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Epiphone
Description
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 acoustic-electric guitar closely adheres to the classic Kalamazoo style. Known as the "workhorse" of acoustics, the J-45 has been the choice of legendary musicians since it was introduced in 1942. Epiphone's J-45 take incorporates the same style and history, but adds a cutaway and Fishman pickup system. The J-45 EC is a versatile, stage-ready instrument without a vintage price.

Epiphone spec'd the Inspired by Gibson J-45 acoustic-electric with all-solid-woods, pairing a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides. The aged vintage gloss finish accentuates the grain underneath. Four-ply ivory and black binding outline the top; the back gets black. If you like to venture beyond first position "cowboy" chords, the cutaway makes it easy to hit the high notes 

Comfort is key with the rounded C-shaped mahogany neck. The fingerboard and the bridge are Indian laurel. Frets are medium jumbos.

This J-45 makes live performances pain free with its Fishman Sonicore undersaddle pickup. Control the volume and tone with the soundhole-mounted Sonitone preamp. Other features include 3-on-a-plate tuners with ivory buttons, mother-of-pearl dot inlays and a bone nut.
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Aged Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Aged Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Aged Vintage Sunburst
Features
  • Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides
  • Mahogany neck with rounded C-profile, Indian laurel fingerboard, mother-of-pearl dot inlays
  • 3-on-a-plate tuners with ivory buttons, Fishman Sonicore pickup and Sonitone preamp
  • Aged vintage gloss
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs
Body
  • Body type: Dreadnought Non-Cutaway
  • Top wood: Spruce
  • Back & sides: Mahogany
  • Body finish: Aged Gloss
Neck
  • Neck shape: Rounded C
  • Nut width: 1.69 in. (43 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Laurel
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Scale length: 24.7"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Varnish
  • Bridge: Laurel
  • Saddle & nut: Bone
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Fishman Sonicore pickup, Fishman Sonitone Soundhole-mounted preamp
  • EQ/Tuner: 2-band/No
Other
  • Tuning machines: Vintage-style
  • Orientation: Right Handed
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Case: Sold Separately
  • Country of origin: China

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.5

20 Reviews

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Fantastic Epiphone J45
Sweet guitar for the price

Most Liked Positive Review

4

It's a legitimate J-45

This sounds better than my J-45 studio as far as a true to the original J-45 sound (they both sound great). It's basically a Gibson J45 but with a better neck carve than the advanced response or slim carve Gibson, larger frets (which I prefer), cheap tuners (which are still great and I like, I won't be changing them out, they feel like actual 50's tuners), and a non-traditional fretboard/bridge wood. I noticed one in stock was cracked and the one I purchased has a small chip in the bridge, but they come with no case and Colorado is extremely dry, so that kind of thing happens. Overall I'm very happy and I don't think I'd choose a Gibson J45 over this. It's barebones, I'm an active musician, I'm not ready for expensive wall art quite yet. The satin finish is great, more durable than nitro, but doesn't have a dipped in plastic look or feel. The pickup is trash, but so is the LR BAGGS in the Gibson and both will work if you're not ready to install a K&K just yet. It'll just quack quack quack you until you're ears can't stand it. It's an unplugged masterpiece. Hope this review helps.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

I must have got a bad one.....

I have tried to Epiphone products, both have been extremely disappointing. I have a Yamaha that cost less than half of the price of this guitar and sounds/plays exponentially better. I ended up returning my 'Inspired by Gibson J-45" because it was anything but "Inspired". Do yourself a favor, try this and then try a Yamaha FG-830, before you buy it, you will thank me.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming15
  2. Practicing13
  3. Recording12
  4. Small Venues10
  5. Rock Concerts4
Cons
  1. Flat Sound1
  2. Poor Quality1
  3. Poor action.1
  4. Less than excellent fit and finish.1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced13
  2. Professional Musician4
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Good Audio17
  2. Fun To Play15
  3. Good Feel15
  4. Stays In Tune12
  5. Consistent7

Reviewed by 20 customers

  • Fantastic Epiphone J45

    5

    submitted4 months ago

    bySteve

    fromBaltimore MD

    I picked this acoustic guitar from my local Guitar Center store. I was surprised how great it sounded plugged in and unplugged. The finish is satin sunburst and very comfortable to play. It also stays in tune very well. I highly recommend this Epiphone acoustic guitar.

  • Excellent guitar!

    5

    submitted6 months ago

    byGreg

    fromWarren Michigan

    For the money you can't beat it! Totally happy with it!

  • Shocking!

    5

    submitted10 months ago

    byChris

    fromToledo Ohio

    Seen this sitting on the rack. Not the first thing I would be trying out in the GC acoustic room but I decided to try it out. Wow. Before I picked it up I had played another 2 guitars (American made,whose names I won't mention) This thing knocked the socks off the pair. It was twice as reactive and loud. Really punchy and boomy voice. Close to a classic era Gibson as it comes. Felt nice the neck profile was chunky like the originals were in the 1940s and 50s The finish was light and I feel like this guitar will breathe even more given time. The open sound was pure Gibson. I own 3 Gibson j45 guitars and this could hold its own with them no problem whatsoever. The electronics would also make it a great working guitar although I did not try it through an amp. This guitar said that it was built in Indonesia and not China like the description. Being a fan of classic American made acoustic guitars I was amazed by this instrument, I did not expect this thing to sound like it did. Go try it out and surprise yourself…..

  • Bought used Guitar Center Epiphone J45 Inspired By Gibson

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byJacob

    fromPhoenix Arizona

    Epiphone J45 Inspired By Gibson acoustic Maroon very sweet sound. Best Acoustic I've had. Upgraded from Yamaha FGX800C. Love the tone. Easy to play, well made. I have a Gibson special les paul 2001 electric that is my favorite ever. But I'll enjoy this hopefully for years to come.

  • Nice guitar.

    4

    Verified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    bySteve

    fromCary NC

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Beautiful finish. Thin satin finish like a more expensive guitars. Nice sound probably due to solid top and finish. Fret work is okay not great. The action is a little high on mine but I like high action. A keeper for me. Electronics are okay. I would buy again.

  • THANKS GIBSON

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byterry w

    fromsparta.tenn

    I AM 67 years old---over my many years i owned a 1956 j-50 ,j-45------5 d-28 martins- and many top line guilds---all good guitars i bought this guitar used here just to try one---got it played great just put on some everlast light gauge strings------- wonderful j-45 sound and all solid wood--so it will only sound better---would play this and love it

Q&A

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

  • submitted7 months ago

    asked byMichael

    fromNew Jersey

    can you provide the S/N for this so that i can see where it was made please TY

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Made in China.

  • submitted9 months ago

    asked byMike

    fromWestport CT

    Is This is the wrong description i believe it is because you are describing a cutaway which isn't there?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Thank you for pointing that out. I will pass it on to our web team.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byBW

    fromGreenville, SC

    What is the weight of this model?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This is about 4.7 lbs.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byStan

    fromBoise, Idaho

    Is this Epi model J-45 in stock in the B oise, Idaho store?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Yes it is.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byjoe

    fromfort worth. tx

    What gauge strings come on this guitar?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Gibson Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Strings .012, .016, .024w, .032, .042, .053

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked bymike

    from92626

    available left handed?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Unfortunately, no.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byJerry

    fromFlorence Oregon 97439

    Is this guitar in stock in eugene oregon store?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byCole

    fromKansas City

    Does this model come with a case?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This guitar does not come with a case included.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byMe

    fromundisclosed

    What size strings are standard with this model?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Gauge 10-46

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byChuck

    fromGeorgia

    Is this available with wide neck nut

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for Special Order Placement
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