Gibson J-45 True Vintage 2012 USED

The J-45 True Vintage was Gibson’s vintage-focused version of the J-45, built in Bozeman, Montana and based primarily on the early 1940s “Banner” instruments. The True Vintage series appeared in the late 2000s and remained part of the range into the mid-2010s, positioned above the regular J-45 models and using construction details intended to bring it closer to the wartime originals. By 2012 this included an Adirondack red spruce top, Honduran mahogany back and sides, vintage-style scalloped X-bracing attached with hot hide glue, a bone nut and saddle, and no factory electronics. The headstock carries the period-style script Gibson logo and “Only a Gibson is Good Enough” banner.

This 2012 example is very much a played guitar. There is extensive cosmetic wear throughout, with numerous scratches, dings and areas of finish wear. The rosewood fingerboard also has deep playing grooves around the lower frets and cowboy-chord positions. However, there are no cracks or breaks.

The guitar has recently been refretted, so the frets themselves are brand new, and the gutiar plays great. The original saddle has been replaced with a custom compensated unit, a useful modification that allows more precise intonation.

Despite the substantial wear, this remains a particularly interesting example of the True Vintage J-45. The thin nitrocellulose finish, Adirondack top, light vintage-style bracing and absence of onboard electronics make these noticeably different instruments from the contemporary J-45 Standard. The amount of use this one has seen also gives it a distinctly old-guitar sound and feel despite being built in 2012.

Includes various original paperwork and the original brown/pink Lifton-style case. The case also shows substantial cosmetic wear but is fully functional.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: Gibson J-45 True Vintage
Year: 2012
Factory: Gibson Acoustic, Bozeman, Montana, USA
Orientation: Right-handed
Body shape: Round-shoulder dreadnought
Construction: All-solid
Top: Adirondack red spruce
Back: Honduran mahogany
Sides: Honduran mahogany
Top bracing: Advanced vintage-style scalloped X-bracing
Brace material: Red spruce
Bracing adhesive: Hot hide glue
Body binding: Multi-ply top, single-ply back
Rosette: Multi-ply single-ring
Finish: Vintage Sunburst
Finish type: Nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck: Mahogany
Neck profile: Traditional V
Neck joint: Compound/tapered dovetail, joining body at 14th fret
Neck angle: 3°
Headstock angle: 17°
Scale length: 24.75″ / 628.65mm
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard radius: 12″
Fingerboard binding: Traditional bound fingerboard
Fingerboard inlays: Mother-of-pearl dots
Frets: 20
Current frets: Brand new replacement frets
Nut: Bone
Nut width: 1.725″ / 43.8mm
Headstock: Black face with gold script Gibson logo
Headstock decal: “Only a Gibson is Good Enough” Banner
Tuners: Nickel Gotoh vintage-style tuners with cream/white buttons
Tuner ratio: 15:1
Original bridge specification: Rosewood belly-up bridge
Current bridge: Replacement custom compensated bridge
Original saddle specification: Bone
Original bridge inlays: Mother-of-pearl dots
Bridge pins: White
Pickguard: Tortoise-style teardrop
Case: Original brown vintage/Lifton-style hardshell case with pink interior
Paperwork: Various paperwork included
Condition: Extensive playwear, scratches and dings, with deep fingerboard wear in the lower positions; no cracks or breaks