❌SOLD❌ Gibson J45 ADJ Slope Shoulder Dreadnought Sunburst, 1966

The Gibson J45 ADJ appeared in 1956 as a variant of the classic and successful J-45, in production since 1942 as a replacement for the J-35. The key difference is noted in the name – an optional height adjustable saddle was added to the bridge, making action adjustments easier. The saddle was at various times rosewood or porcelain, and in 1961 the adjustable bridge was standard. In 1963, the Brazilian Rosewood bridge was replaced with a plastic model, but Rosewood was used again in 1964. In 1969, the slope-shoulder dreadnought body was exchanged for a Martin style square shoulder, the scale length was increased from 24.75 inches to a Martin influenced 25.5 inches (Martin would actually use 25.5 inches on the D series guitars). The J-45 was discontinued in 1982, and brought back with more ‘original’ specifications in 1984.

Here we’re looking at a Gibson J45 ADJ, built during 1966 at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. While it is a J45 ADJ, the bridge has been replaced with a standard Indian Rosewood bridge without the adjustable saddle. This conversion was done to many J-45s, and has a significant and positive impact on tone.

The Gibson J45 ADJ uses the same classic wood choices – a Spruce top paired with Mahogany for the sides, back, body blocks, linings and neck. The fingerboard is Brazilian Rosewood, as was ordinary for another few years. The replacement bridge is Indian Rosewood. The pickguard is a relatively large and thick styrene with an engraved and painted Gibson logo. Typical of the period, the neck is quite narrow at the nut – 40mm or 1.58 inches.

The finish is the original nitrocellulose lacquer sunburst and in quite good shape, though it has a fair amount of natural lacquer checking.

This Gibson J45 ADJ plays well, and has a rich, warm yet sparkling tone. The J-45 has always worked well backing up voices, and it’s easy to hear why, listening to this example.

A non-original hard shell case is included.