1964 J-45

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

"The J-45 Facing New Specification Changes"

Since the J-45 debuted in 1942, it has undergone numerous specification changes, offering a wide range of expressions and tones.
1964 also marked a year of further specification changes affecting the body's appearance.

- Year of the Thick Pickguard Change

The top is crafted from spruce and finished in Cherry Sunburst.
Over time, it has developed a soft orange hue, giving it a gentle impression.
This Cherry finish was introduced in 1962 and continued through 1967.

The sides and back are mahogany, finished in a vibrant cherry color.
You can appreciate the strong, distinctive grain unique to mahogany.

The fingerboard is made of tightly grained rosewood.
The white celluloid dot position markers stand out beautifully.
The nut width is approximately 42mm.

The mahogany neck features a slimmer neck profile introduced after 1960.
For those who prefer a less substantial grip than the thicker 1950s neck, models from 1963 onward are especially recommended.

The upper belly bridge is rosewood, featuring a matte ceramic adjustable bridge.
The matte finish on the ceramic saddle is a specification change introduced around 1963.
Additionally, while plastic bridges were mixed in from 1963 to 1964, this instrument has the wooden bridge specification.

While the pickguard changed from small to large starting in 1955, further modifications occurred this year.
Pickguards used until 1963 were approximately 0.5mm thick, but from 1964 onward, they changed to approximately 1.0mm thick pickguards.
The pickguard is transparent with a red-based marble pattern.

The headstock features Gibson's silk-screened logo.
The headstock angle is 17 degrees.

KLUSON DELUXE triple-locking tuners are installed.

The soundhole rosette was changed to a double ring specification starting in 1963.
Prior to 1963, it was a single line.
Even minor changes are important points for deciphering the year.

This instrument has no cracks and features a beautifully faded cherry finish.
It's quite rare to encounter one in such beautiful condition.
As a valuable first-year model featuring the transition to a thicker pickguard, those who've been searching for one should give it a try.

[Specs/Included Case]
TOP : Spruce
BACK/SIDES : Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE：Rosewood
NECK：Mahogany
NUT WIDTH : 42mm
SCALE : 629mm
CASE : Non Original Hard Shell Case

[Condition]
- No history of crack repairs. Despite being over 60 years old, it maintains exceptionally clean condition.
- No muffled tones or buzzing. Plays well.
- String height at 12th fret: 6th string side 2.5mm, 1st string side 2.0mm
- Adjustable saddle allows custom string height.
- Pickguard has been reattached and repaired.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail Order Assurance Service]
Since mail order does not allow customers to try the instrument beforehand, we offer a 6-day trial period after delivery.
Test the product thoroughly at home. If you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*Customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.