Pre-War Slope-Shoulder Authority: The Collings CJ-45 T Traditional

The Guitar Sanctuary is proud to present the Collings CJ-45 T—a complete re-imagining of the classic 1940s slope-shoulder Dreadnought from the master luthiers in Austin, Texas. Built as part of the esteemed Collings Traditional (T-Series) line, the CJ-45T captures the raw power, woody response, and mid-range dryness of the iconic wartime acoustic designs, elevated by modern precision engineering and exceptional playability.

This particular model features the highly requested traditional drop-in bone saddle, offering effortless setup adjustments and intonation fine-tuning while retaining maximum vibrational energy transfer into the soundboard.

Why We Love It (Sanctuary Expert Note)

"The CJ-45T isn't just another slope-shoulder clone—it has an attitude all its own. The custom C-shape neck carve combined with lightened pre-war scalloped bracing gives you a fast, immediate response. Flatpickers get incredible bass thump without the mud, while fingerstyle players get incredible separation. It’s a true centerpiece for the discriminating player."

Tone Profile & Intent Alignment

• Tone Profile: Bold, woody, and dry with a tight, focused low-end, punchy midrange, and clear, sweet top-end articulation. Highly responsive to dynamic picking nuance.
• Best For: Americana, Bluegrass flatpicking, Singer-Songwriter accompaniment, Vintage Blues, and Studio/Session recording.
• Compared To: Vintage 1940s Gibson J-45s and Banner-era slope-shoulders, but with vastly superior intonation stability, build consistency, and dynamic headroom.

Key Architectural & Traditional Series Features

• Sitka Spruce Top & Mahogany Back/Sides: Premium tonewood selection yielding maximum resonance, quick attack, and classic acoustic voice.
• Traditional Series Bracing: Custom pre-war scalloped X-bracing configured for enhanced fundamental projection and open, airy breathability.
• Custom CJ-45 Neck Profile: Ergonomic C-shape neck carve modeled after beloved vintage profiles for fatigue-free playing during long sessions.
• Drop-In Bone Saddle: Modern maintenance convenience paired with a traditional straight bridge layout for optimal string transfer and setup flexibility.
• Ultra-Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish: Hand-applied, thin-sanded finish that allows the tonewoods to vibrate uninhibited.

Photos are of the actual guitar for sale, SN 36467.

• Top Wood: Select Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Honduran Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Honduran Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Custom CJ-45 C-Shape
• Fretboard Wood: Rosewood with mother-of-pearl dot inlays
• Bridge: Rosewood straight bridge with drop-in bone saddle
• Nut Material: Bone (1 3/4" Nut Width)
• Scale Length: 24 7/8" (Short Scale)
• Bracing: Pre-War Scalloped X-Bracing (Traditional Series)
• Body Binding: Ivoroid binding with vintage-style purfling
• Finish: High-Gloss Ultra-Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Full Body & Neck)
• Tuners: Waverly Nickel Open-Gear with Ivoroid Buttons
• Case: Collings Traditional Handmade Hardshell Case Included
• Origin: Handcrafted in Austin, Texas, USA