Gibson J-45 Price Guide
The Gibson J-45 has been called 'the workhorse' of acoustic guitars — an honest, round-shouldered dreadnought that delivers rich mid-range tone without pretension. Introduced in 1942, the J-45 was designed as an affordable working musician's guitar and has appeared on countless recordings across every genre.
Produced: 1942–present
📖 Buyer's Guide
Pre-war J-45s (1942-1945) are rare and valuable collector pieces. Post-war models from 1947-1965 are excellent players and growing in collector interest. Top cracks around the bridge are very common after decades of string tension — evaluate carefully for crack extent and repair quality. Replaced bridges and saddles are common and minimally impact value.
Value by Year
| Year | Excellent | Very Good | Good | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | $12,000–$22,000 | $7,000–$12,000 | $4,000–$7,000 | Full Details → |
| 1945 | $8,400–$12,000 | $4,800–$8,400 | $2,400–$4,800 | Full Details → |
| 1946 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1947 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1948 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1949 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1950 | $4,000–$8,000 | $2,200–$4,800 | $1,400–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1951 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1952 | $6,000–$12,000 | $4,000–$6,000 | $2,500–$4,000 | Full Details → |
| 1953 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1954 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1955 | $5,600–$8,000 | $3,200–$5,600 | $1,600–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1956 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1957 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1958 | $3,500–$6,500 | $1,900–$3,900 | $1,200–$2,600 | Full Details → |
| 1959 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1960 | $5,000–$9,000 | $3,200–$5,000 | $2,000–$3,200 | Full Details → |
| 1961 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1962 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1963 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1964 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1965 | $4,200–$6,000 | $2,400–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | Full Details → |
| 1966 | $2,800–$4,000 | $1,600–$2,800 | $800–$1,600 | Full Details → |
| 1967 | $2,800–$4,000 | $1,600–$2,800 | $800–$1,600 | Full Details → |
| 1968 | $3,500–$6,500 | $2,200–$3,500 | $1,400–$2,200 | Full Details → |
| 1969 | $2,800–$4,000 | $1,600–$2,800 | $800–$1,600 | Full Details → |
| 1970 | $1,750–$2,500 | $1,000–$1,750 | $500–$1,000 | Full Details → |
| 1971 | $1,750–$2,500 | $1,000–$1,750 | $500–$1,000 | Full Details → |
| 1972 | $1,750–$2,500 | $1,000–$1,750 | $500–$1,000 | Full Details → |
| 1973 | $1,750–$2,500 | $1,000–$1,750 | $500–$1,000 | Full Details → |
| 1974 | $1,750–$2,500 | $1,000–$1,750 | $500–$1,000 | Full Details → |
| 1975 | $1,750–$2,500 | $1,000–$1,750 | $500–$1,000 | Full Details → |