The Gibson J-45™ was first introduced in 1942, and guitars from that initial year of production are some of the most highly cherished vintage acoustic guitars in the world. The best-selling Gibson acoustic model of all time, the J-45 quickly earned the moniker “The Workhorse” due to its no-nonsense simplicity, understated elegance, and widespread use on stages and in recording studios worldwide. Now Epiphone, in partnership with Gibson Custom, is proud to introduce the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, an incredible recreation of the legendary original Workhorse model from 1942.

This exceptional acoustic guitar has a thermally aged, solid spruce top that is reinforced with scalloped X-bracing and paired with a solid mahogany back and sides for the rich, balanced tone that has made the J-45 a longtime player favorite. The body features single-ply ivory-colored top and back binding. The one-piece mahogany neck has a V-shaped profile and is capped with an Indian rosewood fretboard that is equipped with 19 standard frets and adorned with mother-of-pearl dot inlays.

The headstock features the world-famous Gibson “open book” profile and has the Inspired by Gibson Custom double diamond logo etched on the back and an Epiphone logo and “Epiphone Inspired by Gibson” banner in gold silkscreen on the front. The three-on-a-plate tuners have cream buttons and use an open-back design, just like you’ll find on the vintage originals. The pickguard also uses the same tear drop shape found on the earliest J-45 models, while the rectangular rosewood bridge is equipped with a compensated bone saddle for improved intonation.

The nut and bridge pins are also bone. To ensure it meets the needs and preferences of modern players, it comes equipped with a built-in L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC preamp and under-saddle piezo pickup system, so it’s stage and studio-ready whenever you are. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case, which features the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo on the exterior, is also included to keep this exceptional acoustic guitar safe when you’re traveling to your next gig.

Body
Shape: J-45
Back/Sides: Solid Mahogany
Top: Thermally Aged Solid Spruce
Binding: Single Ply Ivory, Top and Back

Neck
Neck Material: One Piece Mahogany
Profile: V
Nut Width: 44mm
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 628.65mm
Number of Frets: 19
Nut Material: Bone
Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dot

Hardware
Bridge: Rosewood Rectangle, Closed Slot
Tuners: Open Back Three-on-a-Plate; Cream Button
Plating: Nickel

Electronics
Acoustic Pickup: L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC
Controls: Soundhole Mounted Volume and Tone