Rapid City, SD, United States
About this listing
-YOU ARE VIEWING PHOTOS OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR BEING SOLD!
This brand new 3.8 lb Gibson will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD.
Buy risk free with our 14 day - full refund, less shipping, return policy. Check out our shop policies for more details.
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
Price$6,499
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