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This brand new 3.8 lb Gibson will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD.

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The Gibson Custom Shop 1942 Banner J-45 Murphy Lab Light Aged is a meticulously crafted tribute to one of the most revered acoustic guitars of the pre-war era. The original “Banner” J-45s — produced during World War II and marked with the iconic “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough” headstock banner — have become some of the most sought-after instruments in vintage guitar history. Known for their dry, woody tone and remarkable responsiveness, these guitars defined the sound of early American folk, blues, and country recordings. This Custom Shop recreation captures that spirit with incredible attention to historical detail.

At the heart of this instrument is a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top, paired with solid mahogany back and sides, delivering the warm, fundamental-rich tone that made the original J-45 famous. The use of hot hide glue construction and traditional scalloped bracing enhances resonance and responsiveness, giving the guitar a lively, broken-in character right out of the case. Whether lightly fingerpicked or driven with a heavier attack, this J-45 offers a balanced, woody voice with a focused low end and clear, articulate highs.

The Murphy Lab’s Light Aged finish treatment completes the experience, subtly recreating decades of natural wear for a look and feel that’s both authentic and inspiring. From the aged hardware to the vintage-style burst and period-correct appointments, every detail is designed to transport you back to Gibson’s golden era. For players and collectors alike, this instrument represents not just a guitar, but a living piece of history — faithfully reborn for modern hands.

Features / Specs

Highlights

• Orientation: Right-Handed
• Electronics: None
• Bracing: Traditional Hand-Scalloped X-Bracing (Red Spruce Braces with Hide Glue)
• Cutaway: None

Body

• Body Shape: J-45 Round Shoulder
• Top Material: Thermally Aged Adirondack Red 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 Hand-Scalloped X-Bracing with Hide Glue
• Binding Material: Single-Ply Top and Back
• Rosette: Multi-Ring

Neck

• Neck Profile: Historic
• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Neck Taper: Vintage Gibson Taper
• Neck Depth: 0.908” at 1st Fret, 0.972” at 12th Fret
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Nut Width: 1.72"
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dot
• Fingerboard Binding: None
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Neck Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Neck Joint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-Body
• Headstock: Gibson Banner Style
• Headstock Binding: None
• Headplate Inlay: Gibson Logo
• Headplate Finish: Aged Gloss

Hardware

• Bridge Style: Rectangle Open Slot
• Bridge Material: Rosewood
• Bridge Pins: Bone
• Saddle: Bone
• Nut Material: Bone
• Tuners: Strap-Style Open Gear with Cream Buttons (Aged)
• Pickguard: Tear Drop Tortoise (Aged)

Miscellaneous

• Electronics: None
• Strings: .012–.053
• Case/Gig Bag: Period Correct Hardshell Case
• Serial Number: 20116016
• Manufacture Date: 2026