Here we have a seriously cool 1940's Gibson Banner J-45. This is a wonderful example of a wartime-era Gibson that has undergone a sympathetic restoration and is now playing and sounding exceptionally well.

The guitar has been completely refinished in nitrocellulose lacquer, with the finish appropriately aged to complement the character and period of the instrument. It has also received a neck reset, restoring the correct neck geometry and giving it excellent playability.

As part of the restoration, the guitar received a complete refret, together with a new bone nut and a small maple bridge plate. Importantly, it retains its original rosewood bridge, as well as the original bone saddle, which has been preserved.

The tuners are non-original 1960s Klusons with replacement ferrules, as shown clearly in the photographs.

Internally, all of the original bracing remains present. Back braces 1, 2 and 3 have been reglued at their ends where necessary. There are also some older repaired cracks to the back. These repairs appeared solid prior to refinishing and were therefore left undisturbed.

Cosmetically, this is still very much a vintage guitar. It has numerous small nicks, chips, dings, dents and other superficial marks throughout, all of which can be seen in the photographs. We have tried to show its condition as clearly and honestly as possible.

Most importantly, this guitar sounds phenomenal. A genuinely special-sounding old J-45 with the dry, open character you hope to find in a great Banner-era Gibson.

Please take a close look through all of the photographs, and feel free to get in touch with any questions or if you'd like any additional photographs or information.