Gibson J-45 (1955)

Description

Gibson's J-45 is perhaps the classic American dreadnaught, with a pedigree and reputation that's found it a home on countless stages and recordings throughout the history of popular music. Lucky for us, these smooth-playing six-strings also get better with age, and this one, from early 1955, proves just what a cannon these terrific guitars can be as they break in and open up. The J-45 hasn't changed much over the last 70 years, and just like modern ones, this dreadnaught features a slope shoulder design with a Sitka spruce top and a mahogany back, sides, and neck, giving it loads of projection and a vital midrange perfect for country and western strumming or acoustic rhythm guitar in a rock band. We also can't get over the vibrant mid-50s sunburst, and love pointing out the retro pickguard, which would be replaced with a thicker celluloid design in the second half of the year.

This J-45 has always been a player's instrument, and shows some significant cosmetic wear consistent with its age. Finish crazing is extensive and covers all planes of the guitar, and picking wear around the soundhole is on the higher end of average, with the finish completely wearing away in some spots to expose bare wood underneath. Further imperfections include dents and divots all over the instrument, especially on the top and back of the lower bout, and two small pinholes on either side of the soundhole, where a magnetic pickup had been installed by a previous owner. The tuners, nut, saddle, and bridge pins are all non-original. The action errs towards a medium-high, with moderate to light relief in the neck, but a neck reset is not yet necessary and the instrument plays well in all positions. We consider it to be in good condition. Included in the price is a non-original hard-shell case.