1954 Gibson J-45 Sunburst
Description
Gibson J45 1954 | $6450 | (v2538) In 1942 the torch was passed from the J35 to the J45 as the workingman's dreadnaught 'jumbo' flattop. It was very similar to the J35, but for some bracing changes, neck profile, and the move to the gold foil Gibson decal. Today, the J45 continues its long run and remains a workhorse acoustic jumbo; meanwhile those from the 40s and 50s are well respected guitars and sought after in the vintage market. This example is very clean, purchased new in 1954.
The back and sides are mahogany. The top is bound in b/w binding, the back in white celluloid and the sound hole features b/w purfling. The spruce top sports the iconic Gibson sunburst, and the 'teardrop' pickguard. The bridge is Brazilian rosewood with two pearl dots which hide the anchor bolts. The neck is mahogany and carved in a comfortable 'C', typical of this era for a Gibson. The fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood with pearl position dots. The headstock is painted a gloss black and sports the gold Gibson logo. The original tuners are enclosed Kluson strip tuners.
The jumbo body measures 16 5/16" across at the lower bout Scale length is 25". The neck measures 1 5/8" at the nut and string spacing is 2 1/8"" at the saddle. Action is set at about 6 & 7/64".
Prior repairs evident are a strap button installed in the heel and the bridge appears shaved down about 1/16" to gain more saddle for lower action. We recently: reglued the bridge; glued and cleated a pickguard crack; glued a few very thin top cracks by the fingerboard extension; glued a long back crack; leveled and dressed the frets; added new tuning buttons to the original Kluson tuners. There are nicks and dings from age and use.
The guitar appears to be in all original condition but for the bridge pins. The finish still glows with the classic Gibson sunburst. The guitar plays easily and produces a big jumbo sound, woody and warm with lots of punch when played with a flat pick. Among the best-sounding 'Js' we've owned!
Comes with a new hard case.
Check out the sound clip!
The back and sides are mahogany. The top is bound in b/w binding, the back in white celluloid and the sound hole features b/w purfling. The spruce top sports the iconic Gibson sunburst, and the 'teardrop' pickguard. The bridge is Brazilian rosewood with two pearl dots which hide the anchor bolts. The neck is mahogany and carved in a comfortable 'C', typical of this era for a Gibson. The fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood with pearl position dots. The headstock is painted a gloss black and sports the gold Gibson logo. The original tuners are enclosed Kluson strip tuners.
The jumbo body measures 16 5/16" across at the lower bout Scale length is 25". The neck measures 1 5/8" at the nut and string spacing is 2 1/8"" at the saddle. Action is set at about 6 & 7/64".
Prior repairs evident are a strap button installed in the heel and the bridge appears shaved down about 1/16" to gain more saddle for lower action. We recently: reglued the bridge; glued and cleated a pickguard crack; glued a few very thin top cracks by the fingerboard extension; glued a long back crack; leveled and dressed the frets; added new tuning buttons to the original Kluson tuners. There are nicks and dings from age and use.
The guitar appears to be in all original condition but for the bridge pins. The finish still glows with the classic Gibson sunburst. The guitar plays easily and produces a big jumbo sound, woody and warm with lots of punch when played with a flat pick. Among the best-sounding 'Js' we've owned!
Comes with a new hard case.
Check out the sound clip!