Gibson did continue to produce the sunburst J-45, however, and it is still an important part of Gibson’s production line today. This better quality wood justified the production of the natural-finish J-50, as there were very few flaws which needed to be covered up by a sunburst finish. Decent wood supplies were easier to come by, so Gibson didn’t need to resort to using imperfect wood on all its instruments. The J-50 wasn’t introduced until after World War II. As mentioned, the sunburst finish was useful in hiding flaws in the wood.
One difference between the two is the top, which is triple-bound in the J-50 instead of single-bound however, Gibson also made some early J-45s with a triple-bound top. In 1947 Gibson officially introduced the J-50 guitar, essentially a natural-finish J-45, though in 1942 already Gibson shipped a handful of J-50 guitars. The J-45 is known for its warm bass sound and good projection, as well as outstanding playability. Apart from a small batch of natural-finish J-45s produced in 1942, the model was offered only in the sunburst finish. In the intervening years though, the Gibson sunburst has become iconic to the degree that collectors prefer the J-45 to the higher end J-50s of the same era. The J-45 was constructed of solid (as opposed to laminated) spruce wood for the top, while solid mahogany was used for the back and sides. Gibson typically used the sunburst finish to cover up imperfections in the wood used on instruments, since it made the majority of the top of the guitar black. The binding was simple, the soundhole ring was austere, and the neck sported modest dot-shaped mother of pearl fretboard position markers. The J-45 produced by Gibson today is substantially similar to the 1942 model.Ĭosmetically, the J-45 was understated, intended as a durable no-frills “workhorse guitar” (its nickname given by the manufacturer). Introduced during World War II, the J-45 standardized Gibson’s approach to the dreadnought guitar. Some of the changes were internal, such as strengthened bracing, while exterior changes included the new teardrop shaped pickguard, and a headstock decal with the Gibson logo replacing the old stark white ‘Gibson’ silk-screen logo of the thirties, and the slogan “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough.” The J-45 also had a more rounded, “baseball bat” style neck, as opposed to the “V” shape of the J-35 neck. The J-45 initially only varied slightly from the discontinued J-35. Introduced in 1942 with a list price of $45, it was conceived as a replacement for the earlier J-35 model, which was an inexpensive, Great Depression-era flattop guitar. The J-45 is generally regarded as Gibson’s most famous and widely used acoustic guitar model. It is part of Gibson’s round-shoulder, dreadnought acoustic “jumbo” line, begun in 1934 with the Gibson Jumbo Flattop which was to compete with C.F. The Gibson J-45 is an acoustic guitar model manufactured by the Gibson Guitar Corporation. World renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass and excellent projection, the J-45 is one of most technically advanced guitars of its time.Įach guitar includes a black hardshell case with plush-lined interior, owner’s manual, Gibson’s Gold Warranty and Gibson’s 24/7/365 Customer Service. Nicknamed “The Workhorse” and first introduced in 1942, this popular acoustic is now the icon of its round-shoulder, dreadnought line. The J-45 is one of Gibson’s best-selling acoustics of all time.