Full Description

The J-45 has been Gibsons top-selling acoustic guitar for years. Nicknamed The Workhorse and first introduced in 1942, Gibsons most popular acoustic is now the icon of its round-shoulder, dreadnought line, world renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection. Subtle changes to the bracing of its predecessorthe J-35 made Gibsons J-45 one of most technically advanced guitars of its time.

Nickel Grover Rotomatic Tuners Grovers original Rotomatic tuners are an engineering marvel, with abundant style and performance exactly suited for the J-45. With a gear ratio of 14:1, the Rotomatics deliver precision tuning in a durable housing that provides maximum protection for the gear and string post. All moving parts are cut for exact meshing, eliminating the possibility of slippage. A countersunk tension screw lets players regulate the tuning tension to any degree. A special lubricant inside the gear box provides smooth and accurate tuning stability.

Body Tonewoods (back, sides and top) The top of the J-45 is made from AA-grade Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from pattern grade Honduras mahogany, giving the J-45 its world renowned full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection. Selecting the right wood, and the formula to dry it out, are two of the most central procedures to Gibsons guitar-building process. Beginning with its first catalog in 1903, Gibson has assured its customers that every guitar would be built using woods with the most durable, elastic, and sonorous qualities, and todays guitars from Gibson Acoustic are no different.

Pickguard The pickguard for the J-45 is Gibsons standard plain tortoise tear drop shape, which has been used on the J-45 since its introduction in 1942. As with all of Gibsons pickguards, the coloring and binding are all done by hand.

Rosette A rosette is the beautiful, hand-crafted circle around the soundhole, and can be one of the most ornamental elements of any acoustic guitar. It is also one of the most subtle and complicated woodworking decorations on any acoustic guitar. The rosette on the J-45 is a simple single-ring rosette consisting of three-ply binding, adding a stylish, understated elegance to the J-45 Standard.

Rosewood Fingerboard with Rolled Edges and Dot Inlays The fingerboard of Gibsons J-45 is constructed from the highest grade rosewood on earth, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibsons team of skilled experts before it enters the Gibson factories. The resilience of this durable wood makes the fingerboard extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The J-45s dot inlays are made of genuine mother of pearl, measuring approximately ¼-inch in diameter, and are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps. The fingerboard also sports a rolled edge instead of the usual right angle where the fingerboard surface meets the neck, Gibson Acoustics rolled edges are slightly beveled for an extremely smooth and comfortable feel, enhancing the playability of the J-45.