1968 J-45 Ebony Black

An in-depth analysis of a large number of Gibson J-45s from the 1940s to the 1960s. It’s truly the definitive guide to the J-45!

・Delving into the history and full scope of Gibson’s rare colors!!

=============================================================

Gibson / 1968 J-45 Ebony Black

[Introduction Video]

[Demo Video]

The 'J-45' was born in 1942 as a round-shouldered acoustic guitar. Debuting as the successor to the J-35, the J-45 has been loved by countless musicians and has carved its name into music history as a legendary acoustic guitar.

The model we have received this time is an original "Ebony Black," a custom color that existed in the late 1960s.
This is an extremely rare instrument featuring a screw-mounted white pickguard that still bears the Gibson Sound Wave logo.
The slightly yellowed white plastic parts, a result of aging, pair exquisitely with the black body featuring weather checking, creating a presence that only a vintage instrument can possess.

If you look at both sides of the lower part of the body top, you can see slight seams in the wood, indicating that the top is constructed from four pieces.

This is a specification rarely seen, primarily on late 1960s J-45 Sunburst, Custom Color, and B-25 models.
Since the rims are also colored on models with custom finishes (excluding the J-50), it’s fun to speculate that this design was chosen to help control production costs.

With a rosewood saddle on the upper belly bridge paired with a narrow neck—a combination that typically evokes a crisp, bright tone—this particular instrument boasts a rich, mellow sound. The high notes are well-defined and resonate with a mature, mellow nuance, making it perfect for plucking out mellow melodies.

While there is some over-lacquer on the neck and touch-ups on the body, it’s in an astonishingly crack-free condition.
Yet it remains a top-tier instrument that allows you to fully appreciate the authentic aging typical of vintage ebony.

[Staff Comment: Hoshino]

This is a rare J-45 in a color not found in the catalogs of that era.

[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: 4-piece Spruce
Back/Sides: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 39.8mm
SCALE: 628mm
CASE: Non-Original Hard Shell Case (Gator)

[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*Please note that this is a used/vintage item, and the information provided is based on our inspection.
Please be aware of this in advance.
- While there are some touch-ups on the damaged areas of the body top and some re-lacquering on the neck, there are no cracks or crack repairs. The checking and the discoloration of the binding give it a dignified, mature Ebony Black appearance.
- There is slight wear on the ball ends of the bridge plate, but this does not affect playability.
- The pickguard is slightly warped, but unless you pick very hard and aggressively, it shouldn’t catch and cause significant damage. It poses no problem for normal playing.
- There are marks where the neck-end strap pin was re-set, and the end pin area has been enlarged with a new pin installed.
- In addition, the bridge pins and tuning pegs have been replaced.

[Playing Condition]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 2.0 mm on the 1st string side
-The adjustable saddle allows you to set the string height to your preference.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Online Shopping Assurance]
Since we cannot offer you the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchasing, we provide a 6-day trial period after delivery.
Please take your time to try the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs.