1964 J-45 Cherry Sunburst

Massive analysis of Gibson J-45 guitars from the 1940s to 1960s. The definitive J-45 teardown guide!

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Gibson / 1964 J-45 Cherry Sunburst

A vintage J-45 from the mid-1960s, featuring the iconic faded cherry sunburst finish.

The pickguard is a thin celluloid large pickguard.
The tuners are single-line Kluson Deluxe.
Both were produced in 1964, the final year for these models, making this orange sunburst finish with early 1960s specifications surprisingly rare.

The bridge plate shows four filled screw holes, indicating it originally had a bridge plate installed.The use of plastic bridges on J-45s is confirmed for 1962 to 1964. Given the timing, this is undoubtedly correct. The bridge uses ebony, smoothly shaped towards both ends. It's finished and glued seamlessly, and the careful filling of the bridge plate holes suggests maintenance by a highly skilled craftsman.
The sound has a tighter, more defined contour compared to instruments with plastic bridges.

Vintage J-45: All Solid Wood or Laminated?

There's another interesting point about this particular instrument.
It concerns whether vintage J-45s are solid or laminated. The body top is confirmed to be solid. Determining the sides and back is not straightforward. While the presence of crack reinforcement on the body sides is sometimes used as an indicator, even some vintage Gibsons had this reinforcement, so it alone doesn't conclusively prove "This is solid wood!!". Since current Gibsons sometimes feature solid wood without crack reinforcement, vintage identification is tricky.
One reference point I use is the enlarged endpin hole.
While the endpin is typically secured with a screw, some instruments have an enlarged hole in the endpin area due to pickup installation. This one also shows such modification history. Looking closely at this hole reveals two pieces of mahogany laminated together. Each piece is about 1.5mm thick, totaling approximately 3mm. This J-45's body sides are almost certainly laminated.

You might worry that plywood would result in a cheap-sounding instrument.
When the body sides are laminated, it dampens the vibration of the sides,
enabling what's known as the "pump function." This is said to alter how resonance travels toward the soundhole.
In recent years, some high-end guitar models have intentionally incorporated this type of acoustic design.
Therefore, it's true that plywood offers unique character and appeal that can't be dismissed by the simple equation of plywood = inferior.
This J-45, for instance, delivers a tight, focused sound
and pairs well with the adjustable saddle, allowing you to enjoy a propulsive, crisp tone.

Visually, it features subtle weather checking for a vintage-inspired look.
It plays exceptionally well, and if you're captivated by its sound and appearance, we encourage you to welcome it as a lifelong companion.

It also comes with the original chipboard case, which is in good condition with the Gibson logo clearly visible.

[Specs/Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
BRIDGE: Ebony (replaced)
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 42.5mm
SCALE: 628mm
CASE: Original Chipboard Case

[Repair/Modification History/Replaced Parts/Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
※As this is a used/vintage item, information is based on our inspection.
Please understand this in advance.
-Bridge replaced
-Nut replaced with new Delrin nut.
-Crack repairs on four body back locations (two upper right, two upper left)
-Evidence of pickup mounting (enlarged endpin hole)
-Neck has been over-lacquered, likely due to previous lacquer loss.
The over-lacquer is quite old, well-integrated with the wood, and currently non-sticky with a good grip feel.
Body retains original finish.
-Additionally, frets and bridge pins have been replaced

[Playing Condition]
- Due to age, slight warping is visible: the top plate dips slightly above the bridge and lifts slightly below it.
This does not affect action measurements or playability, and poses no issues for use.
- Action at the 12th fret: 2.5mm on the 6th string side, 2.0mm on the 1st string side.
- The adjustable saddle allows you to set the action to your preference.

When playing strings 3 and 4 with strong pressure from a pick or thumb to compensate for tension, resonance sounds occur.
This can add a very nice flavor when you want to emphasize accents in a phrase.

[6-Month Warranty]

[Secure Mail Order Service]
Since mail order prevents customers from trying instruments in person, we offer a 6-day trial period after delivery.
Test the product thoroughly at home. If unsatisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*Customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.