Full Description

The Improved 2017 Vintage Model

Designed and handcrafted in Gibson’s factory in Bozeman, Montana, the Gibson J-45 Vintage Acoustic Guitar stays true to its original design whilst adding improved techniques and craftsmanship to ensure the guitar can keep up with the modern player. Upgrades include the thermally aged top, a fingerboard designed for extra comfort, an enhanced finish to offer a smooth surface, and a premium setup that uses state-of-the-art German engineered Plek Technology.

Thermally Aged Adirondack Red Spruce Top

Crafted from a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top, J-45 Vintage provides a very high velocity sound, as this type of wood has the highest stiffness across and along the grain compared to any other top wood. Red spruce is considered by many to be the holy grail in top woods, as it can deliver the highest volume ceiling of any species, yet also has a rich fullness of tone that retains clarity at all dynamic levels. The thermal aging process used on this top wood involves drying the boards to remove the moisture, followed by removing the oxygen and drying at a higher heat. This is then followed by slow cooling and reintroduction of moisture, which usually takes around 3-4 days. At the end of this process, you are left with a quality sounding tonewood with the classic matured tone of an older guitar.

Mahogany Back and Side Panels

Combining the spruce top with mahogany back and sides, the J-45 offers a beautiful tone with the highest quality that you would expect from a Gibson guitar. Mahogany offers a rich, thick present midrange and an earthy voice that is especially used in blues and bluegrass music. As well as a superb tone, the choice of mahogany also offers a beautiful grain and adds to the overall visual impact of the J-45.

Classic Dreadnought Body Shape

The Dreadnought is the most traditional style of guitar body shapes, due to its ability to deliver an even balanced tone across the spectrum. Its robust voice offers strong clear treble notes, a great midrange and low end power which is ideal for playing blues or folk. This particular body shape is adaptable to many different types of music and is also comfortable to play either seated or standing.

Scalloped X-Bracing

As with many of Gibson's acoustic range, the J-45 features traditional scalloped x-bracing. This particular type of bracing consists of two braces forming an 'X' shape across the soundboard which not only enhances the sound and offers a balanced tone, but also provides a reinforced sturdy structure.

Enhanced Finish and Feel

For the 2017 Model, Gibson have used their special sandpaper and polishing compounds to ensure that the guitar has the best finish on all the tonewood’s surfaces. They have also improved the fingebrorad’s edge by smoothing it down, allowing the players fingers to glide freely and achieve a natural feel. New penetrating and long lasting oil is used in the guitar's finish for the fingerboard and bridge, helping to maximise the woods natural vibrancy for a greater overall sustain and resonance. The guitar’s setup is then finished off with the state-of-the-art plek technology, created by German engineers, creating create the finest playing surface possible, and ensure the frets always give you an optimum playing experience.

Vintage Style Construction

The J-45 Vintage features many delicate appointments that add to the quality and look of the instrument. A Vintage round neck profile offers players that classic Gibson feel, allowing for classic hand slides. Traditional build techniques are used to provide a thermally aged top that creates a vintage sound and look without the wait. Period correct style tuners are added to add to its classic aesthetic while offering excellent string stability, and the hand shaped bone nut and bridge deliver original detailing. Additional appointments include classic Gibson details such as a mother-of-pearl inlay on the headstock, mother-of-pearl dot inlays, a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. The J-45 also includes a black hardshell case with plush-interior for transportation and protection.

Features

• Red spruce top and mahogany sides for projection
• Thermally aged top delivers vintage sound and appearance
• Iconic finish is hand sprayed for an authentic Gibson Appearance
• Traditional scalloped x-bracing for the ultimate projection
• Gotoh relic tuners for precise tuning and aesthetic look
• Hand shaped bone nut and saddle offers original detailing
• Featuring Gibson's classic nitrocellulose lacquer for added authenticity
• Includes black hardshell case with plush-lined interior
• Gibson Gold Warranty

Specifications

Body & Bridge

• Body Style: Round Shoulder J-45
• Top: Thermally Aged Adirondack Red Spruce
• Back and Side: Mahogany
• Binding: Multi-Ply Top, 1-Ply Back
• Bridge: Rosewood Belly Up
• Bracing: Traditional Scalloped X w/Hide Glue
• Construction: Compound Dovetail Secured
• Finish: Vintage Sunburst

Neck & Fingerboard

• Neck: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Vintage Round
• Scale: 24.75"
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Radius: 12”
• Inlay: Mother of Pearl Dots
• Frets: 20
• Nut: Bone
• Width at Nut: 1.725”

Hardware & Accessories

• Tuners: Gotoh Relic w/White Buttons
• Pickguard: Tear Drop
• Saddle: Bone
• Rosette: Multi-Ply Single-Ring
• Hardware: Nickel
• Strings: Light Gauge .012 - .053
• Included Case: Vintage Style Hardshell