Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 - Vintage Sunburst with Hard Shell Case

The Gibson 1942 Banner J-45: A Custom Historic Reissue of a Legendary Dreadnought

Vintage-inspired design and premium tonewoods

The Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 is a meticulously crafted reissue of one of the most iconic acoustic guitars in history. Hand-built in Bozeman, Montana, this guitar is designed to capture the tonal magic and structural character of its wartime predecessor. A thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top is paired with solid mahogany back and sides, giving the instrument its warm, mid-forward voice and excellent projection. The hand-sprayed vintage sunburst finish recreates the aesthetic of a true vintage classic.

Thermally aged red spruce top with hide glue construction

The tonal foundation of this instrument lies in its thermally aged Adirondack red spruce soundboard. A time-honored tonewood prized for its dynamic range and powerful articulation, Adirondack spruce reaches its full potential through thermal aging, enhancing resonance and responsiveness. Combined with hot hide glue bracing, this construction ensures top-tier tonal performance with superior sustain and character.

Historic neck profile and vintage feel

This model features a solid mahogany neck carved into Gibson’s Historic profile, offering a substantial, period-correct neck profile that provides support and control for all playing styles. The rosewood fingerboard sports 19 frets and mother-of-pearl dot inlays, while the 1.725 inch bone nut maintains the correct string spacing for optimal comfort. The short 24.75 inch scale length contributes to a soft, slinky feel and lends itself well to fingerstyle and strumming alike.

Period-correct appointments and hardware

Everything about the 1942 Banner J-45 has been dialed in to reflect its legendary roots. From the rectangular open-slot rosewood bridge to the cream-button open back tuners, the appointments are all chosen to honor the look and function of the original Banner-era guitars. No electronics are installed, preserving the instrument’s authentic acoustic voice.

A collector-worthy instrument, ready for the stage

Whether you're a traditionalist, a working player, or a high end acoustic collector, the 1942 Banner J-45 offers the soulful tone, craftsmanship, and historic character you'd expect from a Custom Historic Gibson. Each guitar comes housed in a period-correct hard shell case and includes case candy.

Specifications:

• Body Shape: J-45

• Top Wood: Thermally Aged Red Spruce

• Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany

• Neck Wood: Mahogany

• Neck Profile: Historic

• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood

• Scale Length: 24.75 inches

• Nut Width: 1.725 inches

• Number of Frets: 19

• Nut Material: Bone

• Saddle Material: Bone

• Inlays: Mother-of-Pearl Dots

• Bridge: Rectangle, open slot

• Tuners: Strap open back, cream button

• Binding: Single-ply top and back

• Finish: Vintage Sunburst

• Case: Period Correct Hard Shell Case

• Electronics: None

This acoustic guitar ships fully insured with signature required.