circa 1943-44 Gibson J45 Banner

I have been fortunate to offer some of the finest wartime Banner Gibsons to players during the past few years and this example is probably one of the best to date…Oooh la la !!

It’s not hype that the early J45s are favored and cherished by accomplished players and professional musicians. They are that magical and even considered by many owners as …mystical!

It stands to reason why so many are found road weary and in need of loving repair, a challenge we so often accept and honor, so that these jewels can continue to be enjoyed not just by me and our picking circle but also by others of the current and future generations of players who wish to play a truly historic guitar.

So when we find such an honest un molested and all original example such as this guitar, that has been consistently played throughout its life by accomplished players yet with loving care, we continue to be astonished that such guitars still exist out there.

This guitar has been owned, played and loved by one musical family since new. Never been on the open market or posted on the internet. I acquired this guitar from the 65 year old son of the original owner who himself only played it on Sundays for the past 20 years.

100% original and entirely crack free with stunning patina and crazing.

After acquisition, all conservation expertly performed by Ross Teigen Guitars of Naples Florida which was basically a tune up consisting of a flawless neck re set, re glue one back brace and re glue the bridge which had been off at some point in the past. Touched up the area around the bridge and installed a new (aged) bone saddle, the bone nut is original. And installed Antique Acoustics replica Gibson bridge pins (yes, the originals are in the case) ….. Voilà !!

Appears to be a single piece Mahogany top (no detectable seams) and a single piece mahogany back (no detectable seams) and solid mahogany sides. Single piece mahogany neck. Poplar neck block with no FON. 3 on a plate original buttoned Kluson tuners with the riveted thick cogs. Fully adjustable truss rod.

Comfortable and well worn oval shaped neck measuring no more than ~ 1″ in depth, certainly not the baseball bat neck of the examples found without adjustable truss rods.

1 3/4″ nut width, impeccable set up with action set at 3-2 and proper string break across the bone saddle. Strung with German made Pyramid Brand 012 -052 strings.

Sensational sounding example and one of the best we’ve had. The Mojo is very strong on this one!!

Please watch and listen to the demonstration videos.