Gibson Acoustic 1942 Banner J-45 Acoustic Guitar - Vintage Sunburst

Step back in time and capture the holy grail of vintage tone with the Gibson Custom Historic 1942 Banner J-45. This guitar is a meticulously crafted recreation inspired by the legendary instruments that defined an era. The top is constructed from Thermally Aged Adirondack (Red) Spruce, a wood renowned for being stiff and hard, yet producing a clear, ringing, complex, and nuanced tone that remains well-defined even at high volumes. This wood is known to gain tone over time as it breaks in more slowly than other spruces. Paired with the mahogany back and sides, this combination delivers a massive, yet warm and balanced sound, making the J-45 a favorite for singer-songwriters for generations.

The construction uses period-correct features, including hot hide glue for the top bracing to ensure better tonal response. The extra stiffness of the Adirondack Spruce top gives it an additional velocity of sound, allowing the notes to project quickly and with clarity. The bone nut and saddle contribute to excellent transfer of vibration and sustain. This is the sound that powered countless musicians through the 1940s and beyond, becoming known as "The Workhorse" for its robust voice and comfortable feel.

Why Buy A Guitar From Palen Music Center?

Palen Music Center has a wide range of unique guitars to enhance the sound of your music! We have been trusted by musicians across the country since 1963 and are constantly working to provide the best value for our customers. With the addition of our new PLEK machine and our longtime veteran luthiers, we are pleased to provide top-quality guitar repair.

The instrument pictured is the exact instrument you’ll receive. All fretted instruments receive a free complimentary professional setup.

Please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable sales staff with any additional questions!

Thermally Aged Adirondack Spruce top for a tone that is clear, ringing, complex, and holds up at high volume.

Adirondack Spruce provides extra stiffness for quick sound projection and responsiveness.

Authentic vintage inspiration with a hand-sprayed historic-style burst and "Banner" headstock decal.

Hot hide glue used for the top bracing to maximize tonal response and transfer of vibration.

Adirondack Spruce continues to gain tone as it breaks in over time, giving your guitar a voice that will only improve.

String Type: Steel

Number of Strings: 6

Body Shape: Round Shoulder Dreadnought

Left/Right Handed: Right-handed

Color: Vintage Sunburst

Finish: Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer, VOS

Top Wood: Thermally Aged Red Spruce

Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany

Body Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing

Binding: Multi-ply top/back

Neck Wood: Mahogany

Neck Shape: V

Radius: 12"

Fretboard Wood: Rosewood

Fretboard Inlay/Material: Mother-of-Pearl Dots

Number of Frets: 19, Legend Wire

Scale Length: 24.75"

Tuners: Strap Open back with Cream buttons

Bridge Material: Rosewood

Nut Material: Bone

Saddle Material: Bone

Nut Width: 1.725"

Strings: .012-.053

Case: Hardshell Case Included

Manufacturer Part Number: CSRS4542VS

Depth at 1st Fret: .907"

Depth at 10th Fret: .994"