c.1963 Gibson J-45
Serial # 356198. Something of an enigmatic guitar, this J-45 shows features from 1962/3 as well as 1966. Perhaps it was a floor-sweep model, or (more likely, in our opinion) it went back to the factory in '66 for repairs. It's a mystery.
Regardless of when it was built and the history it lived, it's a great sounding guitar - with all the thump and warmth we associate with the early 1960's adjustable bridge J-45s. It plays easily thanks to set-up work done in our shop, and is all around a really wonderful instrument.
The guitar features a lightly braced spruce top with faded cherry sunburst finish, original thin pickguard, and original bridge. The bridgeplate is 3-ply maple with 1965/6 dimensions. The neck has a steeper (pre 1964) headstock angle but a small later 1960's 1-9/16" nut width and Indian rosewood fingerboard. The guitar's finish is certainly old, but it's hard to say if it's original as it seems to be quite a bit thinner than most mid 1960's finishes. The back has two repaired cracks, and the top is completely crack-free. The bridge's adjustable insert has been removed, the gap filled with rosewood, and a bone drop-in saddle installed. Bone nut; largely unworn frets.
All told, it's a great looking, great sounding, and easy playing J-45. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for quite easily in tone, feel, and vibe.
With original hardshell case
Regardless of when it was built and the history it lived, it's a great sounding guitar - with all the thump and warmth we associate with the early 1960's adjustable bridge J-45s. It plays easily thanks to set-up work done in our shop, and is all around a really wonderful instrument.
The guitar features a lightly braced spruce top with faded cherry sunburst finish, original thin pickguard, and original bridge. The bridgeplate is 3-ply maple with 1965/6 dimensions. The neck has a steeper (pre 1964) headstock angle but a small later 1960's 1-9/16" nut width and Indian rosewood fingerboard. The guitar's finish is certainly old, but it's hard to say if it's original as it seems to be quite a bit thinner than most mid 1960's finishes. The back has two repaired cracks, and the top is completely crack-free. The bridge's adjustable insert has been removed, the gap filled with rosewood, and a bone drop-in saddle installed. Bone nut; largely unworn frets.
All told, it's a great looking, great sounding, and easy playing J-45. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for quite easily in tone, feel, and vibe.
With original hardshell case