1945 Gibson J-45
The 1945 J-45 — Gibson's most popular acoustic guitar. Round-shoulder dreadnought, mahogany back and sides, spruce top. The acoustic sound of country, folk, and rock.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$8,400–$12,000
Very Good
$4,800–$8,400
Good
$2,400–$4,800
Fair
$1,200–$2,400
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany back and sides, Sitka Spruce top |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None |
| Bridge | Upper belly bridge (rosewood) |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst |
| Est. Production | 500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Acoustic guitar — no pickups.
What Changed in 1945
Wartime production. 'Only a Gibson is Good Enough' banner headstock. Limited materials but excellent craftsmanship.
Notable Examples
Bob Dylan, Donovan, Woody Guthrie — the J-45 is the folk/protest song guitar.
Collector's Notes
Banner-headstock J-45s are increasingly collected. Verify banner logo, original bridge, and tuners. Wartime examples may have unusual wood selections.