Description
The Gibson J-45™ was first introduced in 1942, and guitars from that initial year of production are some of the most highly cherished vintage acoustic guitars in the world. The best-selling Gibson acoustic model of all time, the J-45 quickly earned the moniker “The Workhorse” due to its no-nonsense simplicity, understated elegance, and widespread use on stages and in recording studios worldwide. Now Epiphone, in partnership with Gibson Custom, is proud to introduce the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, an incredible recreation of the legendary original Workhorse model from 1942. This exceptional acoustic guitar has a thermally aged, solid spruce top that is reinforced with scalloped X-bracing and paired with a solid mahogany back and sides for the rich, balanced tone that has made the J-45 a longtime player favourite.
The body features single-ply ivory-colored top and back binding. The one-piece mahogany neck has a V-shaped profile and is capped with an Indian rosewood fretboard that is equipped with 19 standard frets and adorned with mother-of-pearl dot inlays. The headstock features the world-famous Gibson “open book” profile and has the Inspired by Gibson Custom double diamond logo etched on the back and an Epiphone logo and “Epiphone Inspired by Gibson” banner in gold silkscreen on the front. The three-on-a-plate tuners have cream buttons and use an open-back design, just like you’ll find on the vintage originals. The pickguard also uses the same teardrop shape found on the earliest J-45 models, while the rectangular rosewood bridge is equipped with a compensated bone saddle for improved intonation. The nut and bridge pins are also bone.
To ensure it meets the needs and preferences of modern players, it comes equipped with a built-in L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC preamp and under-saddle piezo pickup system, so it’s stage and studio-ready whenever you are. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case, which features the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo on the exterior, is also included to keep this exceptional acoustic guitar safe when you’re traveling to your next gig.
Key Features
- Solid Construction – The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Series features an all-solid wood construction for rich musical dynamics, overtones and sustain.
- Thermal Aged – The thermal-aged solid Sikta Spruce top and 1-piece Mahogany neck ensure that this acoustic comes pre-seasoned and aged to utter perfection, offering an instrument that has superior structural integrity as well as rich and harmonic overtones usually only found in prized vintage examples.
- LR Baggs VTC – Featuring an LR Baggs Element under-saddle transducer in combination with a versatile sound hole mounted Volume and Tone control, this pickup system offers a natural acoustic stage tone that’s rich in dynamics and warmth.
Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection puts Gibson’s most acclaimed and celebrated designs and reissues into the hands of players at any stage of their guitar journey. Jam-packed with features that rival guitars way above their price points, this collection is built ready for whatever you need to throw at it! From its vintage-correct wood choices and thermal ageing treatments to its premium hardware and industry-standard electronics, the Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection is the perfect choice for those seeking a budget-friendly instrument with a premium Custom Shop feel and authentic vintage tone!
Specifications
Body
- Shape: J-45
- Top: Thermally Aged Solid Spruce
- Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
- Bracing: Scalloped X-Bracing
- Binding: Single Py Ivory, Top and Back
Neck
- Neck Material: One-Piece Thermally Aged Mahogany Neck
- Neck Profile: V
- Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood
- Frets: 19
- Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
- Nut Material: Bone
- Nut Width: 1.73″
- Scale Length: 24.75″
Electronics
- Bridge Pickup: L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC
- Controls: Soundhole Mounted Volume and Tone
Hardware
- Bridge: Rosewood Rectangle, Closed Slot
- Tuners: Open Back, Three-On-Plate with Cream Button
- Hardware Finish: Nickel
- Case: Hardshell with Inspired by Gibson Custom Graphics





