1944 Gibson J-45 Banner Mahogany Back and Sides

A fantastic example of a 1944 Gibson J-45 Banner, from Gibson's wartime production and featuring the highly desirable "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" Banner headstock.

This is an unusually interesting J-45, with Mahogany back and sides. Mahogany-bodied Banner J-45s are a distinctive product of Gibson's wartime production, when shortages of traditional materials resulted in a number of unusual combinations of woods and construction.

The guitar has a wonderfully aged appearance, with extensive natural finish checking across the top and plenty of honest playing wear accumulated over approximately 80 years. It has exactly the sort of patina and character that makes these early Banner Gibsons so appealing.

The Banner headstock is particularly well preserved, with the original Gibson logo and "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner clearly visible.

The guitar retains its vintage-style open-gear tuners, original-style celluloid pickguard, rosewood fingerboard and rosewood bridge, along with the other characteristic appointments of the period.

This is an approximately 80-year-old guitar and has been played and enjoyed throughout its life. The finish shows extensive natural checking, scratches, marks and general playing wear, all of which can be seen clearly in the photographs.

It has had repair and maintenance work during its lifetime and is being sold as a playable, professionally serviced vintage instrument, rather than as an untouched example.

The guitar is currently playing well and is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

Please study all photographs carefully. They form an important part of the description and show the guitar's condition, finish checking and playing wear in detail.

Collection or fully insured shipping can be arranged.