: The True Workhorse Experience

The Gibson Murphy Lab 1955 J-45 Light Aged acoustic guitar captures everything that has made the J-45 legendary—its balance, warmth and effortless versatility—while delivering the modern reliability and consistency players expect from Gibson's expert acoustic team in Bozeman. From the thermally aged Sitka spruce and mahogany body to the extended fingerboard and period-correct details, it's a guitar built for players who demand both authenticity and inspiration. Packaged in a 1950s-style Lifton hardshell case, this instrument is ready to become the heart of your collection, whether on stage, in the studio or at home.