1955 Gibson J-45

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1955 Gibson J-45.

Though it sports a large pickguard and an "X" factory order number, this 1955 J-45 has 19 frets instead of 20 and taller scalloped bracing, two features that Gibson stopped offering in 1954. The scalloped bracing is particularly noteworthy: this type of bracing was a luthier's practice from the golden age of acoustic guitar manufacture that involved trimming each top brace by hand, thereby reducing mass and increasing flexibility, which in turn yielded a more lively, resonant guitar. Since it was time-consuming, it was costly, and most companies resorted to cheaper tapered or straight bracing.

But speaking of lively, resonant guitars... This '55 J-45 is certainly among them. You can just about tell by looking at it, at all the play-wear and character throughout, that this is a great sounding flattop. It has the warm midrange singers die for, along with a seemingly built-in compression that flatters any number of playing styles in any number of genres. It's J-45s like this one that earned the model its "Workhorse" nickname.

As mentioned, and as shown in the pictures, there is honest wear throughout. However, the guitar is 100% original and well set up. It has comfortable action and healthy saddle height due to a recent neck reset. It's also had a least two bridge reglues, one of which our luthier performed when we acquired the guitar. Our luthier also reglued a number of loose braces, a tone bar, and repaired a crack at the fingerboard extension. (Please see the repair sheet for further details.) The original tuners are holding strong, although the G-string peg is slightly bent (with no effect on tuning or tuning stability), and the original frets have plenty of life in 'em. It comes with a non-original tweed hardshell case.

If you’re interested in this 1955 Gibson J-45, please call us at (410) 571-9660 or send an email to info@gpguitars.com.

Body: Spruce (top), Mahogany (back and sides)

Neck: Mahogany

Fretboard: Brazilian Rosewood

Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood

Frets: 19-Original and in Very Good Condition

Condition: Very Good

Factory Order Number: X7454 22

Case: Aftermarket Tweed Hardshell