1958 J-45

Gibson / 1958 J-45

This guitar was made in 1958, according to the factory order number (FON).
You can see "J-45 ADJ BRIDGE" written on the crack stopper on the back side inside the body.

Adjustable bridge specification will be added as an option from 1956.
When it first appeared, it was a unique style with large string height adjustment dial knobs on both sides of the bridge (used on the J160E).
Soon, however, the aluminumBassThe first J160E had a large dial knob on both sides of the bridge (used on the J160E).
In the late 1950s, the image changed dramatically, with a bright white ceramic saddle and large screws.

The year 1958 was the first year in which the number of adjustable bridges shipped exceeded the number of straight saddle bridges, indicating that the standard of the J-45 was changing.
The mechanism that allowed easy string height adjustment without shaving the saddle must have been innovative even at that time.
Gibson has been creating such historical assets from time to time, such as the invention of the adjustable truss rod.
It is very moving to think that not only the adjustability but also the sound had a great impact on the sound, leading to the sound of Donovan and Takuro Yoshida's music.
This particular piece uses replacement parts, so it is in 1960s specifications.

Another unique aspect of this piece is its finish. The sunburst on the top of the body has faded and aged to a honey sunburst finish. This is a characteristic of the finish seen around 1960.

The key to this is the "2" stamped on the back of the head. The key here is the "2" stamped on the back of the head, which indicates that the instrument is a second-hand one, and is stamped when there is a defect in the appearance.

A further noteworthy point here is the neck shape.
Around 1958, the neck would have been thicker in shape, but this one has a relatively thin neck shape.
The reference is as follows.

Another piece made in 1958
Thickness of the neck near the 1st and 2nd frets: 23.3mm
Neck thickness near the 4th and 5th frets: 24.5mm

Another 1960 model
Neck thickness near the 1st and 2nd frets: 20.0mm
Neck thickness near the 4th and 5th frets: 21.0mm

This individual
Neck thickness near the 1st and 2nd frets: 20.6mm
Neck thickness near the 4th and 5th frets: 20.9mm

These facts suggest that the guitar was probably manufactured in 1958, but had some trouble and the neck and finish were re-set around 1960.
However, there is still a reddish tint on the body back, which is very strange since this is a characteristic of the cherry sunburst finish from 1961.
This is a very interesting piece as many things can be imagined.

There is nothing wrong with it for use as a vintage guitar.
It is rather an advantage to be able to enjoy it with such a story.

[Specs/included case]
TOP : Spruce
BACK/SIDES : Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE : Rosewood
NECK :Mahogany
NUT WIDTH :42.8mm
SCALE : 628mm
CASE : Non Original Hard Shell Case (Gibson)

[CONDITION]
-String height at the 12th fret : 2.2mm on the 6th string side, 1.7mm on the 1st string side
-Adjustable saddle allows you to adjust the string height to your preference.
-Crack repair on upper left and lower left of pickguard (glued/reinforced)
-Saddle, bridge pin, end pin, and bridge plate have been replaced. 
-There is a strap pin attached to the heel of the neck
-End pins have been extended.

[6 months warranty]

[mail-order security service].
In the case of mail-order sales, we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the product, so we offer a six-day trial period after the product arrives at our warehouse.
Please take your time to try the product at home, and if you are not satisfied with the product, we will refund the purchase price.
*The customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.