1968 J-45 Ebony Black

Massive Analysis of Gibson J-45s from the 1940s to 1960s. The Ultimate J-45 Dissection Manual!

・Uncovering the history and full scope of Gibson's rare colors!!

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Gibson / 1968 J-45 Ebony Black

[Introductory Video]

[Playing Video]

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

This newly arrived piece is an original "Ebony Black" model, a custom color available in the late 1960s.
It's an extremely rare instrument, featuring a screw-on white pickguard bearing the Gibson Sound Wave logo.
The slightly yellowed white plastic parts, aged over time, perfectly complement the black body with its weather checking, creating a presence only vintage instruments can achieve.

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

This specification is primarily seen on late 1960s J-45 Sunbursts, custom colors, and occasionally on B-25s.
Considering that colored models (excluding the J-50) typically have colored rims, one might speculate this specification arose partly due to production cost considerations – an interesting point for contemplation.

The combination of a down-bowed bridge with a rosewood saddle and a narrow neck suggests a crisp, snappy sound. However, this particular instrument produces a rich, full-bodied tone. The highs are well-defined and resonate with a mature, aged nuance, making it equally suitable for plucking and producing a mellow sound.

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 offers the genuine, realistic aging characteristic of vintage ebony, making it a truly exceptional instrument.

[Staff Comment: Hoshino]

This is a rare J-45 in a precious color not listed in the catalogs of its era.

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

[Repairs/Modifications/Replaced Parts/Appearance Condition]
※As this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our inspection.
Please understand this in advance.
-There are several touch-ups on the damaged areas of the body top and an over-lacquer on the neck, but there are no cracks or crack repairs. The checking and binding show a deep, rich patina, giving it a dignified ebony black appearance.
- Slight wear on the ball end of the bridge plate, but no functional issues.
- Pickguard has some lifting. Unless picking is extremely deep and forceful, it shouldn't catch and cause major damage. Within normal playing range, it's not a problem.
- Neck end strap pin has been re-set. End pin area has been enlarged and the pin replaced.
- Additionally, bridge pins and tuning pegs have been replaced.

[Playing Condition]
- String height at 12th fret: 2.5mm (6th string side), 2.0mm (1st string side)
- Adjustable saddle allows for preferred string height adjustment.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since mail-order sales do 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.