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Gibson

Description

The Gibson '50s J-45 Original acoustic-electric guitar beautifully channels the revered aesthetics and tone from the golden era of Gibson flattops. Its classic tonewood combination of a spruce top and mahogany back and sides delivers the warm, balanced sound guitarists have prized for generations. With its vintage-inspired appointments and an updated pickup system, the '50s J-45 Original captures the magic of a well-loved vintage while providing modern versatility.  

Vintage Vibe From the Golden Era

Vintage Vibe From the Golden Era  

As you take the '50s J-45 Original in your hands, you're instantly transported back to the glory days of Gibson acoustics. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish has a light antiqued patina, while the multi-ply top binding and single-ply back binding feature subtle aging for an authentic vintage look. A '50s-era tortoise pickguard and cream button tuners complete the retro aesthetic, making this guitar look like it has been a loyal stage companion for decades. Yet the pristine construction and playability reveal it's a brand-new instrument.  

Warm, Balanced Tone From Beloved Tonewoods

Warm, Balanced Tone From Beloved Tonewoods  

The '50s J-45 Original's solid Sitka spruce top provides plenty of headroom and articulation, allowing each note to ring out clearly. Its solid, select mahogany back and sides impart a rich, resonant warmth that flatters any genre. This classic tonewood pairing has been the backbone of iconic Gibson acoustics for nearly a century, delivering a versatile, well-balanced tone that feels immediately familiar. Whether you're fingerpicking delicate melodies or strumming rhythmically, the '50s J-45 Original responds with a sweet, harmonically-rich timbre.  

Effortless Playability With a Vintage-Style Neck

Effortless Playability With a Vintage-Style Neck  

The '50s J-45 Original serves up a playing experience as inspiring as its vintage-infused tone and aesthetic. Its slim taper mahogany neck with a hand-friendly '50s-style profile feels fast and comfortable in the fretting hand. The rosewood fingerboard's rolled edges enhance the silky playability. Vintage tall frets let your strings ring out clearly when bending. Whether crafting intricate fingerstyle passages or strumming first-position chords, the '50s J-45 Original plays as good as it sounds.  

Plug and Play With Natural-Sounding Amplified Tone

Plug and Play With Natural-Sounding Amplified Tone  

Thanks to its integrated LR Baggs VTC pickup system, the '50s J-45 Original sounds as organic plugged in as it does acoustic. This premium under-saddle transducer captures every nuance of the guitar's resonance so you can run directly into a PA or acoustic amp without losing the woody richness of an unamplified Gibson. Feedback-fighting technology ensures your plugged-in tones remain clear even at high volumes. With the VTC system, you can share the '50s J-45 Original's vintage-inspired magic in any environment.  

Recapture the vibe of a cherished golden-era Gibson flattop with the '50s J-45 Original. With its premium construction, vintage-correct appointments and modern pickup, this acoustic-electric transports you back to the heyday of iconic Gibson tone. Let the '50s J-45 Original inspire you with its timeless sound and style.  

Features

  • Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides
  • Round mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard
  • LR Baggs VTC pickup
  • Grover Strap tuning machines with cream buttons, tradtional belly up bridge, nickel plating

Specs

Body
  • Top wood: Sitka spruce
  • Back & sides: Mahogany
Neck
  • Neck shape: Round
  • Nut width: 1.725"
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Saddle & nut: Bone
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: LR Baggs VTC
Other
  • Tuning machines: Grover Strap with cream buttons
  • Orientation: Right Handed
  • Number of strings: 6-string

Featured Articles

Reviews

5

10 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Beautiful instrument!
Great guitar
Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming8
  2. Practicing7
  3. Recording7
  4. Small Venues5
  5. Rock Concerts2
Cons
  1. Pickguard1
  2. None1
  3. Hopefully it will sound better with time1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced8
  2. Novice1
Pros
  1. Consistent9
  2. Fun To Play9
  3. Good Audio9
  4. Good Feel9
  5. Stays In Tune8

Reviewed by 10 customers

  • Best Acoustic I Know Of!!!

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byAndy

    fromLos Angeles, CA

    This guitar has gotten better everyday since the day I received it. It truly has one of the best sounds from an acoustic that I have ever heard. It plays so easy and has amazing mid to low ranges that will play right through the mix. I would totally recommend this one for a guitar to settle down with.

  • Beautiful instrument!

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byJerry

    fromLoveland, OH

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I love this guitar!! Easy to play, smooth action, and feels good in your hands! This guitar has a great low end and a rich sound.

  • Great Guitar

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byRandy

    fromMineola, Texas

    Guitar Center neglected to add the video link, so doing this again. A great guitar folks. The video compares the 50's J-45 to the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45.

  • Great Guitar, After You Remove The Pickguard

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byRandy

    fromMineola, TX

    I've owned mine for several months now. The pickguard was removed due to its size. It takes up way too much real estate on the soundboard. Once it was off, this guitar took about a month to begin opening up. It's impressive to me now, whereas it was originally a bit of a disappointment. I've owned one J-45 Standard and one J-45 Regal. Both of those guitars were amazing. I can now place this '50s J-45 in that same category. It has a bit of a chunky C neck, but the cosmetics are meant to reflect that era. It's a beautiful guitar and given a bit of time, opens up beautifully. I did a YT video comparing it to the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 and have included that link in this review.

  • Martin guy

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byTux

    fromBaltimore Md

    Ok I'm a Martin guy true blue. Got a little money ahead and my buddy decided I needed a J45. Went to Chuck Livens and tried it out. Yeah it's ok. I decided to buy it just to keep him happy. Got it home and started playing away. Holy cow. It just kept getting better and better. Best Base I've ever heard. It almost lays its self. Sounded so nice I bought a L 00. Prtfrct combo.

  • The Golden Era is Dead...Long live the Golden Era!

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byButch

    fromBoise, ID

    I've been hearing chatter about a new golden era taking place right now with Gibson guitars. This is in relation to the "reset" by the new CEO, post bankruptcy, and a getting back to their roots and producing quality instruments. I took the bait...and I am not disappointed! I purchased a 2023 50's J-45 in vintage sunburst, wood chips still in the body and the intoxicating smell of nitro curing, and it is flawless cosmetically and, more importantly, the tonality is superb!! A new Golden Era, or not, this thing is amazing. I can't even imagine how this beauty will age...

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted9 months ago

    asked byJonathan

    fromCanton, MA

    I saw one listed as a Gibson Montana '50s J-45. Is this the same model?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, the Gibson '50s J-45 Original Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Ebony is part of the same model line as the Gibson Montana '50s J-45. Both guitars are crafted in Gibson's Bozeman, Montana facility and share identical specifications, including a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, a rounded '50s-style mahogany neck, and an LR Baggs VTC pickup system. The term "Montana" often refers to Gibson's acoustic division based in Bozeman, highlighting the guitar's place of manufacture. Therefore, whether listed as "Gibson Montana '50s J-45" or "Gibson '50s J-45 Original," they represent the same high-quality instrument

  • submitteda year ago

    asked bySam

    fromOrchard Park, NY

    Are Gibson acoustics, at this price-point, Plek'd at the factory?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, they are.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked bySteve

    fromRock Hill, South Carolina 29732

    Is the Gibson "50's J-45 available in " left-Handed;" and if yes, is it available in tobacco sunburst along with a hard shell case? How much extra is that going to cost? NOTE: Please keep in mind that I'm just inquiring for right now! I'm a fan of Gibson, Martin, and Ovation Acoustic Guitars (they play nice)! Again, I'm just inquiring and whenever I'm ready to make a purchase (and the price is right), I will let you know! The Gibson 50's J-45 would make a good Christmas gift for myself; however, that's a different story! Just inquiring! I'll be looking forward to hearing your answer! (Thank you for your patience)!

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Thank you for your question. I will have a product specialist contact you.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byOdie

    fromPtld, OR

    Built-in tuner? Does that include a set up?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    No, it doesn't. It is set up by Gibson

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byDAVID

    fromBradenton, FL

    Does it come with a hard shell case?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byBobby

    fromLos Lunas, NM

    OPEN Box-Gibson 50's J 45 original acoustic electric guitar available

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact our Customer Service agents to get updated open box availability

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byEddie

    fromNewton NC

    There is no mention of a case. Verify it is included in this price

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I apologize for the confusion.. A case is included

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byTimothy

    fromLos Angeles

    Does this guitar include a hard shell case?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byJon

    fromBoise, ID

    Does it come with a hard case?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Case not included