We are very pleased to offer for sale, a 1942, first year Gibson J-45.

Built between 1942 and 1943, this is a very special wartime Gibson J-45 from the so-called “Kalamazoo girl” period. With metal diverted to the war effort and much of the male workforce overseas, these guitars were built largely by women, often using whatever suitable timber was available at the time. As a result, no two are quite the same.

This is a non truss rod J-45 with a big, chunky neck and a genuinely enormous voice. One piece mahogany top and back, finished in a beautifully aged burst. Dry, powerful, and immediate, this is one of the best Gibson flat tops I’ve had the pleasure of playing, full stop.

All restoration work was carried out by Daniel Hoban over a 12 month period. This included a neck reset, new bridge plate, crack stabilisation, and a slightly oversized bridge. The larger bridge was installed to address soundboard lifting associated with a crack near the bridge when the guitar first arrived. The original bridge plate is included in the case.

A couple of cracks have been professionally stabilised and are structurally sound. Built without a truss rod, the neck profile is substantial and confidence inspiring. These wartime J-45s are rightly revered, and this example absolutely delivers on the reputation.

A serious, piece of guitar history with an absolutely monstrous tone.