Description

The Gibson Custom Shop 1955 J-45 Acoustic Guitar in Light Aged Vintage Sunburst is a masterful recreation of one of Gibson’s most iconic models. Revered as “The Workhorse,” the J-45 has been a favourite among musicians since its introduction in 1942, celebrated for its straightforward design, robust build, and warm, balanced tone. This 1955 reissue captures a pivotal moment in the J-45’s history, featuring the extended 20-fret rosewood fingerboard and the larger 50-style pickguard that replaced the earlier teardrop shape.

Handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana by Gibson Custom’s expert luthiers, this guitar showcases vintage-accurate appointments and meticulous attention to detail. The round-shoulder mahogany body is paired with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, delivering the sweet, resonant tone of a well-seasoned vintage instrument. Traditional scalloped X-bracing glued with hide glue enhances the guitar’s responsiveness and tonal clarity, while the multi-ply top and single-ply back binding add subtle elegance.

The mahogany neck features a comfortable round profile and is attached with a compound dovetail joint, also glued with hide glue for superior resonance. The rosewood fingerboard is adorned with simple mother-of-pearl dot inlays and equipped with 20 frets, reflecting the authentic 1955 design. Vintage-style Grover strap tuners with cream buttons, bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins complete the period-correct aesthetic and ensure reliable tuning stability.

Finished with Gibson’s Murphy Lab Light Aging treatment, this guitar exhibits the character and feel of an original from the golden era, with lightly aged hardware and finish that simulate decades of gentle playwear. The 1955 J-45 Light Aged is a stunning instrument for players and collectors alike, combining historical accuracy with modern craftsmanship to deliver a truly inspiring playing experience.

Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce Top

The thermally aged Sitka spruce top offers a rich, sweet tone reminiscent of a vintage guitar that has matured over decades. This process enhances the wood’s resonance and stability, providing a warm, open sound with excellent projection and clarity.

Mahogany Round-Shoulder Body

The mahogany body delivers a balanced, full-bodied tone with strong midrange presence. Its round-shoulder design contributes to a smooth, comfortable playing experience and classic J-45 sound.

Vintage-Accurate Appointments

From the 20-fret rosewood fingerboard and mother-of-pearl dot inlays to the larger 50-style pickguard and Grover tuners with cream buttons, every detail reflects the authentic 1955 J-45 specifications, ensuring an authentic vintage vibe and feel.

Murphy Lab Light Aging

Gibson’s Murphy Lab Light Aging treatment gives this guitar a subtle, natural-looking finish wear that replicates the look and feel of a well-played vintage instrument. This adds character and a unique personality to each guitar, enhancing the playing experience.

Key Features

• Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce Top – This specially treated spruce top provides the tonal richness and responsiveness of a vintage guitar, offering a sweet, open sound that improves with age.
• Mahogany Round-Shoulder Body – The classic mahogany body shape delivers warm midrange tones and a balanced voice, perfect for a wide range of playing styles.
• Authentic 1955 Specifications – Featuring a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, larger 50-style pickguard, and vintage Grover tuners, this guitar faithfully recreates the look and feel of the original 1955 J-45.
• Murphy Lab Light Aging Treatment – This finish treatment simulates decades of gentle playwear, giving the guitar a unique vintage character and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: J-45 Round Shoulder
• Top Wood: Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce
• Back Wood: Mahogany
• Bracing: Traditional Scalloped X-bracing with Hide Glue
• Binding: Multi-ply Top, Single-ply Back

Neck

• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Round
• Nut Width: 1.725” / 43.815mm
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 24.75” / 628.65mm
• Number of Frets: 20
• Nut Material: Bone
• Fingerboard Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot

Hardware

• Bridge: Traditional Belly-up Rosewood
• Tuners: Vintage-style Grover with Cream Buttons
• Plating: Nickel

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