Description
A used Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1955 J-45. This is a showroom model that has seen almost no use and is in fantastic condition. An aftermarket strap button has been added to the heel (see photos). 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!
Introduced in 1942, the Gibson J-45 quickly earned its nickname as "The Workhorse" for good reason. Its straightforward design, balanced tone, and undeniable musicality made it a go-to for working musicians across every genre. By 1955, this iconic round-shoulder dreadnought had undergone a few key changes-including a longer fingerboard with a 20th fret and a larger, more modern pickguard that replaced the early teardrop shape. The 1955 J-45 Light Aged from Gibson Custom and the Murphy Lab captures all of these updates in a faithful recreation that's steeped in vintage tone and character.
Handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana by Gibson's expert luthiers, this J-45 features a thermally aged Sitka spruce top paired with a solid mahogany back and sides for that signature dry, woody, and warm voice. Traditional scalloped X-bracing and hide glue construction ensure the top responds beautifully with clear lows, articulate mids, and a sparkling top end-perfect for singer-songwriters, roots players, and vintage tone enthusiasts alike.
The mahogany neck is carved to a comfortable round profile and joined to the body with a compound dovetail joint, also set with hide glue. Topped with a rosewood fingerboard and simple mother-of-pearl dot inlays, the neck plays effortlessly across all 20 frets. The 24.75" scale length contributes to the J-45's familiar feel and punchy response, while the 1.725" nut width gives your fretting hand ample room without feeling oversized.
Hardware appointments are vintage-accurate as well, including a traditional rosewood belly-up bridge, bone nut and saddle, and Grover strap tuners with cream buttons. The lightly aged nickel plating and Murphy Lab Light Aged finish add a layer of visual charm that mirrors decades of careful play and loving use, without looking overdone.
The 1955 J-45 Light Aged is a heartfelt tribute to one of the most beloved acoustic guitars in Gibson's history. And here at Cream City Music, we believe this model captures the soul of the original with remarkable precision. Whether it's your first J-45 or your fifth, this one delivers the timeless tone, look, and feel that only a real Workhorse can.
Weight: 3 lbs 15.5 oz
Specifications:
- Shape: J-45
- Top: Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce
- Back: Mahogany
- Bracing: Traditional Scalloped X-bracing
- Binding: Multi-ply Top, Single-ply Back
- Neck: Mahogany
- Profile: Round
- Nut Width: 1.725"
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Number of Frets: 20
- Nut: Bone
- Inlay: Mother of Pearl Dot
- Bridge: Traditional Belly-up; Rosewood
- Tuners: Grover Strap with Cream Buttons
- Plating: Nickel
- Case: Lifton Hardshell
Sku: CSRS4555VSLA
