Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Original Torrefied Red Spruce Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst

Few acoustic guitars are as instantly recognizable—or as deeply woven into the history of modern music—as the Gibson J-45. Introduced in 1942 and forever known as “The Workhorse,” its round-shoulder dreadnought body, warm low end and balanced response have made it Gibson’s best-selling acoustic of all time. This limited-edition Dealer Select J-45 Original honors that legacy with a thermally aged red spruce top, chosen for its exceptional stiffness, quick response and broken-in resonance that feels decades old from the very first strum. Paired with mahogany back and sides, the guitar delivers the J-45’s signature warmth, focused mids and punchy bass, while a short-scale mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fingerboard provide a relaxed, expressive playing feel that invites dynamic control. Finished in Vintage Sunburst gloss and equipped with LR Baggs Element VTC electronics for natural, stage-ready amplification, this Dealer Select J-45 blends historic character, premium materials and modern reliability into a refined take on an enduring acoustic icon.

Torrefied Red Spruce Top and Mahogany Body for a Broken-In J-45 Voice

At the core of this Dealer Select J-45 is its thermally aged red spruce top—a premium soundboard prized for its power, clarity and dynamic headroom. The torrefaction process removes excess moisture and organic compounds from the wood, increasing stiffness while reducing weight—resulting in a top that responds like decades-old spruce right out of the case. Paired with a mahogany back and sides, the guitar produces a balanced, authoritative voice with warm lows, focused mids and clear, articulate highs. The round-shoulder dreadnought body enhances projection while preserving the J-45’s signature smoothness, making it ideal for strumming, flatpicking and expressive vocal accompaniment.

Mahogany Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard for Effortless Playability

The mahogany neck features Gibson’s comfortable rounded profile and a short 24.75" scale length that reduces string tension for an inviting, expressive feel. Chords fall easily under the fingers, bends feel natural and long sessions remain fatigue-free. A rosewood fingerboard adds warmth to the guitar’s tonal response while providing a smooth, tactile playing surface, complemented by understated mother-of-pearl dot inlays. The rosewood belly-up bridge supports stable intonation and efficient energy transfer for a resonant, responsive playing experience.

LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics for Natural, Stage-Ready Amplification

Designed to perform in real-world settings, the LR Baggs Element VTC system ensures the J-45’s acoustic voice translates with clarity and nuance when plugged in. The undersaddle transducer captures the guitar’s natural dynamics and warmth without the brittle edge often associated with piezo pickups. Discreet soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls allow subtle adjustments on the fly while preserving the instrument’s clean, vintage aesthetic. On stage or in the studio, the J-45 remains expressive, balanced and unmistakably acoustic.

Classic Hardware and Iconic J-45 Appointments

Traditional details complete the Dealer Select J-45’s timeless presentation. Cream-button three-on-a-plate tuners offer smooth, reliable tuning stability, paired with durable nickel hardware that complements the guitar’s vintage-inspired look. A ’50s-style tortoiseshell pickguard, Gibson gold block logo decal and Vintage Sunburst gloss finish reinforce its heritage character, while subtle modern refinements ensure long-term reliability. Every appointment reflects the J-45’s reputation as a dependable instrument built for working musicians.

A Limited-Edition Workhorse With Vintage Feel and Modern Reliability

The Gibson Dealer Select J-45 Original Torrefied Red Spruce acoustic-electric guitar blends classic design with the tonal advantages of thermally aged wood, delivering a sound that feels open, resonant and already broken in. Its responsive playability, balanced voice and professional-grade electronics make it an ideal companion for songwriters, performers and recording artists alike. Complete with a Gibson hardshell case, this limited-edition J-45 honors the legacy of “The Workhorse” while offering a refined, performance-ready edge for today’s players.