Description
A used Gibson Custom 1942 Banner J-45. This is a showroom model that has seen almost no use and is in fantastic condition. The guitar will ship with all original factory documentation and packaging. Additionally, before shipment our luthiers will provide a professional inspection and full setup, so it arrives ready to play. If you have any questions about this instrument or any of our great gear, please send us a message!
*Please note--these may not be the photos of the actual guitar for sale.
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
