Description
Here we’re looking at a Gibson J-45 ADJ model, built during 1966 at Gibson’s historic Parsons Street shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It shows a number of 1966 features, including the Rosewood adjustable bridge and a thicker styrene pickguard with a Gibson logo engraved by the fingerboard tag. These models often do not have a label, instead 'J-45 ADJ' is stamped in ink on the back center strip, visible through the soundhole. A workhorse since 1942, the Gibson J-45 saw key shifts in bridge style from 1956 to 1969, along with round-to-square shoulder redesigns in 1969 and back to round again in 1989.
The Gibson J-45 ADJ variant first appeared in 1956, adding either a Rosewood or Ceramic saddle carried on a pair of bolts. In 1961 it became standard, and from 1963 to 1964 plastic was used for the bridge.
The original body and neck finish has been oversprayed with clear nitrocellulose lacquer, so the body surfaces are quite smooth and glossy. In the full-front photo, you’ll see some marks on the top on the bass side of the sound hole and this is from a previously-installed second pickguard.
This guitar plays well and has the warm, rich sound that has made the Gibson J45 so valued by guitarists and singer-songwriters of all levels and in many genres.
A fibre Gibson case is included, possibly the original. Many of these guitars were sold with these cardboard faux-gator cases, and many of the cases have not survived.
Gibson J-45 ADJ Construction, Materials and History
First introduced in 1942 to replace the J-35, the Gibson J-45 features a Spruce top – originally Adirondack – paired with Mahogany for the sides, back, neck and the body blocks. Rosewood was used for the fingerboard and bridge – originally Brazilian, but shifting to Indian Rosewood in the mid 1960s. During 1968, the faux-tortoise pickguard was replaced by a white plastic screw-on unit. In 1969, to compete with Martin, the J-45 gained square shoulders and a longer scale length, to 25.5 inches. Between 1982 and 1984, Gibson discontinued the J-45.
Here is what the builder has to say about the current Gibson J45:
“J-45 Standard The World-Famous Workhorse
The J-45 is Gibson’s best-selling acoustic of all time. Nicknamed “The Workhorse” and first introduced in 1942, this iconic acoustic has become the cornerstone of its round-shoulder, dreadnought line.
World renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass and excellent projection, the J-45 has been refined to carry this legacy to new heights. This 2019 model delivers a sound with incredible dynamic range, warm mids, and a tight punchy bass. “
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: J-45 ADJ
- Instrument Manufacturer: Gibson
- Instrument year: 1966
- Instrument Finish: Tobacco Sunburst with Nitrocellulose Overspray
- Instrument Class: Steel String Acoustic Guitars
- Instrument serial number: 380222, built during 1966 at Kalamazoo Michigan
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Good
- Right-handed
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 4.356 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 1.98 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 24.6 in
- Scale Length Metric: 626 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.573 in
- Nut Width Metric: 39.95 mm
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Items in Case: N/A
- Case Type: Original Fibre (cardboard) Faux-Gator case
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 191130
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |