Gibson 1964 J-45 Cherry Sunburst

A comprehensive analysis of Gibson J-45s from the 1940s to the 1960s. It’s truly the definitive guide to the J-45!

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Gibson / 1964 J-45 Cherry Sunburst

[Editor's Note: Inoue]

A specimen featuring the faded cherry sunburst finish that epitomizes mid-1960s vintage J-45s.

The pickguard is a thin, large celluloid pickguard.
The tuners are single-line Kluson Deluxe.
1964 was the final year for both of these features, so this early 1960s specification with the orange sunburst finish may be surprisingly rare.

There are four screw hole fill marks on the bridge plate, indicating that a bridge plate was originally installed.It is confirmed that plastic bridges were used on the J-45 from 1962 to 1964. Given the timing, this is almost certainly the case. The bridge is made of ebony, smoothly shaped toward both ends. It is finished and glued seamlessly, and the holes in the bridge plate have been carefully filled, suggesting that a highly skilled craftsman performed the maintenance.
The tone has a tighter, more focused character than typical plastic-bridge models, with a clearly defined contour.

Is the vintage J-45 all solid wood or laminated?

There is another interesting point regarding this particular instrument.
It concerns whether vintage J-45s are solid wood or laminated. We can confirm that the top is solid wood. However, it is not easy to verify the sides and back. One method is to check for the presence of a crack stop on the body sides; even some vintage Gibsons from that era had crack stops, but relying on that alone doesn’t give the impression that one can definitively say, “This is solid wood!!” Since current Gibson models sometimes feature solid wood bodies without crack stops, it is difficult to distinguish vintage models.
One thing I use as a reference is the enlarged endpin hole.
While the endpin is typically secured with a screw, there are instruments where the hole for the endpin has been enlarged to accommodate the installation of a pickup. This particular instrument also shows signs of such modification. If you look closely at this area, you can see that two layers of mahogany have been laminated together. Each layer is about 1.5 mm thick, so the two layers combined measure approximately 3 mm. It is safe to say that the body sides of this J-45 are almost certainly made of laminated wood.

There’s no need to worry that using plywood will result in a cheap-sounding guitar.
When the body sides are laminated, the vibration of the body sides is suppressed,
it is said to activate the so-called “pump effect,” which alters the way the sound resonates toward the soundhole.
In recent years, some high-end guitar models have intentionally incorporated this acoustic design.
Therefore, it is true that laminate bodies possess a unique character and charm that cannot be simply dismissed as inferior.
In fact, this J-45 has a tight, focused sound,
works well with the adjustable saddle, allowing you to enjoy a crisp, driving tone.

Visually, it features a subtle weather check finish that gives it a vintage look.
It plays beautifully, and if you’re captivated by its sound and looks, we hope you’ll welcome it as a lifelong companion.

It also comes with an original chipboard case in good condition, featuring a clearly visible Gibson logo.

[Specs/Included 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.]
*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.
- Bridge replaced
- Replaced with a new Delrin nut.
- Cracks repaired in four locations on the back of the body (two on the upper right, two on the upper left)
- There are signs that a pickup was once attached (enlarged endpin area)
- The neck has been relacquered, likely because the original lacquer had worn off in the past.
It appears this was done some time ago; the lacquer has blended well with the wood, and there is currently no stickiness, making it comfortable to hold.
The body has its original finish.
- In addition, the frets and bridge pins have been replaced

[Playing Condition]
- Due to age, there is slight warping on the top of the body above the bridge and slight lifting below it.
This does not affect the string action or playability, and there are no issues with use.
- 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.

[6-Month Warranty]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchasing, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
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.