Description
The Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 in Vintage Sunburst isn't just a guitar, it's a time capsule. Built to honor the original "workhorse" acoustic that became a staple in American music history, this reissue captures everything that made the wartime-era J-45 legendary. For players steeped in traditional folk, country blues, and Americana, or collectors who appreciate the nuance of era-correct craftsmanship, this model is an evocative, deeply musical instrument that delivers on feel, tone, and history.
Constructed with a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top over mahogany back and sides, the 1942 Banner J-45 delivers the warmth, dryness, and projection you'd expect from a vintage dreadnought that's been played for decades. Gibson's torrefaction process brings out the best of both tonewoods-drying them to vintage moisture levels for quicker response, greater harmonic complexity, and an aged character that feels broken-in right out of the case. Paired with scalloped X-bracing and hot hide glue, the top moves with incredible sensitivity, giving the guitar a wide dynamic range and a strong, focused midrange push.
The mahogany neck is carved to Gibson's historic profile, full and rounded without being bulky, and topped with a rosewood fingerboard and mother-of-pearl dot inlays. It's an easy transition for both fingerpickers and strummers, with a 12" radius, legend wire frets, and a comfortable 1.725" nut width that keeps chords clean and leads articulate.
Every appointment serves the instrument's vintage inspiration-from the multi-ply top and back binding to the open-back cream button tuners and hand-sprayed satin VOS sunburst finish. Even the smaller details like the bone nut and saddle or strap-style tuners are period-correct and thoughtfully executed.
At Cream City Music, we're always looking for instruments that go beyond the spec sheet-and this 1942 Banner J-45 delivers something special. It's not just a reissue; it's a soulful companion with the heart and voice of a golden-era Gibson. Whether you're writing at home, performing on stage, or recording in the studio, this J-45 brings the timeless warmth and clarity that inspired generations of songwriters.
Specifications:
- Body Shape: Round Shoulder Dreadnought
- Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
- Top Wood: Thermally Aged Red Spruce
- Finish: Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer, VOS
- Color: Vintage Sunburst
- Body Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing
- Binding: Multi-ply top/back
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Shape: Historic
- Radius: 12"
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dots
- Number of Frets: 19, Legend Wire
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Nut Width: 1.725"
- Nut/Saddle Material: Bone/Bone
- Bridge Material: Rosewood
- Tuning Machines: Strap Open back with Cream buttons
- Strings: .012-.053
- Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
Sku: CSRS4542VS
