Gibson J-45 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1943, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark stained back and sides finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, hard shell case.
One of the nicest examples of this style guitar we have ever seen, this wartime J-45 is a very rare variant of the model with several features dictated by Gibson's devotion of most of their production capacity to the war effort. The top on this guitar is made of mahogany due to the depletion of the supply of Adirondack spruce which was prioritized for aircraft needs. The neck is a three-piece laminate with no truss rod�with heavy wartime restrictions on steel, Gibson continued manufacturing their familiar truss rod, but it found a more belligerent application as the 'guide rod' in the body of the M3 submachine gun! This very deep round neck, affectionately called the 'baseball bat', is a favorite of many players, while slightly daunting to others; it is unlike any other Gibson pattern. Once one gets used to the big chunky feel, it can be hard to go back!
The sunburst top and dark mahogany back are single-bound, the soundhole ring one multiple laminate, and the pickguard the new-for-1943 tortoise celluloid teardrop shape. Tuners are the typical wartime riveted strip Klusons with plastic buttons, and a gold script "Gibson" logo and "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner adorn the headstock.
The mahogany-top J-45 has a very unique sound with the power of an early Gibson jumbo but extra clarity definition due to the harder top wood. These are fantastic fingerpicking and ragtime guitars with a brilliant sparkle to the top end voices.
Overall length is 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).
Extremely fine condition; finish is still shiny with original patina. One very small repaired pickguard crack and one small grain split on the back; some minimal finish dings. Bridge looks to have been cut down slightly, but overall this is one incredibly well-preserved Gibson jumbo. Excellent + Condition.
