Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard AAA Quilted Maple Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Viper Blue

With its striking pairing of AAA quilted maple and a vivid Viper Blue finish, the Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard AAA Quilted Maple offers a bold reimagining of the legendary Workhorse formula. A solid Sitka spruce top delivers the familiar J-45 foundation of warmth, headroom and dynamic range, while AAA quilted maple back and sides introduce added clarity, definition and projection. The round-shoulder dreadnought body and hand-scalloped X-bracing preserve the J-45’s balanced, punchy response, complemented by a short-scale mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard that provide a relaxed, inviting feel. Outfitted with stage-ready LR Baggs Element VTC electronics, this limited-run Dealer Select model blends iconic Gibson tone with unmistakable modern presence.

Sitka Spruce and AAA Quilted Maple for Power, Clarity and Projection

The tonal core of this Dealer Select J-45 begins with a Sitka spruce top selected for strength, responsiveness and wide dynamic range. AAA quilted maple back and sides add visual depth and a more focused tonal profile, tightening the low end and enhancing note separation across the spectrum. Hand-scalloped X-bracing allows the top to breathe, increasing sustain and projection while maintaining balance and control. The round-shoulder dreadnought body delivers the authoritative low end and full-bodied response that define the J-45, now voiced with added articulation and shimmer.

Short-Scale Mahogany Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard

A short 24.75" scale mahogany neck reinforces the J-45’s signature feel, offering reduced string tension and an easy, elastic playing response. The comfortable neck profile supports long playing sessions, while the rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and smoothness to the attack. Mother-of-pearl dot inlays and a 1.725" nut width provide a familiar, confidence-inspiring platform suited to everything from open-chord strumming to nuanced fingerstyle passages.

LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics for Natural Amplified Tone

LR Baggs Element VTC electronics ensure the J-45’s acoustic character translates faithfully in amplified environments. The undersaddle pickup captures the guitar’s warmth, clarity and dynamic nuance, while discreet soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls allow quick, intuitive adjustments. Whether onstage or in the studio, the system preserves the instrument’s organic response without intruding on its classic aesthetic.

Classic J-45 Appointments With a Modern Visual Edge

Traditional J-45 styling is elevated with a bold modern edge. The vivid Viper Blue gloss nitrocellulose finish highlights the dramatic figuring of the quilted maple, creating a striking contrast with the tortoiseshell teardrop pickguard. Nickel hardware and Grover Rotomatic tuners provide dependable tuning stability, while the belly-up rosewood bridge and bone nut and saddle reinforce the guitar’s tonal integrity. A mother-of-pearl Gibson logo on the headstock completes the look with understated elegance.

A Limited-Edition Workhorse With Distinctive Modern Character

The Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Standard AAA Quilted Maple presents a refined evolution of a true acoustic classic. By pairing the J-45’s trusted warmth and balance with the clarity, projection and visual impact of quilted maple and a modern Viper Blue finish, this model stands apart within the Workhorse lineage. Produced in limited numbers and shipped in a hardshell case, it is a compelling choice for players seeking iconic Gibson tone with a distinctive, stage-ready identity.