For sale is a WWII era guitar that is in exceptional condition. A one family guitar since purchased new. I have owned a number of these over the last 60 years and without doubt, this is the nearest no excuse, straight, non molested Banner head J-45 I have ever owned. A beautiful representation of these iconic guitars. This one I believe left the hands of the amazing "Kalamazoo Gals" in either late 1942 or mid to late 1944. As is the case with many guitars that left the factory during the war years, it has no FON. So, these guitars are dated by the appointments. This one has the adjustable truss rod which allows for a slimmer neck instead of the baseball size neck of the non truss rod issues. It has the faux tortoise pickguard, the 7 ply purfling around the sound hole, the rectangular bridge, the riveted or peened worm gear on the 3 on a strip, open back Kluson tuners. The pattern of the deep, rich sunburst finish on the top. The single ply binding on top and back (distinguishes it from early 1942). Of course, the Gold Silk screen script Logo and famous “Only a Gibson is Good Enough” banner. And to me, the important parts are the tone that only seems to come from these Banner Head guitars that were fortunate enough to leave the factory during this period without having to endure some of the substitutions caused by wartime restrictions. This one consists of 1st grade materials such as near perfectly book matched 2 piece Solid Red Spruce Top with the slim, tall spruce braces that were deeply scalloped and tuned by hand, solid Honduras Mahogany back, sides, and neck (many had multi ply Maple necks during this period due to limited supplies), and Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard and bridge. 24 1/2” scale, 1 3/4” nut, 2 1/8” bridge string spacing.
It projects quickly with a very full voice. Smooth and balanced tone with that incredibly huge and clear low end, punchy mid range that cuts through, and really clean highs that are not lost . The balance from top to bottom is very good. Even though the golden age or utopia for these guitars was unarguably 1942-1945, it’s no wonder the J-45 became Gibson’s all time best selling Flat Top acoustic guitar.
This guitar is in truly exceptional condition. The only things that are not original on it are obviously the strings and the bone bridge saddle that was replaced when the original one broke. When the saddle was replaced, it was given a very light overspray over the body and neck. There are a few scuffs or scratches on the guitar top, none on the back or sides, and a couple capo bites on the neck. I have taken close up pictures of these. Overall this guitar appears not to have been played much, as there is no wear around the sound hole, frets are great, scarcely any pick scratches on the pick guard. There are no cracks or repairs. The top belly is perfect with no sinkage or humps. Bridge is tight. The neck Angle is at factory specs and appears to have never had a neck re-set and it does not need one, giving nice low action with plenty bridge saddle height. The neck is very straight with no twisting or humps allowing clean noting all the way up the neck. The neck is a comfortable full C shape. It is substantial but not nearly as thick as the baseball bat necks. The braces and bridge plate inside the guitar are very clean and all original having never been messed with. This guitar was built right and obviously spent it's life in a guitar friendly environment. It does not have the original case. It comes with a new looking Tweed case.
In summary, it plays and sounds just about as good as it gets and is a remarkable survivor. It is rare to have one of these that has not been molested or undergone some kind of repairs. In my opinion, all this guitar needs is your favorite strings and you will have one of the best looking, structurally sound, best playing and sounding, original examples of the iconic Banner Head J-45 one is likely to find. I have tried to describe this guitar as accurately and  thoroughly as possible. Please examine the pictures closely, ask any questions or request specific pictures. Thank you for looking. $22,000.00. Frank