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Gibson Custom’s 1955 J-45 Reissue captures the spirit of the era when the Workhorse began shifting toward its modern form, blending the understated charm of the original model with the historically important updates introduced in the mid-50s. This was the year Gibson extended the fretboard to 20 frets and adopted the larger 50s-style pickguard—changes that subtly reshaped how the J-45 both looked and performed. The result is a moment in Gibson history that players and collectors have come to appreciate for its balance of tradition and refinement.

Built by the acoustic luthiers in Bozeman, this reissue leans into that heritage with an unwavering commitment to vintage accuracy. The thermally aged Sitka spruce top evokes the response of a decades-old instrument, supported by traditional scalloped X-bracing secured with hide glue for maximum warmth and openness. Its mahogany back and sides supply the familiar round-shoulder sweetness players expect, all wrapped in a Murphy Lab Light Aged finish that brings soft checking, subtle wear, and a naturally played-in character.

The mahogany neck follows a comfortable rounded profile, joined to the body with a compound dovetail joint also assembled with hide glue—an old-school detail that deeply influences tone and resonance. A rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets and simple mother-of-pearl dots stays true to the practical elegance of the era. Vintage-style Grover strap tuners with cream buttons, along with a bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins, keep the instrument visually and tonally anchored in the golden age of Gibson acoustics.

To complete the experience, the 1955 J-45 Reissue ships in a 50s-style Lifton hardshell case, reinforcing its place as both a stage-ready guitar and a historically faithful tribute. From its carefully aged finish to its period-correct construction choices, this model stands as a beautifully executed homage to one of Gibson’s most beloved chapters—ideal for players who want the depth of a seasoned vintage J-45 with the reliability and craftsmanship of a modern Custom Shop build.

Features / Specs

Highlights

• Orientation: Right-Handed
• Electronics: None
• Bracing: Traditional Scalloped X-Bracing
• Cutaway: None

Body

• Body Shape: J-45 Jumbo
• Top Material: Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce
• Top Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Top Color: Vintage Sunburst
• Back & Sides Material: Mahogany
• Back Configuration: 2-Piece
• Back & Sides Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Bracing: Traditional Scalloped X-Bracing
• Binding Material: Multi-ply Top, Single-ply Back Cream
• Rosette: Multi-Stripe Cream and Black

Neck

• Neck Profile: Rounded
• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Neck Taper: Standard
• Neck Depth: 0.949" at 1st Fret, 1.02" at 10th Fret
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlay: Mother of Pearl Dot
• Fingerboard Binding: None
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Fingerboard Spacing: 2.169" at Bridge
• Neck Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer 
• Neck Joint: Compound Dovetail Neck to Body Joint
• Headstock: Solid
• Headstock Binding: None
• Headplate Inlay: Gibson Logo Gold Silkscreen
• Headplate Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Hardware

• Bridge Style: Traditional Belly-Up
• Bridge Material: Rosewood
• Bridge Pins: Bone
• Saddle: Bone
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 1.73"
• Tuners: Nickel Grover Strap with Cream Button
• Pickguard: 50s-style J-45; Tortoise

Miscellaneous

• Electronics: None
• Strings: .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
• Case/Gig Bag: Lifton Hardshell
• Serial Number: 21105032
• Manufacture Date: 2025