1944 Gibson J-45 Banner

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1944 Gibson J-45 Banner.

Gibson’s Banner-era acoustics were built between 1942 and 1945, when wartime material shortages and a changing workforce made these instruments a distinctive chapter in the company’s history. Named for the banner on their headstocks proclaiming "Only a Gibson Is Good Enough," they have become some of the most sought-after vintage acoustic guitars, prized for their rugged simplicity, lightweight construction, and powerful, warm tone. 

This 1944 example is a true player, with the strong projection, woody punch, and unmistakable tone that make these wartime Gibsons so special. It has that big, lively voice you want from a great vintage flattop—one that is meant to be played, not simply admired.

It has certainly lived a full life, with two repaired top cracks, two repaired side cracks, one repaired back crack, and four reglued braces. The body shows overspray and overall the guitar exhibits average cosmetic wear for its age. A previous owner had it refretted and fitted with a new nut; more recently, our luthier performed a neck reset and replaced the oversized bridge it came with, ensuring it is good to go for another 80 years.

In other words, all the important work has been done, leaving a solid, highly playable vintage Gibson with plenty of music left in it. If you're after a genuine wartime Gibson with honest vintage character and a voice that delivers, this Banner is a compelling survivor.

This Banner J-45 comes with a modern hardshell case.

Specifications

All components original unless specified otherwise

Model & Year

• Model: Gibson J-45
• Year of Manufacture: 1944
• FON: Not present
• Weight: 4lbs 3oz

Body

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Finish / Color: Sunburst
• Top: Spruce
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Bridge: Rosewood (non-original)
• Bridge Plate: Maple
• Bracing: Scalloped X
• Pickguard: Tortoise-shell

Neck

• Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Construction: Dovetail (reset in October 2026)
• Inlays: Banner headstock, mother-of-pearl dot fret markers
• Nut: Non-original
• Profile: Full C
• Nut Width: 1.77″
• Depth: .95" (1st), 1.05" (10th)
• Scale Length: 24.75″
• Frets: Refret
• Tuners: Kluson strips

Condition: Good

• Cosmetic: Good with average wear and body-only overspray 
• Structural: Good with new bridge, 2 repaired top cracks, 2 repaired side cracks, 1 repaired back crack, 4 reglued braces, and 2026 neck reset

Case & Accessories

• Case: Hardshell case