Up for sale, a 1985 Gibson J-45, complete with the original hardshell case. An uncommon example of Gibson’s original “workingman’s” dreadnought model, J-45 production throughout the 1980s was relatively small, and traditional tonewoods include an X-braced spruce top, mahogany back/sides, and a one-piece mahogany neck capped with a rosewood fretboard.

As Gibson’s most popular dreadnought acoustic guitar since its introduction in 1942, the slope shoulder J-45 design delivers great warmth, excellent projection, and a dynamic response. This particular J-45 is notably lively, with great projection and tons of immediacy. The trebles are punchy and round, and the low end is bold and open with a soft brassy growl, particularly potent when hit hard with a flatpick. This J-45 weighs 4lbs 9oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and optimal action.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany (one-piece)
-Shape: Very slender C, measuring .785” 1st fret, .885” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender, faint wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-3
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone
-Tuners: Gibson Deluxe double-line, greened tulip buttons
-Serialization: Eight-digit stamp on peghead dates to 1985

Body Specs:

-Wood: Spruce, Mahogany
-Bracing: X
-Bridge: Rosewood, belly up
-Plastics: Tortoise pickguard
-Label: White oval, serial on label matches peghead

This J-45 has a recent professional headstock repair, with black lacquer overspray across the back of the headstock, smooth to the touch and structurally sound. A “BGN” stamp has also been retained on the back of the headstock along with the serial, noting that this guitar was originally sold to Gibson employees at a discount. The neck angle is ideal, with action sitting at 7/64” on the bass side at the 12th fret and 5/64” on the treble side, with an original bridge saddle that’s at its lowest point of adjustment. There is also a single professionally repaired crack on the back central to the lower bout.

The Vintage Sunburst gloss nitro lacquer finish on the body is 100% original, and the finish exhibits subtle checking, with some light pick wear and small dings on top, and a few finish scratches on the back. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean.

The original black tolex hardshell case is included.