❌SOLD❌ Gibson J45 TV True Vintage Sunburst, 2012

The Gibson J45 TV True Vintage is the result of an effort to reproduce the look, sound and feel of the iconic J-45 ‘Banner’ models built during the Second World War. The Gibson Acoustic division in Bozeman Montana, then supervised by Ren Ferguson, carefully examined and measured many original examples and came up with some excellent instruments.

There is an excellent book by John Thomas titled “Kalamazoo Gals” about the ‘Banner’ Gibson models and the women who built them during wartime. This book is well worth checking out. 

The J-45 was introduced in 1942, along with the somewhat fancier J-50. The primary difference between the two was the visual grade of the Spruce used for the top. The J-45 has always had a sunburst finish, while the J-50 is a natural, clear finish that demands ‘visually better’ material. The back, sides, body blocks, linings and neck are solid Mahogany, with Rosewood for the fingerboard and bridge. The finish is intentionally thin to impose minimal restriction on the instrument vibration and has a slight oxidized effect – it’s not high gloss, but it’s not Satin either.

This Gibson J45 TV example dates to February 26th 2012 at Bozeman, Montana. It is in overall very nice condition, with light wear and a few small dings. It is in original condition except for the nut, which has been replaced with a GraphTech NuBone model (https://graphtech.com/pages/nuts). Nubone is derived from the Tusq material, and aims to provide a harmonically richer tone and better consistency than bone or plastic.

The label has been carefully removed from the back and placed in a plastic wrapper, and is included in the case.

We’ve always been a fan of the J-45, and its warm, rich sound. This Gibson J45 TV True Vintage sounds and feels great, with a pretty authentic vintage look without the wear would have occured over the last 75 or so years!

The original Gibson-branded brown arched top, vintage style hard shell case is included.

Here’s what Gibson has to say about their J45  TV True Vintage model:

“Gibson’s new J-45 True Vintage captures the genuine spirit of Gibson’s most popular acoustic. Nicknamed “The Workhorse” for its simple, rock-solid construction, the new J-45 True Vintage—hand-made by Gibson Acoustic in Bozeman, Montana—offers the build, materials, looks, and tone of this legendary guitar as it was the day it was first introduced in 1942. This new model stays true to the original in every way, including the same round-shoulder dreadnought body design, with a top made from Adirondack red spruce, custom vintage top bracing, and back and sides constructed from pattern-grade mahogany from Honduras.”