Gibson Custom Shop / Murphy Lab HATA MOTOHIRO J-45
"I want to play the same guitar as Motohiro Hata!" "I want a vintage guitar! But vintage ones are so expensive..."
The Murphy Lab HATA MOTOHIRO J-45 is a limited-edition model (100 units) recreated by the Murphy Lab—led by Gibson Custom Shop Master Artisan Tom Murphy—based on the 1966 Gibson J-45 actually owned by Motohiro Hata.
—Faded Color and Thermally Aged Finish
The top is crafted from Sitka spruce and features a thermally aged finish that reproduces the crisp yet deep tone of a guitar that’s been played for years.
The light-aged finish enhances the instrument’s character with subtle weather checking.



—Sides/Back
Made from mahogany, the sides and back are finished in a light walnut color, then aged to create a weather-checked appearance.


—Fingerboard
Made of rosewood, with mother-of-pearl dot position markers inlaid.

—Neck
The mahogany neck features weather checking, just like the body.
The neck profile features a thicker neck shape compared to the 1966 vintage model.
This is not merely a reproduction; it reflects the specific requests unique to Motohiro Hata’s signature model.


—Bridge
The bridge on the upper belly features a slot saddle (fixed saddle) and white bridge pins.
While the 1966 J-45 is equipped with an adjustable bridge that allows for raising or lowering the string height, Motohiro Hata’s 1966 J-45 has been modified to use a slot saddle, so this model incorporates that design as well.


—Headstock
The slim headstock features the Gibson modern logo and a 1P truss rod cover.
While the Gibson "G" logo is a modern specification, a subtle detail is that the Phillips screws securing the truss rod cover have been aged.



—Tuning Machines
The tuners feature a set of three Kluson pegs, with both the housings and screws treated with an aged finish.

—Pickups
This model comes standard with an L.R. Baggs Anthem.
You can enjoy a three-dimensional sound by blending the piezo and microphone for both live performances and recording.

[Specs/Included Case]
TOP: Sitka Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Rosewood
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 39mm
SCALE: 627mm
Electronics: L.R.Baggs Anthem
CASE: Original Hard Shell Case
[Staff Comment: Hoshino]

Rather than a simple reissue of the 1966 J-45, this instrument is a harmonious blend of Motohiro Hata’s meticulous attention to detail (neck shape and pickups) and the essence of the 1966 J-45.
The weather checking and aged finish on the parts are a testament to Tom Murphy’s craftsmanship.
[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 playwear and scuffs from use, there are no cracks, and the condition is good.
We have intentionally replicated the aging (rust and patina) of the screws and parts to achieve a vintage-like appearance.
Please rest assured that there are no issues with its functionality.
[Playing Condition]
- String height at the 12th fret: 2.4mm on the 6th string side, 1.9mm on the 1st string side
- Saddle height: approx. 2.5mm–4.0mm
- There is no muffling or buzzing, and the instrument is in excellent playing condition.
- The electronics are functioning properly.
[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]
[Online Shopping Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchase, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
Please take your time to try out the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs.