1956 Gibson J-45 Near Mint w/original case - Sunburst
Description
No sales tax for US customers outside California.
This 1956 Gibson J-45 is an absolute stunner! It is an exceptional near-mint example of one of Gibson’s most beloved acoustic guitars.
Just 345 Gibson J-45 ADJ guitars were built in 1956, the first year with the adjustable bridge.
Introduced in 1942, the J-45 quickly became known as Gibson’s “workhorse” dreadnought, prized for its warm, balanced voice and versatile musical character. By the mid-1950s, the J-45 had already earned a reputation as a recording and performance staple, and this remarkably clean example captures everything players and collectors love about the golden-era Gibson acoustic sound. It includes the original case, adding to its collectibility and historical appeal.
There are zero repairs, or issues with this amazing piece. The only change is the added strap button on the neck heel. The original frets are in excellent condition. The neck is perfect, as is the action. This one is going to be really hard to let go of!
The original alligator chipboard case is included - it is also in fantastic shape. To alleviate possible shipping issues, we will ship the chip case separate from the guitar, including a hard case that'll get the guitar to you safely. The shipping cost will be higher due to the requirement to ship two boxes to keep the guitar with the case it has had since it was new.
Tonally, the J-45 is famous for its deep, rounded bass response, warm and woody midrange, and smooth, slightly compressed highs that sit beautifully in both solo and ensemble settings. The slope-shoulder dreadnought body produces a focused yet full voice that works wonderfully for strumming, flatpicking, and singer-songwriter accompaniment.
As with all instruments at Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, it has been fully inspected, photographed accurately, and professionally set up to play its absolute best.
We buy, sell, and take trades.
Excerpts from real online end-user reviews:
“The J-45 is the ultimate singer-songwriter guitar.” – The Gear Page
“Warm, balanced, and incredibly musical.” – Acoustic Guitar Forum
“Perfect blend of bass and midrange.” – Harmony Central
“A legendary recording guitar.” – Reddit r/AcousticGuitar
“One of Gibson’s greatest acoustic designs.” – Ultimate Guitar
Notable Players / History
The Gibson J-45 has been used by countless influential artists since the 1940s. Players such as Bob Dylan, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Buddy Holly, and many others relied on the J-45 for its warm, supportive tone and reliable construction. Its distinctive sunburst finish and slope-shoulder design have become iconic in the world of acoustic guitars.
SPECS:
Color: Sunburst
Weight: 4lbs 9.5oz
Top: Spruce
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: C
Fretboard: Brazilain Rosewood
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
Frets: Original
Fret Count: 20
Nut: Original Bone
Nut width: 1-11/16"
Radius: 12"
Scale: 24.75"
Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .925"
Neck thickness at 10th Fret: 1.01"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Overall length: 40-1/2"
Body length: 20-1/4"
Lower bout: 16-1/4"
Waist: 10-7/8"
Upper bout: 11-5/8"
Body depth/thickness: 5"
String gauge: 12-53
Pickguard: Original
Bridge: Original Rosewood w/ADJ Saddle
Tuners: Original 3-on-a-plate Kluson with white buttons
Case: Original Brown Chipboard Crocodile
Notes:
Shipping policy:
There are normally multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site. This guitar will be shipped in a modern hardshell case, and the original case will be shipped separately. The cost is reflective of this. We will ship the guitar with UPS, making sure that any customer in the continental US gets the guitar via 3 day air. The other case will go ground. Reverb sales will get the same treatment. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to . Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
This 1956 Gibson J-45 is an absolute stunner! It is an exceptional near-mint example of one of Gibson’s most beloved acoustic guitars.
Just 345 Gibson J-45 ADJ guitars were built in 1956, the first year with the adjustable bridge.
Introduced in 1942, the J-45 quickly became known as Gibson’s “workhorse” dreadnought, prized for its warm, balanced voice and versatile musical character. By the mid-1950s, the J-45 had already earned a reputation as a recording and performance staple, and this remarkably clean example captures everything players and collectors love about the golden-era Gibson acoustic sound. It includes the original case, adding to its collectibility and historical appeal.
There are zero repairs, or issues with this amazing piece. The only change is the added strap button on the neck heel. The original frets are in excellent condition. The neck is perfect, as is the action. This one is going to be really hard to let go of!
The original alligator chipboard case is included - it is also in fantastic shape. To alleviate possible shipping issues, we will ship the chip case separate from the guitar, including a hard case that'll get the guitar to you safely. The shipping cost will be higher due to the requirement to ship two boxes to keep the guitar with the case it has had since it was new.
Tonally, the J-45 is famous for its deep, rounded bass response, warm and woody midrange, and smooth, slightly compressed highs that sit beautifully in both solo and ensemble settings. The slope-shoulder dreadnought body produces a focused yet full voice that works wonderfully for strumming, flatpicking, and singer-songwriter accompaniment.
As with all instruments at Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, it has been fully inspected, photographed accurately, and professionally set up to play its absolute best.
We buy, sell, and take trades.
Excerpts from real online end-user reviews:
“The J-45 is the ultimate singer-songwriter guitar.” – The Gear Page
“Warm, balanced, and incredibly musical.” – Acoustic Guitar Forum
“Perfect blend of bass and midrange.” – Harmony Central
“A legendary recording guitar.” – Reddit r/AcousticGuitar
“One of Gibson’s greatest acoustic designs.” – Ultimate Guitar
Notable Players / History
The Gibson J-45 has been used by countless influential artists since the 1940s. Players such as Bob Dylan, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Buddy Holly, and many others relied on the J-45 for its warm, supportive tone and reliable construction. Its distinctive sunburst finish and slope-shoulder design have become iconic in the world of acoustic guitars.
SPECS:
Color: Sunburst
Weight: 4lbs 9.5oz
Top: Spruce
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: C
Fretboard: Brazilain Rosewood
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
Frets: Original
Fret Count: 20
Nut: Original Bone
Nut width: 1-11/16"
Radius: 12"
Scale: 24.75"
Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .925"
Neck thickness at 10th Fret: 1.01"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Overall length: 40-1/2"
Body length: 20-1/4"
Lower bout: 16-1/4"
Waist: 10-7/8"
Upper bout: 11-5/8"
Body depth/thickness: 5"
String gauge: 12-53
Pickguard: Original
Bridge: Original Rosewood w/ADJ Saddle
Tuners: Original 3-on-a-plate Kluson with white buttons
Case: Original Brown Chipboard Crocodile
Notes:
Shipping policy:
There are normally multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site. This guitar will be shipped in a modern hardshell case, and the original case will be shipped separately. The cost is reflective of this. We will ship the guitar with UPS, making sure that any customer in the continental US gets the guitar via 3 day air. The other case will go ground. Reverb sales will get the same treatment. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to . Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.